What the country-wide protests in the US say about President elect - Donald Trump

The world woke up to violent protests in America. Millions of people across the country are voicing their annoyance against Trump winning the elections. In New York and in California

Trump Wins: Michelle Obama takes Milena Trump around the White House

TRUMP WINS
US NEWS: The outgoing first lady of the US, Michelle Obama took the in coming first lady, Melania Trump around the White house to show her where she would be living. Here is what she would have seen...

The first frosty handshake between Barack Obama and Donald Trump in photos

TRUMP WINS
USA NEWS: They have both called themselves names, traded insults and accusations. Donald Trump first publicly attacked Barack Obama when he became the first black

Who is Melania Trump? 10 amazing facts you never knew about her

Melania Trump aged 17 in an early fashion shoot taken in Slovenia Stane Jerko

Melania Trump is Donald Trump's wife and mother to their 10-year-old son Barron William Trump. We have seen Melania fleetingly in magazines but since the election campaign started what we have witnessed is a 'silent' Melania walking dutiful behind her husband. Who is Melania and how did she become famous?

Melania used to be a model 
Born Melania Knauss in Slovenia, Melania began modeling at the age of five. By 16, she was doing commercials. "I went professional after my studies," Melania recently told Parenting magazine (via the New York Post). "My mom loved fashion. We loved to travel and go to Italy and Paris." Melania would go on to pose for some of the most iconic fashion photographers in the business, including Patrick Demarchelier and Mario Testino. When she was 17,  it was reported that Donald Trump paid for several reporters to onterview her in 1998. During this interview which was held in Paris Melania told the reporters that she was one of the top 50 models in the world.

She comes from a poor background
 Melania was the second of two daughters. Her parents, Viktor Knavs and Amalija Ulčnik, were workers in a shuttered state textile factory in the town of Sevnica. Her mother was a seamstress and her father a driver. The family Germanized the family surname and now goes by Knauss.
Melania was born in April 1970 in Novo Mesto hospital. She also has a younger sister, Ines.
In Sevnica, where she spent her childhood, life was peaceful and safe, her school friends recalled.
"We were kids, everything was sweet at this time. We had a very nice childhood. It was a quiet atmosphere. We had almost everything we needed and more,'' said Diana Kosar.
Melania was a mature and obedient girl who sewed the best dresses for dolls, following her mother's example.

This is the apartment building where Melania's parents moved after she was born. Gerardo Reyes/Univision Investiga

 Melania's parents lived in a two-room apartment in Sevnica
They acquired the house through the housing plan of the now liquidated Jutranca textile company where they worked. After Melania was born they moved to a nearby building with an extra room.
Viktor, Melania's father, was a member of the Communist Party. Several neighbors agree that he joined more out of convenience than conviction. That ensured fewer problems with the party after his daughter was baptized in a Catholic church, like many of the family's relatives.
For some residents still living in the neighborhood, it was a surprise when they learned recently that Viktor had fathered another son out of wedlock whom he refused to acknowledge for years until a court forced him to pay child support after a paternity test.

She lied that she had a degree
Melania recently said in U.S. television interviews that she had graduated with a degree in architecture and put it on her personal website. But doubts were cast over this admission when reporters contacted the university she claimed to have attended in Europe and her name was not listed there as a graduate.

She met Donald while he was dating someone else 
Melania admitted she met Donald at a Fashion Week party in 1998 while he was still dating someone else. "He wanted my number, but he was with a date, so of course I didn't give it to him," she said. Instead, she wanted his number. The reason: she wanted to see what kind of digits he'd give her and would determine what to do from there. (Hint: personal numbers = good; business = bad.) To Melania's surprise, Donald gave her all of his numbers. "The office, Mar-a-Lago, home in New York, everything." Melania called him after she returned from a photo shoot in the Caribbean. No word on what happened to the other woman. She was 28 and he was 24 years her senior, Also, he was still married to his second wife, Marla Maples.

The Trunps

She's Trump's third wife 
Anyone who paid attention to the tabloids in the '80s and '90s knows that Donald's marriage to Melania isn't exactly his first time at the rodeo. In fact, Trump's previous two marriages were filled with the kind of gossip and scandal that would put the entire Kardashian family to shame. Trump married his first wife, Ivana, in 1977. The couple quickly became one of the most powerful and talked about duos on the New York social scene. That is, until Trump began a scandalous affair with Marla Maples, catalyzing one of the most high-profile divorces of the end of the century. Trump ultimately married Maples in 1993, about a year after his divorce from Ivana. They lasted for six long and painful years that basically kept the New York Post in business.

Melania on the cover of Vogue

Their wedding was extravagant
When you're a real estate mogul worth billions of dollars, there's no question as to whether your wedding is going to be over-the-top. Such was especially true for Donald and Melania's January 2005 nuptials at Trump's resort in Palm Beach, Florida. For the wedding, Melania wore a gown made by John Galliano, which reportedly took 1,000 hours to make, 550 hours of which were dedicated to hand-sewing 1,500 crystal rhinestones and pearls. If that wasn't enough, the guest list included everyone from Katie Couric, to former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, to American Idol judge Simon Cowell, to Billy Joel, who sang "Just the Way You Are." Ironically, former President and First Lady Bill and Hillary Clinton were also in attendance. A photo of the Trumps and Clintons smiling and laughing at the ceremony went viral at the end of 2015.

She comes from a small country and speaks Slovan
Melania's son with Donald Trump, Barron, reportedly speaks Slovenian at his mother's wish so that he can communicate with his grandparents who live in New York. She also is said to send second-hand clothes to relatives in the quiet village surrounded by pastures and vineyards where she grew up.

The Trump children and Melania

She's barely older than her step-kids 
At age 45, Melania is a mere seven years older than Donald's oldest son, Donald Trump, Jr., who is 38. Awkward, much? She's not that far off in age from Trump's other children, either; Eric, Ivanka, and Tiffany are ages 34, 32 an 22, respectively. Melania and Donald have one son together, Barron, whom they welcomed in 2006.

They have great sex
If Donald and Melania Trump move into the White House, expect them to be drastically different from, say, Ronald and Nancy Reagan—at least when it comes to talking about their personal lives. That assumption is based on a now-infamous interview that the Trumps gave to radio shock-jock Howard Stern in 1999, during which Stern probed the newly minted couple on their sex life. "We have incredible sex," Melania boasted via telephone, adding she was calling Stern in barely any clothes at all. Melania went on to say she and Donald have sex "at least once a day" and "sometimes even more.

She stays out of Donald's campaign 
If you're wondering why you don't hear or see much of Melania on the campaign trail, it's by choice. "I'm choosing not to go political in public because that is my husband's job. I'm very political in private life, and between me and my husband I know everything that is going on. I follow from A to Z," she told Harper's Bazaar in 2016. "But I chose not to be on the campaign. I made that choice. I have my own mind. I am my own person, and I think my husband likes that about me." Given her husband's outrageous viewpoints, she's probably smart to stay away.

She doesn't always agree with him
Considering Donald Trump is one of the most blunt and outspoken figures in the world, it should come as no surprise that his wife can dish it right back. In fact, Harper's Bazaar took specific note of Melania's reported "unflappability." "I give him my opinions, and sometimes he takes them in, and sometimes he does not," she told the magazine. "Do I agree with him all the time? No. I think it is good for a healthy relationship. I am not a 'yes' person. No matter who you are married to, you still need to lead your life." She adds: "I don't want to change him. And he doesn't want to change me."

Melania and Ivanka Trump: The newest fashion queens in town

Ivanka wore a $2,285 Alexander McQueen dress

Melania donned a $3,990 white luxe, Italian silk jumpsuit by Ralph Lauren  

Tiffany wore a $4350. ice blue dress by Anne Bowen

US NEWS: Presidential elect Donald Trump has not come to the political table alone, he has come with his clan which includes Melania, his wife and soon to be first lady and Ivanka, soon to be first daughter. At yesterday's election results stage event, Ivanka wore a $2,285 Alexander McQueen dress to accompany her father to the stage. Melania donned a $3,990 white luxe, Italian silk jumpsuit by Ralph Lauren and Tiffany wore an ice blue dress by Anne Bowen which came at a prize tag of about $4350. 
Get ready for more fashion and style fro the new inhabitants of the White House.

Melanai and her son Ivanka and her husband and Tiffany.

Melania in the $3,990 dress

The Trump Queens

US Elections: Why and how Hilary Clinton is losing

USA: Hilary Clinton the Democratic presidential nominee may have lost because of:
her carelessness with  state emails;

1. she is a woman;
2. she did not defend african Americans during their long troubles with the killings of black men and homelessness, education and many more;
3. she fainted during the campaign
4. her husband was a president - too much power in one family

Can you think of anything else?

USA Elections 2016: US election results LIVE: Donald Trump on course for victory as he leads by 1%

USA ELECTION RESULTS:  Donald Trump has taken an unexpected lead winning the key states of Ohio, Florida and North Carolina, he needs to win Pennsylvanian and Michigan, Wisconsin Minnesota and Arizona.
Trump is currently leading by 1%. The results now show Clinton with 215 College votes and Trump with 244. 42 states have been called. To become the president of the United States, Donald Trump will need to win 270 votes overall. 

With this new turn in events, the Singapore Nikkei 225 plunged by 5%, US Stock Futures has also plunged, India - Bombay is down by 3.5% and the Dollar has dropped by 2.5%. Dow Futures down by over 600 points and the Mexican Central Bank is holding an emergency joint news conference wit the Finance Ministry over this development.
With Trump in power, the world is set to see change financial, defence wise and politically. There is news of chers in the Trump HQ and ters in the Clinton HQ. 

This is a BREXIT Style win for Trump and an stunning defeat for Hilary Clinton. Nigel Farag of the UK will be excited no doubt!

5 Important Questions to ask Nigeria's First Lady, Aisha Buhari about her husband

First Lady of Nigeria: Aisha Buhari

I am thinking about Aisha Buhari statements with the BBC Hausa Radio Service. During the interview, she said that she was unhappy with the people who run Nigeria. First, I would like a applaud Mrs Buhari for her quiet support during the elections campaign. The saying is true that behind every successful man there is a strong woman. Also, only a smart man allows a strong woman to lead him onto success. 

According to the BBC, Mrs Aisha Buhari said that her husband, the president of Nigeria, Mohammadu Buhari appointed several people that he does not know. That's weird. Furthermore, she claims that despite being his wife of 27 years she herself does not know these people. (Stranger than fiction). But, is she meant to know them? Considering the fact that there are over 180 million Nigerians). In total 50 people were appointed and the president only knows 45.

My worry is whether we, the humble pubic needed to know this... Well, to clarify what could be going on in the Buhari household and I am sure you too will like to know, here are 5 important questions for Madam Buhari so that we can all get a better picture of what is really going on.

Question 1: 
Who are these people (people in high places who have been given presidential appointments) that you and the President do not know? 

Question 2:
Are these people a threat to you and the president? Or are they a threat to the nation? Is that why you are concerned?

Question 3:
Did you discuss your concerns with your husband before 'spilling the beans' at BBC interview? Did you realise that BBC Hausa Radio is the same as BBC Global - that it's like a global media monster with tentacles?

Question 4:
Are you trying to 'break away from the mold' - you know, the general African/male idea that a woman and wife's place is in the kitchen and of course in the bedroom...and that women should be seen not heard? Would you be standing up for the Nigerian woman whose husbands, fathers, uncles, brothers etc believe she is inferior?

Question 5:
Does your husband see you first as an intelligent human being who has smart ideas for the development of the country? For example, is there anything you are doing in your own capacity as the President's wife to develop the nation? Nigeria has numerous challenges which ones have you chosen to tackle?

These are my 5 questions for you Madam Aisha. I hope you get them and I look forward to hearing from you madam maybe not directly but through the next bold steps you will take to show us that you are truly a Nigerian woman.

Nigeria's President Buhari and his wife Aisha in public disagreement

Disagreement: Nigerian President Buhari and his wife, Aisha

NIGERIA - In a recent interview, Aisha Buhari, the wife of the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari announced she might not back her husband at the next election unless he got a grip on his government.
During the interview with the BBC's Hausa language service, Mrs Buhari, a businesswoman and activist, suggested that "a few" people had snatch power from her husband and were in control of political appointments. 
On hearing his wife's discontent, President Buhari who is in Germany is reported to have said: "I don't know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room."  
This statement has caused outrage on Facebook, Twitter and on WhatsApp. Nigerians cannot believe that President Buhari will refer to his wife as belonging to the kitchen and to the 'other room.' Is he demeaning his wife or has he used it as an endearment that his wife wife belongs to him.

But what he said afterwards makes what he means clear. The Nigerian President went on the say that having run for president three times and having succeeded at the fourth attempt, he could "claim superior knowledge over her".

So, it is about superiority, then? Watch what you say President because the 'Clinton Syndrome may invade your home!

Nigeria's 56th Independence Day - The Top 10 'Must See' Events + Burna Boy in Concert

If you still thinking about what to do today to celebrate the Nigerian independence day here is a round-up of what's on in the capital this weekend:

Before we go further, let's get a clear picture of where Nigeria is coming from. 

It has been 56 years since it gained independence from Britain. The history of Nigeria ias linked to the "Scramble for Africa." This was the invasion, occupation, division, colonization and annexation of African territory by European powers during the period of New Imperialism, between 1881 and 1914. British colonisers invaded the area now known as Nigeria and on 1 January 1901, Nigeria became a British protectorate, part of the British Empire. It was during the scramble for Africa, that the map of Nigeria was sketched. 

The British took over the territory, occupied and controlled it. The British colonisers then divided the occupied lands between the Southern Protectorate and the Northern Protectorate. The north and the south were later amalgamated by Frederick John Dealtry Lugard, the then governor of the two protectorates, in 1914. The country became independent in 1960.

This is enough reason for us to celebrate our freedom!
So here is how and where to celebrate:

Friday 30 September
Meridian Grand - North London - nearest train station: Angel Road
Viva Hall Party will be hosted in London at the Meridian Grand in North London.
Price: £21.43 – £31.85
Time: 5.30pm – 2am
For tickets and more information click here .

The Official 56th Nigerian Independence Party - CLUB 701 : 516 Old Kent Rd - nearest tube station: Queens Road Peckham/South Bermodsey
Price: £10-£15
Time: 10pm-4am
Music genres: Afrobeats, bashment, r'n'b.
For tickets and more information click here. 


Saturday 1 October
Nigeria Independence Fashion Show UK 2016 - Britannia Village Hall 65 Evelyn Rd, E16 1 - nearest tube: West Silverton (DLR)
The organisers say: "Not only are we hosting the most exciting fashion show of the year, we are paying special recognition to some very important Nigerians, taking a look back at the achievements of the country and we'll also make time to discuss improvements."
Time: Sat 1 Oct 2016 6pm-10pm
For tickets and more information click here.

Nigeria's 56th Independence Day's Anniversary - 75-79 Norwood Rd, London SE24 9AA - nearest train station is Herne Hill
Event features music, game and raffle draw and comedy shows by Nigerian comedians
Music genres: African, funk, hip hop, pop, UK garage
Price: free
Time: 7pm-12am
For tickets and more information click here.

Celebratin Nigeria's National Independence - Splendore Unique - nearest tube station: Angel
Organisers said: "Saturday we celebrate with the whole of #Nigeria on their 56th National Independence Day courtesy of @luxafrique at the world's most exclusive and renowned locations in the world, The House of Commons."
For tickets, more information and to contact the organisers, click here.

Fashion Show

The organisers say they are celebrating Nigeria's 56th Independence Day's Anniversary; 'it marks the end of British colonial rule in territories that form modern-day Nigeria. It's a free event, however we really on generous donations of the attendees for funding/ forthcoming events. It will be an evening of Fun & entertainment

The event would feature a bunch of UK artistes/ DJ.

Music by artists & DJ

Game & raffle draw

Comedy by top UK based Nigerian comedians

Hosts: Toastemasta & Honey Gee

Contact: 07440039242

Come let’s celebrate our 9ja For more click here

PLUS....

Burna Boy is performing at the Hammersmith Apollo

• Date: Oct 1 , 2016
• Days until show: Today
• Doors Time: 18:30
• Organised by  Cokobar
• On stage: 
• TICKETS SOLD OUT 

 NB: Yes o ... visit Mama Put in Peckham for her address leave a comment and I will get back to you *wink*

Happy Independence day Naija peeps!

NIGERIA @56 - PRESIDENT BUHARI'S INDEPENDENCE DAY FULL SPEECH AND VIDEO

Today – 1st October is a day of celebration for us Nigerians. On this day, 56 years ago our people achieved the most important of all human desires – freedom and independence. We should all therefore give thanks and pray for our founding fathers without whose efforts and toil we would not reap the bounties of today.

2. I know that uppermost in your minds today is the economic crisis. The recession for many individuals and families is real. For some It means not being able to pay school fees, for others it’s not being able to afford the high cost of food (rice and millet) or the high cost of local or international travel, and for many of our young people the recession means joblessness, sometimes after graduating from university or polytechnic.

3. I know how difficult things are, and how rough business is. All my adult life I have always earned a salary and I know what it is like when your salary simply is not enough. In every part of our nation people are making incredible sacrifices.

4. But let me say to all Nigerians today, I ran for office four times to make the point that we can rule this nation with honesty and transparency, that we can stop the stealing of Nigeria’s resources so that the resources could be used to provide jobs for our young people, security, infrastructure for commerce, education and healthcare.
5. I ran for office because I know that good government is the only way to ensure prosperity and abundance for all. I remain resolutely committed to this objective.
6. I believe that this recession will not last.
7. Temporary problems should not blind or divert us from the corrective course this government has charted for our nation. We have identified the country’s salient problems and we are working hard at lasting solutions.

8. To re-cap what I have been saying since the inception of this administration, our problems are security, corruption and the economy, especially unemployment and the alarming level of poverty.

9. On Security, we have made progress. Boko Haram was defeated by last December – only resorting to cowardly attacks on soft targets, killing innocent men, women and children.

10. Nigerians should thank our gallant men of the Armed Forces and Police for rescuing large areas of the country captured by insurgents. Now, residents in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, as well as several neighbouring states go about their daily business in relative safety. People can go to mosques, churches, market places in reasonable safety.
11. Commuters can travel between cities, towns and villages without fear. Credit for this remarkable turn-round should go to our Armed Forces, the Police, various sponsored and private vigilante groups, the local traditional leaders. Security is a top to bottom concern and responsibility.
12. Besides Boko Haram, we are confronting other long-running security issues, namely herdsmen vs farmers, cattle rustling, kidnappings. This Administration is firmly resolved to tackle these challenges and to defeat them.

13. A new insurgency has reared up its head in the shape of blowing up gas and oil pipelines by groups of Niger Delta Militants. This Administration will not allow these mindless groups to hold the country to ransom.

14. What sense is there to damage a gas line as a result of which many towns in the country including their own town or village is put in darkness as a result? What logic is there in blowing up an export pipeline and as a result income to your state and local governments and consequently their ability to provide services to your own people is reduced?

15. No group can unlawfully challenge the authority of the Federal Government and succeed. Our Administration is fully sympathetic to the plight of the good people of Niger Delta and we are in touch with the State Governments and leaderships of the region. It is known that the clean-up of the Ogoniland has started. Infrastructural projects financed by the Federal Government and post amnesty programme financing will continue.

16. We have however, continued to dialogue with all groups and leaders of thought in the region to bring lasting peace.

17. Corruption is a cancer which must be fought with all the weapons at our disposal. It corrodes the very fabric of government and destroys society. Fighting corruption is Key, not only to restoring the moral health of the nation, but also to freeing our enormous resources for urgent socio-economic development.

18. In fighting corruption, however, the government would adhere strictly by the rule of law. Not for the first time I am appealing to the judiciary to join the fight against corruption.
19. The Third Plank in this Administration’s drive to CHANGE Nigeria is re-structuring the economy. Economies behaviour is cyclical. All countries face ups and downs. Our own recession has been brought about by a critical shortage of foreign exchange. Oil price dropped from an average of hundred USD per barrel over the last decade to an average of forty USD per barrel this year and last.

20. Worse still, the damage perpetrated by Niger Delta thugs on pipelines sometimes reduced Nigeria’s production to below One million barrels per day against the normal two point two million barrels per day. Consequently, the naira is at its weakest, but the situation will stabilize.

21. But this is only temporary. Historically about half our dollar export earnings go to importation of petroleum and food products! Nothing was saved for the rainy days during the periods of prosperity. We are now reaping the whirlwinds of corruption, recklessness and impunity.

22. There are no easy solutions, but there are solutions nonetheless and Government is pursuing them in earnest. We are to repair our four refineries so that Nigeria can produce most of our petrol requirements locally, pending the coming on stream of new refineries. That way we will save ten billion USD yearly in importing fuel.
23. At the same time, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Central Bank have been mobilized to encourage local production of rice, maize, sorghum, millet and soya beans. Our target is to achieve domestic self-sufficiency in these staples by 2018.
24. Already farmers in thirteen out of thirty six states are receiving credit support through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Programme. Kebbi state alone this year is expected to produce one million tonnes of locally grown rice, thanks to a favourable harvest this year. As part of the 13 states, Lagos and Ogun are also starting this programme. Rice alone for example costs Nigeria two billion USD to import.

25. The country should be self-sufficient in basic staples by 2019. Foreign exchange thus saved can go to industrial revival requirements for retooling, essential raw materials and spare parts. It is in recognition of the need to re-invigorate agriculture in our rural communities that we are introducing the LIFE programme.

26. Government recognises that irrigation is key to modern agriculture: that is why the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources are embarking on a huge programme of development of lakes, earth dams and water harvesting schemes throughout the country to ensure that we are no longer dependent on rain-fed agriculture for our food requirements.

27. In addition, government is introducing Water Resources Bill encompassing the National Water Resources Policy and National Irrigation and Drainage Policy to improve management of water and irrigation development in the country. We are reviving all the twelve River Basin Authorities, namely;
I. Anambra – Imo
II. Benin – Owena
III. Chad Basin
IV. Cross River
V. Hadejia – Jama’are
VI. Lower Benue
VII. Lower Niger
VIII. Niger Delta
IX. Ogun – Osun
X. Sokoto – Rima
XI. Upper Benue
XII. Upper Niger
28. The intention is eventually to fully commercialise them to better support crop production, aqua –culture and accelerated rural development.

29. This Administration is committed to the revival of Lake Chad and improvement of the hydrology and ecology of the basin. This will tune in with efforts to rehabilitate the thirty million people affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad basin countries.

30. The second plank in our economic revival strategy is centred on the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing. The Ministry will lead and oversee the provision of critical infrastructure of power, road transport network and housing development.

31. Power generation has steadily risen since our Administration came on board from three thousand three hundred and twenty four megawatts in June 2015, rising to a peak of five thousand and seventy four megawatts in February 2016.

32. For the first time in our history the country was producing five thousand megawatts. However, renewed militancy and destruction of gas pipelines caused acute shortage of gas and constant drop in electricity output available on the grid.

33. There has been during the period June 2015 to September 2016 big improvement in transmission capacity from five thousand five hundred megawatts to the present seven thousand three hundred megawatts.

34. There were only two system collapses between June and December 2015, but due to vandalism by Niger Delta militants the over-all system suffered 16 system collapses between March and July 2016 alone. As I have said earlier, we are engaging with responsible leadership in the region to find lasting solutions to genuine grievances of the area but we will not allow a tiny minority of thugs to cripple the country’s economy.

35. In the meantime, government is going ahead with projects utilizing alternate technologies such as hydro, wind, and solar to contribute to our energy mix. In this respect, the Mambilla Hydro project, after many years of delay is taking off this year. Contract negotiations are nearing completion with Chinese firms for technical and financial commitments.
36. The project is to be jointly financed by Nigeria and the Chinese-Export-Import Bank. In addition, fourteen Solar Power Projects have had their power purchase agreements concluded. Hence the plan to produce one thousand two hundred megawatts of solar electricity for the country would be realized on schedule.
37. And in line with the objective of government to complete all abandoned projects across the country, the Rural Electrification Agency’s projects needing completion are provided for in the 2016 Budget. Bringing electricity to rural areas will help farmers, small scale and cottage industries to integrate with the national economy.

38. Roads Construction and Rehabilitation has taken off. The sum of twelve billion naira was allocated to this sector in the 2015 Budget, not enough even to pay interest on outstanding unpaid claims.

39. Notwithstanding the budgetary constraints, the current budget allocated two hundred and forty billion naira for highway projects against twelve billion naira in 2015. Many contractors who have not been paid for three years have now remobilized to sites. Seven hundred and twenty point five billion naira has so far been released this budget year to capital projects.

40. The Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has received one hundred and ninety seven point five billion naira. Work on the following highways has now resumed.
1. Dualization of Calabar – Itu Road in Cross River/Akwa Ibom States.
2. Dualization of Lokoja – Benin Road, Ehor – Benin city, Edo State.
3. Re-construction of outstanding sections of Benin – Shagamu Express way, Edo/Ogun States.
4. Expansion works on Lagos – Ibadan Dual carriageway, Ogun/Oyo States
5. Rehabilitation of Onitsha – Enugu Expressway, Anambra/Enugu States.
6. Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Enugu – Port Harcourt Dual carriageway, Abia/Rivers States.
7. Rehabilitation of Hadejia – Nguru Road, Jigawa State.
8. Dualization of Kano – Katsina Road, Kano State.
9. Dualization of Kano – Maiduguri Road, Borno State.
10. Dualization of Azare – Potiskum Road, Azare – Sharuri Road, Bauchi State.
11. Rehabilitation of Ilorin – Jebba – Mokwa – Birnin Gwari Road, Kwara State.
12. Construction of Oju/Lokoja – Oweto Bridge over River Benue, Benue State.

41. Other major highways are in the queue for rehabilitation or new construction.

42. Already contractors have recalled about nine thousand workers laid off and Government expects that several hundreds of thousands of workers will be reengaged in the next few months as our public works programme gains momentum.

43. On railways, we have provided our counterpart funding to China for the building of our standard gauge Lagos -Kano railway. Meanwhile, General Electric is investing two point two billion USD in a concession to revamp, provide rolling stock, and manage the existing lines, including the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Line. The Lagos-Calabar railway will also be on stream soon.

44. We have initiated the National Housing Programme. In 2014 four hundred million naira was voted for Housing. In 2015 nothing. Our first budget this year is devoting thirty five point six billion naira. Much of the house building will be private – sector led but Government is initiating a pilot housing scheme of two thousand eight hundred and thirty eight units uniformly spread across the 36 states and FCT.
45. We expect these units to be completed within 4 – 6 months. These experimental Nigeria House model Units will be constructed using only made in Nigeria building materials and components. This initiative is expected to reactivate the building materials manufacturing sector, generate massive employment opportunities and develop sector capacity and expertise.

46. The programmes I have outlined will revive the economy, restore the value of the naira and drive hunger from our land.

47. Abroad, Nigeria’s standing has changed beyond belief in the last 18 months. We are no longer a pariah state. Wherever I go, I have been received with un-accustomed hospitality. Investors from all over the world are falling over themselves to come and do business in Nigeria. This government intends to make business environment more friendly because we can not develop ourselves alone.

48. All countries, no matter how advanced, welcome foreign investments to their economy. This is the essence of globalization and no country in the 21st century can be an island. Our reforms are therefore designed to prepare Nigeria for the 21st century.

49. Finally, let me commend Nigerians for your patience, steadfastness and perseverance. You know that I am trying to do the right things for our country.
50. Thank you and may God bless our country.

Do you think these statements are true, that these projects and promises are possible? Leave a comment...

Nigerian Independence Day: Students protest against funding in Lagos

Today marks the 56th year after Nigeria gained her independence. You may think that should be a great milestone for a developed country but it is not. Nigeria still languishes in underdevelopment, poverty, chaotic power supply, bad infrastructure, medieval transport system and bad education.

On a day when the country should be celebrating peaceful, students in the commercial capital of Nigeria are staging a protest. Why?

The students have had enough of the lack of funding across national departments especially in the education sector. Education in Nigeria cannot even be rated internationally. The government places more emphasis on changing peoples attitudes without a solid educational structure. How do you change the minds of 180 million people if not through education?

I was in Nigeria a few weeks ago and I visited some schools in Ajah, Lagos. What I saw was beyond belief. A brand new school building yet to be opened had be used as a toilet!!! Five classes had been vandalised and fouled. You can just image the sight and smell. The pictures are too disgusting to be posted.

According to reports, the leader of the Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal Attacks, ANSA Wole Olubanji would lead a protest by Nigerian students against the attacks waged on Nigerian students and parents. 

WHAT THE STUDENTS ARE DEMANDING:

1. Education is underfunded in Nigeria so the federal government should give 26 % of its budget to education as requested by The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation UNESCO.
2. The government should reduce the salaries of political office holders immediately and slash them to the average wage and allowances of skilled workers.
3. The difference should be diverted to funding education in order to increase the creativity and productivity of the country. 

Students across the country, under the aegis of Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal Attacks, ANSA, will today, stage a mass protest in Lagos in commemoration of the 56th Independence Day in Nigeria.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/independence-day-nigerian-students-set-protest-attacks-lagos/

Students across the country, under the aegis of Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal Attacks, ANSA, will today, stage a mass protest in Lagos in commemoration of the 56th Independence Day in Nigeria. At a press briefing which took place Thursday, at the International Press Centre, Lagos, the students said they are protesting against the myriads of attacks waged on Nigerian students and parents. The convener, Comrade Wole Olubanji said the protest would take off by 8am, at Ikeja Under-bridge where students from various institutions of learning are expected to converge. PROTEST—University of Lagos students protesting the re-naming of the institution after late MKO Abiola yesterday in Lagos. According to him, the attacks on Nigerian students are induced by failed successive governments that obstinately refused to depart from the neo-liberal, pro-rich and elitist policies of previous regimes. The convener who said education was underfunded in Nigeria called on the federal government, to give 26 % of its budget to education as requested by The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation UNESCO, Also, he said it was time the government reduced the salaries of political office holders and stand against extravagant life styles of politicians. He said, “ the government continues to condone the extravagant lifestyles of political office holders with a bulk of the national budget. Change must start with cutting the jumbo salaries of these politicians. We demand this must be immediately slashed to the average wage and allowances of skilled workers. The difference, we demand, should be diverted to funding education in order to increase the creativity and productivity of this country during this period of government-induced recession.” In attendance was Secretary, Joint Action Front JAF, Comrade Abiodun Aremu who also called on government to look into the plight of Nigerian students.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/independence-day-nigerian-students-set-protest-attacks-lagos/