On The Cover: Kaffy and her baby on Pregnancy & you!
published on Thursday, 31 May 2012
Eldee signs Eva to Trybe Records V2.0 + New Eva Pictures!
published on
Congrats Eva!
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Unilag on 2week strike + Late VC's burial today!
published on
Today; at the moment the burial of the Late University of Lagos Vice Chancellor, Prof Sofoluwe, who died on May 1st is happening. The burial's taking place at the Ikoyi cemetary and GEJ's in attendance!
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Charly boy speaks out on the gay and illuminati story!
published on
1. It is with a heavy heart that I issue this press release regarding the vile rumors published by National Mirror and Daily Independent, and which has now gone viral in over 100,000 websites and blogs in the last one week, to the effect I had confessed to being gay, and to being the head of the dreaded illuminati fraternity in Nigeria. In all my years as a Public Commentator, Human Rights Activist and Entertainer, I have never had to deal with such an insidious report that appears to be directly calculated to portray me in the worst possible light at a time such as this. The two leading newspapers did not just claim to be reporting an opinion; they actually reported these wicked lies as FACTS!
2. For the avoidance of any doubt, I want to assure Nigerians that I am NOT gay and I am NOT part of any organization called the 'illuminati' in any way shape or form. I also categorically state that any reports of my alleged 'confession' to any newspaper is a figment of the imagination of my detractors, and a very insidious attempt to destroy my hard-earned reputation, and that of my Charly Boy brand, all in the mad rush of some newspapers, specifically the National Mirror and the Daily Independent, to increase their circulation through spurious and attention grabbing stories.
3. Ordinarily, I would not be alarmed if this attack is coming from faceless people or inconsequential such as the Danfo Express, the newspaper that the Daily Mirror and Daily Independent claimed to have first reported the story. I would probably also not have been so upset if these newspapers were simply voicing their fair opinions of my personal life or business life. That would be all par for the course for my brand and persona, which has been admittedly controversial over the years, due to my relentless pursuit of justice for the people, fight for the rights of musicians and my tireless energy in extending the boundaries of creative entertainment in my legitimate bid to maximize my creative talents. It is however a different thing entirely when otherwise reputable organizations such as the DAILY MIRROR AND THE DAILY INDEPENDENT took it upon themselves to champion A NON-EXISTENT ALLEGED CONFESSION as FACT! These Newspapers have deliberately reported as FACT that I 'confessed to being a gay and head of illuminati in Nigeria'. These newspapers inexplicably did this without the elementary courtesy of checking this explosive story with me before going to town with their attention grabbing headlines. Yet, the management of these newspapers knew, or ought to have known, that an explosive story of a 'confession to being gay or head of illuminati' will certainly lead to incalculable damage, even to a controversial brand such as mine.
4. I am further grieved that having given an opportunity to the two mainstream daily papers that broke this story, DAILY MIRROR AND NATIONAL INDEPENDENT, to publicly retract this story and apologize for their error, through personal texts, emails, and even letters form my attorneys, these newspapers have continued to ignore my plight and distress with their false reporting. Rather than showing genuine remorse in order to convince me that the error was unintentional, THEY HAVE FAILED, REFUSED AND NEGLECTED TO RETRACT THE STORY OR APOLOGISE FOR SAME. Even as of the release of this Press Release, these damaging stories are still very much visible on the online pages of these newspapers. This has further confirmed my suspicions that these newspapers only cared about increasing their circulation rather than reporting the truth, or protecting the reputation of a public figure such as mine.
5. Ever since these stories broke, with the DAILY MIRROR AND NATIONAL INDEPENDENT leading the way among the daily newspapers, I have been inundated with angry calls by my friends, admirers, business associates and family members who have expressed their disgust, disappointment and shock at the 'confessions' they have been reading about in different forums. My businesses have irreparably suffered and my family seriously mortified in the public eye. The general public, who believed these false stories, because it was coming from seemingly reputable organizations, such as National Mirror and National Independent, have also vilified me in hundreds of thousands of posts and comments on different blogs, websites and social networking forums. I have essentially become an object of ridicule worldwide as a result of these wicked lies being reported as FACT. In fact, one of my daughters recently wrote me a heart-breaking letter on how this development has affected her emotionally to the point where she was even ashamed and scared of going out in public!
6.In order to protect my name and my brand from ignominious extinction by the recalcitrant newspapers that started these false lies, DAILY MIRROR AND DAILY INDEPENEDENT, I have therefore given very firm instructions to my attorneys to do everything legally possible to hold the people responsible for this accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Since they have refused to apologize and retract their vicious lies, they will be made to face the full wrath of the law. I have made a career of fighting for the rights of others and I will certainly not be shy in fighting for my own rights in a situation such as this.
7. In conclusion, I sincerely ask for ALL responsible members of the Press to respect my fundamental human right to dignity, by not continuing to perpetuate this falsehood and malicious rumors. I also want to implore those who have innocently repeated these damaging lies on their blogs, websites and social forums to make efforts to remove the same from their publications even as I continue to hold the chief perpetrators, DAILY MIRROR AND NATIONAL INDEPENDENT, primarily accountable for starting this public lynching of my name and reputation.
SIGNED: CHARLES OPUTA, A/K/A CHARLY BOY
Source: http://www.charlyboy.org
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Iyanya takes some new pictures: Sexy or not??
published on Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
New Music: Skibo- Solid star
published on
Lyrically, "Skibo" is a sweet and infectious dance tune with memorable libretto which sees Solid Star professing his love for the "fine fine ladies" that will "take you to the line" and "break your waistline" as he asks his fine lady to "take it easy on me". Musically, "Skibo" is a monster production laced with a careful combination of contagious drum patterns and rhythmic synth arrangements that come together beautifully to create this huge dance floor filler that is poised to take over the clubs in the coming months.
"Skibo" is Solid Star's official second single to be taken from his forthcoming and hugely anticipated sophomore album Unbeatable Champion which hits stores in the final quarter of the year.
LISTEN TO + DOWNLOAD "SKIBO": http://hu.lk/x8fvbrf4mfyy
WATCH "OMOTENA" ON YOUTUBE: http://youtu.be/vndLVF5OkUo
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Unilag saga continues as the Abiola family doesn't see anything wrong with the change of name!
published on
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
#UNILAGProtests: ASUU set for confrontation with FG over school’s name change
published on
The school's name is changed in honour of Moshood K. O. Abiola, the late politician and acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 election. According to the president's speech, Abiola is being honoured for his contribution to democracy in Nigeria.
For the school's stakeholders, the presidential move is a bitter pill to swallow as the school is 50 years old and they feel that brand name UNILAG is much too precious and endearing to be swept away. More so, the university authorities claim they were kept in the dark about this change of name.
Following the massive protests that kicked off immediately the news got out, the chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Lagos branch, Karo Ogbinaka, has announced that his union will refuse the change of the university's name.
"We are resisting it, all the unions and the students will resist it, the Alumnus will resist it," Ogbinaka said.
Speaking to the Premium Times, Ogbinaka said, "It shows the level of intelligence of those people in government."
He continues:
"Nobody will change Harvard's name, nobody will change Cambridge's name to Winston Churchill University. University of Lagos is a brand, for 50 years. The first university established by Act of Parliament and one man trying to score cheap political point?"
"When people go outside and you ask them what university are you from? What name will you pronounce? They'll ask is it a new university? Is it the name of a toothpaste?
"It's a senseless thing and we are going to resist it.
"The Minister of Education was here, the Executive Secretary of NUC (National University Commission) was here, top government functionaries have been coming here.
"They never gave any inkling that they were going to change the name of the school."
The students' protest, which lasted several hours, blocked all the access roads to and around the university.
Yesterday, YNaija was at the scene of the protest to capture the reactions from the UNILAG campus. Solidarity songs were sung accompanied with passionate aluta chants. Students displayed placards showing their contempt and the police was present but watching from a safe distance.
By Chi Ibe
(Culled from Ynaija)
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
New Music: Wayward Lifestyle Mixtape- Trick
published on Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Trick's Mixtape's finally out!
WAYWARD LIFESTYLE THE MIXTAPE Vol.1
BY TRICK!!!!!
»»»»Here are the links««««««
Fresh on http://t.co/naboUsf3:
TRICK - WAYWARD LIFESTYLE MIXTAPE: http://t.co/EZHzV2C7"
Individual Links;
http://hu.lk/xt1e33zedv2t - Be My Girl
http://hu.lk/4wguynak47rh - Rack City (Freestyle)
http://hu.lk/j6d86zyxnuj0 - Intro Ft. Dr. Jazz
http://hu.lk/p7m014aw5p4k - F.I.R.E Ft. Dapo Tuburna
http://hu.lk/6cb707i0xj5k - The Wait Is Over Ft. Patoranking
http://hu.lk/xubni8zzrd82 - M.A.D Ft. H.I.M
http://hu.lk/cjcuruxreo9q - Celebrity Ft. Toby
http://hu.lk/agg6jo34mm8v - Wrong Time Ft. Toby
http://hu.lk/vqtfss0mu2ct - Know Me Now Ft. Papy-J
http://hu.lk/op1b1yw2esk1 - Outro
http://hu.lk/jq8sa94w3xwb - Ants In My Pants Ft. Spiffy,Larry Try,DApo Tuburna
Download and enjoy!
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
New Music: Got you talking (LEAK) - Dbanj
published on
But here's the link,anyhow;
Download and enjoy;
http://www.hulkshare.com/dl/vf9p8mvrqr9v/Dbanj_-_Got_You_Talking.mp3?d=1
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Terry G expecting a baby with his fiancee
published on
Hmmmmn! Let's watch and see!
That's Mimi in the picture above by the way!
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
GEJ's Democracy Day speech (Part 3)
published on
We have strengthened the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). Both agencies are being re-positioned for more effective service delivery. We will continue to strengthen the law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies for optimal performance. We will also need the support of our courts. The courts have to do more.
Terrorism, a new menace, totally alien to our way of life and culture, has reared its head and is posing a serious challenge. My thoughts and prayers go to the victims of the terrorist attacks, and their families.
As President, it is my solemn duty to defend the Constitution of this country. That includes the obligation to protect life and property. We are doing everything possible to check the menace of terrorism. In this regard, we are determined to review some of the existing laws, to further strengthen the national counter-terrorism strategy. Coordinated joint action among our security agencies has now assumed greater importance. We have developed a new security architecture to strengthen the security environment.
I wish to reassure every Nigerian that we will confront this threat against our collective peace and security, and bring the perpetrators to justice. We will confront the few misguided persons who falsely believe, that through violence, they can impose their agenda of hate and division on this nation of good people. We must confront all those who think they can derail us by engaging in indiscriminate violence and mass murder, perpetrated in places of worship, in markets and public places, against the media, and security personnel. Nigeria is a nation of resilient people. We will never yield to the forces of darkness. Nigeria will never, ever, disintegrate.
Let me end this address at the point where I began. What matters most to all of us, is Nigeria. It is what binds us together. We have a duty to be loyal to our country. If we believe this to be a sacred obligation, it will not matter whether we are Christians or Muslims, or politicians, irrespective of political parties or divide. It really will not matter whether we are civil society agents, social activists or union leaders. What matters is Nigeria. This nation exists because we are one. We must, therefore, remain as one family, and work together to defend our country.
Within two years, it would be exactly 100 years since the Northern and Southern protectorates were amalgamated and Nigeria was born. We need a lot more introspection, even as we look forward. We must take steps to heal the wounds of the past and work together, as a people with a shared destiny under one flag. We must strengthen our collective memory, draw strength from our history, and build bridges of unity to take our country to greater heights.
This is what we should do. And we must. As a starting point, we must draw strength from our history and work to ensure that the labour of our heroes past is not in vain. It is partly for this and other reasons, that I have directed, as part of the activities marking today's Democracy Day, that all due processes should be initiated for the building of a Presidential Museum in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. This Museum will document the lives and times of Nigeria's Presidents and Heads of Government since 1960, and remind us, by extension, of the high points of our national history.
It is also in this regard that the Federal Government has decided that late Chief M.K.O. Abiola be honoured, for making the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of justice and truth. Destiny and circumstances conspired to place upon his shoulders a historic burden, and he rose to the occasion with character and courage. He deserves recognition for his martyrdom, and public-spiritedness and for being the man of history that he was. We need in our land, more men and women who will stand up to defend their beliefs, and whose example will further enrich our democracy. After very careful consideration, and in honour of Chief M.K.O. Abiola's accomplishments and heroism, on this Democracy Day, the University of Lagos, is renamed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Moshood Abiola University, Lagos. The Federal Government will also establish an Institute of Democratic Studies and Governance in the University.
Thank you.
God bless you.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
GEJ's Democracy Day speech (Part 2)
published on
The Gas Revolution initiative will fully support and sustain domestic power, whilst creating Africa's largest gas based industrial park, which on completion will underpin the creation of over a million jobs and attract over US$16 billion in Foreign Direct Investment. To protect the gains of these initiatives for all Nigerians, we are aggressively addressing the increasing incidents of crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the sector.
As a deliberate move, our goal is to transform Nigeria from a mono-modal economy, to a diversified one. The sector that we are focusing on to diversify our economy – and one in which Nigeria has huge comparative advantage – is the agriculture sector. Agriculture accounts for about 40% of our GDP and over 70% of all employment. Increases in agricultural productivity will drive down rural poverty and revive our rural economy.
In this regard, we are aggressively pursuing an agricultural transformation agenda. Agriculture is no longer a development programme. We are now treating agriculture as a business, one that can generate wealth and create jobs for millions of our youths.
We have implemented major reforms in the sector, notably in the fertilizer sub-sector. We have ended the practice of Federal Government procurement and distribution of fertilizers. This we did because only 11% of farmers get the fertilizers that are bought and distributed by government. The old system encouraged rent seekers to collude and deprive farmers of access to fertilizers, while some of the fertilizers ended up with political farmers and in neighbouring countries.
Now, the procurement and commercialization of fertilizers and seeds have been fully deregulated to the private sector. We have ended the culture of corruption in fertilizer procurement. We must also end the era of food imports. Nigeria spends over 10 billion dollars every year importing wheat, rice, sugar and fish alone. This is unacceptable.
Our agricultural transformation agenda is directed at promoting local production, substituting for imported foods, and adding value to our locally produced crops. We are recording successes already. Government's policy to ensure rice self-sufficiency by 2015 is already paying off. New rice mills are being established by the private sector to mill locally produced rice. Ebony Agro Industries located in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has rolled out its high quality parboiled rice. In Kano, Umza rice mill has taken off and can hardly meet demand, while in Benue State Ashi rice has hit the market. Consumers are buying more of Abakaliki and Ofada rice too.
To further accelerate the local production and milling of high quality rice, government is facilitating the import and installation of 100 new large scale integrated rice mills across the country. This will allow Nigeria, for the first time in its history, to have the capacity to mill all of the rice that we consume.
Our cassava policy is working, as we accelerate the pace of utilization of cassava to create markets for millions of our farmers. Our goal is a bold one: we will make Nigeria, which is the largest producer of cassava in the world, to also become the largest processor of high value cassava products in the world.
To further encourage cassava utilization and value-added products, government will support corporate bakers and master bakers across the country to use high quality cassava flour for baking. Last year I announced an increase in tariff and levy on wheat. To encourage the cassava flour inclusion policy, I now direct that part of the levy and tariff on wheat be set aside to support the promotion of high quality cassava flour and composite cassava bread. This will include support for needed enzymes, technical training and equipment for corporate bakers and master bakers, as well as accelerated cassava production.
We have also secured markets for cassava outside Nigeria, and for the first time ever, Nigeria will export this year 1 million metric tons of dried cassava chips to China. This will earn Nigeria 136 million US dollars in foreign exchange. Last week we also successfully started the commercial use of feed grade cassava grits, produced locally, for use in our poultry industry.
We are reviving our lost glory in cocoa, with massive distribution of 3.6 million pods of high-yielding cocoa varieties for farmers all across the cocoa growing states of the country. The pods will be provided free of charge. We are reviving cotton production in the North, as well. I have directed that all seeds for cotton should be provided, free of charge, to all cotton farmers.
Let me reiterate my personal passion and commitment to driving the agricultural transformation for Nigeria. The prosperity of Nigeria must start with improving the living standards of our farmers, and revitalizing rural economies across the nation. The newly inaugurated Agricultural Transformation Implementation Council, which I personally Chair, will further drive our continued revolution of the sector. Our goal is to add 20 million metric tons of food to our domestic food supply by 2015 and create 3.5 million jobs. To achieve this, the appropriate infrastructure to support all-year round farming through irrigation is being rehabilitated and developed across the country.
We must use our population to create markets for what we produce. We must grow local, buy local and eat local. To promote this, I have directed that all official functions of government serve local foods, especially our local rice and cassava bread and other foods. In the State House, I am faithfully keeping to my promise of eating cassava bread and local rice.
Our administration is committed to the rapid and beneficial development of our country's Minerals and metals potential. In the last year, we recorded remarkable achievements in Mines and Steel Development. We increased the number of investors in the mining sector due to the transparent manner in which titles are now issued on a "first come-first served and use it or lose it basis." A total of 2,476 active mineral titles were issued compared to 666 titles issued out in the previous year, thereby reducing, significantly, illegal mining activities. About 350, 000 additional jobs were created, arising from the activities of newly registered operators. We have initiated a programme to support private steel production outfits. This has resulted in an increase in production figures for steel and other metals to over 1 million tonnes.
It is our collective desire as Nigerians to improve the standard of education. We are particularly aggressive in addressing this challenge. As a former school teacher, I know that it is not enough to create jobs; we must develop human capacity, and train a generation of Nigerian children with better competencies and skills. This will grant them the edge that they require to compete in a skills-driven global economy, and by extension, strengthen our national competitiveness index.
I want every Nigerian child to have an opportunity to receive quality education and acquire useful skills. We are reforming the education sector from basic to tertiary level. The Federal Government recently launched the Almajiri Education Programme to reduce the number of out-of-school children which currently stands at about 9 million. Similar programmes will soon be introduced in various parts of the country. At the tertiary level, it is the policy of this administration that every State will have a Federal University.
To this end, we have established within the last year, nine (9) new Federal Universities and licensed nine (9) new private universities, bringing the total number of universities in the country to 124. Even with this, there is still the challenge of getting adequate admission space for prospective undergraduates. While we are addressing this, the Federal Government is also conscious of the fact that our universities need to be better equipped, particularly with well trained teachers. Government is, therefore, working on a programme to provide scholarships for Nigerians who are interested in academics, to enable them obtain their Doctorate degrees within and outside the country.
In addition, the Federal Government has launched a Special Presidential Scholarship Scheme for our best and brightest brains. We are selecting the best out of our First Class graduates in various disciplines, especially engineering and science. They will be sent for post-graduate studies in the best universities in the world, with the expectation that this will lay the foundation for a desirable scientific and technological revolution that will take Nigeria into Space in the not too distant future.
One of the first steps taken by this administration was the creation of a Ministry of Communications Technology. Its mandate includes the design of programmes and initiatives to deploy ICT as a driver of sustainable growth and the training of skilled manpower. For our country to remain relevant, we need to adequately educate our people, as it is through education that we can turn our people into assets that can help Nigeria compete globally, and create jobs in the new knowledge economy.
By the same token, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is providing training opportunities for the youths in the Niger Delta. In the past year, a total of 704 youths have been sent for training, abroad and locally, in various fields of endeavour, including agriculture, petroleum engineering, commerce, tourism, and maritime studies. Nine skills centres are being built, one in each of the nine states of the Niger Delta; three of them will be completed this year.
An efficient and affordable public transport system remains a priority of this Administration. Our transformation agenda in the road sector which seeks to deliver better and safer roads to Nigerians, as well as to link the six geo-political zones in the country with dual carriageways, is very much on course. There has been increased construction activities in the ongoing dualisation of Abuja–Abaji–Lokoja Road, Kano–Potiskum–Maiduguri Road; the Benin–Ore–Shagamu Expressway; the Onitsha–Enugu Expressway; and the construction of the Loko–Oweto bridge, across River Benue.
Work has been slow on the East-West road due to budgetary constraints, but government will discharge all liabilities to contractors before the end of June, and funds for the remaining part of the year, will be provided to accelerate the pace of work. In other parts of the country, about 21 other road projects are in different stages of completion. These include the Yola–Numan road, Aba–Owerri road, Owerri–Onitsha expressway, Oyo–Ogbomosho old road, and the Gombe-Potiskum road. Many others are at different stages of completion.
Government is also currently rehabilitating about 3,000 kms out of the 3,505 km existing narrow gauge rail lines across the country. The Lagos-Kano corridor will be completed this year, while the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri corridor, which has equally commenced, will be completed by the end of 2013. We have also commenced the construction of the Abuja–Kaduna segment of the Lagos–Kano standard gauge rail lines, while the Lagos–Ibadan segment will be awarded this year. The Itakpe–Ajaokuta–Warri standard gauge rail line is nearing completion with the entire tracks completely laid.
To enhance sustainability in the rail sector, this Administration has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with General Electric (GE) to establish a locomotive assembly plant in the country. Our goal is to make Nigeria a major hub in West and Central Africa.
Within the last 12 months, we completed the capital dredging of the Lower River Niger from Warri (Delta State) to Baro (Niger State) to boost our inland water transportation. This year, work will commence on the dredging of the River Benue in addition to the construction of River Ports at Baro (Niger State), Oguta (Imo State), and Jamata/Lokoja, (Kogi State). The Onitsha River Port in Anambra State, equipped with modern cargo handling equipment, has been completed and I shall be commissioning the project in the next few weeks.
The Aviation sector remains pivotal to our economic growth. Within the last year, we have developed a road map for the restoration of decaying facilities and infrastructure, some of which had not been attended to since they were first constructed over 30 years ago. Currently, we are renovating airports across the country and have begun the development of four new international terminals at Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Abuja. We have also reviewed our Bilateral Air Service Agreements to ensure improved service delivery, and more customer-friendly processes. We are working to ensure that within the life of this Administration, the aviation sector in Nigeria will be transformed into a world class and self-sustaining provider of safe, secure and comfortable air transportation.
Globally, the role of women in governance has assumed great significance. In Nigeria, it is also widely acknowledged that women who constitute about half of the Nigerian population are great and invaluable assets, in both the public and private spheres. On our part, we have demonstrated serious commitment in further empowering women and projecting their role in public life. Out of the 42 members of the Federal Executive Council, 13 are women, heading major Ministries of Government.
Last week, I appointed the first female Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission. In the Armed Forces, female cadets have been admitted into the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy, an institution that was hitherto an exclusive preserve of men. The first set will graduate in 2016. This year, we reached a significant milestone as the Nigerian Air Force produced the first Nigerian female combatant pilot. Our administration will continue to empower women and the girl-child as a focal point of our Transformation Agenda.
More than anything else, health matters. We are upgrading the country's tertiary health facilities to bring them up to international standards. We have increased funding for health-related MDGs. We are also committed to reducing maternal and infant mortality, and to eradicating polio completely by 2014.
I want to reassure all Nigerians that this administration remains committed to waging a sustained battle against the menace of corruption. In the last one year, we have taken specific steps to reduce opportunities and avenues for corruption, and to strengthen the capacity and integrity of our institutions. For example, our ports reform programme has reduced the number of agencies at the ports which hitherto frustrated the speedy clearance of goods at the ports. We have also cleared the stretch of trailers and lorries blocking the Apapa Expressway. We have put an end to the fertilizer and tractor scam that once dominated the agricultural sector. Our review of the pension payment system has also blown the whistle on corrupt practices which are now being addressed.
Read Part 3...
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
GEJ's Democracy Day speech! (Part 1)
published on
One year ago, I was privileged to stand before you, to take the oath of office as President of our dear country, the third to serve you as President since the return to democratic rule in 1999. Today, I remember that day and the processes leading to it with profound gratitude to God Almighty and to all Nigerians who have worked very hard to enrich our journey from military dictatorship to inclusive democratic governance.
For the past 13 years, we have remained a stable democracy. We have together demonstrated that the government of the people is an ideal that the people of Nigeria cherish. We have our differences as individuals and as politicians, but we have shown great faith in democracy and its institutions. We have refused to be limited by our differences. Despite reservations about some of our institutions, we have refused to submit to despair. This achievement is a testament to the courage and optimism of the Nigerian people.
As we celebrate this year's Democracy Day, I pay tribute to all the men and women who have made our democratic experience meaningful: the ordinary people who resisted military rule, and have remained resolute in their embrace of democracy; the army of Nigerian voters who, at every election season, troop out in large numbers to exercise their right of franchise; the change agents in civil society who have remained ever watchful and vigilant.
I pay special tribute also to all patriots who are the pillars of our collective journey, most especially, our armed forces who have steadfastly subordinated themselves to civil authority in the past 13 years. They have continued to demonstrate a great sense of professionalism. They have discharged their duties to the nation with honour and valour. In a sub-region that has witnessed instances of political instability, authored by restless soldiers, the Nigerian Armed Forces have remained professional in their support of democracy.
When General Abdusalami Abubakar handed over the baton of authority to President Olusegun Obasanjo, in 1999, it was a turning point for Nigeria. We did not arrive at that turning point by accident. Many Nigerians laid down their lives for the transition to democracy to occur. Some were jailed. Media houses were attacked and shut down. But the people's resolve was firm and unshakeable. This is what we remember. This is what we celebrate. On this day, I recall especially the martyrdom of Chief M. K. O. Abiola, whose presumed victory in the 1993 Presidential election, and death, while in custody, proved to be the catalyst for the people's pro-democracy uprising. The greatest tribute that we can pay to him, and other departed heroes of Nigeria's democracy, is to ensure that we continue to sustain and consolidate our democratic institutions and processes, and keep Hope alive.
Let us individually and collectively, continue to keep the spirit of this day alive. No task is more important. We must continue to do well as a people and as a democracy. We must remember where we are coming from, so we can appreciate how far we have travelled.
When I assumed office as Acting President, in 2010, on account of the health challenges suffered by late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, there was so much anxiety in the land. The tone of public debate was febrile. Some persons sought to use the situation in the country to sow the seeds of discord. My primary task at that time was to do all that was humanly possible to ensure stability within the polity. With the support and commitment of patriotic Nigerians from all walks of life, and the grace of the Almighty God, we were able to do so.
On May 6, 2010, following President Yar'Adua's death, I assumed office as substantive President. I subsequently presented myself as a candidate for the 2011 Presidential elections, with a promise that under my watch, the elections would be free, fair and credible. We kept faith with that promise. On May 29, 2011, I was sworn in as President, the fifth elected leader of Nigeria since independence. The success of the 2011 elections and the international acclaim that it generated was due to your patriotic zeal and commitment. I will like to seize this opportunity to thank all patriotic Nigerians who stood by us, and have remained unwavering in their support. These Nigerians understand one thing: that we all have a duty to protect and promote our country, and that this country belongs to all of us. Electoral contest is about values. We must not lose sight of those values that strengthen us as a people. As long as I am President, I will do my utmost to continue to work hard in pursuit of the common good.
There are challenges, yes, but we are working hard to address those challenges. And, by God's grace, we will succeed. My confidence is bolstered by the results which we have achieved in different sectors within the last twelve months.
Our democracy is stable. Its foundation is strong and firm. Its future is bright. Last year, I had spoken about the policy of "one man one vote, one woman, one vote, one youth, one vote". I am glad to see that the Nigerian people in all elections have continued to respect the principle of fair play. Since this administration came into office, we have gone to great lengths to strengthen our democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission. There are still persons who believe that elections should be violent and unhealthy, but they are in the minority. They will not derail our democracy because the majority of Nigerians will not allow them to do so.
Following the spate of violence, in some parts of the country, after the 2011 elections, our administration set up a committee on post-election violence to among other things, investigate the causes and nature of electoral violence and make appropriate recommendations. We will be guided by the White Paper, on that committee's report, in dealing more firmly with electoral violence and fraud. This will include the establishment of Electoral Offences Tribunals to deal speedily with established cases of electoral violence. We cannot afford to treat the success we have recorded with our democratic experience with levity. Electoral reform is central to our administration's transformation agenda. I urge all political parties to embrace this reform.
Our successful elections, last year, opened new vistas for Nigeria's foreign policy. More than ever before, Nigeria's achievements have generated a lot of international goodwill and recognition. We have continued to build on this by further showing leadership in the sub-region and the African continent. Under my watch as Chairman of the sub-regional body, ECOWAS, and subsequently, Nigeria was in the forefront of the efforts to ensure democratic stability in Niger, Mali, Guinea Bissau, and particularly at a critical moment in Cote d'Ivoire. Our foreign policy process has proven to be dynamic and pro-active. Nigeria's place is secure among many friends in the comity of nations. We are building on that friendship to open up opportunities for foreign investments in the Nigerian economy and to provide necessary support for the vibrant community of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
We will continue to work hard, to turn domestic successes into a source of motivation for greater achievements in the international arena. We are fully aware that it is only when our people are happy and confident that they would be in a good position to walk tall in relating with others.
Today, I want to talk about what we are doing and what we have done. I want to reassure you that we are making progress. But we can also do a lot more. We must. And we will.
Our economic outlook is positive. When I assumed office last year, there were still fears about the impact of the global economic recession, and implications for investments. Many Nigerians were worried about the growing rate of unemployment. In order to set Nigeria on a sound and sustainable path toward economic growth, this administration unveiled a set of priority policies, programmes, and projects encapsulated in the Transformation Agenda. These programmes and policies are aimed at consolidating our budget, fostering job creation, engendering private sector-led inclusive growth, and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive for the ultimate betterment of the lives of Nigerians.
Today, progress has been made. The country's credit rating is positive, in contrast with many nations being downgraded. In 2011, our economy grew by 7.45%. As at mid-May 2012, our foreign exchange reserves had risen to $37.02 billion, the highest level in 21 months. We have stabilized and improved our fiscal regime. We brought the fiscal deficit down to 2. 85% of GDP from 2.9% in 2011. We reduced recurrent expenditures from 74% to 71% and reduced domestic borrowing from N852 billion in 2011 to N744 billion in 2012. We cut out over N100 billion of non-essential expenditure and increased our internally generated revenue from N200 billion to N467 billion.
For the first time in over a decade, we now have a draft Trade Policy which provides a multi-dimensional framework to boost our trade regime and facilitate the inflow of investments. We have generated over N6. 6 trillion worth of investment commitments. The total value of our trade is also much higher than the value estimated the previous year due to deliberate government policies. To facilitate the ease of doing business in Nigeria, we have a policy in place to make visa procurement easier for foreign investors, with safeguards to prevent abuse.
The goal of our administration is to ensure that every Nigerian can find gainful employment. Given my dissatisfaction with the prevailing unemployment situation in the country, our administration has embarked on an ambitious strategy of creating jobs and job-creators through the launch of several initiatives mainly targeted at the youths and women.
In October 2011, we launched the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria Programme, designed to encourage entrepreneurship and provide grants for small and medium scale enterprises. Over 1, 200 Nigerian youths have benefitted from this initiative. We have also launched the Public Works Women and Youth Empowerment Programme, which is designed to employ 370, 000 youths per annum, with 30% of the jobs specially reserved for women. Let me make it clear here that our YouWIN programme is designed to nurture and mentor young entrepreneurs to become major
We are gradually reducing the footprints of government in business activities through privatization, liberalization and deregulation based on our recognition that the private sector should be the engine of growth in our economy. To ensure that the private sector is well positioned for this task, our administration has embarked on key structural reforms in the Power Sector and at the Ports.
To improve reliable power supply, our administration is judiciously implementing the Power Sector Roadmap, which is at an advanced stage, to fully privatize power generation and distribution while reducing the cost of electricity to rural households and the urban poor.
The commitment of this Administration to the provision of regular and uninterrupted power supply remains strong and unwavering. We all agree that adequate and regular power supply will be the significant trigger to enhance this nation's productive capacity and accelerate growth. It is for this reason that I remain optimistic that the reforms we have initiated, the decisions we have taken so far and the plans we intend to faithfully prosecute will yield the desired results.
To underline this commitment, three weeks ago, I convened a special session on Power and gave specific instructions on the fast tracking of gas production and delivery to ensure improved availability of power. I also directed that the power sector reforms must continue on schedule and that privatization of the sector must be completed according to plan.
Our approach is two-pronged: First, is the immediate repair of power plants, as well as transmission and distribution infrastructure in the short term. The second is the building of institutions and the provision of enablers to attract investors. We have revived and are accelerating the completion of the National Integrated Power Projects. We are also building about 4000km of transmission lines and hundreds of substations. We have completed the design for the construction of both Mambilla and Zungeru Hydro power plants which will add about 3, 000 MW to the national grid.
By mid-2010, the national power output was about 2, 800 MW. By the end of 2011, we reached a peak of more than 4, 000 MW. A National Gas Emergency Plan has also been launched to redress the problem of gas supply which arose essentially due to poor planning.
For long-term power availability, we have strengthened a number of key institutions such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Bulk Trader, the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, and others. We are also working with the World Bank to provide guarantees for gas and power providers. The signing of MOUs with World Leaders in power equipment – General Electric of USA and Siemens of Germany as well as US and China Exim Banks for financial investment, is a clear indication of the level of confidence which the world investment community has in our power sector road map.
In addition, the privatisation programme has attracted expression of interest from 131 companies across the globe. Our decision to bring in the private sector is clearly intended to achieve our target of generating and distributing sufficient and reliable power within the shortest time possible. With the measures we have put in place, we will surely achieve success in transforming the power sector.
We have also focused our efforts on Ports and Customs reforms to ensure efficiency in the handling of ports and port-related businesses. Our administration has streamlined bureaucratic activities at the Ports by reducing the number of agencies from 14 to 7. We have also reduced the time for the clearance of goods from about a month, to seven days, with the long-term objective of ensuring that cargoes are cleared within 48 hours in line with international best practice. In the meantime, our ports, for the first time, now open for business for 24 hours.
In the Oil and Gas Sector, our Administration has charted a new course that will ensure enduring transparency and accountability. We are re-drafting the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to ensure it meets the aspirations of all Stakeholders given the current realities and future expectations in the global energy landscape. Work on the PIB will be concluded in June 2012 and formally submitted to the National Assembly. Additionally, Special Task Forces dealing with Governance and Control, Petroleum Revenue and National refineries are finalizing their work to ensure probity across the oil and gas sector, and self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products.
In the Downstream Sector, the Nigerian Content Development Act, since inception in 2010, has boosted the local production of line pipes, in-country fabrication tonnage and engineering support services. As a result, retained in-country spend has grown from approximately US $1bn to a current estimate of US$4bn, and over US$3 billion Foreign Direct Investment has been brought in for upgrading and building new yards, altogether generating over 120,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Capacity utilization of existing domestic refineries has greatly improved from 30 to 60 percent. We have commenced the phased plan to return the refineries to 90 percent capacity utilization with the expected completion of the rehabilitation of Port Harcourt refinery by the end of 2012, to be followed by Warri and Kaduna refineries in 2013.
Read Part 2..
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Picture of the day: Is it the name that should be changed?
published on
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
New Music: Zombie (freestyle) - Wizkid
published on
Here's the link; download and enjoy;
http://www.hulkshare.com/dl/tp0ibrj4t4id/Wizkid-Zombie_Freestyle.mp3?d=1
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Behind-The-Scenes : Sisi Eko Rmx -Darey ft. Flavour
published on
It looks really colourful,can't wait to see the end product!
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Democracy Day Palava: Unilag becomes MAUlag!!
published on
Trust our Unilag friends to protest! I don't understand why he should he even think of renaming the school when there are bigger fish to fry! Boko Haram problem's there, he's renaming a university? Smh!
I read this message from a Unilag student this morning;
"UNILAG students are not dummies. GEJ needs our consent before renaming our school. There is a MAPOLY already, what do we need a MKO Abiola University for? Has GEJ thought of the financial implications? UNILAG is a 50 years old tradition that should not be tampered with. We are literate and not like the masses that can be cajoled. I hereby suggest that UNILAG students boycott classes until we have our school back! GREAT AKOKITEs! GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!"
Another message states;
"UNILAG will not be MKO ABIOLA UNIVERSITY until GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN changes his name to STEPHEN KENT. I hereby suggest that UNILAG students boycott classes until we have our school back!"
There was also this joke;
"With the New change of the name, this is what Follows :
Before : Lag Babe
Now : Moshood Babe (that sounds more like the football club).
Before : I am a Unilag Graduate
Now : I am a MKO Abiola Graduate (ouch!!! That sounds like the polytechnic).
Before : I'm an Akokite
Now : I'm a Moshoodite ( Hmmm!!! Sounds more like a Palm Wine club).:]
Bottom Line, a name is very important in BRAND DEVELOPMENT and Jonathan just Murdered that for Unilag students. #happydemocracyday
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
New Music: (BBMMS) Borrow Borrow Make Me Shine - OmoAKin
published on
Here's the link, download and enjoy;
http://t.co/Jo1iweP
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
New Music: On fire- Producer fresh
published on Monday, 28 May 2012
Backed and accompanied by lush drum patterns, bassy snyth keyboard and a seriously infectious and catchy chorus and bridge that samples a famous dance phrase made popular on Wizkid's "Pakurumo" - "pakurumo ko jo dada", the Jialephant-produced "On Fire" from Fresh a.k.a Ben2Ja is a massive party tune that is set to take over the clubs and dance floors in the coming months but don't just take my word for it, listen below to the massive tune "On Fire"...
LISTEN TO + DOWNLOAD "ON FIRE" >> http://hu.lk/v62tb0b1nq8i
Without leaving the accompanying B-side single "Tonite" left out, this fast-paced 4-minute long dance floor filler is produced by iRhyme and is backed by quick-paced drum patterns and trademark synths with some High Life sensibilities infused into the infectious tune. Listen to "Tonite" below...
LISTEN TO + DOWNLOAD "TONITE": http://hu.lk/8t29ua2f6fla
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Countdown to City People Entertainment Awards!
published on
Last year's edition was grand!
And this year, The Mavin Crew is taking the stage!
More details will be communicated to us soon!
But for other information, call AFO City 08037035871 Kelechi 08055001810 Taiwo 08023911191 Tope 08020530021 ....
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
New music: So High - Terry G
published on
Hmmmn, this one Terry G has been dropping songs anyhow!
Here's a new one titled; "So High"!
Download and enjoy;
http://www.hulkshare.com/dl/32k21u33lk2w/Terry_G_So_High.mp3?d=1
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Here's a new one titled; "So High"!
Download and enjoy;
http://www.hulkshare.com/dl/32k21u33lk2w/Terry_G_So_High.mp3?d=1
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Gist from Funke Akindele's wedding!
published on
The build-up was massive, and the wedding touted as the next big Nollywood wedding – after Mercy Johnson's lavish August 27, 2011 nuptials.
And after a private Nikkai ceremony two days earlier, on May 24, the couple were determined to make up by having a grand ball.
The wedding ceremony took place at The Haven event centre as opposed to what had been announced earlier. Guests and well-wishers had made their way to the publicised venue: All Seasons Plaza, Ikeja, only to meet a shut gate. Those lucky enough to find out the new venue then made their way towards The Haven in GRA, Ikeja.
We're told the announcement of All Seasons was a decoy to prevent media and public intrusion although the bride's reps say they changed venues to accommodate crowd. The wedding programme (printed by KOZA, the same printers of the Invitation cards) however carried the updated venue, suggesting the decoy was planned ahead.
The events hall was carefully split into two parts with a semi-transparent drape hanging from the roof of the building. The larger part was to accommodate the white wedding ceremony and reception while the smaller part would serve as the traditional wedding venue.
The event which kicked off at about 11:30AM began with a traditional ceremony, with both parents of the couple as well as family members present. Anchored by 'Sokoyokoto' TV presenter Foluke Ogunjimi, the guests were joined by the couple Funke and Kenny an hour later.
After the couple, both dressed in beautiful native attires were introduced to their parents, a quick solemnization was made. The ambience was traditionally themed. The hall was decorated with calabashes, leaves, big wooden pots with running water, hand-woven mats, and a small throne where the couple sat.
As soon as the traditional wedding ended, everyone moved to the main hall where the white wedding took place. The couple quickly changed into English attires – Kenny donned a black tuxedo with blue accessories while Funke wore a gorgeous white wedding gown with excellent make up. For a celebrity wedding, there were no popular faces on the bridal train unlike Mercy Johnson's who had on hers, Goldie, Empress Njamah, Waje, Queen Nwokonye, and Chika Ike. Rather Funke opted for her younger sister Abimbola Akindele as the Chief Brides Maid and four other non-celebrity friends to walk down the aisle with her.
The wedding was a quick one officiated by The Very Revd. M.O Ogunsoji JP. The groom's folks were not seen at the ceremony. Guests who were already seated were being served food and refreshments as the ceremony went on. More guests begun showing up and crowd control was a bit of a bother as people kept walking about to either find seats or to take pictures.
The ceremony ended with the couple making their way to the elevated podium where a select number of guests including Desmond Elliot, Ini Edo, Chioma Akpotha, Omoni Oboli, AY Makun and a few others sat.
The third and final 'segment' of the event swung into action with host of the evening Gbenga Adeyinka who had anchored a Star Trek event in Ibadan the night before handling the microphone and coordinating the order of evening.
Security was on an all-time high as the venue was filled with uniform-wearing mobile policemen who didn't hesitate to wave their guns at guests or photographers who wanted to take photos of the bride and groom. The couple were closely followed and guarded at every time. This however did little to stop family members (especially that of the groom), well-wishers and of course press photographers who wanted to take a picture or two with their mobile phones. Funke also seemed to be aware of the whole organization and was seen often dishing out instructions during the ceremony.
Meanwhile, there was surplus food and drinks to go round twice. Cakes, toffees and others were served as desert while guests watched the couple hit the dance floor as they boogied down to music provided by DJ Spinall and alternatively the Akin Tofowohan-led Akin and Shuga band.
A truly magical moment was when the bride Funke decided not to throw her bouquet but share it among the single ladies. 'My darling colleagues and friends I thank you so much for coming out. You are single today right? Believe in God, he will do it because I'm a testimony. It's a big surprise I know to you all and I thank God for this. I won't throw this, I will share it'.
'It's her day, I'm happy for her, you can see I'm happy, she's happy too', Funke's younger brother, Akin said. 'I wish you them many prosperous and fruitful years', Ali Baba told us.
While we all ponder where the newest celebrity couple will spend their honeymoon, Funke is more concerned about thanking her fans. She tweeted the morning after her wedding 'Morning my Twthrts!! Tnx a lot for d luvly wishes! God bless u all. Sulia Kan! Tweethrts Kan!!'.
ROLL CALL:
Nollywood: Genevieve Nnaji, Chioma Akpotha, Omoni Oboli, Grace Amah, Ini Edo, Susan Peters, Desmond Elliot, Eniola Badmus, Halima Abubakar, Opeyemi Ayeola, Peju Ogunmola, Toyin Afolayan Kolade Ogunmola, Jide Kosoko, Muyiwa Ademola, Fausat Balogun, Sikiratu Sindodo, Iya Awero, Idowu Phillips, Abe Lanre, Damilola Adegbite, Ireti Osayemi, Femi Brainard, Odunlade Adekola.
Entertainers: eLDee, Sasha, Tiwa Savage, Kaffy, Derenle, Ms Jaie, Tosin Martins, KSB.
Comedians: Ali Baba, Julius Agwu, AY.
Nigerian Entertainment Industry: Dayo Adeneye, Cool FM's Freeze, Seun Oloketuyi, Biodun Kupoluyi, Dele Esan, Femi Davies.
(Culled from thenetNG)
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
New Music: My Queen + Ghetto- Kelly Handsome
published on
Here are the links; download and enjoy;
Ghetto:
http://www.hulkshare.com/dl/tssay6vr2gpd/Ghetto1.mp3?d=1
My queen
http://www.hulkshare.com/dl/edkh8d2zps3k/My-Queen1.mp3?d=1
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
New Music: Banky made me do this freestyle - Novakillz
published on
Download and enjoy;
http://www.4shared.com/mp3/czIP_XAk/Bankyondbeatz_MadeMeDoDis.html
hope you like it! God bless.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
New Music: Over you - Mimi
published on
DOWNLOAD "OVER YOU":
http://hu.lk/5h2n5mcx9jl5
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN