Tech I FUTO Agog As Physics Department Hosts 42nd NIP Conference

November 18-22, 2019 ushered in a period of intellectual harvest in the revered Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) led by eminent Prof. F. C. Eze as the institution graciously hosted the 42nd Annual Conference of the famous Nigerian Institute of Physics (NIP).





The gathering of renowned intellectuals featured three different sessions to include, the Induction of new members cum Fellows of the Institute, Keynote Addresses and Presentations from distinguished physicists as well as the Technical segment.

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) was ably headed by the notable female physicist, Prof. C. A. Madu who is currently the Head of the Department of Physics in the University (FUTO).

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eze who is equally a physicist of note and a respected Fellow of the Institute (FNIP), thanked members and guests for finding time to grace the yearly occasion, as he recalled with nostalgia that the Conference was hosted last in FUTO in 2008 when he was the Dean of School of Sciences (SOSC), now divided into the School of Physical Sciences (SOPS) and School of Biological Sciences (SOBS).

In his words, the President of the NIP, Prof. H. O. Aboh remarked that the annual occasion was an avenue of showcasing the talents, skills, intellectuals and resources that lie within the scope of the Institute, hence informed that the body was determined to remain persistent in upholding the core mandates of the Conference.

The highlights of the event was the induction of some eminent members as Fellows of the NIP. Two renowned physicists of the FUTO extraction - in the persons of Prof. I. C. Ndukwe and Prof. B. C. Anusionwu - were awarded with the Fellowship honour.

The event was attended by high ranking physicists within the shores of Nigerian society and beyond such as the likes of Prof. P. N. Okeke whose name is synonymous with Physics in Nigeria.

The event, which precisely took place in the University's Hall of Excellence of 1000 capacity, saw the presence of thousands of respected professionals and captains of industries. Everyone reportedly left the venue fulfilled.

Economy II Full Text of Buhari's N10.33 trn 2020 Budget Proposal

As earlier reported by the Rostrum Economic Team, on Tuesday, 8th October 2019, the Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari graciously presented an Appropriation Bill bearing the country's 2020 budget proposal worth about 10.33 trillion naira to the Joint Session of the National Assembly (NASS). The theme of the proposed budget is "Budget of Sustaining Growth and Job Creation".

Below is the full speech of the number one citizen of the Africa's most popular and populous country:

PROTOCOLS

1. I will start by asking you to pardon my voice. As you can hear, I have a cold as a result of working hard to meet your deadline!

2. I am delighted to present the 2020 Federal Budget Proposals to this Joint Session of the National Assembly, being my first budget presentation to this 9th National Assembly.

3. Before presenting the Budget, let me thank all of you Distinguished and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, for your avowed commitment to cooperate with the Executive to accelerate the pace of our socio-economic development and enhance the welfare of our people.

4. I will also once again thank all Nigerians, who have demonstrated confidence in our ability to deliver on our socio-economic development agenda, by re-electing this Administration with a mandate to Continue the Change. We remain resolutely committed to the actualization of our vision of a bright and prosperous future for all Nigerians.

5. During this address, I will present highlights of our budget proposals for the next fiscal year. The Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning will provide full details of these proposals, subsequently.

OVERVIEW OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IN 2019

6. The economic environment remains very challenging, globally. The International Monetary Fund expects global economic recovery to slow down from 3.6 percent in 2018 to 3.5 percent in 2020. This reflects uncertainties arising from security and trade tensions with attendant implications on commodity price volatility.


7. Nearer to home, however, Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to continue to grow from 3.1 percent in 2018 to 3.6 percent in 2020. This is driven by investor confidence, oil production recovery in key exporting countries, sustained strong agricultural production as well as public investment in non-dependent economies.

8. Mr. Senate President; Right Honourable Speaker; I am pleased to report that the Nigerian economy thus far has recorded nine consecutive quarters of GDP growth. Annual growth increased from 0.82 percent in 2017 to 1.93 percent in 2018, and 2.02 percent in the first half of 2019. The continuous recovery reflects our economy’s resilience and gives credence to the effectiveness of our economic policies thus far.

9. We also succeeded in significantly reducing inflation from a peak of 18.72 percent in January 2017, to 11.02 percent by August 2019. This was achieved through effective fiscal and monetary policy coordination, exchange rate stability and sensible management of our foreign exchange.

10. We have sustained accretion to our external reserves, which have risen fromUS$23 billion in October 2016 to about US$42.5 billion by August 2019. The increase is largely due to favourable prices of crude oil in the international market, minimal disruption of crude oil production given the stable security situation in the Niger Delta region and our import substitution drive, especially in key commodities.

11. The foreign exchange market has also remained stable due to the effective implementation of the Central Bank’s interventions to restore liquidity, improve access and discourage currency speculation. Special windows were created that enabled small businesses, investors and importers in priority economic sectors to have timely access to foreign exchange.

12. Furthermore, as a sign of increased investor confidence in our economy, there were remarkable inflows of foreign capital in the second quarter of 2019. The total value of capital imported into Nigeria increased from US$12 billion in the first half year of 2018 to US$14 billion for the same period in 2019.

PERFORMANCE OF THE 2019 BUDGET

13. Distinguished and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, you will recall that the 2019 ‘Budget of Continuity’ was based on a benchmark oil price of US$60 per barrel, oil production of 2.3 mbpd, and an exchange rate of N305 to the United States Dollar. Based on these parameters, we projected a deficit of N1.918 trillion or 1.37 percent of Gross Domestic Product.

14. As at June 2019, Federal Government’s actual aggregate revenue (excluding Government-Owned Enterprises) was N2.04 trillion. This revenue performance is only 58 percent of the 2019 Budget’s target due to the underperformance of both oil and non-oil revenue sources. Specifically, oil revenues were below target by 49 percent as at June 2019. This reflects the lower-than-projected oil production, deductions for cost under-recovery on supply of premium motor spirit (PMS), as well as higher expenditures on pipeline security/maintenance and Frontier exploration.

15. Daily oil production averaged 1.86 mbpd as at June 2019, as against the estimated 2.3 mbpd that was assumed. This shortfall was partly offset as the market price of Bonny Light crude oil averaged US$67.20 per barrel which was higher than the benchmark price of US$60.

16. Additionally, revenue projections from restructuring of Joint Venture Oil and Gas assets and enactment of new fiscal terms for Production Sharing Contracts did not materialize, as the enabling legislation for these reforms is yet to be passed into law.

17. The performance of non-oil taxes and independent revenues such as internally generated revenues were N614.57 billion and N217.84 billion,respectively.

18. Receipts from Value Added Tax were below expectations due to lower levels of activities in certain economic sectors, in the aftermath of national elections. Corporate taxes were affected by the seasonality of collections, which tend to peak in the second half of the calendar year.

19. On the expenditure side, 2019 Budget implementation was also hindered by the combination of delay in its approval and the underperformance of revenue collections. As such, only recurrent expenditure items have been implemented substantially. Of the prorated expenditure of N4.46 trillion budgeted, N3.39 trillionhad been spent by June 30, 2019.

20. In compliance with the provisions of the 2018 Appropriation Act, we implemented the 2018 capital budget till June 2019. Capital releases under the 2019 Budget commenced in the third quarter. As at 30th September 2019, a total of about N294.63 billion had been released for capital projects. I have directed the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to release an additional N600 billion of the 2019 capital budget by the end of the year.

21. Despite the delay in capital releases, a deficit of N1.35 trillion was recorded at end of June 2019. This represents 70 percent of the budgeted deficit for the full year.

22. Despite these anomalies, I am happy to report that we met our debt service obligations, we are current on staff salaries and overhead costs have also been largely covered.

2020 BUDGET PRIORITIES

23. Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members, let me now turn to the 2020 Appropriation, which is designed to be a budget of:

a. Fiscal consolidation, to strengthen our macroeconomic environment;

b. Investing in critical infrastructure, human capital development and enabling institutions, especially in key job creating sectors;

c. Incentivising private sector investment essential to complement the Government’s development plans, policies and programmes; and

d. Enhancing our social investment programs to further deepen their impact on those marginalised and most vulnerable Nigerians.

PARAMETERS & FISCAL ASSUMPTIONS UNDERPINNING THE APPROPRIATION BILL AND THE FINANCE BILL

24. Distinguished and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, the 2020-2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) set out the parameters for the 2020 Budget. We have adopted a conservative oil price benchmark of US$57 per barrel, daily oil production estimate of 2.18 mbpd and an exchange rate of N305 per US Dollar for 2020.

25. We expect enhanced real GDP growth of 2.93% in 2020, driven largely by non-oil output, as economic diversification accelerates, and the enabling business environment improves. However, inflation is expected to remain slightly above single digits in 2020.

26. Accompanying the 2020 Budget Proposal is a Finance Bill for your kind consideration and passage into law. This Finance Bill has five strategic objectives, in terms of achieving incremental, but necessary, changes to our fiscal laws. These objectives are:

a. Promoting fiscal equity by mitigating instances of regressive taxation;

b. Reforming domestic tax laws to align with global best practices;

c. Introducing tax incentives for investments in infrastructure and capital markets;

d. Supporting Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses in line with our Ease of Doing Business Reforms; and

e. Raising Revenues for Government.

27. The draft Finance Bill proposes an increase of the VAT rate from 5% to 7.5%. As such, the 2020 Appropriation Bill is based on this new VAT rate. The additional revenues will be used to fund health, education and infrastructure programmes. As the States and Local Governments are allocated 85% of all VAT revenues, we expect to see greater quality and efficiency in their spending in these areas as well.

28. The VAT Act already exempts pharmaceuticals, educational items, and basic commodities, which exemptions we are expanding under the Finance Bill, 2019. Specifically, Section 46 of the Finance Bill, 2019 expands the exempt items to include the following:

a. Brown and white bread;

b. Cereals including maize, rice, wheat, millet, barley and sorghum;

c. Fish of all kinds;

d. Flour and starch meals;

e. Fruits, nuts, pulses and vegetables of various kinds;

f. Roots such as yam, cocoyam, sweet and Irish potatoes;

g. Meat and poultry products including eggs;

h. Milk;

i. Salt and herbs of various kinds; and

j. Natural water and table water.

29. Additionally, our proposals also raise the threshold for VAT registration to N25 million in turnover per annum, such that the revenue authorities can focus their compliance efforts on larger businesses thereby bringing relief for our Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses.

30. It is absolutely essential to intensify our revenue generation efforts. That said, this Administration remains committed to ensuring that the inconvenience associated with any fiscal policy adjustments, is moderated, such that the poor and the vulnerable, who are most at risk, do not bear the brunt of these reforms.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REVENUE ESTIMATES

31. The sum of N8.155 trillion is estimated as the total Federal Government revenue in 2020 and comprises oil revenue N2.64 trillion, non-oil tax revenues of N1.81 trillion and other revenues of N3.7 trillion. This is 7 percent higher than the 2019 comparative estimate of N7.594 trillion inclusive of the Government Owned Enterprises.


32. The increasing share of non-oil revenues underscores our confidence in our revenue diversification strategies, going forward. Furthermore, in our efforts to enhance transparency and accountability, we shall continue our strict implementation of Treasury Single Account (TSA) to capture the domiciliary accounts in our foreign missions and those linked to Government Owned Enterprises.

PLANNED 2020 EXPENDITURE

33. An aggregate expenditure of N10.33 trillion is proposed for the Federal Government in 2020. The expenditure estimate includes statutory transfers of N556.7 billion, non-debt recurrent expenditure of N4.88 trillion and N2.14 trillion of capital expenditure (excluding the capital component of statutory transfers). Debt service is estimated at N2.45 trillion, and provision for Sinking Fund to retire maturing bonds issued to local contractors is N296 billion.

STATUTORY TRANSFERS

34. The sum of N556.7 billion is provided for Statutory Transfers in the 2020 Budget and includes:

a. N125 billion for the National Assembly;

b. N110 billion for the Judiciary;

c. N37.83 billion for the North East Development Commission (NEDC);

d. N44.5 billion for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF);

e. N111.79 billion for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC); and

f. N80.88 billion for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which is now supervised by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

35. We have increased the budgetary allocation to the National Human Rights Commission from N1.5 billion to N2.5 billion. This 67 percent increase in funding is done to enable the Commission to perform its functions more effectively.

RECURRENT EXPENDITURE

36. The non-debt recurrent expenditure includes N3.6 trillion for personnel and pension costs, an increase of N620.28 billion over 2019. This increase reflects the new minimum wage as well as our proposals to improve remuneration and welfare of our Police and Armed Forces. You will all agree that Good Governance, Inclusive Growth and Collective Prosperity can only be sustained in an environment of peace and security.

37. Our fiscal reforms shall introduce new performance management frameworks to regulate the cost to revenue ratios for Government Owned Enterprises, which shall come under significant scrutiny. We will reward exceptional revenue and cost management performance, while severe consequences will attend failures to achieve agreed revenue targets.

38. We shall also sustain our efforts in managing personnel costs. Accordingly, I have directed the stoppage of the salary of any Federal Government staff that is not captured on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) platform by the end of October 2019. All agencies must obtain the necessary approvals before embarking on any fresh recruitment and any contraventions of these directives shall attract severe sanctions.

39. Overhead costs are projected at N426.6 billion in 2020. Additional provisions were made only for the newly created Ministries. I am confident that the benefits of these new Ministries as it relates to efficient and effective service delivery to our citizens significantly outweighs their budgeted costs.

40. That said, the respective Heads of MDAs must ensure strict adherence to government regulations regarding expenditure control measures. The proliferation of Zonal, State and Liaison Offices by Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (‘MDAs’), with attendant avoidable increase in public expenditure, will no longer be tolerated.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

41. As I mentioned earlier, investing in critical infrastructure is a key component of our fiscal strategy under the 2020 Budget Proposals. Accordingly, an aggregate sum of N2.46 trillion(inclusive of N318.06 billion in statutory transfers) is proposed for capital projects in 2020.

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42. Although the 2020 capital budget is N721.33 billion (or 23 percent) lower than the 2019 budget provision of N3.18 trillion, it is still higher than the actual and projected capital expenditure outturns for both the 2018 and 2019 fiscal years, respectively. However, at 24 percent of aggregate projected expenditure, the 2020 provision falls significantly short of the 30 percent target in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017-2020.

43. The main emphasis will be the completion of as many ongoing projects as possible, rather than commencing new ones. MDAs have not been allowed to admit new projects into their capital budget for 2020, unless adequate provision has been made for the completion of ALL ongoing projects.

44. Accordingly, we have rolled over capital projects that are not likely to be fully funded by the end of 2019 into the 2020 Budget. We are aware that the National Assembly shares our view that these projects should be prioritised and given adequate funding in the 2020 Appropriation Act.


45. Therefore, I will once again commend the 9thNational Assembly’s firm commitment to stop the unnecessary cycle of delayed annual budgets. I am confident that with our renewed partnership, the deliberations on the 2020 Budget shall be completed before the end of 2019 so that the Appropriation Act will come into effect by the 1st of January.

46. Some of the key capital spending allocations in the 2020 Budget include:

a. Works and Housing: N262 billion;

b. Power: N127 billion;

c. Transportation: N123 billion;

d. Universal Basic Education Commission: N112 billion;

e. Defence: N100 billion;

f. Zonal Intervention Projects: N100 billion;


g. Agriculture and Rural Development: N83 billion;

h. Water Resources: N82 billion;

i. Niger Delta Development Commission: N81 billion;

j. Education: N48 billion;

k. Health: N46 billion;

l. Industry, Trade and Investment: N40 billion;

m. North East Development Commission: N38 billion;

n. Interior: N35 billion;

o. Social Investment Programmes: N30 billion;

p. Federal Capital Territory: N28 billion; and

q. Niger Delta Affairs Ministry: N24 billion.

47. Although Government’s actual spending has reduced, our plans to leverage private sector funding through our tax credit schemes will ensure our capital programmes are sustained.

48. For example, we launched the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, pursuant to which I have approved the construction and rehabilitation of 19 Nigerian roads and bridges of 794.4km across 11 States. Indeed, the Scheme has attracted private investment of over N205 billion and the first set of tax credits are being processed by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

49. As I mentioned during my Independence Day Speech, under the Presidential Power Initiative, we will modernise the National Grid in 3 phases; starting from 5 Gigawatts to 7 Gigawatts, then to 11 Gigawatts by 2023, and finally 25 Gigawatts afterwards in collaboration with the German Government and Siemens.

BUDGET DEFICIT

50. Budget deficit is projected to be N2.18 trillion in 2020. This includes drawdowns on project-tied loans and the related capital expenditure.

51. This represents 1.52 percent of estimated GDP, well below the 3 percent threshold set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007, and in line with the ERGP target of 1.96 percent.

52. The deficit will be financed by new foreign and domestic borrowings, Privatization Proceeds, signature bonuses and drawdowns on the loans secured for specific development projects.

DEBT SERVICE

53. Nigeria remains committed to meeting its debt service obligations. Accordingly, we provided the sum of N2.45 trillion for debt service. Of this amount, 71 percent is to service domestic debt which accounts for about 68 percent of the total debt. The sum of N296 billion is provided for theSinking Fund to retire maturing bonds issued to local contractors.

54. I am confident that our aggressive and re-energised revenue drive will maintain debt-revenue ratio at acceptable and manageable levels. We will also continue to be innovative in our borrowings by using instruments such as Sukuk, Green Bonds and Diaspora Bonds.

SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME

55. Our government remains committed to ensuring the equitable sharing of economic prosperity. Our focus on inclusive growth and shared prosperity underscores our keen interest in catering for the poor and most vulnerable. Accordingly, we are revamping and improving the implementation of the National Social Investment Programme through the newly created Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

56. The National Social Investment Programme is already creating jobs and economic opportunity for local farmers and cooks, providing funding to artisans, traders, youths, and supporting small businesses with business education and mentoring.


57. The provision of N65 billion for the Presidential Amnesty Programme has been retained in the 2020 Budget. Furthermore, to fast track the rebuilding efforts in the North East region, a provision of N37.83 billion has been made for the North East Development Commission.

OTHER STRATEGIC PRIORITIES IN 2020

58. The 2020 Budget is expected to accelerate the pace of our economic recovery, promote economic diversification, enhance competitiveness and ensure social inclusion. We are optimistic of attaining higher and more inclusive GDP growth in order to achieve our objective of massive job creation and lifting many of our citizens out of poverty.

59. The efficiency of port operations will also be enhanced by implementing a single customs window, speeding up vessel and cargo handling and issuing more licenses to build modern terminals in existing ports, especially outside Lagos.

60. Furthermore, completing the reforms to the governance and fiscal terms of the Petroleum Industry will provide certainty and attract further investments into the sector. A consequence of this will be increase in jobs and in government’s take. I therefore seek your support in passing into law two Petroleum Industry Executive Bills I will be forwarding to you shortly.

61. In addition, we need to quickly review the fiscal terms for deep offshore oil fields to reflect the current realities and for more revenue to accrue to the government. The Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract (Amendment) Bill 2018, was submitted to the 8th National Assembly in June 2018 but was unfortunately not passed into law.

62. I will be re-forwarding the Bill to this Assembly very shortly and therefore urge you to pass it. We estimate that this effort can generate at least 500 million US dollars additional revenue for the Federal Government in 2020, and over one billion dollars from 2021.

63. Whilst the Budget is our principal fiscal tool to achieve these socio-economic development targets, we remain committed to prudently planning for our future economic prosperity. In this regard, I have directed the reconstituted Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to commence preparations towards the development of successor medium - and long-term economic development plans, particularly as the Nigeria Vision 20-2020 and the ERGP expire next year.

CONCLUSION

64. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, this speech would be incomplete without, once again, commending the patriotic resolve of the 9th National Assembly to collaborate with the Executive in the effort to deliver inclusive growth and enhance the welfare our people. I assure you of the strong commitment of the Executive to deepen the relationship with the National Assembly.

65. As you review the 2020-2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), as well as the 2020 Budget estimates, we believe that the legislative process will be quick, so as to restore the country to the January-December financial year.

66. It is with great pleasure therefore, that I lay before this Distinguished Joint Session of the National Assembly, the 2020 Budget Proposals of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

67. I thank you most sincerely for your attention.

68. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Stay tuned to Rostrum!

INDEPENDENCE I Full Text of Buhari's 59th Independence Day Speech

On 1st October 2019, the acclaimed Africa's giant clocked 59 since she gained her Independence in 1960 from the British colony.

In the early hours of the day, the country's President, Muhammadu Buhari graciously addressed the citizens via the electronic media, spending about thirty minutes on the broadcast.

The full speech of the Nigeria's number one citizen is as given below:


Dear Compatriots,

1st October each year is an opportunity for us to reflect and thank God for his endless blessings on our country.

2. It is also a time for us, collectively, to:

3. Remember the sacrifices made by our Founders and great leaders past; by soldiers, by distinguished public servants; by traditional leaders, by our workers ---- sacrifices on which Nigeria has been built over the 59 years since Independence in 1960; and How I started from mum's laptop to big job at Facebook - Nigerian man

4. Rededicate ourselves to attaining the goals which we have set for ourselves: a united, prosperous and purposeful nation in the face of 21st century opportunities and challenges.

5. In the past four years, the majority of Nigerians have committed to Change for the Better. Indeed, this Administration was re-elected by Nigerians on a mandate to deliver positive and enduring Change – through maintaining our National Security; restoring sustainable and inclusive Economic Growth and Development; and fighting Corruption against all internal and external threats.

6. This Change can only be delivered if we are united in purpose, as individuals and as a nation. We must all remain committed to achieving this positive and enduring Change. As I stated four years ago, “Change does not just happen… We must change our lawless habits, our attitude to public office and public trust… simply put, to bring about change, we must change ourselves by being law-abiding citizens.”

SECURITY:
7. Good Governance and Economic Development cannot be sustained without an enabling environment of peace and security. In the last four years, we have combatted the terrorist scourge of Boko Haram. We owe a debt of gratitude to our gallant men and women in arms, through whose efforts we have been able to achieve the present results. We are also grateful to our neighbours and allies – within the region and across the world – who have supported us on this front.

8. The capacity of our armed forces to defend our territorial integrity continues to be enhanced by the acquisition of military hardware as well as continued improvements in the working conditions of our service men and women.

9. The Ministry of Police Affairs has been resuscitated to oversee the development and implementation of strategies to enhance internal security. My recent assent to the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Act has created a legal framework to support our Police with increased fiscal resources to enhance their law enforcement capabilities.

10. These initiatives are being complemented by the ongoing recruitment of 10,000 constables into the Nigeria Police Force. This clearly demonstrates our commitment to arrest the incidence of armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across our nation.

11. We remain equally resolute in our efforts to combat militant attacks on our oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta and accelerate the Ogoni Clean-up to address long-standing environmental challenges in that region.

12. The recent redeployment of the Niger Delta Development Commission from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs underscores our commitment to enhance the living standards of our communities in the Niger Delta, through coordinated and appropriate programmes.

13. Our attention is increasingly being focused on cyber-crimes and the abuse of technology through hate speech and other divisive material being propagated on social media. Whilst we uphold the Constitutional rights of our people to freedom of expression and association, where the purported exercise of these rights infringes on the rights of other citizens or threatens to undermine our National Security, we will take firm and decisive action.

14. In this regard, I reiterate my call for all to exercise restraint, tolerance and mutual respect in airing their grievances and frustrations. Whilst the ongoing national discourse on various political and religious issues is healthy and welcome, we must not forget the lessons of our past – lessons that are most relevant on a day such as this.

15. The path of hatred and distrust only leads to hostility and destruction. I believe that the vast majority of Nigerians would rather tread the path of peace and prosperity, as we continue to uphold and cherish our unity.

ACCELERATING SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE ECONOMY GROWTH
16. This Administration inherited a skewed economy, where the Oil Sector comprised only 8% of Gross Domestic Product but contributed 70% of government revenue and 90% foreign exchange earnings over the years. Past periods of relatively high economic growth were driven by our reliance on Oil Sector revenues to finance our demand for imported goods and services. Regrettably, previous governments abandoned the residual Investment-driven Non-Oil Sector, which constituted 40% of Gross Domestic Product and comprised agriculture, livestock, agro-processing, arts, entertainment, mining and manufacturing activities that provide millions of jobs for able-bodied Nigerians and utilize locally available raw materials and labour for production.

17. To address this imbalance, our commitment to achieving economic diversification has been at the heart of our economic strategies under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, which I launched on the 5th of April, 2017.

18. This medium-term development plan charted the trajectory for our economy to exit from recession and return to the path of sustainable, diversified and inclusive growth for Nigerians. Pursuant to these reforms, the economy has recovered and we have had 9 successive quarters of growth since our exit from recession. The exchange rate in the last 3 years has remained stable, with robust reserves of US$42.5 billion, up from US$23 billion in October 2016.

19. Learning from the mistakes of the past, this Administration is committed to responsibly managing our oil wealth endowments. We will continue to prudently save our oil income and invest more in the non-oil job-creating sectors.

20. In this regard, we are significantly increasing investments in critical infrastructure. Last year, capital releases only commenced with the approval of the Budget in June 2018. However, as at 20th June this year, up to N1.74 trillion had been released for capital projects in the 2018 fiscal year.

21. Implementation of the 2019 Capital Budget, which was only approved in June 2019, will be accelerated to ensure that critical priority projects are completed or substantially addressed. The Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning has been directed to release N600 billion for Capital Expenditure in the next 3 months.

22. To maximise impact, we shall continue to increasingly welcome and encourage private capital for infrastructural development through Public Private Partnerships. Through the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, which I initiated in January this year, we are giving incentives to private sector inflow of over N205 billion in 19 Nigerian roads and bridges of 794.4km across in 11 States of the Federation.

23. As we push to diversify the economy, we still remain focused on optimizing the revenues generated from the oil and gas sector. We will, working with the Legislature, soon pass the Petroleum Industry Bill and amendments to the Deep Offshore Act and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act into law, to ensure Government obtains a fair share of oil revenues, whilst encouraging private sector investment.

24. We will also continue our fight against illegal bunkering of crude oil and the smuggling of refined petroleum products across our borders, including the diligent prosecution and conviction of offenders found guilty of these acts. Whilst Nigeria remains committed to free and fair continental and international trade, we will not hesitate to take all necessary steps to tackle illegal smuggling, transshipment and other predatory trade practices that destroy jobs in our country.

25. We are resolute in reforming the power sector. In August this year, we launched the Presidential Power Initiative to modernize the National Grid in 3 phases: starting from 5 Gigawatts to 7 Gigawatts, then to 11 Gigawatts by 2023, and finally 25 Gigawatts afterwards. This programme, in partnership with the German Government and Siemens, will provide end-to-end electrification solutions that will resolve our transmission and distribution challenges.

26. The programme will also look to localize the development and assembly of smart meters as well as the operations and maintenance capabilities of transmission and distribution infrastructure.

27. I am pleased with the improved inter-agency collaboration between the Ministry of Power and the regulators in the banking and power sectors to ensure that electricity sales, billings and collections are automated and become cashless.

28. These initiatives are important to ensure that the technical and collection losses in the sector are substantially reduced. I remain confident that Nigerians will have affordable and uninterrupted electricity supply in the not too distant future.

29. Our efforts to improve the power sector will complement other infrastructure investments projects under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, which is investing in the Mambilla Power Plant project, as well as key economic road infrastructure such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Second Niger Bridge and Abuja-Kano Expressway. The first set of these projects remain on track to be completed by 2022.

30. Our journey to food security and self-sufficiency is well underway. We have made remarkable progress in almost all segments of the agriculture value chain, from fertilizers to rice, to animal feed production. We shall sustain these policies to ensure additional investments are channeled, thereby creating more jobs in the sector. We must not go back to the days of importing food and thereby exporting jobs.

31. Our commitment to achieving macroeconomic stability and economic diversification, has been underscored by the merger of the Ministry of Finance with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.

32. This combined Ministry has the important mandate to enhance the management of domestic and global fiscal risks; coordinate policies with the trade and monetary authorities; raise and deploy revenues to fund budgeted expenditure; and integrate annual budgets and medium-term fiscal strategies.

33. With this, our revenue-generating and reporting agencies will come under much greater scrutiny, going forward, as the new performance management framework will reward exceptional revenue performance, while severe consequences will attend failures to achieve agreed revenue targets.

34. I recently constituted an Economic Advisory Council to advise me on inclusive and sustainable macroeconomic, fiscal and monetary policies. This independent body will work with relevant Cabinet members and the heads of key monetary, fiscal and trade agencies to ensure we remain on track as we strive for collective prosperity. However, we are also committed to ensure that the inconvenience associated with any painful policy adjustments, is moderated, such that the poor and the vulnerable, who are most at risk, do not bear the brunt.

35. Our ongoing N500 billion Special Intervention Programme continues to target these vulnerable groups, through the Home-grown School Feeding Programme, Government Economic Empowerment Programme, N-Power Job Creation Programme, loans for traders and artisans, Conditional Cash Transfers to the poorest families and social housing scheme.

36. To institutionalize these impactful programmes, we created the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development which shall consolidate and build on our achievements to date. To the beneficiaries of these programmes, I want to reassure you that our commitment to social inclusion will only increase.

37. Our population growth rate remains amongst the highest in the world, presenting both challenges as well as opportunities. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that we provide adequate resources to meet the basic needs of our teeming youth.

38. Accordingly, we shall continue to invest in education, health, water and sanitation, as well as food security, to ensure that their basic needs are met, while providing them with every opportunity to live peaceful, prosperous and productive lives.

FIGHTING CORRUPTION AND RESTORING GOOD GOVERNANCE:
39. On fighting corruption, our institutional reforms to enforce the Treasury Single Account policy, introduce the Whistle-blowers’ Initiative, expand the coverage of the Integrated Payroll Personnel and Information System as well as the Government Integrated Management Information System have saved billions of Naira over the last four years, and deterred the rampant theft and mismanagement of public funds that have plagued our public service.

40. The Ministry of Justice, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will continue to address this menace. We are determined to ensure that transparency and good governance are institutionalized in public service.

41. We must commit to installing a culture of Good Governance in all we do. This Administration has fought against corruption, by investigating and prosecuting those accused of embezzlement and the misuse of public resources. We have empowered teams of prosecutors, assembled detailed databases of evidence, traced the proceeds of crimes and accelerated the recovery of stolen funds.

42. Furthermore, we partnered with our friends abroad to combat tax evasion, smuggling, terrorism and illicit financial flows. In June 2018, I assented to the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, to provide a domestic legal framework for obtaining international assistance in criminal matters.

43. This measure has already strengthened our law enforcement agencies in obtaining evidence, investigating suspects and facilitating the recovery, forfeiture and confiscation of property implicated as proceeds of crime.

44. An example is the US$300 million recently identified as part of the Abacha money-laundering case, working closely with the Government of the United States of America. The Federal Ministry of Justice is working with the US Department of Justice to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding to expedite the repatriation of these funds.

45. The P & ID Arbitral Award has underscored the manner in which significant economic damage has been caused by the past activities of a few corrupt and unpatriotic Nigerians.

46. The policies that we are putting in place today are to ensure such criminal and unpatriotic acts do not go without consequences. Our renewed partnership with the 9th National Assembly will facilitate the swift passage of enabling laws that will institutionalize these anti-corruption efforts in our criminal justice system.

47. In this connection, I call upon our States to intensify their own efforts to instill greater fiscal transparency and accountability. And to ensure greater fiscal efficiency and optimum use of our very scarce resources.

48. The blight of Corruption is fighting back. Nevertheless, this is a battle that we shall see through and this is a war, which we shall win by the Grace of God.

49. I will also call upon all Nigerians, from every walk of life, to combat Corruption at every turn. By choosing to question and confront corrupt practices, by reporting unethical practices or through whistleblowing. Together, we can overcome corruption and will no longer be a country defined by corruption.

50. Fellow Nigerians, let me reiterate my call for unity across our dear nation.

51. Nigeria will emerge from our present challenges stronger and more resilient than ever – but only if all of us join hands to entrench Good Governance, foster Inclusive Economic Development, and defend and protect our Nation from all those who would wish us ill.

52. I thank you most sincerely and wish you a happy independence anniversary. 53. May God bless you all, and may He continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria


Stay Tuned to: Rostrum

ShortStory II Unseen Palace Queen

By Fred Nwaozor

The fascinating story of the duo commenced jokily but eventually metamorphosed into a serious movie.

They – Bethel and Martha – were seemingly less busy at the time being fresh graduates of university and secondary citadel, respectively. It suffices to assert that they ostensibly had all the time in the world to create a beautiful world of their own and choice. The conspicuous free moment was perhaps the driving force.

It all began on a Monday, precisely 10th December 2012, as they were separately as usual catching fun on the then most famous social media platform popularly known as ToGo. It was a memorable fateful day, to assert the least.

“Hi pretty!” the dude greeted in grand style.
It was about 8:25 pm, hence the best moment to engage a total stranger in a rigorous chat. Theirs wouldn’t be an exception.

“Hello handsome!” responded the damsel after a reasonable suspense.
The girl was unarguably pretty to the best of his knowledge, having painstakingly considered the appearance of her gorgeously displayed profile picture.

“Good to have you here.” He tendered in a jiffy. “You are indeed a very beautiful creature.” He hurriedly applauded.

“Thanks.” She wrote. “I appreciate.”

From her response thus far, he needn’t be told she was the jovial and lively type.

“You are welcome, dearie.”

The chatting was apparently progressive as could be boldly observed by anyone within the scene.

“This is Bethel.” He introduced graciously.

“Martha.” She succinctly supplemented.

The online conversation, in the long run, disclosed countless unknown identities to each participant, such – but not limited to – as Facebook account names, phone numbers, as well as participants’ localities and social cum academic statuses.

The first interaction lasted for hours before they called it a quit. This was so unusual among online pals. The duration of the unexpected chat seemed as if the duo had before then known each other for ages. A lot was really deliberated on their first encounter.

The chap gallantly went to bed, felt fulfilled, after the long chat. That ought to probably be the feeling of the damsel, who thanked the guy for his companionship prior to their departure from the platform.

Martha, 18 and hails from Agulu in Aniocha Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State but lived in Nkpor within Onitsha with her lovely family, was a fresh school leaver who had a strong dream – thus was deeply in need of a company that would spur her to go for the best. Bethel of Imo State was apparently a suitable match to this noble aspiration.

The friendship, online though, was getting every attention it required as the duo would be invariably busy on a daily basis discussing not just trivial issues but serious ones. This smoothly progressed to an extent that some of their respective siblings were informed of the union, even though they were yet to meet.

The both parties involved enjoyed the togetherness as they could testify to the good moments emanating from the unending electronic conversations.

The remarkable experience continued unabated till further notice. Subsequently, the chatting transcended to Facebook and became more lively and scintillating to the delight of the duo.

The frequent discussions revealed she was chocolate skin-coloured, slim and tall, whilst he was average, chocolate and equally slim. They were pleased with the descriptions, hence stuck passionately to each other.

He wasn’t just a friend, but equally a brother and counsellor as she was bold and proud enough to testify the unalloyed benefits being derived from the seeming divine friendship.

On his part, the feelings weren’t different. She wasn’t just a pal but endlessly seen as a heart-mender and soul-mate despite the distance, that, he couldn’t spend a whole day without hearing from – or reaching out to – her.

Martha whose native name was given to be Nkiru, was no doubt absorbed by Bethel as a palace queen who couldn’t be spotted anywhere around the royal dynasty. Days, weeks and months passed, yet the awaited physical presence of her majesty was not felt by the naturally-crowned young king.

The aforementioned bitter experience was the painful and ugly side of the splendid story. In spite of the unbearable pains, he waited patiently, yet to no avail. The excruciating effect of the ordeal was so severe and untold.

It’s noteworthy that she equally wished and longed to meet with him, but unfortunately couldn’t at the time possess the needed power and immunity to make out time for the foreseen meeting.

Sadly enough, months down the line, they lost contact unannounced owing to unexplained circumstances, perhaps resulting from change of contacts and what have you. This further resulted in a monstrous situation.

He was thereafter merely consoled by the pleasant look of the softcopy of her photographs, which were in his possession. Pathetically, that rather constituted more harm than good.

Amid the anguish and nightmares, he only sought consolation from the Creator who he thought had the needed powers to bring the unseen queen back. But still, ‘Angel’ – as he fondly called her – was nowhere to be found despite the frantic efforts made.

“Could it be real?” the dude soliloquized at one lonely night while deeply filled with nostalgia as he lay moodily in his sad bed. “When will this end?” he added soberly.

As days rolled by, all he could imagine was when he would once again come across her, but all the lofty daydreams couldn’t materialize into realities. The futile nature of the anticipation brought another devastating moment in his precious life.

As God would have it, two years later – 2014 to be precise, he reconnected with her via the social media after which it was cemented through phone calls.

This time, she was an undergraduate, studying Mass Communication in the revered Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) and already in the second year of the degree programme.

It was like dream-come-true, though the reunion never yielded a physical meeting between the duo contrary to their wishes and prayers, particularly that of the dude.

“Could it be their fate?” a keen observer might ask.
Nevertheless, the chap remained resolute and resilient, perhaps due to his scientific experience. It has been on record that engineers, or scientists generally, have a unique way of doggedly pursuing something even when the scenario seems so challenging. He had been a graduate of Electrical Engineering from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU, Zaria in Kaduna State. Thus, he refused to see it as a mirage.

Oh, they lost contact again after some months. Afterwards, all his moves to find her proved abortive. She couldn’t be located on any social media and all her phone numbers remained unreachable or unavailable.

He saw hell as this very moment lingered, and remained helpless and unsure of what the next second entailed. Yet, there was obviously a burning desire to reunite with that same lady who had thus far caused him sleepless nights.

“I must see to the end of this endless journey.” exclaimed the lover boy, in one of his usual lonely moods. “I will never give up.”

The rest is history, please!


FDN Nwaozor
-Novelist, Playwright & Poet-
_________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador

N.B: This short story was scripted on 10/12/2016

BREAKING I "Okorocha Didn't Handover To Ihedioha" ---- Duru

The Principal Secretary to Chief Rochas Okorocha, the immediate past Governor of Imo State, Mr. Emeka Duru had publicly disclosed that the earstwhile governor never handed over to the current government led by Chief Emeka Ihedioha.



According to our correspondent, Mr. Duru unequivocally stated this during the swearing-in ceremony conducted for the newly appointed aides of the new Executive Governor at the Sam Mbakwe Expanded ExCo Chamber, Government House, Owerri on Monday, 3rd June 2019.

It would however be recalled that the Okorocha claimed that he was leaving a total sum 42.5 billion naira in the government coffers as his take-off funds and equally informed Imolites that a formal handover had been conducted, before he left the office as the number one citizen of the State.

Governor Ihedioha had, therefore, directed the Head of Service of the State, Mrs. Ama Eluwa and the said Principal Secretary to ensure proper handover of documents and government properties from all outgoing/outgone heads of government Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) as well as all aides of the former governor within 24 hours of the directive.

Stay tuned to Rostrum365 for more news at your doorstep!

BREAKING I Ihedioha Swears in Onyeaguocha as SGI, five Others

Governor Emeka Ihedioha has graciously sworn in Chief Uche Onyeaguocha as the Secretary to the Government of Imo State(SGI) at the Government House in Owerri on 3rd June 2019.



Onyeagucha, a lawyer and an indigene of Owerri-West Local GOvernment Area (LGA) of the State, studied at the University of Calabar (UniCal) as well as Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST)where he graduated with degrees in History and Law, respectively.

He represented Owerri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007 and has previously held the position of Special Adviser on Policy and Strategic Matters to the immediate past governor of the State, Rochas Okorocha.

Governor Ihedioha equally sworn in Chief Chris Okewulonu as the Chief Of Staff (COS) to the Governor.

Okewulonu, who was the Chairman of the Inauguration Committee of the Ihedioha-led government, is also a legal practitioner by training. He has reportedly held key positions of trust in government.

He had served as a member of the Imo House of Assembly, Commissioner in the state, as well as Secretary to the Imo State Government, respectively.

He was later appointed the Federal Commissioner, representing the South East in Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Abuja.

He was the Director-General of Ihedioha Campaign Organisation (2013 2015) and hails from Obowo LGA of the state.

The Governor equally sworn in Mr. Chima Nwana as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor.

Nwana is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), Maritime Law Consultant, Chartered Mediator, and governance expert.

He has diverse public service experience, previously serving variously as Special Assistant to the Federal Ministers of Commerce and Industry as well as Employment, Labour and Productivity.

He has also been a member of key Federal Government committees, including Presidential Committee on Maritime Security and Ministerial Committee on National Transport Commission.

Similarly, Mr. Chinemerem Madu was decorated as the Governor's Chief of Protocols.

Madu, holds a B.Sc. and MBA degrees from the University of Lagos and became Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ezinihitte LGA in 2009.

In the same vein, Mr. Steve Osuji and Chibuike Onyeukwu, who were the first set of appointtees of the governor, were respectively inaugurated as SA, Media and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

In his speech, the Governor who wished them well in their various consignments, was optimistic that the appointees would bring their vast experiences to bear in their respective positions.


Stay tuned to Rostrum365 for more!

Opinion I As Power Changes Hand in Imo, What Next?

By Fred Doc Nwaozor



The last time I checked, just like most other states across Nigeria and the country in general, political power would unarguably be changing hands in Imo on this day being May 29, 2019.
At the moment, every dick and harry domiciled in Nigeria, Imo in particular, is apparently well informed concerning how critical the current state of the nation is, especially as regards the political circle.
The Nigerian 1999 Constitution, as amended, boldly stipulates that every elected political leader in the country shall reign in his/her office for a period of four years, upon which fresh elections would be conducted by the electoral umpire to usher in another set of elected leaders.
Since the commencement of the Fourth Republic in 1999 with the emergence of Chief Achike Udenwa as the first democratically-elected Governor of the Eastern Heartland in the said era, the State would be witnessing its fifth interregnum today, meaning literally that the ongoing republic has graciously clocked twenty.
The fourth interregnum saw the enthronement of Chief Rochas Okorocha as the fourth democratically-elected Governor in this era for a second term in office. This 5th power transition is ushering in Chief Emeka Ihedioha as the fifth elected Executive Governor of the State in the 4th republic.
The Udenwa’s administration was predicated on “Redemption” mantra. Subsequently, that of Chief Ikedi Ohakim was centered on “Clean and Green Initiative”. Whilst that of Okorocha was based on “Rescue Mission’ mantra. The just enthroned Ihedioha’s government is reportedly going to focus on “Restoration”. It’s noteworthy that, in all, what matters to the people is governance.
Nigeria as a country has really gone a long way, both in politics and life generally. Her contemporary democratic system has equally covered a tremendous distance thus far having transcended to the point of witnessing five different interregnums.
Nigeria truly deserves some tangible accolades having proceeded this far and been able to sustain a system of government that’s much and widely celebrated across the global community. She has indeed done novel in the eyes of the discerning onlookers.
But how prepared and keen are the teeming Nigerians, Imolites in particular, to continue enjoying this democracy? This is a question every concerned mind would like to ask. One may equally ask; is democracy actually enjoyable?
The candid answer to the latter is Yes. Democracy is arguably enjoyable in all ramifications, because its elements are unequalled compared to other systems of government. It has been popularly opined in various climes that the worst democracy is better than the best autocracy among others.
Aside the key rudimentary features, such as freedom of speech and what have you, that make a democratic pattern very unique, it’s the only system that imbues the people with the power to enthrone and recall any elected officer, as the case may be.
Beside all these beauties, the greatest of all lies in governance. Democracy ably allocates power to the people to decide the type of governance to be instituted in their respective lands. Hence, institution of good or bad governance mainly depends on the people.
The aforementioned facts indicate that the people possess the power to repulse any despotic government as it pleases them. Several occurrences, both in the past and present, have showcased that the beauty of democracy is unparalleled and unquantifiable.
However, the citizenry cannot smoothly sustain democracy by talking down on their leaders. As much as we perceive unfair or uncalled leadership, it’s as well pertinent to acknowledge that a redress cannot be actualized by tendering destructive criticism or other related reactions.
As Imo witnesses yet another interregnum that’s ushering in Chief Ihedioha, every facet – to include the government, the governed and the onlookers – is expected to keenly and painstakingly embrace a rethink in all their doings towards meaningfully contributing their respective quotas in the days ahead.
The best thing that would happen to any leader is to be widely celebrated while in office and having left the arena. It’s worth noting that no leader can receive such manner of encomium from the followers if he fails to lead sincerely and passionately.
Leadership pays only when the leader extract any element of prank from his day-to-day leadership stride. So, if a certain leader truly wants to be loved by the people, he must endeavour to unconditionally carry everyone along in his scheme of work.
On the other hand, followership equally pays only when the follower extract any form of partisanship in his/her daily doings. It takes the candid efforts of both the leaders and the followers to bring the anticipated good governance.
On their part, the onlookers who may not be citizens of the country or state, as might be the case, are also expected to remain rational and impartial at all times. As they make effort to contribute their quota, they mustn’t come up with anything targeted to disrupt the existing peace or that would bring disunity among the entire citizens/residents.
As Ihedioha comes on board in his leadership of ‘restoration’, I urge him to strictly focus on pertinent and critical issues or matters that would critically help to strengthen the socio-economic base of the Eastern Heartland. He ought to be able to eject sycophants or bad bloods from his team in its entirety.
It’s noteworthy that the state in its entirety is in need of viable policies that would strengthen peace and unity among the overall residents of the state. Anything short of this would be irrational and disastrous.
Similarly, the new governor must equip his caucus with good number of eligible technocrats – who must be truly Imolites – to enable him aptly pilot the craft to the desired destination. He should therefore not hesitate to jettison the ones found to be bad as the journey progresses.
For Imo to get and remain better, we all must be ready to tell ourselves nothing but the truth. So, as I candidly congratulate Mr. Governor for this golden moment as well as wish him well, I enjoin His Excellency to take into cognizance that Imolites are earnestly in need of nothing less than gold.
Hence, he shouldn’t be reminded that the expectations of Imolites are very high, thus the need to concentrate solely on the priorities to the detriment of frivolities. This is a fact the new government mustn’t joke with if it’s truly ready to do the needful.
Chief Ihedioha alongside Engr. Gerald Irona who has hitherto been well informed about the State ought not to be notified of what Imo actually needs at the moment. Think about it!

Comrade Fred Doc Nwaozor, National Coordinator of Right
Thinkers Movement writes via frednwaozor@gmail.com

Tech I As Buhari Returns, Nigeria Seeks Technological Move

By Fred Nwaozor



At the moment, every dick and harry domiciled in Nigeria is apparently well informed concerning how critical the current state of the nation is, especially as regards the political circle.
The Nigerian 1999 Constitution, as amended, boldly stipulates that every elected political leader in the country shall reign in his/her office for a period of four years, upon which fresh elections would be conducted by the electoral umpire to usher in another set of elected leaders.
Since the commencement of the Fourth Republic in 1999 with the emergence of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the first democratically-elected President in the said era, the country is witnessing its fifth interregnum today being May 29, 2019, meaning literally that the ongoing republic has graciously clocked twenty.
The fourth interregnum saw the enthronement of Muhammadu Buhari as the fourth democratically-elected President in this era. Consequently, the 5th power transition, as being witnessed today, shall once again usher in the said political leader as the fifth elected president of the country in the 4th republic.
The above paragraph signifies that this interregnum is witnessing the return of the just concluded administration, which is predicated on a change mantra with its prime intention of ending corruption, insecurity and revamping the overall economy.
Nigeria as a country has really gone a long way, both in politics and life generally. Her contemporary democratic system has equally covered a tremendous distance thus far having transcended to the point of witnessing five different interregnums.
Nigeria truly deserves some tangible accolades having proceeded this far and been able to sustain a system of government that’s much and widely celebrated across the global community. She has indeed done novel in the eyes of the discerning onlookers.
But how prepared and keen are the teeming Nigerians to continue enjoying this democracy? This is a question every concerned mind would like to ask. One may equally ask; is democracy actually enjoyable?
The candid answer to the latter is Yes. Democracy is arguably enjoyable in all ramifications, because its elements are unequalled compared to other systems of government. It has been popularly opined in various climes and schools of thought that the worst democracy is better than the best autocracy, among others.
Aside the key rudimentary features, such as freedom of speech and what have you, that make a democratic pattern very unique, it’s the only system that imbues the people with the power to enthrone and recall any elected officer, as the case may be.
Beside all these beauties, the greatest of all lies in governance. Democracy ably allocates power to the people to decide the type of governance to be instituted in their respective lands. It suffices to assert that institution of good or bad governance mainly depends on the people.
The aforementioned facts indicate that the people possess the power to repulse any despotic government as it pleases them. Several occurrences, both in the past and present, have showcased that the beauty of democracy is unparalleled and unquantifiable.
However, the citizenry cannot smoothly sustain democracy by talking down on their leaders. As much as we perceive unfair or uncalled leadership, it’s as well pertinent to acknowledge that a redress cannot be actualized by tendering destructive criticism or other related reactions.
As Nigeria witnesses yet another interregnum that’s returning President Buhari for a second term in office, every facet – to include the government, the governed and the onlookers – is expected to keenly and painstakingly embrace a rethink in all their doings towards meaningfully contributing their respective quotas in the days ahead.
The best thing that would happen to any leader is to be widely celebrated while in office and having left the arena. It’s worth noting that no leader can receive such manner of encomium from the followers if he fails to lead sincerely and passionately.
Leadership pays only when the leader extract any element of prank from his day-to-day leadership stride. So, if a certain leader truly wants to be loved by the people, he must endeavour to unconditionally carry everyone along in his scheme of work.
On the other hand, followership equally pays only when the follower extract any form of partisanship in his/her daily doings. It takes the candid efforts of both the leaders and the followers to bring the anticipated good governance.
On their part, the onlookers who may not be citizens of the country or society are also expected to remain rational and impartial at all times. As they make effort to contribute their quota, they mustn’t come up with anything targeted to disrupt the existing peace or that would bring disunity among the entire citizens/residents.
As Buhari continues in his leadership of change, I urge him to strictly focus on national issues or matters that would critically help to strengthen national unity. He ought to be able to eject sycophants or bad bloods from his team in its entirety.
Similarly, the president must equip his caucus with good number of eligible technocrats – who must be truly Nigerians – to enable him aptly pilot the craft to the desired destination. He should therefore endeavour to consolidate on his good works during the first dispensation and be willing to jettison the ones reckoned to be bad.
For Nigeria to get and remain better, we all must be ready to tell ourselves nothing but the truth. So, as I candidly congratulate Mr. President for this golden moment, I enjoin His Excellency to take into cognizance that Nigerians are earnestly in need of nothing less than gold.
In view of this, he shouldn’t be reminded that this is the time to face the reality squarely. Reality must, therefore, be faced with all manners of seriousness and attention irrespective of the level of challenges to be encountered in the process.
As Buhari returns, Nigeria seeks technological-based issues, especially matters bordering on manufacturing and communication industries, the agricultural, mining and refinery sectors as well as taxation and the civil service at large.
The tech-driven issues related to these areas must be given a key and urgent attention with a view to intensifying the diversification mantra of the last dispensation.
Yes, a lot has already been put in place to boost the manufacturing wing, but it’s imperative to acknowledge that until the dwindling power sector is aptly addressed, we’ll never arrive at the desired point.
In the same vein, the agric sector has obviously witnessed a good and convincing attention by the Buhari-led administration. Moreover, it’s high time the country fully embraced mechanization of agricultural production and processing, particularly by the commercial farmers. Hence, the government should endeavour to subsidize the required machineries.
It’s equally time we started deploying thorough forensic measure in addressing various ongoing taxation crises. Issues regarding multiple taxation can be duly checked by the concerned authorities via forensic approach. Governments at all levels are expected to follow suit towards boosting their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base.
Technological measure is also needed in the country’s civil service in fighting unending existing syndromes such as ghost-workers, age falsification or in-service rebranding of ages and other related pranks continually played by most Nigerian public servants.
Time has really come for us to get it right as a people, technological wise, hence this second missionary journey of Buhari ought to comprehend what Nigeria actually seeks at this critical moment.
We, especially our leaders, must understand that countries like China and others are fast becoming the world power simply because each of them duly embraced the language of technology. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, Policy Analyst, Rights Activist &
Tech Exert writes via frednwaozor@gmail.com

Analysis I As Nigeria Witnesses Another Interregnum

By Fred Doc Nwaozor



At the moment, every dick and harry domiciled in Nigeria is apparently well informed concerning how critical the current state of the nation is, especially as regards the political circle.
The Nigerian 1999 Constitution, as amended, boldly stipulates that every elected political leader in the country shall reign in his/her office for a period of four years, upon which fresh elections would be conducted by the electoral umpire to usher in another set of elected leaders.
Since the commencement of the Fourth Republic in 1999 with the emergence of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the first democratically-elected President in the era, the country would be witnessing its fifth interregnum on May 29, 2019, meaning literally that the ongoing republic has graciously clocked twenty.
The fourth interregnum saw the enthronement of Muhammadu Buhari as the fourth democratically-elected President in this era. The 5th power transition is once again ushering in the said political leader as the fifth elected president of the country in the 4th republic.
The above paragraph signifies that this interregnum is witnessing the return of the just concluded administration, which is predicated on a change mantra with its prime intention of ending corruption, insecurity and revamping the overall economy.
Nigeria as a country has really gone a long way, both in politics and life generally. Her contemporary democratic system has equally covered a tremendous distance thus far having transcended to the point of witnessing five different interregnums.
Nigeria truly deserves some tangible accolades having proceeded this far and been able to sustain a system of government that’s much and widely celebrated across the global community. She has indeed done novel in the eyes of the discerning onlookers.
But how prepared and keen are the teeming Nigerians to continue enjoying this democracy? This is a question every concerned mind would like to ask. One may equally ask; is democracy actually enjoyable?
The candid answer to the latter is Yes. Democracy is arguably enjoyable in all ramifications, because its elements are unequalled compared to other systems of government. It has been popularly opined in various climes that the worst democracy is better than the best autocracy among others.
Aside the key rudimentary features, such as freedom of speech and what have you, that make a democratic pattern very unique, it’s the only system that imbues the people with the power to enthrone and recall any elected officer, as the case may be.
Beside all these beauties, the greatest of all lies in governance. Democracy ably allocates power to the people to decide the type of governance to be instituted in their respective lands. Hence, institution of good or bad governance mainly depends on the people.
The aforementioned facts indicate that the people possess the power to repulse any despotic government as it pleases them. Several occurrences, both in the past and present, have showcased that the beauty of democracy is unparalleled and unquantifiable.
However, the citizenry cannot smoothly sustain democracy by talking down on their leaders. As much as we perceive unfair or uncalled leadership, it’s as well pertinent to acknowledge that a redress cannot be actualized by tendering destructive criticism or other related reactions.
As Nigeria witnesses yet another interregnum that’s returning President Buhari for a second term in office, every facet – to include the government, the governed and the onlookers – is expected to keenly and painstakingly embrace a rethink in all their doings towards meaningfully contributing their respective quotas in the days ahead.
The best thing that would happen to any leader is to be widely celebrated while in office and having left the arena. It’s worth noting that no leader can receive such manner of encomium from the followers if he fails to lead sincerely and passionately.
Leadership pays only when the leader extract any element of prank from his day-to-day leadership stride. So, if a certain leader truly wants to be loved by the people, he must endeavour to unconditionally carry everyone along in his scheme of work.
On the other hand, followership equally pays only when the follower extract any form of partisanship in his/her daily doings. It takes the candid efforts of both the leaders and the followers to bring the anticipated good governance.
On their part, the onlookers who may not be citizens of the country or society are also expected to remain rational and impartial at all times. As they make effort to contribute their quota, they mustn’t come up with anything targeted to disrupt the existing peace or that would bring disunity among the entire citizens/residents.
As Buhari continues in his leadership of change, I urge him to strictly focus on national issues or matters that would critically help to strengthen national unity. He ought to be able to eject sycophants or bad bloods from his team in its entirety.
Similarly, the president must equip his caucus with good number of eligible technocrats – who must be truly Nigerians – to enable him aptly pilot the craft to the desired destination. He should therefore endeavour to consolidate on his good works during the first dispensation and be willing to jettison the ones reckoned to be bad.
For Nigeria to get and remain better, we all must be ready to tell ourselves nothing but the truth. So, as I candidly congratulate Mr. President for this golden moment, I enjoin His Excellency to take into cognizance that Nigerians are earnestly in need of nothing less than gold.
In view of this, he shouldn’t be reminded that this is the time to face the reality squarely. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, National Coordinator of Right Thinkers Movement
writes via frednwaozor@gmail.com

Tech I Impact Of Telecommunication On Nigerian Society

By Fred Nwaozor



May 17 each year, the global community commemorates the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD). This implies that the 2019 edition of the remarkable event was celebrated penultimate week.
In November 2006, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) during its plenipotentiary conference held in Antalya, Turkey resolved to celebrate both the World Telecommunication Day and World Information Society Day collectively on a day instead of celebrating them separately or individually as they were initially commemorated.
In respect of the above resolution, the organization called on the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to declare May 17 of every year as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. The day was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the ITU.
The annual World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is aimed at raising awareness on the possibilities that the use of the Internet/cyberspace and other Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can yield powerful societies and economies, and also help to bridge the digital divide.
Telecommunication can be defined as the science and activity of sending signals and messages over a long distance by the use of electronic or electrical equipment such as radio, television, telegraph, telephone, computer, cable, and satellite. The term is often used in its plural form – telecommunications, because it involves many different technologies.
Telecommunication – otherwise known as telecom – occurs when the exchange of information between two entities or individuals includes the use of technology. Communication technology uses channels to transmit information as electrical signals, either over a physical medium such as signal cables, or in the form of electromagnetic waves.
It’s worthy of note that ancient means of communicating over a distance included visual signals namely, beacons, smoke signals, semaphore telegraphs, signal flags and optical heliographs.
A revolution in wireless communication began in the first decade of the 20th century with the pioneering developments in radio communications by Guglielmo Marconi who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909.
Other highly notable pioneering inventors and developers in the field of electrical and electronic telecommunications include Charles Wheatstone, Samuel Morse, Alexander Graham Bell, Edwin Armstrong, Lee de Forest, John Logie Baird and Philo Farnsworth.
Telecommunication, which is one of the major factors that constitute an information society, has obviously contributed immensely towards nation-building. Indeed, the impact of telecommunications on the social, economic and political development of any country in existence cannot be overemphasized.
Telecommunication has helped vastly in so many areas of human endeavour including information dissemination, easy access to news reportage, education, politics, creation of awareness, advertisement, entertainment, as well as job creation and career cum entrepreneurship development.
The availability of telecommunication has enabled people the world over irrespective of age or status to easily access information even in their bedroom. The stated fact is obvious and indisputable.
The recent introduction of the social media, which can be assess via Smartphones and other related gadgets, has succeeded in boosting several personal cum business activities which were formally done on a low pace with the use of the old telecommunication systems such as television and radio, et cetera.
The provision of the visual satellite dishes has also assisted people from all walks of life to greatly appreciate the use of the television, either domestically or industrially, as a result of its ability to simultaneously assess every facet of the globe at all times.
To say the least, the transmission or dissemination of visual signals with the aid of the television alongside newspapers has helped profoundly in marketing of goods and services. This has been enthused by many schools of thought.
The impact of telecommunication on education has become so enormous that it cannot be expressed on a mere sheet of paper. Of course, the functionality of the various distant learning programmes situated all over, which are increasing on a daily basis, wouldn’t have been possible without the telecommunication system such as the internet.
More so, the series of educative programmes, soap operas, and what have you, being televised by the various television stations across the country and beyond can equally be included as one of the avenues that have encouraged distant learning.
As regards politics, the telecom has recently proven to the citizenry that they can as well observe any electoral activity such as voting and counting of election results from their respective homes without stepping out of their respective premises.
The 2014 Presidential primary election conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) prior to the 2015 general elections, which was observed by every concerned Nigerian both home and abroad, was a good example of the said practice. Such a step has helped to improve transparency during elections, thereby avoiding occurrence of various possible electoral malpractices and crises.
On a similar note, the inevitable and essential role of the telecommunication was equally felt in the just concluded general elections across the federation. During each of the events, concerned Nigerians were able to painstakingly observe at the comfort of their homes or wherever.
It’s not anymore news that millions of the citizens are currently employed by several telecom companies operating in the country. Statistics show that over twenty percent (20%) of Nigerians are presently engaged with various telecom firms.
It suffices to assert that the telecom industry is, at the moment, one of the major employers of labour in the Nigerian society, likewise other countries across the globe. The facts are conspicuous and verifiable.
Though telecommunication technologies play a very vital role in the information society and socio-economic development of any nation, it’s noteworthy that there are several anomalies needed to be addressed in the sector.
A situation whereby uncensored films, pictures, music or what have you are disseminated either via the television or the social media is totally unwholesome to the state of any nation, thus ought to be looked into severely by the apt authorities in the Nigerian society such as the Nigerian Communications Communication (NCC) and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The legislative bodies are equally not left out in putting up formidable laws that would tactically assist in checking the aforementioned societal menace. The implementation of such proposed bills, if eventually passed into law, should severely be handled by the executive arm.
As the world commemorate the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, the governments at all levels in collaboration with the various concerned agencies ought to prepare a stiff measure that would address the various ongoing questionable acts taking place in the said sector including propaganda, fraud, and all forms of immorality. This, no doubt, would go a long way towards sustaining sanity in the system.
On the other hand, this is also a moment to remind all the broadcasting stations within the shores of the country coupled with the NCC and Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) that the proposed switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting, in line with the ITU earlier directive, ought to be treated as sacrosanct hence shouldn’t be lingered any longer. In view of this, the awaited practice ought to be seen as long overdue.
For Nigeria as a country to truly grow in the area of telecommunication and allied matters, all relevant bodies must be up and doing as well as strictly stick to the rules as they variously carry out their statutory obligations.
Telecommunication has undoubtedly assisted tremendously in boosting business prospect and awareness mechanism of every existing locality or entity, but it’s worth noting that a sound and healthy informed society can only be achieved if its telecommunication system is duly regulated by the apt stakeholders.
Aside regulation, the persons and corporate bodies making use of the telecom shouldn’t be told or reminded that whatever that’s worth doing is worth doing well. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, Policy Analyst, Rights Activist &
Tech Expert, writes via frednwaozor@gmail.com

BreakingNews I Traditional Marriage Invitation

Opinion I The FUTO Four, Nigeria's Tertiary Institutions and Others

By Fred Doc Nwaozor



The last time I checked, Imo as a State had been bedevilled with a case pertaining to drug abuse. And in this regard, she has from the onset remained jittery over what the state’s future entails.
It’s not anymore news that two weeks back, four students reported to be of the revered Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) kicked the bucket having indulged themselves in intake of prohibited drugs.
The report, however, disclosed that three of the deceased were of FUTO extraction while the remaining one who happened to be the only female in their midst was of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede (FEDPONEK), though the authority of the latter has refuted the alleged studentship of the female victim in the institution.
The three male undergraduates, who passed on immediately after the ugly practice, were reportedly found dead in their lodge situated off-campus, precisely Umuchima at Ihiagwa in Owerri-West Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State, whilst the female casualty was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent resuscitation but eventually joined the rest to their early grave.
The lamentable and unspeakable incident, which rightly revealed that the deceased persons took some substances related to Tramadol and Codeine, took place on 3rd April 2019 during the late hours of the day.
Ever since the bad omen occurred, concerned Imolites and Nigerians in general have not ceased to ask themselves what the future of our various tertiary institutions of learning entails. The affected families who have been abruptly thrown into a mourning mood are equally not left out in this obvious state of sober.
Of course, it’s only a sadist that wouldn’t be saddened by the unexpected event because its unbearable consequence indicates that if drastic and apt measures aren’t taken, these citadels of learning might be headed for a doom state soonest.
But come to think of it; where have we really gone wrong? What actually informed all these uncalled practices indulged by our numerous students, particularly the undergraduates? We have overtime been challenged by the menace of cultism, and now we are facing drug abuse.
If such acts could occur among students of FUTO, it means there’s a high tendency that it is already taking place in virtually all other tertiary institutions located across the nooks and crannies of the federation. Read my lips!
The above assertion is informed by the notion that FUTO appeared to be the least of all the institutions in Nigeria I thought its students could be related to any kind of drug abuse, because in the said university, there’s virtually no tangible time for leisure let alone having any for anti-social vices.
It would interest you to realize that the university in question is my alma-mater. While we were on campus as undergraduates – particularly those of us in Physics/Electronics, years ago, we barely had reasonable time for recreation or various usual social activities such as playing football, clubbing, award nights and student politicking, let alone that of vices. The only activity I and my likes hardly cough up time for was student unionism and activism.
Even during our time, cultism was not really an ill of great concern in the university. It was at intervals the crime was relatively being heard of in some quarters, and in most cases, it never involved the FUTO students. I’m not saying such a societal menace wasn’t occurring on the campus or being indulged in by the students, but it was hardly heard of.
This recent incident of drug abuse is a conspicuous indication that our various higher citadels of learning have lately degenerated into an untold state, hence the compelling need for the relevant authorities to start thinking inwards and differently on how to aptly and timely address the myriad of ills.
It’s more appalling when realized that our secondary schools’ students have equally followed suit or joined the chorus. The incidence of uncalled practices among our young ones is not only found in the tertiary schools but also in the secondary ones. The news have been on that these students of secondary institutions of learning have for quite some time now been creating series of cult groups in their respective jurisdictions; and till date, the news haven’t changed.
It’s indeed disheartening, to assert the least, to hear that these young ones when sent to school to study for the sake of their future, they rather indulge into all sorts of immoralities and illegalities or what have you. Sadly enough, it has been reported that they usually take these illicit drugs to motivate them in sexual acts. What a world!
It’s really sad to note that when their contemporaries are busy thinking and making frantic attempt on how to impress their parents/guardians by making good grades after sitting for their examinations, they are rather concerned on how to bring shame to their households. What a shame and irony of life!
What’s actually the way forward? It has been discovered that most of our present days’ parents or guardians pay so much attention to their businesses, trades, offices or what have you, to the detriment of their children’s upbringing, thereby endangering their future.
These affected guardians ought to have a rethink by continually checking on their wards whom had been sent to distant schools, either via phone calls or whatever possible means. In addition, they should be ready to pay unscheduled visit to these guys from time to time.
It’s also irritating that the wealthy parents are invariably fond of sending any sum of money, upon request, to their children without hesitation. This set of guardians ought to comprehend that only necessary or needed funds should be made available to these students, so they wouldn’t go about constituting nuisance with their ‘heavy/loaded’ pockets.
The schools’ authority should, on their part, equally make candid efforts towards constructing as many on-campus hostels as possible, so that their students would be compelled to reside on the campus. Additionally, measures ought to be mapped out on how to checkmate those living off campus.
Similarly, the various schools’ management shouldn’t hesitate to expel any student found or caught in any ungodly act or who is being reported and confirmed to have been part of any illicit group parading itself on the campus. Expulsion shouldn’t in any way be optional or negotiable but strictly compulsory while issuing relevant penalty over these uncalled acts.
The governments at all levels should equally expedite action toward ensuring that these illicit drugs are holistically banned in their various jurisdictions. It’s saddening to understand that the sale of drugs like Codeine and Tramadol, among others, have been banned by the Federal Government, yet they are currently being sold by various pharmacies and patent drug dealers. Hence, apt and severe approach ought to be introduced by governments to tactically end these illegal practices.
All in all, the youth or students who indulge in this kind of wayward life ought to take into cognizance that they are variously endangering their precious lives, hence the compelling need to turnaround or have a rethink. You can't be constituting nuisance while others are concerned about how to become great representatives in the wider society.
As I candidly commiserate with the entire FUTO management ably led by a no nonsense academic/disciplinarian and well-celebrated industrial physicist Prof. Francis Eze as well as the affected families over the painful and irreparable loss, I urge us to henceforth map out a decisive measure towards ending this kind of catastrophic action and other related lingering ones.
If we don’t act now, I’m afraid, we may soonest be told that the country’s future is doomed. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, a Policy Analyst & Rights Activist,
is the National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement