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BRF At 55 : Greying Gracefully, Going on with Gusto

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By HAKEEM BELLO

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In November 2010, in a tribute to Stephen J. Solarz, a former nine-term New York congressman, Douglas Martin wrote that he was a “torrent of activity” supporting it with a statement issued by the late lawmaker’s office that “during his first six months in Congress, he made 12 speeches on the House floor, co-sponsored 370 bills, held 11 news conferences, made 24 trips to his district and attended 99 events there, visited 23 subway stations, sent constituents 513,720 pieces of mail and took an 18-day tour of the Middle East.”

In October 2015, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, was honoured amongst seven distinguished personalities with an award named for Stephen J Solarz by the International Crisis Group.

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From his eight-year tenure as the governor of Lagos State to his two-year-plus as Nigeria’s minister of Power, Works and Housing, our own BRF has, as the global conflict-prevention organisation acknowledged in conferring the honour on him, been a “relentless fighter for the improvement of people’s lives…”

Barely a month after the global recognition of BRF’s “commitment to resolving social, economic and security challenges in one of the world’s most challenging urban environments”, President Muhammadu Buhari tapped him to join him in tackling the nation’s multifarious infrastructural challenges.

Ever since, the three-in-one ministry has witnessed a “torrent of activity” towards the making life more meaningful for Nigerians of all strata.

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Has he lived up to the recognition of the ICG and the confidence reposed in him by President Buhari to deliver?

His 55th birthday on 28 June affords us the opportunity to not only answer that question but also look at The Essential BRF.

For BRF, results rather than excuses should count towards measuring a leader’s gravitas. So, not for him any argument which suggests that , comparing an executive position with an appointive capacity within a complex federation such as Nigeria is like comparing apples with oranges. Not even if you illustrate with the now-common fiasco over the national budget as an example of a barrier to effective delivery of much-expected services to the people.

Any unbiased but informed observer would, unhesitantly, proffer that, within those constraints, and with the unwavering support from his principal, the minister has demonstrated unflinching commitment to reducing Nigeria’s infrastructural deficit to the barest minimum, one project at a time, across Nigeria’s 36 states.

One thing you can’t take away from BRF is his penchant for, to use a favourite word of his, dimensioning any problem, no matter how seemingly gargantuan. He is the master of drilling down. His staff at the ministry will attest to how, from the day of his inauguration, he has been engaging everyone in marathon consultations, sometimes into the night, to be able to put every problem in proper perspective and then ensuring that the job gets done – without any short-cut.

A DEVELOPMENT MATRIX

For him, nothing should be done superficially. Let’s take work on roads. He starts with the premise that good roads will help reflate and grow the nation’s economy, reduce travel time, cost of transportation of goods and services, and create jobs which will provide the economic means for the worker to live meaningfully. To achieve this, in the short term, would mean starting with roads which can be quickly completed to facilitate connectivity. This should further be guided by choosing first the roads which connect states together and bear the heaviest traffic such as the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, and working the way across Nigeria gradually. By sticking religiously to, and developing this plan, enunciated with his team in the Ministry with necessary policy and budgetary support from the Cabinet led by the President and National Assembly, albeit, with all the “constituency complications,” Fashola has been delivering on his mandate.

On Power, Fashola believes that predictable supply achieved through incremental, stable, and, ultimately, uninterrupted supply of electricity, availability will be a critical and defining component of our economic renaissance, job creation, GDP growth and reduction of income inequalities. This has formed the basis of the Federal Government’s Roadmap to Power with the accompanying policies and plans like the Power Sector Recovery Programme (PSRP) aimed at strengthening the responsibility of the Ministry as a regulator through the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), so that the GenCos and DisCos can be held to their contracts with citizens; getting the support needed to complete stalled power projects in the generation, transmission and distribution value chains; and improving the liquidity in the sector.

Coming with a practical experience from Lagos, Fashola believes the construction of houses will complement the economic growth drive by direct and indirect jobs in the housing value chain from construction companies, to artisans, labourers, vendors and many more. The Federal Government’s housing project is currently going on in 34 States of the Federation which have provided the required suitable land for the programme, currently at its pilot stage and poised to address the issues of affordability, acceptability and climatic/cultural diversities which have been the bane of the previous housing programmes.

What used to be the standard question about how one man can cope with the leadership of three ministries comes less frequently in its monotony now because Fashola has continually demonstrated that tackling challenges is his second nature. Never mind that he has had to sleep less than the averagely-required hours and do unusual things – for instance in 2017 during an inspection of projects in the North East, he led the team to drive on the road by the dreaded Sambisa Forest in the thick of the night – whilst greying graciously but achieving results. By the way, Hamza Idris of the Daily Trust, who was on the trip, had asked him what gave him the courage to travel at that time, he answered as only a BRF would: “Well, I don’t think it is courage. I have a job to do and it has to be done well. If you are building and managing roads, you can’t manage them from slides, you can’t manage them remotely. You must at least see how good or bad those roads are. It gives a sense, either of urgency, enthusiasm, or a combination of both, to be able to really deal with it. The Ministry of Defence is aware that we are here, but the security arrangement is just precautionary. We have seen ordinary Nigerians travelling in their buses. I have seen the Taraba Mass Transit Services, Adamawa Express, Bauchi Express and others. So, life is going on and we just have a job to do.”

There is no better way to end this birthday tribute to this quintessential man who is extremely loyal to his principal, political party and his principles, than quoting his answer to another question on that North East inspection trip:    “I am never satisfied with anything I am involved in; I just keep going. It’s difficult to satisfy me, and if you ask me to assess myself, I would continue to push myself.”

·      Mr Bello is Special Adviser, Communications to the Hon.Minister.

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Senegal Election: The Prophecy Of Primate Ayodele That President Macky Sall Ignored (VIDEO)

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Senegal Election: The Prophecy Of Primate Ayodele That President Macky Sall Ignored (VIDEO)

*Senegal Election: The Prophecy Of Primate Ayodele That President Macky Sall Ignored (VIDEO)

 

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The presidential election of Senegal have been held but if outgoing President, Macky Sall could turn the hands of time around, He would take the prophecy of Nigerian prophet, Primate Ayodele regarding the election seriously and follow his instructions – Maybe that would save his anointed candidate, Amadou Ba.

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Senegal Election: The Prophecy Of Primate Ayodele That President Macky Sall Ignored (VIDEO)

 

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The election saw the candidate of the opposition party, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye becoming victorious in an unprecedented manner; the ruling party’s candidate had to congratulate him even before the results were fully released just to show that it was a landslide victory.

Beyond what many experienced in the Sunday election, Primate Ayodele had warned President Macky Sall before the election about his anointed candidate, Amadou Ba, who was the immediate past Prime minister of Senegal.

The prophet in a video publication mentioned that the people of Senegal will not accept Amadou Ba’s candidacy in the election while also giving the president some advice on how to go about winning the election for his anointed candidate.

Primate Ayodele mentioned three major instructions to President Macky Sall and they include changing strategy, seeking the face of God for the candidate and ensuring that Ousmane Sonko, the major opposition leader doesn’t come out of jail before the election.

These were his words

‘’Senegalese president Macky Sall doesn’t understand what politics is. The people don’t want his candidate, he needs to quickly do two things; he should strategize urgently to seek the face of God for his candidate to have his way. Also, if the main opposition still produces the man he sent to jail and he wins at the court and faces his own candidate, He will defeat your candidate. Don’t allow him to come out, let him stay as long as you want him there but the moment he is released from prison, He will toughen your candidate.’’

@primateayodele

#africantiktok #africatiktok #African #Africa #primateayodele #iescworldwide #senegalaise_tik_tok #senegal #senegaltiktok

♬ original sound – Primate Ayodele

From the foregoing, it’s obvious Primate Ayodele had foretold the loss of the President’s anointed candidate and if he had known, he would have followed instructions by seeking the face of God for Amadou Ba or even changing him since the prophet revealed that people will not want him to represent them.

Unfortunately, instead of doing things as instructed, President Macky Sall went ahead to jeopardize the chances of his party by attempting to extend his tenure and postponing the presidential election indefinitely.

Meanwhile, Primate Ayodele had warned the president against attempting to create tension in the country to avoid a military coup. Macky Sall went through the wrong route and this affected the chances of his party greatly in the election.

Similarly, the opposition candidates, Ousmane Sonko and Diomaye Faye were imprisoned but released 10 days before the election. As the man of God stated, their release from prison generated so much buzz around the candidacy of Faye and contributed to his victory in the election.

President Macky Sall was warned in Primate Ayodele’s prophecy about an imminent loss, he was given prophetic solutions to salvage the situation in his favour but he ignored all of them and decided to do things his own way. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out well for him.

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General Buratai (CFR): From Battlefields to the Farms

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General Buratai (CFR): From Battlefields to the Farms

A Glimpse into the Retirement of a Nigerian Military Icon

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In what can be described as a stunning departure from his renowned military career, former Nigerian Army Chief and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, captivated the online world on Friday with a post on his Facebook page titled “Best Retirement Hobby.”

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The post featured General Buratai draped in exquisite Fulani traditional attire as he shared a series of snapshots showcasing his leisurely moments at his  farm.

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Renowned for his remarkable feats as a distinguished military strategist and seasoned diplomat, General Buratai earned widespread acclaim for spearheading critical military operations that led to the liberation of territories once held captive by the notorious Boko Haram insurgents in Northeast Nigeria.

 

Moreover, his visionary leadership was instrumental in bolstering the Nigerian Army’s capabilities and fostering a culture of excellence aligned with global standards.

 

 

 

Transitioning seamlessly from the battlegrounds to the serene environs of his snake farm, General Buratai’s post not only offered a glimpse into his newfound passion but also showcases his multifaceted persona beyond the realms of military valour and diplomatic finesse.

In this part of the world where transitions are often met with uncertainty and apprehension, General Tukur Buratai’s graceful segue into a tranquil retirement marked by his compelling engagement with nature testifies to his indomitable spirit, resilience, and enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations far and wide.

General Buratai (CFR): From Battlefields to the Farms

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Nollywood Actor, Amaechi Muonagor Is Dead

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Nollywood Actor, Amaechi Muonagor Is Dead

Nollywood Actor, Amaechi Muonagor Is Dead

Veteran Nollywood actor, Amaechi Muonagor, has died after a prolonged illness, at the age of 62.
Nollywood Actor, Amaechi Muonagor Is Dead

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This was disclosed by a social commentator, Morris Monye, via his social media handle, on Sunday.

Muonagor was said to have suffered kidney failure and was on dialysis.

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The sudden news of his demise comes just few days after a viral video where he solicited funds to help him have a Kidney transplant.

Deeply heartbroken by the news of Amaechi Muonagor’s passing.

He was a talented Nollywood actor whose presence on our screens was truly masterful.

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We watched with concern as he battled health issues, offering whatever support we could to help him seek treatment in India.…

“He was a talented Nollywood actor whose presence on our screens was truly masterful.

“We watched with concern as he battled health issues, offering whatever support we could to help him seek treatment in India.

“This tragic loss highlights the need for better healthcare in our country.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Muonagor, a native of Idemili, in Anambra, was born Aug. 20, 1962.

He was an actor and producer. In 2016, he was nominated for AMVCA 2017 Best Actor in a comedy.

In 1989, after his youth service, Muonagor started working for the News Agency of Nigeria. He left his job a few years later for an acting role in his first movie as Akunatakasi in Taboo 1, a Nigerian movie.

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