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    NIGERIA: SHAME OF A NATION By – Comrade Westo Adekunle Adejumo

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I had wished to ignore the rain of shame that descended on Nigeria my country in the past few weeks but, the patriotic spirit will not just allow me to sleep off it. Therefore, I have decided to come up with my position paper.

 

I cannot but concluded that President Buhari can hardly do anything rightly in Nigeria. He is no doubt a confused Man. I am still willing to see the day when Mr. President will do things rightly as I am willing to celebrate with others that care.

 

It is a peak of shame on our great country that appointments, employment and empowerment are full of nepotism and connection. Upon all the honesty and sincerity that was gullibly accorded to our President by some myopia, Mr. President is still fighting an incompetent war on corruption, added with many denials of reality and blame game on past government, thereby, exempting those corrupt officials under his nose rather than making them examples.

 

Also in this Buhari government, Nigerians have witnessed where a single person has held three different ministerial portfolios with huge task. There is no amount of capacity that one might have gotten for himself, even when one’s memory is working like 500-million Gigabytes computer system, added with lot of temerities, he or she cannot comfortably handle two commissioners’ offices in a small populated state capital in Nigeria, let alone; three ministerial positions in Nigeria. Only God knows what ministered to Mr. President to have made Babatunde Raji Fashola a 3-in-1 minister; (Power, Works and Housing) without getting three other capable hands to work with him. Now, total darkness has become our trademark in Nigeria at every night. Thank God for plant generating machines.

 

I even read in the news recently that some groups are protesting in Abuja, and displaying lanterns as a sign of no light, over lack of electricity in their communities since more than two months back, and they keep receiving and paying NEPA bills. Unfortunately for Nigeria, this protest is also covered by different mass media stations including international ones, and shortly, Mr. President will travel to other countries to disgrace us more. If I may ask, how many Presidents of other countries has been flying around, especially down to Nigeria?  This is terrible.

 

Another shame of the nation is the MMM heartbreaks, where millions of Nigerians have been outsmarted by the unregistered Ponzi / Pyramid scheme due to the lack of social security in Nigeria. The hardship in the country has allowed for internet scam on millions of Nigerians, since the government has no live touching programme for the commoners that dominated the largest percentage of our population. Instead of this government to address the vulnerability of the people and occasionally protect the masses from self-inflicting harms, our government has only warn the victims of the MMM. If our government has provided a regulatory and prosecutorial agency against the Ponzi / Pyramid scheme of this nature, Nigeria victim would not have experienced such heartbreak from those three Indian brothers (Sergie Mavroid, Vyacheslav Mavroid Olga Melnikova) that created MMM.

 

Though, I am not also exceptional in the area of participation / membership of the MMM scheme. Just that, I have such a large heart to do away with issues that are capable of weighing me down, while I move on quickly. But, some people are not gifted in that regard. Till this moment, many Nigerians are still very frustrated with the shock and heartbreak gotten from MMM due to the sad news that came to them that the scheme has been paused and all pa account had been frozen. I have continue getting a lot of hit and attacks on my Facebook timeline and inbox over my last broadcast on MMM, where I displayed some screenshots of participants with big monies they had invested on MMM scheme. Even, some of my Polytechnic days friends are not left behind in the personal attack game on my timeline / thread on Facebook.

 

Moreover, Nigeria Government has rather taken the good citizens for granted by shifting blames on the MMM participants in Nigeria, forgetting that, the hardship condition in the country does not give enough room for many participants to look deeply, the risk crested in the MMM scheme.

 

It is shameful to our country in this Buhari government that all the Honorable Ministers that accompanied President Buhari to National Assembly for 2017 budget presentation were found sleeping. (Not even dozing BUT slept off)! No wonder our Great Economy is wiping off in the face of recession.

 

It is in this Buhari government that our Great Falcons were tuned to streets protesters, after making $4.3 million from their 1st position in the just concluded ‘AWCN’ tournament. Funny enough, the sports minister said that the Falcons’ victory was not prepared for and there is no budget for them, therefore, no money was allocated to pay their dues / allowance! What a shame!

 

However, I read on the social media this very afternoon that; the CBN has gotten the federal government order to pay the Super Falcons after they had been embarrassed initially. Well, I just hope that they had been paid this afternoon.

 

Lest I forget, the same federal executive members, who have been saying there is no money in the country after sinking the country into recession are the ones driving and flying around the country / world in big cars and jets of their choice. But to pay the young Heroines who have suffered to bring a great honour to the country is a big problem!

 

Funny enough, in this same government, how could President Buhari who could not put the country in order, who has been disobeying court orders, who has never for once congratulated his counterparts in those days he was losing presidential elections could stood up, aiming to mediate and persuade Gambia president to accept defeat? Honestly, shameless is a big virus. One just needs to remind our President that he has done worse in the area of not accepting defeat and he has not lived by example in the past! Leadership should be by example. Thank God; Gambia president has replied him accordingly!

 

In addition, it still baffles me that this is same Buhari that is currently messing the country’s economy and reputation is the one that has tried severally / repeatedly, begging Nigerians for one (more) chance to the office number citizen of Nigeria after his military representation. It is was believed that, all the while he kept trying, he would have gathered him with more strength and ideas to take Nigeria to the next level, unfortunately, reverse is the case. He has just wasted an approximated two years to surrounding himself with greedy old mediocre, ineffectual comrades, the sick, the aged, people bereft of common ideas, bigots and pretenders.

 

Another thing that this government has gotten wrong is the banning of importation cars by road. This is a huge miscalculation and misadventure. Instead of this, why has Mr. President not reduced the duty on importation by 50%, and support importers by giving them all incentives they required, while waiting for the wonders that will follow afterward.

 

The N-Power program is yet another shame and scam which I will like to talk about in my next episode, as it was full of scam, lies and deceits.

 

The most painful thing is that, 2017 budget was presented three days ago without any life touching achievement from 2106 budget. No judicious use of the N6.06TR of 2106 budget, nothing to show for 2016, except flying from one country to the other, and blaming the past government. Our president (Bulgari) has rather used the 2016 N6.6TR to blame and travel around the world, while some wailers still celebrated him in the face of recession.

 

How I wish someone could just tell Mr. President that; in recession, a responsible governent will spend massively in all sectors and liberalize trading activities, and not the opposite he is doing around the world.

 

Here we come again! Now, another budget of N7.29TR has been presented again for 2017, tagged; BUDGET OF GROWTH AND RECOVERY. Honestly, I’m just shaking my head!

 

Where are we going in the country?

 

I think Buhari needs to hire some good opposition and borrow ideas from them, if not… (I’m short of words)!

 

Sincerely, I don’t just know what else to write or say because; this government has deprived us our right in all aspect. But, I will still say that we should keep praying and wait patiently till 2019, when we shall be opportune to re-decide!

 

Till then; I rise and care…

 

– Comrade Westo Adekunle Adejumo.

#An Advocate and a Social Critic

#From the Office of Good Citizens.‎

 

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Petrol: MRS Slashes Petrol Price to N935/Litre Nationwide, Enforces compliance

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General Buratai Urges Dangote Not To Succumb To Marketers Blackmail, Reveals Why

Petrol: MRS Slashes Petrol Price to N935/Litre Nationwide, Enforces compliance

… Nigerians praise Dangote-MRS partnership

 

MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, a prominent player in the Nigerian downstream oil industry, has implemented a new petrol price of N935 per litre across all its retail service stations nationwide. This follows an announcement by the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has partnered with MRS Oil and Gas to offer petrol at N935 per litre at retail outlets, following a reduction in the ex-depot price from N970 to N899.50 per litre.

In response, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc has instructed all its outlets to implement the new price immediately, setting up a digital platform and monitoring team to ensure full compliance. The company has also called on Nigerians to report any outlets that fail to adhere to the new price structure.

“Petrol is now being sold at N935 at MRS Filling Stations nationwide. If you find any station not following this price, please report it. Call 08009447853 or email: [email protected],” the company stated in a release.

Emphasising the eco-friendly nature of its products, MRS Oil added, *“We call on all petrol station owners to join MRS Oil Nigeria Plc in improving the supply chain of our beloved country, ensuring product quality and availability in every corner of Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.”*

Checks by our correspondents yesterday confirmed that the new price had been implemented at all MRS Oil and Gas retail outlets nationwide.

In Lagos, commuters were seen queuing at MRS filling stations to purchase petrol. Many expressed their gratitude to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil and Gas, urging other marketers to support the indigenous refinery rather than import off-spec products into the country.

Mrs. Ibukun Phillips, a commuter at the MRS station at Alapere on the Lagos Ibadan Express way, could not hide her joy as her husband filled up their car.

“I am very happy today. This is a victory for Nigeria,” she said. “The price reduction is the best gift of the season. But beyond just the reduction, we are buying standard, eco-friendly petrol at a lower rate. My husband and I have decided we will only be using MRS from now on because we are confident in the quality of the product and supporting the economy.”

Commercial bus driver Adio Ajibade described the price reduction as a great relief, especially during the festive season.

“The reduction is a great relief. It will reduce transportation costs and benefit Nigerians. God will continue to bless Alhaji Aliko Dangote,” he said.

A public affairs analyst and university lecturer, Dr. Tunde Akanni, said the collaboration between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil represents a significant step towards improving the affordability, quality, and sustainability of petroleum products in Nigeria.

According to Dr. Akanni, “this move will not only help ease the financial burden on Nigerians but also promote a more environmentally conscious approach to fuel consumption, benefitting both the economy and public health in the long term.”

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT.

 

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has rolled out an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to join its team.

In a public notice via its X handle, the agency announced job openings for positions like Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, and Assistant Director in fields such as Tax, Public Relations, Legal, ICT, and Risk Management.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply via the official portal at careers.firs.gov.ng before January 11, 2025. This recruitment drive is aimed at bolstering public service efforts and maximizing national development.

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

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