An Address by His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,
Gcfr, on the Occasion of the Independence Day Anniversary on Monday,
1stoctober, 2012
1.Beloved countrymen and women, on this day, fifty-two years ago,
our founding fathers brought joy and hope to the hearts of our people
when they won independence for our great country. Nigeria made a clean
break with more than six decades of colonial rule, and emerged as a
truly independent nation. That turning point was a new beginning for
our nation.
2.Those who witnessed the lowering of the Union Jack and the
emergence of the Green White Green flag continue to relish the memory,
because that ceremony was not just about the destiny of a nation, but the future of a people.
3.That future is here; we are the inheritors of a great legacy that goes even much farther into the past.
4.The worthy patriots who made this possible were young men and
women in their twenties and thirties. They worked together to restore
dignity and honour to the Nigerian people. Their resolve united a
multicultural and multilingual nation of diverse peoples, with more
than 250 distinct languages and ethnic groups.
5.In 1960, our diversity became a source of strength, and the new
leaders resolved to carry the flag of independence for the benefit of
future generations. They had their differences, but they placed a
greater premium on the need to come together to build a new nation.
6.It is that resolve, and that glorious moment that we celebrate
today. We also celebrate the patriotism of our heroes past: Dr Nnamdi
Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi
Awolowo, Sir Michael Okpara, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Herbert Macaulay,
and several others who made the case for our independence.
7.We remember as always, their contributions to the making of the
Nigerian nation, and the efforts of their successors since 1960. We
also celebrate the unfailing optimism and resilience of Nigerians who
remain proud of our national identity.
8.On this special day, I call on every Nigerian to remain steadfast,
because our nation is indeed making progress. I call on every Nigerian
to rediscover that special spirit that enables us to triumph over every
adversity as a people:
9.We weathered the storm of the civil war, we have refused to be
broken by sectarian crises; we have remained a strong nation. I bring
to you today, a message of renewed hope and faith in the immense
possibilities that lie ahead.
10. Fellow citizens, I have an unshaken belief in the future of our
great Country. I consider it a priority and sacred duty to continue to
strengthen the bond of unity that holds our nation together and to
promote and nourish the creative energies of our people. This is a
central objective of our administration’s Transformation Agenda.
Nigeria, I assure you, will continue to grow from strength to strength.
11. Since I assumed office as President of our dear country on the
6th of May 2010, I have continued to work with our countrymen and women
to enhance our nation’s growth and development.
12.Our vision is encapsulated in the Transformation Agenda. We are
working hard and making progress on many fronts. We have cleaned up our
electoral process; our elections are now globally acclaimed to be free
and fair. Nigeria is now on a higher pedestal regarding elections.
13.Over the past five years, the global economy has been going
through a weak and uncertain recovery. During the same period and
particularly in the last two years, the Nigerian economy has done
appreciably well despite the global financial crisis. Nigeria’s real
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown by 7.1 per cent on average.
14.It is also significant that the GDP growth has been driven
largely by the non-oil sector. In pursuance of the main goals of the
Transformation Agenda, a number of reforms and initiatives are being
pursued in key sectors of the economy with a view to consolidating the
gains of the economic growth.
15.Our country’s power supply situation is improving gradually. We
are successfully implementing a well-integrated power sector reform
programme which includes institutional arrangements to facilitate and
strengthen private-sector-led power generation, transmission and
distribution.
16.We have also put in place a cost-reflective tariff structure that
reduces the cost of power for a majority of electricity consumers. I am
pleased with the feedback from across the country, of improvements in
power supply.
17.We are continuing to improve and stabilize on our crude
production volumes; our 12-month gas supply emergency plan, put in
place earlier this year, has produced more than the targeted volumes of
gas for power generation. A robust Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has
been placed before the National Assembly. Its passage into law will
ensure far-reaching reforms, transparency, accountability, increased
government revenue and predictability for investors in the Oil and Gas
sector.
18.Several government programmes and projects are creating wealth
and millions of job opportunities for our youth and general population.
Such programmes include: You-Win, both for the youth and for the women,
Public Works, the Local Content Initiative in the Oil and Gas Sector,
and the Agricultural Transformation programme.
19.We have improved on our investment environment; more corporate
bodies are investing in the Nigerian economy. Our Investment Climate
Reform Programme has helped to attract over N6.8 trillion local and
foreign direct investment commitments.
20.Nigeria has become the preferred destination for investment in
Africa. It is ranked first in the top 5 host economies for Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) in Africa, accounting for over 20 per cent of
total FDI flows into the continent. We have streamlined bureaucratic
activities at the ports to ensure greater efficiency in the handling of
ports and port-related businesses. Specifically, we have drastically
reduced the goods clearing period in our ports from about six weeks to
about one week and under. We have an ultimate target of 48 hours.
21. We have put in place, a new visa policy that makes it easier for
legitimate investors to receive long stay visas. We have achieved a
24-hour timeline for registration of new businesses, leading to the
registration of close to 7, 000 companies within the second quarter of
2012.
22.The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has disclosed
that, as at July 2012, 249 new members across the country had joined
the Association, and that capacity utilization has also improved. The
multiplier effect of this development on our job creation programme
cannot be over-emphasized.
23.In the last two years, we have put in place structures for an
upgrade of the country’s health sector, to promote in every respect,
the individual citizen’s right to quality, affordable and accessible
healthcare.
24.In this regard, we are devoting resources under the Subsidy
Reinvestment Program (SURE-P) to reducing malaria incidents,
dramatically reducing maternal and child mortality, and eradicating
polio.
25.Fellow Nigerians, in recent times, we have witnessed serious
security challenges in parts of our country. We have taken pro-active
measures to check the menace. This has included constant consultation
and collaboration with our neighbours and other friendly nations on
issues relating to internal and cross border security, and the sharing
of information on smuggling and illegal dealing in small arms and light
weapons.
26.Our security agencies are constantly being strengthened and
repositioned for greater efficiency. Many Nigerians have acknowledged
that there has been a significant decline in the spate of security
breaches.
27.While expressing our condolences to the affected families, let me
reiterate the commitment of this Administration to ensure the safety of
lives and property of all Nigerians.
28.Even as we remain focused on the issue of security, the fight
against the scourge of corruption is a top priority of our
Administration. We are fighting corruption in all facets of our
economy, and we are succeeding. We have put an end to several decades
of endemic corruption associated with fertilizer and tractor
procurement and distribution. We have exposed decades of scam in the
management of pensions and fuel subsidy, and ensured that the culprits
are being brought to book.
29.In its latest report, Transparency International (TI) noted that
Nigeria is the second most improved country in the effort to curb
corruption.
30.We will sustain the effort in this direction with an even
stronger determination to strengthen the institutions that are
statutorily entrusted with the task of ending this scourge.
31.I have given my commitment of non-interference in the work of the
relevant agencies and I am keeping my word. What we require is the full
cooperation of all tiers of government, and the public, especially
civil society and the media.
32.This Administration has also introduced for the first time in
Nigeria’s history, a Performance Contract System for all Ministers, and
other officials of government. This is to further place emphasis on
performance, efficiency, and service delivery.
33.Fellow Nigerians, our determined efforts on several fronts not-withstanding, our country still faces a number of challenges.
34.Those challenges should not deter us. In the last few weeks, for
example, many of our communities have been ravaged by floods, resulting
in the loss of lives and property, and the displacement of persons.
35.I want to reassure all affected Nigerians that I share in their
grief, and our Administration is taking steps to address these
incidents, in collaboration with the States and Local Governments.
36.I have received the interim Report of the Presidential team that
I set up to assess the flooding situation across the country.
37. The Federal Government has taken measures to assist the affected
States, while considering long term measures to check future
reoccurrence.
38.We must continue to work together, confidently and faithfully, to
ensure that our country’s potentials are realised to the fullest; that
our dreams are translated into reality; and that our goals are achieved.
39. Let me reiterate that our administration is committed to the
pursuit of fundamental objectives of an open society: the pursuit of
freedom, security and prosperity for the Nigerian people, and the rule
of law.
40. In the next few days, I shall lay before the National Assembly
the 2013 Federal Budget Proposal so that deliberations can commence in
earnest on the key policies, programmes and projects that will mark a
decisive year for our development and transformation.
41. I have no doubt that by the time I address you on our next
independence anniversary, many of our reform efforts would have yielded
even better results.
42.Over the years, several leaders have built on the foundation laid
by our Founding Fathers. The baton is now in our hands. Let me assure
all Nigerians that we shall not fail.
43. I am confident that Nigeria will continue to be a source of
pride to its citizens; to Africa and the Black Race and to humanity; a
land that is known for progress, freedom, peace and the promotion of
human dignity.
44.May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God bless you all.
KILONSHELE.BLOGSPOT.COM
Entertainment, Events, Lifestyle, Sport, News, Jokes, Inspiration, Education, Jokes & Gossip
Monday, October 1, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
IYANYA FLAUNTS HIS N12M RANGE ROVER SPORTS
The kukere master, Iyanya just acquired the new 12m Range Rover Sports
to definitely flaunt his pocket muscles as a celebrity who has come to
stay. The trend of gadget and toy acquisition of late has been quite
alarming, but as fans what we just do is fold our arms, and wish them
goodluck, while still praying for our own day to come.
MEN ARE SCARED TO ASK ME OUT - KAREN IGHO
Co-winner of the sixth season of Africa’s biggest reality competition
‘Big Brother Africa’ 2011, Karen Igho has challenged men to approach
her, she said she is certainly not a hard knot to crack when it comes
to falling in love.
"I'm a woman who desires to be loved and wooed by the opposite sex. Men are supposed to woo me. I’m a woman and I’m very soft. They shouldn’t be scared of asking me out. I want a decent man, and not any kind of man,”the Edo State born entertainer said
Karen expressed disappointment that men are not bracing up the courage to woo her, despite the fact that she is not as difficult as they think.
Declaring however that she’s still “single and ready to mingle”, Karen who only few months ago debuted as a radio personality with the fast rising Lagos indigenous radio station, Naija fm 102.7, set a standard for her dream man.
“He must not only be ‘God-fearing’ and comfortable’ but also, he must be down-to-earth and not necessarily a bachelor,” she declared.
"I'm a woman who desires to be loved and wooed by the opposite sex. Men are supposed to woo me. I’m a woman and I’m very soft. They shouldn’t be scared of asking me out. I want a decent man, and not any kind of man,”the Edo State born entertainer said
Karen expressed disappointment that men are not bracing up the courage to woo her, despite the fact that she is not as difficult as they think.
Declaring however that she’s still “single and ready to mingle”, Karen who only few months ago debuted as a radio personality with the fast rising Lagos indigenous radio station, Naija fm 102.7, set a standard for her dream man.
“He must not only be ‘God-fearing’ and comfortable’ but also, he must be down-to-earth and not necessarily a bachelor,” she declared.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
WOMAN GIVES BIRTH TO HALF-HUMAN, HALF-GOAT IN JIGAWA STATE
A woman supposedly gave birth to what you see below a baby with goat
legs and no neck, at the General hospital in Jahun, Jigawa State.
Only God can actually help us in Nigeria... But from the look of What thing, Nigerians what do you think can Cause this??
Only God can actually help us in Nigeria... But from the look of What thing, Nigerians what do you think can Cause this??
ZIDANE'S INFAMOUS HEADBUTT STATUE UNVEILEDD IN PARIS
Algerian-born artist Adel Abdessemed has
erected a five-metre high bronze statue of Zinedine Zidane’s infamous
headbutt during the 2006 World Cup final against Italy. Zidane who
headbutte
d the Italian defender, Marco
Materazzi in the 110th minute of the final and was awarded a red card
which ended his international career and ruined France’s chance of
winning the World Cup trophy for the second time. Italy won the trophy
on penalty shoot-out.
The statue has been unveiled outside the famous Pompidou art museum and
shows the grimace on the Italian defender’s face as Zidane plants his
shaven head into his chest. Zinedine Zidane is regarded as France’s
greatest footballer of all time having scored two goals against Brazil
in the France ’98 World Cup Final which won them the trophy for the
first time.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Dj Jimmy Jatt, KENNIS MUSIC ALL STARS SET FOR INDEPENDENCE GROOVE
As Nigeria clocks 52, some individuals are
rolling out the annual green and white groove and getting ready for the
events that will mark Nigeria’s independence come October 1.
According to one of the organizers of the Independence day event, Kunle Bakare, ‘’It’s the biggest, most exciting party celebrating the most populous Nation’s independence anniversary’
‘There are challenges, but every year, we move forward. This year, we’re celebrating our nation, and the positive-minded citizens who are determined to make Nigeria great, in spite of the many hurdles on the way’.
Already confirmed for the Monday October 1 event are superstar DJs Jimmy JATT and Vinnie, as well as the Kennis Music All Stars.
The event will be hosted by Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye, the organizers say, the show draws Nigerians from different field, such as comedy, music, movies entrepreneurs amongst others.
According to one of the organizers of the Independence day event, Kunle Bakare, ‘’It’s the biggest, most exciting party celebrating the most populous Nation’s independence anniversary’
‘There are challenges, but every year, we move forward. This year, we’re celebrating our nation, and the positive-minded citizens who are determined to make Nigeria great, in spite of the many hurdles on the way’.
Already confirmed for the Monday October 1 event are superstar DJs Jimmy JATT and Vinnie, as well as the Kennis Music All Stars.
The event will be hosted by Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye, the organizers say, the show draws Nigerians from different field, such as comedy, music, movies entrepreneurs amongst others.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
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