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Fashola Preaches Hope At Independence

Daily Champion
Mansur Oladunjoye
1 Oct. 2008

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola has called on Nigerians to face the future with optimism and not cynicism, saying the experience of the past nine years of democratic governance should give hope of tomorrow's successes.

In his Independence Day address to Lagosians, Governor Fashola said:
"Many will be tempted to focus on our failures and to lament our national deficiencies; they will compare our accomplishment to our potentials and conclude that we could have done better. But let us see the cup as half full rather than half empty", adding that it would be more beneficial to choose a more positive attitude in our assessment of the country.

He suggested that adopting a positive attitude would enable "the country to count its blessings and assess our strengths so we can have the courage and will to turn yesterday's short comings into tomorrow's successes."

Citing the experiences of some countries around the world where elections degenerated into mindless violence and virtual civil wars, where religion has been the unfortunate fountain of endless conflict and bloodshed, Fashola declared, "We have for the last nine years sustained the longest democratic experience in Nigeria's history despite the lapses of our political system", adding "At least the rule of law prevails here and Nigerian judiciary has again and again demonstrated its capacity to defend the freedom and rights of the individual.

"This is why we must face the future with courage and optimism", he said pointing out that most of the nation's pressing problems have come to the fore now because the rule of law and a more democratic climate has encouraged the open expression of grievances.

He said Nigerians must continue to build on the present achievements by strengthening democratic constitutions and processes and the rule of law pointing out that the present problems of power supply, management of our oil wealth, the economy, decaying infrastructure, unemployment and other challenges confronting the nation today were all there before June 1993 but got eclipsed by aftermath of the June 12, 1993 political debacle.

"Today we are not as distracted on the scale that we were about those issues. Today, if the truth must be told, and indeed it must, the polity is much calmer and I am convinced that this has now enabled us focus better on power, roads, security, the economy and so much more. This is as it should be and I believe that if we stay the course the solutions are within reach", the Governor said.

Governor Fashola recalled that Nigeria 's rating in the global corruption scale has improved in the last nine years adding, "We are definitely making progress. Yes, there is no excuse for the large scale misapplication and misappropriation of our resources that we experienced in the past."

On the nation's hope of being among the top 20 global economies by Year 2020, Governor Fashola said there was so much Nigerians could still do in the next 12 years to transform the nation's fortunes adding, "We can invest massively in Education at all levels to provide the pool of knowledge, skills and ideas to create opportunities out of our challenges"

"We can fast track the power sector reforms to accelerate national economic growth through uninterrupted power supply. We can rehabilitate and reconstruct the two or three most critical highways in each region within a stipulated time frame. We can give ourselves a deadline to put in place a mass transit light rail transit supply across the country. We can unleash the power of micro-finance on an unprecedented scale to lift hundreds of millions out of poverty", the Governor said adding that the only thing required was to do a few basic things that would unchain the potentials inherent in the people to enable them make a leap forward.

He called for the deepening of Federalism and restoration of greater autonomy and initiative to the states adding that this would facilitate the developmental competitiveness that drives progress in dynamic and versatile federal system.

Wishing all Nigerians a happy and fulfilling Independence Day Anniversary, Governor Fashola urged Nigerians never to underestimate the immense advantages geographical configuration and population size has bestowed on the nation. He declared: "After 48 years of co-existence, there is simply no viable alternative to one stable and indivisible Nigeria , united in our mutually enriching diversity, "adding that in Lagos State , his administration would continue" to be at the vanguard of the Nigerian renaissance by aiming in all our endeavours to meet the highest global standards."

Copyright © 2008 Daily Champion

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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Independence Anniversary - We Must Salvage Country - Buhari

Daily Trust
Abbas Jimoh
1 Oct. 2008

The presidential candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in last year's general elections, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), has called on Nigerians to salvage the country from becoming a failed state.

In his Eid-el-Fitr and independence anniversary message, Buhari regretted that Nigeria is currently classified among the Low Income Countries Under Stress (LICUS) despite the abundance of human and material resources.

"Our 48th independence anniversary has come providentially at the conclusion of Ramadan fasting, when millions of our Muslim compatriots rose to the demand of their faith for self denial, discipline and sharing with their neighbours and fellow citizens what they have for the joy of all.

"As I share the joy and blessing of the season with you, may I also solemnly call on all Nigerians to reflect deeply on how in spite of the abundant human and material resources that God endowed us with; Nigeria is still regrettably classified among Low Income Countries Under Stress (LICUS), verging on the ignominy of a failed state," Buhari said.

He said that Nigerians should deeply reflect the challenges of bad governance, unemploy-ment, corruption and widening mass poverty among others.

"In this auspicious time, I invite Nigerians to a deep reflection; bearing in mind the challenges of bad government, widening mass poverty, unemployment, poor electricity supply, bad roads and monumental corruption. "I do not need to remind you that this is the only country we have, we must therefore salvage her," he said.

The former Head of State urged Nigerians to embrace genuine democracy where peoples' vote count and sanctity of the ballot box is guaranteed.
"Accordingly, we must embrace genuine democracy where the sanctity of the ballot box is upheld, where the peoples' vote are counted and their prosperity and right of choice guaranteed," Buhari said.

Copyright © 2008 Daily Trust
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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Our Economy is Strong, Yar'Adua Assures Citizens

This Day
Juliana Taiwo
1 Oct. 2008

Despite the financial turmoil in the United States and some parts of Europe, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua has assured Nigerians that the country's economy is on a strong footing.

He also said his administration has sanitised the financial and budgetary processes and realised over N400 billion from unspent capital releases to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

In his 48th independence anniversary broadcast to the nation this morning, Yar'Adua said the economy is doing well "with an average growth rate of about 6.9 percent, a single digit inflation rate, external reserves of about $63 billion, and the Naira appreciating steadily against major currencies." The results, he said, were a consequence of his administration's policies, which are aimed at maintaining relative stability and predictability in the country's macro-economic environment.

Major companies in the US and across Europe had fallen by the way side as the financial crisis blows across the two continents. But on Monday, the US House of Representatives voted against a $700 billion emergency rescue plan for the nation's financial system.

Yar'Adua said: "Our appreciation of the enormity of our national transformation drives our steadfast pursuit of the ideals of democracy, good governance, free enterprise, and the rule of law.

"Our seven-point agenda is aimed at a structured approach to tackling the challenges which we must overcome if we are to sustainably raise the living standards of Nigerians, achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and realise our Vision 20-2020."

In what seemed a veiled response to the allegation of slow implementation of programmes and policies, Yar'Adua said his administration had resolved not to resort to "quick-fix methods and short-cuts in approaching fundamental problems which require methodical and sustainable solutions. "The review of key sectors of our national economy, which we have embarked upon so far, points to the wisdom of this approach," he said.

The President spoke on what he called the nation's physical infrastructure deficit, which he said could not sustain the level of economic development, which his administration envisioned for Nigeria. "This brings to the fore the imperative to rapidly rebuild, maintain, upgrade, and expand our critical infrastructure," he said.

Yar'Adua said his regime had also set in motion far-reaching reforms, which, according to him, had started to yield positive results. He said the government would soon provide "the most economically viable roads across the country," while aggressively pursuing a road sector development and maintenance programme estimated to cover 5,700 km.

"With respect to the railways, the government also plans to concession some existing routes including the Western and Eastern rail lines as well as the uncompleted Central line; while rehabilitating and expanding the existing rail system," he said. The President said the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission to be headed by former Head of Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan, would commence work soon.

Yar'Adua said: "In the Agricultural sector, we have resolutely pursued a policy of sustained support for small-scale farmers, and structured development of medium and large-scale agriculture. "We intend to utilise the National Resources Development Account to boost domestic production of food crops and development of agro-allied industries. Our goal is assured food security."

He also said the strengthening of the anti-corruption institutions and other law enforcement agencies was a direct consequence of our determination to institutionalise zero-tolerance for corruption. Former Health Minister, Prof. Adenike Grange, and former Minister of State for Health, Architect Gabriel Adukwu, were forced to resign on March 24, 2008 for flouting President Yar'Adua's order to return N300 million on spent funds from the ministry's 2007 vote to the nation's coffers.

"Our ultimate goal is to engender a culture of prudence, diligence, honesty, sincerity, decency, transparency, selflessness and accountability in our polity," he said.

According to the President, "We have defined for ourselves a clear national objective to which we are totally committed: the transformation of our country into a strong, stable, democratic, and progressive major player on the global stage by the year 2020.

"As we collectively face up to this challenge, I am inspired by the unquenchable spirit, the astounding drive, the passion, and consummate zeal of the average Nigerian. "Ours is an enduring story of courage, uncommon resilience and abiding faith in the common cause of fulfilling Nigeria's promise and our collective destiny."

Yar'Adua charged Nigerians to renew their faith in the country and recommit to the transformation of Nigeria.

Copyright © 2008 This Day
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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

We Recovered N400 Billion Unspent Funds - Yar'Adua

Leadership
DOCUMENT
1 October 2008

Fellow Nigerians,

As we mark forty-eight years of nationhood today, I wish to thank God Almighty for the bountiful blessings he has continually bestowed on us as a people, in spite of the many challenges that we have had to face.

My dear countrymen and women, today brings with it another opportunity for us to reflect on the trying terrain we have had to traverse these past forty-eight years, while setting our sights firmly on the boundless opportunities and exciting possibilities that lie before us.

It is also a time to reflect on the critical elements of our commonality with the rest of the African continent, the African Diaspora, and humanity at large.

Our Administration came into office, resolved to frontally face up to Nigeria's development challenges, and set the nation on an assured path to becoming a properly grounded stable democracy and one of the world's twenty largest economies by the year 2020.

We are under no illusion as to the complexity and magnitude of the task we have set ourselves. We understand that sustained economic growth is only possible if peace, security and stability are assured. We recognize that constructive engagement and productive partnership with all major stakeholders and our development partners are vital imperatives. We are aware that single-minded, people-focused, results-oriented, creative, sincere and courageous leadership is critical.

Our appreciation of the enormity of our national transformation drives our steadfast pursuit of the ideals of democracy, good governance, free enterprise, and the rule of law. Our Seven-point Agenda is aimed at a structured approach to tackling the challenges which we must overcome if we are to sustainably raise the living standards of Nigerians, achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and realize our Vision 20-2020.

We are resolved as an Administration not to resort to quick-fix methods and short-cuts in approaching fundamental problems which require methodical and sustainable solutions. The review of key sectors of our national economy, which we have embarked upon so far, points to the wisdom of this approach.

Fellow Nigerians, our economy is on a strong footing with an average growth rate of about 6.9%, a single-digit inflation rate, external reserves of about 63 billion dollars, and the Naira appreciating steadily against the major currencies. This is a consequence of our policies aimed at maintaining relative stability and predictability in Nigeria's macro-economic environment.

However, we are aware that our physical infrastructure deficit cannot sustain the level of economic development which we envision for Nigeria. This brings to the fore the imperative to rapidly rebuild, maintain, upgrade, and expand our critical infrastructure. In our quest for practical solutions to our endemic energy problems, we have set in motion far-reaching reforms which have started to yield some positive results.

We have evolved a holistic strategy for the development and rehabilitation of the nation's transport system. We intend to concession the most economically viable roads across the country, while aggressively pursuing a road sector development and maintenance programme estimated to cover 5,700 km.

With the railways, we plan to concession some existing routes including the Western and Eastern rail lines as well as the uncompleted Central line, while rehabilitating and expanding the existing rail system. Notably, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission is expected to commence work shortly.

In the Agricultural sector, we have resolutely pursued a policy of sustained support for small-scale farmers, and structured development of medium and large-scale agriculture. We intend to utilize the National Resources Development Account to boost domestic production of food crops and development of agro-allied industries. Our goal is assured food security.

In order to properly focus our efforts at fashioning out a durable solution to the crisis in the Niger Delta region, we have sustained constructive engagement with the major stakeholders. More critically, we have set up a Niger Delta Ministry to anchor, in a holistic manner, the execution of the Niger Delta Development Master Plan. We are confident that this is the way to go in meaningfully addressing the physical infrastructure and human capital development challenges which the region presents.

From inception, we have identified security and public safety as one of the critical areas of concern to both the Government and people of this country. This informs the seriousness with which we intend to implement the recommendations of the Police Reform Committee aimed at enabling the Nigeria Police effectively and efficiently meet their constitutional mandate of ensuring public safety and security, as well as the enforcement of law and order in every part of this country.

Our commitment to the entrenchment of transparency and accountability in the conduct of Government business remains unwavering. In practical demonstration of our efforts to sanitize the financial and budgetary processes, we have realized over N400 billion from unspent capital releases to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. The strengthening of the anti-corruption institutions and other law enforcement agencies is a direct consequence of our determination to institutionalize zero-tolerance for corruption.

Our ultimate goal is to engender a culture of prudence, diligence, honesty, sincerity, decency, transparency, selflessness and accountability in our polity.

Fellow Nigerians, we have defined for ourselves a clear national objective to which we are totally committed: the transformation of our country into a strong, stable, democratic, and progressive major player on the global stage by the year 2020.

As we collectively face up to this challenge, I am inspired by the unquenchable spirit, the astounding drive, the passion, and consummate zeal of the average Nigerian.

Ours is an enduring story of courage, uncommon resilience and abiding faith in the common cause of fulfilling Nigeria's promise and our collective destiny.

On this forty-eighth anniversary of our nation's independence, let us all, dear countrymen and women, renew our faith in Nigeria and recommit to the transformation of our Fatherland.

I wish you very happy celebrations.

May God continuously bless Nigeria. Thank you.

The full text of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua's address, on the 48th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria, Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Copyright © 2008 Leadership

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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm