MINISTERS OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF S/N NAMES PORTFOLIOS PHONE

1. Suleiman Adamu Water Resources 08177873332 2. Aisha AlHassan Women Affairs 08033144044 3. Mansur Dan Ali Defence 08032016183 4. Solomon Dalong Sport 08037877267 / 08051326951 5. Rotimi Amaechi Transport 08127770777 6. Osagie Ehanire Health State 07035977101 7. Chris Ngige Labour and Employment 08037622222 8. Lai Mohammed Information and Culture 08034301111 9. Kemi Adeosun Finance 0807742770 / 08077427705 10. Ibe Kachikwu Petroleum, State 08022903416 11. Hadi Sirika Aviation, State 08098941717 12. Kayode Fayemi Mines & Solid Minerals Development 08055556655 13. Babatunde Raji Fashola Power, Works & Housing 08034301122 14. Adebayo Shittu Communications 08035868386 / 08099213903 15. Abubakar Malami Attorney General Justice 08034512381 16. Abubakar Bawa Mines and Solid Minerals (State) 0805550050 17. AbdulRahman Danbazau Interior 08130005948 18. Udo Udo Udoma Budget and National Planning 08053045602 19. Mustapha Shehuri Power, Works & Housing (State) 07037747959 20. Geoffrey Onyeama Foreign Affairs 08102462705 21. Audu Ogbeh Agriculture 08030820002 22. Anthony Anuka Education (State) 08028672558 23. Amina Mohammed Environment 08185552228 24. Adamu Adamu Education 25. Okechukwu Enalamah Industry, Trade and Investment 26. Mohammed Musa Bello Federal Capital Territory 27. Ogbonnaya Onu Science and Technology 28. Isaac Adewole Health 29. Usani Uguru Usani Niger Delta 30. Ibrahim Jibrin Environment (State) 31. Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim Foreign Affairs (State) 32. Omole Daramola Niger Delta (State) 33. Suleiman Hassan Works and Housing (State) 34. Heineken Lokpobiri Agriculture & Rural Development (State) 35. Stephen Ocheni Labor and Employment, (State) 36. Zainab Ahmed Budget and National Planning (State) 37. Aisha Abubakar Industry, Trade and Investment (State)

01 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR THE JOURNEY SO FAR Moving From Promises To Possibilities

Moving From Promises To Possibilities

President unveiling the plaque of the Abuja light rail project while FCT and urged the management of the rail Minister Mohammed Bello, Governor Nasiru El Rufai of look with interest. services to ensure good customer care and proper maintenance. The Back On Track! the management of public resources, president also said the completion of value for money considering the huge the project is a demonstration of his investments in this project. He said a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’ s p r u d e n c e , Light Rails On Stream that transportation was the livewire of development of critical infrastructure any city and expressed optimism that a and the implementation of his change modern rail service would boost the agenda. Across Nigeria economy and greatly enhance social life. “The completion of this very important project is a dream come resident Muhammadu government has completed the first ABUJA true,” he said, “and clearly Buhari became the first phase of the project with a view to Abuja Rail Mass Transit commonly demonstrates our administration’s PNigerian president to take a commencing passenger train service known as Abuja Light Rail is a light rail commitment to the realization of critical infrastructural projects. The train ride from the city centre to soon. transport system in Abuja in FCT, After the official commissioning of the Abuja Metro, President Buhari is now taking a guided tour to Idu Nnamdi Azikiwe International Nigeria. The first phase of the project Abuja Light Rail System is further Metro Station and Airport Metro Station. With him are; Governor Nasir El Rufai, FCT Minister Mohammed Bello and SGF Boss Mustapher in one of the coaches. Airport when he inaugurated the The Light Rail systems are in connects the city centre to Nnamdi evidence that we are a government that Azikiwe International Airport is said to FCT administration on the basis of 60 Abuja Rail Mass Transit Project demonstration of the commitment to Azikiwe International Airport, delivers on its promises. A modern rail be the first of its kind in West Africa. per cent from the Chinese and 40 (ARMTP) on 12 July 2018. Also, 34 a d d r e s s d e a r t h o f c r i t i c a l stopping at the standard gauge railway service will greatly boost the FCT The project that took eleven years to percent from the FCT administration. years after the abandonment of 304 infrastructure. President Buhari said at station in Idu. economy and enhance social life.” complete was a counterpart-funding The system has 12 stations namely kilometre Itakpe–Agbor–Warri the commissioning that the projects arrangement between the China Abuja Metro Station, Stadium, Standard Gauge Railway line by was the ideals of the Change Agenda of At the occasion, the president said the The 45.245km standard guage rail line Export Import (Exim) Bank and the Kukwaba 1 and 2, Wupa, Idu, successive governments, the federal the government to ensure prudence in metro rail line was a dream come true from Abuja Metro Station to Nnamdi FCT administration on the basis of 60 Bassanjiwa, Airport, Gwagwa Dei-

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 02 03 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR THE JOURNEY SO FAR

The Abuja Light Rail System

The Abuja rail mass transit project Phase 1 consists of a 'Lot 1' and 'Lot 3' line. • Lot 1 Line consists of Lot1A and Lot1B line. Total length is 23.718 km (14.738 mi). • Lot 1A (Proposed Stations) - Idu - Gwa Gwa - Dei Dei - Jibi - Gbazango - Byazhin - Kubwa • Lot 1B (Proposed Stations) - Ring Road 1 - Garki - Moving From The Newly Commmissioned Train Transportation Centre - Promises To Station At The Nnamdi Azikiwe Wuse - Employment Centre - Possibilities International Airport - Abuja Utako - Jabi I - Jabi II - Ring Road III - Gwarinpa - Karmo • Lot 3 (Proposed Stations) - Abuja - Stadium - National Park - Ring Road II - Wupa - Idu - Airport North – Airport

Some of the lines extend from the Federal Capital Territory into the neighbouring states. The complete network is planned to link Abuja with satellite towns such as Nyanya, Kubwa, Mararaba and Lugbe.

President Olusegun Obasanjo performed the official ground- breaking ceremony in May 2007 as the project was originally linked to the Some of the coaches expected to run on the Abuja city light rail The Control Centre For Abuja Light Rail

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 04 05 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Nasir El Rufai, FCT Minister Mohammed Bello and SGF Boss Mustapher in one of the coaches taking a ride to the Nnamdi Azikiwa International Airport.

Moving From Promises To Possibilities

Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika; Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi; Governor Nasiru El Rufai of President Muhammadu Buhari officially commissioned the Abuja Light Rail, the Abuja Metro at World Trade Centre, Abuja. He was also at the Kaduna State; President Muhammadu Buhari Idu Metro Station, where he visited the Abuja Metro Control Centre, now in transit to the Airport Metro Station. and FCT Minister Mohammed Bello.

city's bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2014. However, lack of funds delayed the project by many years. A construction contract was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, but as of November 2010, they had only received 20% of the promised amount from the government.

Observers have commended the government for finishing this project the pockets of interests which were not distance of 32.54km from Nnamdi even though it was started by a part of the previous government. Azikwe Expressway at Garki Area I previous administration. They through the Transportation Centre to encourage this type of continuation to Regarding the Abuja Rail Mass Transit Gwagwa and from Bazango Station to be embedded in ’s character P r o j e c t , t h e F C T m i n i s t e r Kubwa. as Nigeria loses a lot of national Muhammad Musa Bello, said phase resources and investor confidence one of the project has been completed. Bello said the federal executive council from starting, terminating contracts The FCT Administration has started approved the project in 2017 at a cost of and re-awarding them only to service work on phase II that will cover a US$1.3 billion.

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 06 07 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR THE JOURNEY SO FAR THE STATIONS

Moving From Promises To Possibilities

Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri - First Class Coach It was to freight iron ore from Itakpe, a city sitting on a resource which metric tonnage projected to last some The corporation has acquired five of centuries. There were also dolomite, these coaches and dedicated them to limestone and several other mineral the line. It has also placed order for deposits along the belt, besides the some locomotives and wagons and abundance of agro produce within the when they arrive they would also be zone. deployed to the line. It will continue to run by making temporary provision Moving From It was also the first time the Federal for ancillary services pending the lease of possibilities opened before Promises To Government will be traversing the completion of the stations. Possibilities them. When completed, the project entire stretch of the line from Itakpe, a would boost economic activities and nine-hour trip, which the Nigerian Okhiria said his management team create job for the youths. r a i l w a y C o r p o r a t i o n ( N R C ) would go back to the drawing board ITAKPE - AJAOKUTA - WARRI Muhammadu Buhari for the the coaches is air-conditioned; has management disclosed could further and come up with a working template Meanwhile, Friday, July 27, 2018 will actualisation of a 35-year-old dream. toilet, entertainment monitor, The Warri-Itakpe Rail Line was be reduced by half when full operation for the route. remain evergreen in the memory of window blinds and can convey 88 conceived as an industrial line to kick-off on the line. those who witnessed history in Warri, Transportation Minister Rotimi passengers at a faster speed compared service Aladja and Ajaokuta steel He lauded the Federal Government Delta State. It was the first time that Amaechi, who insisted that the train to the narrow gauge. projects with Iron Ore from Itakpe. The Nigerian Railway Corporation for giving quality attention to the rail train got to the ancient oil-rich city and must get to Warri before its detour to When the idea was mooted 35 years (NRC) Managing Director Fidet sector of the economy, saying: “This is it threw residents into wild jubilation. Agbor was excited when it made the Youths, teenagers and women climbed ago, the line was to be the first in Africa Okhiria said the corporation in line the best era for the NRC, where the journey. It was the trial run of six the steps and hung onto the coaches to and one of the leading few across the with the ministerial directive, government is determined to extend That the train arrived well after 9pm coaches and locomotive engines take selfie photographs in turns. It was world. There was a plan to dedicate the continues to test run the line railway coverage to all state capitals in meant nothing to residents, who procured from China, to pioneer an electrifying moment when line for the, exclusive use of Ajaokuta, throughout August, while commercial the country, and we are determined to trooped out en masse, drumming and passenger train service at the 320- residents forgot all hostilities against a steel city emerging from Kogi, then, a passenger traffic would begin by continue to excel and take the railway singing the praises of President kilometre Itakpe -Warri axis. Each of the government to celebrate the new province within the old Kwara State. September. to the zenith of its operation.”

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medical care services. “I have no doubt “It is pleasing to note that the Original the hospital and build upon it to justify that this hospital and its state-of-the- Equipment manufacturers Seimens its existence as an international art equipment, as stated by the Chief of Healthineers and Sirona Demtal standard medical centre. the Naval Staff, would yield enormous Systems of Germany are here to health dividends to the naval witness this epoch- making event and personnel, their families and to the intend to partner with the Nigerian host community. Navy to ensure the adequate training and sustainability of the critical “The development of the hospital is a equipment.’’ great leap forward, but the envisaged benefits would fizzle out without Buhari Commissions Nigerian President Buhari cutting the He charged the stakeholders to ensure tape to Commission the new diligent maintenance. the sustenance of the high standard of Navy Hospital In Calabar

Navy Reference Hospital And 100 Moving From President Buhari in a group photograph with Naval Personnel Promises To inextricably related. This underpins at Naval Hospital Possibilities Naval Housing Units In Calabar this Administration’s vision of what medical services should look like in Nigeria.’’ resident Muhammadu patients, families and communities. Buhari has said Nigeria was Good health care, he explained was committed to the provision “Similarly, our secondary and P important to the personnel of the of affordable health care facilities in tertiary healthcare systems must armed forces because of the enormous the drive to have healthy population. meet the most complicated mental and physical exertion that At the commissioning of the Nigerian attends their profession. “Active-duty Navy Reference Hospital in Calabar, medical challenges for our people personnel must be at peak health for Buhari said that Nigeria’s primary at affordable rates.’’ military effectiveness at all times.’’ health care system needs to be innovative and quality driven. He explained that the significance of The President said it was gratifying the commissioning could be better that the Naval High Command fully “Primary health care is the cornerstone understood by making the connection appreciated the importance of health aimed at creating the conditions that b e t w e e n m e d i c a l c a r e a n d and has taken the right steps to improve the general health of the productivity. “Put otherwise, good progressively expand patients’ access people, meet the particular needs of health and productivity are to both preventive and curative

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The Making Of

Moving From Promises To Calabar Rice Factory Possibilities

President Muhammadu Buhari with the Governor, Prof. - FG’s Agric Revolution Continues Ben Ayade during the commissioning of the multi-billion naira Rice Seedlings factory in Calabar.

he Federal Government’s FG’s Agricultural revolution. particularly agriculture. and appeared to have keyed into the commitment to boosting current administration’s agricultural TNigeria’s economy through Zero-Oil Economics “I am happy that Governor Ayade policy. Stakeholders affirm that the Agricultural revolution is already The President said the project was in keyed into that policy and has today factory spoke loudly about his recording progress as President line with his administration’s zero oil become the reference point in our administration’s strides in agriculture, Muhammadu Buhari commissioned economic roadmap with Ayade agricultural revolution effort.” adding that its capacity to produce high the automated rice seed and seedling becoming a reference point in that Emphasising the significance of the yield and disease resistant seeds, will factory in Cross capital, vision. He said: “When we assumed event, President Buhari said: “That we aid in job creation and earn revenue for Calabar on Tuesday June 26, 2018. leadership of our dear country, our are gathered here today is no doubt a the state. administration launched a zero-oil determination woven through to Describing the factory as a people- economic roadmap as a way of making precision and a glowing testament to First In Africa oriented project, he applauded the our country less dependent on oil, the fact that the policy is working.” The automated seed and seedling Cross Rivers state Governor, Senator while encouraging investments in factory is believed to be the first in President Buhari with the host, Senator Ben Ayade during the commissioning of the Cross River State Ben Ayade, over his contribution to other sectors of the economy, Governor Ayade has made giant strides Africa and the President is confident 1st Rice seedlings and seed multiplication factory in Calabar which he described as a people-oriented project.

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 12 13 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR THE JOURNEY SO FAR

Moving From Moving From Promises To Promises To Possibilities Possibilities

that the seedlings from the factory will industries being built by the state will aware of the President’s focus which and it is rising. improve rice production and inspire other leaders to key into his inspired the decision to invest in agro- sufficiency nationwide. vision of ensuring food security for the allied industries which include the Nigeria used to spend about N460 country. cocoa processing industry, banana billion importing rice and an The factory is an automated plant with Plantation, soya bean, calapharm, additional NGN60 billion in a capacity to produce high yielding “Besides creating employment instant noodles, rice mill, among December, which has come down vitaminised and disease resistant rice opportunities for the unemployed, I others. dramatically and saved the pressure on seedlings. Seedlings from the factory have no doubt that this rice factory will the naira, courtesy of your innovative will improve rice yield from the also be a veritable platform for income “These are all products of your thinking. It is believed that the current national average of three to generation for Cross River,” President discussion with me each time I have to population statistics, Nigeria faces a four tons per hectare to about nine to Buhari said. meet with you and therefore, “humongous challenge that can lead to 10 tons per hectare, thus helping to everything Cross River gives me and absolute social disorder if government ensure rice sufficiency in the country “I therefore, enjoin relevant the entire people of Cross River does not take a deliberate step to and doing away with import and saving Federal Government Agencies credit,” Ayade said. ensure that we improve on the rice foreign exchange for Nigeria. such as the Ministry of demand and rice supply chain. Ayade subsequently called for a The factory has the capacity to meet vision of ensuring food security for the Agriculture and the Central Bank both foreign and domestic demands. country. The factory has the capacity to meet standing ovation for the President, a “It was against this background that we of Nigeria, through its anchor This will go a long way in placing both foreign and domestic demands. directive which he explained: “I say so realise that we needed to do something borrower’s programme, to partner Nigeria on the global rice production “I therefore, enjoin relevant Federal This will go a long way in placing because we have five million hectares very specific on rice cultivation. Cross River State in the area of map. The governor has directed Government Agencies such as the Nigeria on the global rice production of paddy soil in Nigeria, unfortunately, Besides creating employment supply of seedlings to our relevant federal parastatals to partner Ministry of Agriculture and the map. The President thus directed less than 1.7 million hectares of that opportunities for the unemployed, I the state even as he hoped that the Central Bank of Nigeria, through its relevant federal parastatals to partner farmers.” used to be cultivated; but since you have no doubt that this rice factory will factory, alongside other agro-based anchor borrower’s programme, to the state even as he hoped that the came in with your aggressive program also be a veritable platform for income A Standing Ovation industries being built by the state will partner with Cross River in the area of factory, alongside other agro-based on rice, the amount of cultivable land generation for Cross River.” Governor Ayade said the state was inspire other leaders to key into his supply of seedlings to our farmers.

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 14 15 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR SPECIAL REPORT Federal Republic Of Nigeria

POWER OF , W Sijmons’ emphasis on “those who potential that delivered infrastructure Y O R R T S K I S

N & understand its potential”, aliens with possesses in winning the confidence of I

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A that of Nigeria’s Minister of Power, the electorates.

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Good Infrastructure Is E F Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, who, in a recent Infrastructure, in its interview with a team of Journalists Good Politics; But You Have in Abuja, spoke on the seeming simplest meaning, defines politicization of the Second Niger the facilities which support Bridge project by previous modern human life - To Deliver It - Fashola administrations. Fashola said, “I think that good infrastructure is good roads, housing, power, politics; but you have to deliver it. If water, food, schools, we can deliver it, then it has political - Mac Durugbo merit because the people will then hospitals, bridges, railways, understand why they voted for a airports. particular government. While the list could be endless and may Real infrastructure will liberate differ from country to country, they all Nigeria and deliver prosperity to the define the standard of living of any people of this country”. Noticeably, Oweto bridge nation.

o - there is a clear link between Sijmons’

Lok assertion and that of the Nigerian They are always on the front-burner as Minister. The emphasis on “those who purveyors of national development. understand its potential” and “you History has proved again and again that # P M B @ W O R K | # A L L O V E R N I G E R I A have to deliver it” summarizes the infrastructure is an indelible legacy that need for politicians to understand the defines a leader long after he has left the

rofessor Dirk Sijmons, Landscape Architect, at Delft University of PTechnology, Netherlands, in one of his many deserts on Landscape Architecture, spoke of the relationship between Moving From infrastructure and politics. “Infrastructure”, Promises To says Sijmons “is as much a political tool as it Possibilities is a tool for urban planning. Therefore, infrastructure can be a highly political matter for politicians who understand its potential”. Oweto bridge According to him, Infrastructure is not o - confined to people, cargo and transportation, Lok but also include energy, biota, waste, food distribution, heat, and water, among others, which “act as the veins, nerves and skeleton of urban metabolism”. Minister of PWH Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, inspecting the ongoing construction work on Loko-Oweto bridge over River Benue in Nasarawa-Benue

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 16 17 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR SPECIAL REPORT

oversee Singapore's transformation infrastructure development between early 1980s. He rediscovered the parks from a stagnant British crown colony 2007 and 2015. and gardens that made a magnet to an Asian Tiger economy. for immigrants in the First and much In 2007, the relatively unknown of the Second Republics. Again, another foreign example; Fashola won the governorship under perhaps, the only issue on which the Action Congress of Nigeria then, He rebuilt markets, recreation centres Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton with little or no known political clout, and engaged the erstwhile loafing agreed during the 2016 American e x c e p t , p e r h a p s t h a t o f h i s youths in worthwhile ventures that Presidential race was the need to predecessors. But by 2010, Lagosians, turned them into responsible citizens. rebuild America’s infrastructure. In irrespective of tribe and tongue, were His housing programme directly fact, some political pundits had hinged united in their choice of the attacked housing deficit in the state by Trump’s electoral victory to the fact incumbent to go for a second term. turning out 200 houses monthly that that he proposed spending much more were sold to residents. The on-going on infrastructure than Clinton did. Aside the thousands of jobs that came rehabilitation of the Lagos- Voters, they said, saw it as a concrete from his massive investment in Expressway to a ten-lane highway, manifestation of his promise to “make infrastructure renewal, he created a with a median metro rail line, will, America great again.” The nearest new economy in areas such as perhaps, be the greatest legacy he will Personnel of Julius Berger Plc at work during the inspection tour of the ongoing construction work on 2nd Niger Bridge in Anambra and Delta States by the Hon. Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN on Day Three of his inspection tour of Federal Government Infrastructure Projects in example we can cite locally is Lagos horticulture and landscaping with his bequeath to Lagos, Nigeria and the the South East Zone of the country. State which attained its highest level of Greening Programme while also West African sub-Region when it is infrastructure development between completed in 2019.

Moving From Promises To Possibilities

A view of the ongoing construction work on 2nd Niger Bridge. stage. Lee Kuan Yew (16 September One of the most significant steps he flocked in to set up base there. By the 1923 – 23 March 2015) was the first took on his country’s separation from 1980s, corporations like Texas and longest serving Prime Minister of Malaysia in 1965 was to set up Instruments, Hewlett-Packard and Singapore, governing that country for manufacturing factories to provide General Electric had turned Singapore three decades (1965-1990). stable jobs for Singaporeans. He and into a major electronics exporter. his cabinet later decided the best way Lee is recognized today globally to boost Singapore's economy was to The government also started several as the nation’s founding father, attract foreign investments from new industries, such as steel mills multinational corporations (MNCs) under 'National Iron and Steel Mills', with the country described as b y e s t a b l i s h i n g Fi r s t Wo r l d service industries like Neptune Orient View of the ongoing transitioning from "Third World infrastructure and standards in Lines, and the Singapore Airlines. And construction work of the to First World in a single Singapore. With this in place, for three decades, he had an 2nd Niger Bridge American, Japanese and European overwhelming parliamentary control generation" under his leadership. entrepreneurs and professionals at every election and that enabled him

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 18 19 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR SPECIAL REPORT

successful campaign strategy for any politician or political party.

I will end this discussion with a quote I borrowed from a speech delivered by a former Nigerian High Commissioner in the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade, at a reception organized in his honour by the Ogudu Residents Association on his retirement and return to the country. While applauding the infrastructural renewal in under the State Governor, Dr. Kolade said; The Ilorin-Jebba Mokwa-Birnin Gwari-Kaduna road.

“When we were beginning to lose hope in our ability Moving From to govern ourselves, you (Fashola) have come to Promises To Possibilities rekindle hope and make us believe once again that it could be done. You are like a breath of fresh air. You lit the flame of hope and you have particularly given Ongoing Rehabilitation of Ilorin-Jebba-Mokwa Birnin Gwari- Kaduna Road young people a reason to wake up and be active From the Government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari in 1983 to the again”. Agriculture, Transportation, Power, Government of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan that ended in 2015, Water supply and other social welfare the Second Niger Bridge had featured in the annual Budget What an illuminating testimony! infrastructure got their fair share of with no single physical structure to indicate any The Akure-Ondo-Ore Road-construction commitment to construction. Many important projects - attention during that period. As a result, roads, housing programmes, power projects, among others - Lagos State recorded the highest influx have suffered similar fate over the years resulting in of both local and international investors. innumerable abandoned projects across the country. It is the The evidence of his achievement in administration of Muhammadu Buhari that has taken up the Lagos is today borne out by both local project and has shown real commitment towards its and international testimonies. The completion. greatest testimony, perhaps, is his emergence as the choice of President Our post-independence politics has, unfortunately, been Muhammadu Buhari as Minister of bedeviled by the conglomeration of individuals whose only Power, Works and Housing. interest in seeking political power is anything other than the common good. But, there is no doubt that investing in

If we may return to the subject matter of this discourse; it infrastructure, as defined earlier, will leave an undeniable speaks eloquently to the contrary in the political experience legacy which even political opponents cannot contradict. I of our country. The fact that Nigerian politicians still build will use the former again as example. their campaigns around Power, road and water supply decades after Independence is a testimony to either their When electioneering campaigns resumed in 2010, there inability to appreciate this potential or a deliberate political were as many as 10 visible political parties in Lagos State, led, strategy to keep the populace perpetually loyal. Take the of course, by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But none, Second Niger Bridge, for example. Subsequent Federal except the PDP, could summon up the courage to come out Governments have dangled it as bait in the face of the people to campaign. The only time the PDP candidate held a of the South East at every election period only to derail it after campaign rally somewhere in the , he said he would improve on the successes of the incumbent. That is the elections. Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN (2nd L), Director Highways, Construction & Rehabilitation, Engr. Yemi Oguntominiyi (2nd L),MD, Mothercat, Mr Jack the Potential of delivered infrastructure as, perhaps, the most El-Najjar (R) S.A. on Project Perfomance Monitoring, Mrs Nike Giwa (2nd L) and others during the inspection of Hadejia-Nguru Road, Phase II - Kirikasama - Nguru in Jigawa State.

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Moving From In the South East, the beneficiary institutions are the Federal Consultant to conduct media tours to the aforementioned Promises To University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State and the institutions to measure the impact of the interventions on the Possibilities University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, where institutions in terms of how it has improved the learning respectively, 1.72 kilometres and 2.96 kilometres of internal environment. With his media staff organized in two teams for roads are also receiving rehabilitation and asphalt overlay the Northern and Southern institutions, the consultant while an 0.8 kilometre Dual Carriageway and 0.5 kilometres commenced the tours in early July this year and has already of roads are respectively being constructed and overlaid with turned in his preliminary reports including interviews of asphalt in the Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State and stakeholders on the impact of the interventions on Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State in the North Central. institutions in the Northern part of the country.

In the North East, 0.3 kilometres of roads are being In the reports submitted by the team of Mr. Timothy Benson, constructed and overlaid with asphalt in the Federal Mr. Michael Mba and Mr. Bolaji Ibikunle, of Messrs JB University, Gashua, Yobe State while 1.2 kilometres of roads Multimedia Studios and Engr. Halliru Muhammad of the are being rehabilitated and overlaid with asphalt in the Planning and Development Department of the Ministry of Federal Polytechnics, Bauchi. Rehabilitation and asphalt Power, Works and Housing, the Team visited the Kaduna overlay are also respectively being carried out on 1.04 Polytechnics on Monday, July 9, 2018 where they spoke kilometres and 2 kilometres of roads in the Federal College of with the Federal Controller of Works/Engineer’s Education, Katsina and the Kaduna Polytechnics, Kaduna in Representative, Kaduna State Field Office, Engr. F.J. Zirra, the North West while respectively 1.124 kilometres and 1.7 who briefed the team on the description, scope and extent of kilometres of roads in Bayero University, Kano and the work done. The Registrar, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Musa, in Federal Government Undertakes University of Maiduguri, Borno State are also undergoing an interview, expressed appreciation to the Federal rehabilitation and asphalt overlay. Government for the initiative saying the intervention on the Rehabilitation Of Internal Roads In 14 two km road stretch within the Tudun Wada Campus of the In order to effectively monitor these projects, the Minister of school would ease vehicular/pedestrian movement including Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, the operating cost on vehicles, enhance learning and reduce Tertiary Institutions Nationwide assigned Messrs JB Multimedia Studios as the Media travel time as well as create beauty to the school environment.

KADUNA POLYTECHNIC here is no gainsaying the importance of road In its bid to change this ugly situation and enhance academic infrastructure in the life of any nation. Aside aiding activities and performance in these institutions, the Federal Tinter and intra state commerce and trade, good Government has recently undertaken to rehabilitate internal road infrastructure enhances inter personal communication roads in 14 tertiary institutions across the country as the first among communities and institutions within the society. One phase of its long term plan to give a facelift to all its of the features common to almost, if not all, the nation’s institutions nationwide. tertiary institutions is the lack of good internal road networks within the institutions. The 14 beneficiary institutions in this first phase include the University College Ibadan where the Ministry of Power, It is not uncommon to see roads in some of these institutions Works and Housing is carrying out rehabilitation and asphalt filled with potholes or broken in places by gorges caused by overlay on two kilometres of internal road network, the erosion. Earth roads still exit in some of these institutions Federal University of Oye, Ekiti State where the same Site Inspection during the Media Tour at the Kaduna Polytechnic, Registrar of Kaduna Polytechnic Alh. Muhammad Sani Musa Main Campus at Tudun Wada, Kaduna while in some others the roads to hostels are mere beaten process in being carried out on 1.33 kilometres of roads in the Progress photographs during the paths. As a result, movement around the campuses is difficult South West and Federal University of Otueke, Bayelsa State media tour on rehabilitation of for members of the academic communities and the situation and the University of Benin, Edo State, where respectively internal roads. Here are some bad portions of the road to be has, of course, dampened the learning environment in the 2.3 kilometres and 1.1 kilometres of roads are also being rehabilitated and Labour Personnel for M/S Gursha institutions. rehabilitated as well as overlaid with asphalt in the South- Integrated Nig. Ltd, the South. Contractor. Construction Plant / Equipment are also on site.

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 22 23 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR SPECIAL REPORT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL (UCH) - IBADAN The team also spoke with the Director of Works of the The Team was at the Bayero University, Kano on institution, Engr. Ummul Kulsoom Aminu, who also hailed Wednesday, July 11, where they inspected the 1.124 km road the Federal Government for the intervention saying the undergoing rehabilitation. Here, the Project Manager of school had never witnessed such a gesture from any past M/S General View Towers (GVT) Limited, told the team that government. Others interviewed at the institution were the work has reached 90 per cent completion and thanked the Chairman of Gursha Integrated Nigeria Limited, the Federal Government for the intervention which, according construction company handling the project, Alhaji to him, has created jobs for the teaming youth in the area. The Muhammad Auwal Hamza, and students of the institution, team was told by the institution’s Director of Works under who thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and the Physical Planning Unit (PPU), Mohammed Gazali Minir, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde that the internal roads affected included Yakubu Bauchi Fashola SAN, for the intervention saying it has created jobs Road, Ibrahim Zaki Close, Baba Mukaddam Road and for the youths of the community among other benefits. Yankari Road. Members of staff and students of the institution, as well as workers at the project site, in a series of The following day, Tuesday, July 10, the Team was at the interviews, were united in their expression of gratitude to Federal College of Education, Katsina where a 1.04 km Mr. President and the Minister for the intervention, which, road is being rehabilitated. The Team was told, however, that they noted, has both improved vehicular/pedestrian School Entrance Completed Asphaltic Pavement Completed Car Park Area the contractor handling the job, Messrs Powerhill movement and provided jobs for scores of people in the area. Construction Limited, was yet to mobilize to site. The institution’s Director of Works and Services, Architect BAYERO UNIVERSITY - KANO Abdussalam Gayada, in an interview with the team, thanked the Federal Government for the intervention which he described as “a wonderful initiative”, saying it would not only ease vehicular/pedestrian movement within the campus but also link students’ hostels to classrooms. Also students of the institution interview poured encomiums to both the President and the Minister of Power, Works and Housing for the intervention which the noted would greatly improve communication and quality of life on the campus. Engr. Funso Adebiyi with the DCMD and other staffs of the college

FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION - KATSINA M/s JB Multimedia Studios conducting press interview with the Director of Works, Bayero University Kano Mohammed Gazali Munir. UNIVERSITY OF BENIN - EDO

Completed portion of the rehabilitation work Media Tour Site Inspection on the internal road to be rehabilitated inside Federal College of Education, Katsina. M/s JB Multimedia Studios conducting press interview with FCWs/ER (FMPWH) Katsina Field Office, Engr. T. Balogun.

AT the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus in Benin City - Edo State, Rehabilitation / Asphalt overlay of roads & Asphaltic surface of Three (3) Car Parks were completed.

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 24 25 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR SPECIAL REPORT

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY - BAYELSA The Team arrived the Federal Polytechnics, Bauchi, It was the turn of Federal University, Kashere, Gombe Thursday, July 12 where M/s Westfield Global Construction State, on Friday, July 13, 2018 when the Team inspected the Nigeria Limited has completed just 7.5 per cent of the 0.8 km Road (Phase 11) being handled by M/S Triacta Nigeria institution’s 1.2 km internal road due to have been completed Limited and the contractor fully mobilized to site. Vice in May this year. However, a representative of the Controller Chancellor of the University, Professor Alhassan of Works/Engineer’s in the State, Engr. C.C. Ezike, attributed Mohammed Gani, told the team that the institution would the slow pace of work on the project to late commencement remain grateful to the President and the Power, Works and of work by the contractor adding that, with the contractor Housing Minister for the intervention adding that the now fully mobilized, appreciable progress would be achieved project, when completed, would enhance both academic The media crew, Project supervisor, Engr Garba Aliyu HP HQ, DPP Engr. Charles, Engr. Dogiji FHQ, VC Prof. Feth Acra The Federal University of Otueke, Bayelsa State Engr Dogiyi FHQ and Director Physical Planning of school at Jaja, Engr. Garba Aliyu and contractor’s Surveyor at the on or before the end of July. production and performance. The site Manager of Triacta Main Gate the Federal University of Otueke, Bayelsa State Federal University of Otueke, Bayelsa State. Nigeria Ltd., Engr. Imran Amin Khan, while agreeing with Federal University Gashua in Yobe State The Institution’s Director of Works, Physical Planning Unit the Vice Chancellor, also noted that the project has created At the where he pointed out that the company has employed both skilled (PPU), represented by Engr. Ibrahim Idris Aliyu told the jobs for hitherto unemployed youths aside the contracting the Team arrived on Monday, July 16 to inspect the 0.3km and unskilled labour to enable it complete the work on Team that the project when completed would greatly firms. Students of the institution interviewed were also full of road in the institution, the Project Resident Engineer of the schedule. enhance academic activities while the Engr. Ade Waheed, appreciation for the Federal Government for improving ease Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Engr. Shuaibu S who spoke on behalf of the contracting firm, lauded the of movement of students from their hostels to their Abdullahi, who represented the Federal Controller of Works In an interview, Idris Daura-Daura (Dept. of Sociology), Federal Government for embarking on the venture as, classrooms and verse versa while the workers, Abubakar Ali, in the State, Engr. O. B. Akinmade, confirmed that the Precious Amajioyi Uzoamaka (Dept. of Sociology), according to him, it has created scores of jobs for the teeming Adamu Sambo, Abba Sulaiman, Hussaina Hassan, Ibrahim contractor was fully mobilized on site while the project is Muhammad Shuaibu (Dept. of Economics, Rosa Yusuf unemployed youths as well as indigenous contractors. Abubakar and Yahaya Musa, interviewed at the site, thanked about 35.58 per cent completed. Garba (Dept. of Sociology and Muhammad Sabitu (Dept. of Mr. President and the Hon. Minister for the intervention, Fisheries), students of the institution, expressed appreciation While Blessing Buba, Zainab Aliyu Bako, Marjanatu Saidu, which they noted has been responsible for their being Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Andrew to the Federal Government for the intervention saying the Salihu Usman Polchi and Ibrahim Abudukkadir Azare, all gainfully employed again. Haruna, in an interview with the Team, thanked the Federal project, when completed, would enhance and ease students of the institution hailed the Federal Government for Government, especially President Buhari and the Minister of movement of students from hostels to lecture rooms. endeavoring to enhance ease of movement within the FEDERAL UNIVERSITY - GOMBE Power Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, for campus, Musa Haruna, Abdullahi Wada, Aminu Adamu and their emphasis on infrastructure development as a means to Also, at an interview, both Mothercat contractors and Ibrahim Adamu, workers of Western Construction Nigeria both enhance economic development and improve the workers gave kudos to the Federal Government for its Limited, expressed gratitude to the President and the quality of life of the people noting that intervention would commitment to infrastructure development nationwide as a Minister for helping them to acquire/improve their labour enhance academic performance and productivity. While the means to revamp the nation’s economy adding that the on- skill as well as increase their economic status. Project Manager of Mothercat Limited, contractors on the going interventions in institutions of higher learning across project, Engr. Badwil Baisari, expressed gratitude to the the country has demonstrated the government’s resolve to FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC - BAUCHI government for the confidence it reposed on their company, institutionalize sustainable change in the country.

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY - YOBE

Site Project Manager of Triacta Nig. Ltd, Engr Imran Amin Khan (L); Federal Controller of Works FMPWH Gombe State Engr S. K. Ahmed (2nd L); the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Kashere in Gombe State Prof. Alhassan Mohammed Gani in his office during the media tour to the University tate S Fed Controller of Works FMPWH Bauchi State Engr C. C. Ezike Gombe ashere In , K

Vice Chancellor of Federal University Gashua in Yobe State, Prof. Adrew Haruna (Centre); Representative of FCWs Yobe State Engr. Shuaibu S. Earthworks in progress at the Federal University Drainage works in progress Abdullahi (Right) and Director of Works for Federal University Gashua

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 26 27 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT Moving From FEDERAL UNIVERSITY - NASARAWA Promises To Possibilities

Excavation of line drain in progress at the Federal Engr. W.A.Taiwo Fedral Controller of Works Nasarawa State, Engr Garba Aliyu HPD and other field Head University Lafia, Nasarawa State Quarters Staff, and Contractor during the media Tour at the Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State.

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, OWERRI - FUTO Rural Electrification Agency (REA): Championing The

Mrs Damilola Ogunbiyi, Managing Director / CEO Rural Electrification Agency AFTER BEFORE Electrification Cause The Federal University Of Technology, Owerri - FUTO University Gate Completed Line Drain / Road at the Federal University Of Technology, Owerri - FUTO. The solar mini grids, trying to make sure n pursuit of the Federal A: Ok thank you very much, you are UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA - ENUGU that people now use more decentralised right; the Rural Electrification Government’s efforts in solutions to power people, and the Agency plays a key role in electrifying problem cellar homes systems. We have a satisfying the yearnings of the people of Nigeria. Our agency I programme called Energise new several Nigerians, for the strategy is not only for rural economies which is really focused on the unconnected, it’s also for underserved. provision of Power, the Rural SME’s markets, the largest markets in And we do this by implementing the off Electrification Agency (REA) the country making sure that they get grid electrification strategy which really constant electricity supply in order for plays a pivotal role. In this brief has five tiers. them to have economic growth. interview, the MD/CEO of the agency, Mrs Damilola Concrete Line work in progress at the University VC UNN, Controller’s Representative and The Contractor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka - Enugu State of Nigeria, Nsukka - Enugu State Ogunbiyi shares some information with the public on

Finally Tuesday, July 17, the Team arrived University of institution’s Head of Procurement Unit, Arc. Abba Gamawa the activities of the agency. Maiduguri to inspect a 1.7 km internal road undergoing Mintar, students of the institution and motorists within the rehabilitation in the institution. In an interview, the Vice institution who all expressed appreciation to the Federal Q: Your Agency is quite important Chancellor, Professor Aliyu Shugaba, was grateful to the Government led by President Buhari and the Minister of considering the fact that you are the ones Federal government for the intervention, which he noted Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, for expected to provide power for rural would not only enhance academic activities and performance their commitment to infrastructural development in the communities across the country. What is but would also provide jobs for the unemployed in the area. country. the strategy of your board and management to achieve this? Others interviewed by the Media Team included the

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 28 29 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR SPECIAL REPORT The Vice President Visits Sabon Geri Market For Inspection

So basically what we are trying to do is redevelop an eco-system of the private sector to thrive and really bring them into the off grid market. Am learning

And then we have Energise New initiatives? capital cost all the way to 70%. We really from some challenges we have on grid, Education, which is basically with our A: Ok, so one of the key initiatives of the have to look at the details and make sure and making sure that the off grid Federal Universities and creating Rural Electrification Agency is actually that when you have this money you complements everything that we are independent power within the the Rural Electrification Fund. It’s a utilise it in the right way so we know that doing on grid currently as an Universities to make sure our students fund developed as far back as 2006, and those communities have power for an administration. thrive. And then undercutting all of what it was is to provide payments for the extended period of time and sustainable these, is our energy data base which can viability gap that sometimes hinder power especially for communities with That leads me to the third be found on our web site. So we are entrepreneurs or private sector from productive use. So that’s it with the programme which is Energising the giving people information not only providing solar systems or mini grids. Rural Electrification Fund. Economy. Again probably one of the about the energy utilisation but viable most transformative programme we sites to undertake this one. We also have another programme And we think that this is the fastest way have as an administration in power currently with the World Bank, for the to electrify our rural communities. So because it goes to the heart of the SME’s Q: Apart from providing electricity Nigerian electrification project. And that what we do in Rural Electrification Fund because you are working with Ariaria thrive, tailors, furniture makers or just over 340 markets around the country. All to the rural areas in the country, again looks at the payment of viability is we basically evaluate people who have market, with thirty seven thousand people who are selling provisions. private sector financed, all private sector your Agency is also serving as the gap for people to dos solar home systems long term business plans on how they shops, Sabongari with thirteen implemented. And what we are doing as implementation Agency for some deployment, solar mini grids, and its also want to electrify and provide grant thousand, Sura market, you know all So that programme has already kicked government is really creating that right important initiatives of the federal going to fund some Universities under subsidy for them for the viability gap. these different eco-systems and what off, we are doing it currently now in 15 enabling environment to allowing government in the power sector. energising education which I will speak you are doing Is providing them power different markets of the country, but automat to get into the market, to get Can you speak about these about in a moment. This could be anything from 20% of the they need to run their businesses to we’ve already identified the scale up of into the different environment so they

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 30 31 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR SPECIAL REPORT

Moving From Promises To Possibilities

The Hon. Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) during inspection to witness have a mini grid in one location and then the ongoing Solar Eelectrification by Mrs Damilola Ogunbiyi, MD / CEO Rural Electrification Agency build quite an extensive distribution network. By the time we did the economics, it didn’t work so we are taking the power closer to the customer. So if you have 13000 shops and there is a fault, you don’t want 13000 customers to go so down.

So what you have using that solution is maybe 100 customers might be affected can provide these services for the people capacity, so what we are doing is putting but you can pinpoint exactly where that at an affordable rate where the customer in independent power plants within the is because you have taken the power, the is king. universities either solar or gas based but solar panels everything to that particular 90% of these are solar within the customer. So I think that is probably the So for example, there is a mitre for every universities. most cutting edge technology that we are single installation, every single shop. So utilising now in terms of making sure we do stay the issue of estimated mitre or Tied into that we are also giving them that Nigerians have power supply. what is involved, so you pay for what you street lighting. All around the campuses Q: We hear of innovations with use. for better security and we are upgrading Q: With the mini grid regulation, regards to rural electrification, their own electrical network to make private concerns can now generate please tell us about some of them. And then I guess finally the other sure that they are able to take the power and distribute power to small A: Well one of the key things if you take a programme I was going to talk about is when its generated and there are no communities. Will this not interfere case study a good case study should be Energising Education. Again, the faults, then finally, building a world class with your duties as an Agency or is Sabongari market. What we are using in Federal government used and, those facility to make sure that the students can your Agency working with those Sabongari market is high capacity solar students are very dear to our hearts, we learn about renewable energy because private investors? system which is basically like a 10KVA made a commitment, that we were going we really felt like it’s the future of energy A: At the end of the day, what everybody box to power 10 or 15 people. So to make their lives easier, you know, development all over the world and wants is power so there is no tough war typically what you would have done is to them thriving in their educational especially in Nigeria. here. Anybody who can deliver power in

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 32 33 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR SPECIAL REPORT FUTURE ASSURED The Vice President visits Isikan Market in Akure, Ondo State to witness the ongoing Solar Electrification keep on learning better ways, more efficient ways focusing on technology on how to execute and make sure the customer is happy at the end of the day.

Q: With the mini grid regulation that says as a private person you can’t go beyond a certain level of supply and encouraging the private people into the space are we not going to have issues of some of them trying to meet one side of the regulation or the other side. If that happens how will the Agency stop this? A: I think what we are talking about is confusing two different issues. Independent Power producers produce anything between 30 MW and 50MW currently now. It’s just the right licensing to do that. So if you are producing up to 1MW then you have your mini grid regulation. If you below that say 100KW, you register for mini grid. But anything above that you apply for a full generation and distribution license.

So, we are not hindering anybody, we are saying that we have made things easier under 1MW. Over 1MW you still go through the processes like you were going through before and that’s what a lot of people have done in the past. What we are trying to do is just emphasising that the power that is actually needed in “I am convinced that I aggregate. When people start getting will realize my vision constant power, it’s not what the put in a sustainable manner that it is affordable, they are in line with the mini grid their ‘I better pass my generator’. for the women and we will support them in any way. So, it regulation. And then that’s the dream of children of Nigeria.” doesn’t interfere with us. At the end of our year. Where light is a lot smaller especially the day, we are creating an environment where when they retrofit energy where we want as many different Government is acting as an enabler and efficient appliances. So the use of energy Her Excellency, entrepreneurs, as many different that is what we want to thrive in and when you know it’s constant. That is Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari companies to come in and provide there will be more. I think year you what we are trying to advocate and that is power. Which is need to make sure that will see that there will be more of these why we are focused on private sector they follow some specific standards and projects coming about and we will just helping us deliver on this mandate.

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 34 35 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR FUTURE ASSURED

Her Excellency, Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari with wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo and Women Leaders including the Deputy National Women Women Involvement Key To Leader of the APC, Chief Tina Adike. Her Excellency, Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari with wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo and Women Leaders including the Deputy National Women Leader of the APC, Chief Tina Adike. National Development - Aisha Buhari She called on women leaders to rally She also called on them to continue programmes and “very soon there members to achieve this and to support the activities of the party, will be testimonies from Nigerians” encourage candidates with capacity saying all the empowerment and she said the leaders have resolved to for leadership and integrity to contest medical outreach programmes she continue to work together and he role of women has been for elective positions. She undertakes through Future Assured support the good works of the ruling identified as one of the commended the women leaders over programme are not only to party. Mrs. Aipoh led a team made up Timportant determinants of the unity they have exhibited, saying complement party manifesto but to of women leaders from the 36 states. development in any administration. it has given her courage. ensure more inclusion and economic This was made known by the wife of empowerment among women. Also speaking at the event, wife of the the President, Mrs. Aisha “It is this unity that has Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Muhammadu Buhari, while receiving Speaking earlier, The APC Women Osinbajo commended the unity All Progressives Congress (APC) led you to come up leader FCT, Mrs. Hailmary Aipoh among the women leaders and urged State Women Leaders who recently with a forum to speak recognized the motherly role of Mrs. them to continue to show good paid her a courtesy visit at the Buhari, saying they are proud to have example by managing the affairs of with one voice” she Presidential Villa, Abuja. her as mother of the nation. She said women in their states well. expressed the hope that as mobilizers of women at the Mrs. Buhari lamented the low this unity will endure, grassroots, they are witnesses to the At the event were women leaders participation of women in decision good things she is doing especially to including the Deputy National making bodies in the country, and even among women at empower women. Women Leader of the APC, Chief called on more women to participate the state level and at the Tina Adike and wife of the Governor in politics so as to make it easy to She expressed optimism that the of Sokoto state, Mrs. Maryam Mairo grassroots. actualize the 35% affirmative action. party will succeed in executing its Tambuwal.

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 36 37 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR FUTURE ASSURED “Leave our daughters alone” which she said, is a strong call for the end of abductions, charging the media to own the campaign and spread message.

Aisha Buhari’s Charge

Her Excellency, Wife of the President, Mrs. At Women’s Day - “Leave Aisha Buhari with wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo and a host of other top officials during the event to mark the 2018 International Women’s Day, at the National Our Daughters Alone” Center for Women Development, Abuja. daughters alone, leave our daughters stories happening around women. She drew attention to the plight of alone” she charged. Director-General of the National rural women, who despite their hard Center for Women Development, work lack basic infrastructure and ife of the President, incidence of the abduction of girls, “Leave our daughters alone” which Speaking earlier, wife of the Vice Barrister Mary Ekpere-Eta, said this services, decent work and social Mrs. Aisha Buhari has especially the case of Chibok and she said, is a strong call for the end of President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, year, there was an unprecedented protection, and are left more charged perpetrators of Dapchi, which must take the national abductions, charging the media to W while congratulating women as they global movement for women’s rights, vulnerable to the effects of climate abductions and various harmful spotlight. own the campaign and spread celebrate the special day, said it is sad equality and justice. change. She called for urgent action practices against women and girls to message. that Nigerian women were to reverse this trend and ensure stop forthwith. She made this “As a mother, I share the witnessing the worst of times because She said sexual harassment, violence better life for the rural women. declaration at an event to mark the She also charged wives of the sorrow and agony of the of many negative things that are and discrimination against women 2018 International Women’s Day, on Governors to propagate the campaign parents at this time, it is my happening; she however noted that at has captured public discourse, Goodwill messages were delivered by recently, at the National Center for in their various states, stating that the the same they are also witnessing the propelled by a rising determination UNICEF, UN Women, UNFPA and Women Development, A buja. sincere hope that efforts by message must echo through all best of times in many respects. for change, which she noted were a host of others. Highlight of the government will soon lead to corners of Nigeria and be on instrumental to the declaration by the event was an exhibition of women’s Mrs. Buhari observed that for their release.” She said. everyone’s lips. This is because there are many good Wife of the President on the harmful business products. Nigeria, the day must be marked She introduced a local theme tagged stories happening around women. practices affecting women and girls in with a difference considering the sad “Leave our daughters alone, leave our

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 38 39 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR FUTURE ASSURED

Aisha Buhari is African

Empowerment Legend government policy and encouraging the spread of philantropic spirit among privileged Nigerians. Earlier in the day, Mrs. Buhari commissioned a Maternity n recognition of her efforts to Mrs. Masari said the recipient exudes Mrs. Masari also spoke on Mrs. Buhari's Complex. She also commissioned Muhammadu Buhari School empower Nigerian women, Wife qualities which are exceptional and aversion for corruption quoting her for Science and Arabic Studies Daura, where she is sponsoring of the President, Mrs. Aisha worthy of emulation by people in I dictum that without corruption, there the education of 60 pupils. In line with her empowerment drive, Muhammadu Buhari has been positions of responsibility. would be enough resources to cater for she also empowered over 500 youths with Sewing Machines, honoured as African Empowerment the needs of all Nigerians. Grinding Machines, Spiralizers and Tricycles at a separate event. Legend. The award ceremony was She said Mrs. Buhari has been making organized by the Wife of the Governor of donations to victims of insurgency and Receiving the award, Mrs. Buhari Mrs. Buhari was supported at the events by Governors of Katsina State Hajiya Zakiyya Masari in o t h e r d i s a s t e r s , h e l p i n g t h e thanked her host for the award and said it Zamfara, Imo and Kebbi states, wives of the Senate President and Daura, Katsina State. underprivileged, supporting and will propel her to do more, calling on Speaker of the House; Mrs. Toyin Saraki and Gimbiya Dogara creating awareness for education and stakeholders to improve the situation of respectively as well as 14 wives of governors among other Speaking on the reason for the award, health thereby complementing women in Nigeria. dignitaries.

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 40 41 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR FOREIGN NEWWS TOURISM

The World Technovation Five Brilliant Nigeria School Girls Win Gold Challenge held in the Silicon Valley in San Francisco, US.

At World Technovation Challenge In US - Kemi Akinyemi

ive Anambra girls from Regina Pacies Secondary School Onitsha, Amanbra state, Nigeria who F Nigerians on a safari inside the represented Nigeria and Africa at the A Safari In Yankari Yankari Game Reserve World Technovation Challenge in the Silicon Valley in San Francisco, US, won the Gold Medal in the contest. The team, he Yankari Game led by Uchenna Onwuamaegbu Ugwu defeated representatives of other Reserve (Bauchi technological giants including the USA, T State) is one of Spain, Turkey, Uzbekistan and China to clinch the gold medal. Nigeria’s best known travel destinations. The girls, who have now become Africa’s Pelu Awofeso Golden Girls is made up of five brilliant Promise Nnalue, Jessica Osita, Nwabuaku Ossai, Adaeze Onuigbo and Vivian Okoye who won the Gold chats up a group of Nigerians Medal in the contest at the World Technovation Challenge held in the Silicon Valley in San Francisco, US. girls including Promise Nnalue, Jessica With them is Uchenna Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu the CEO of Edufun Technik STEM. who were there recently... Osita, Nwabuaku Ossai, Adaeze Onuigbo and Vivian Okoye. The world champions of fake pharmaceutical products. Under emerge as tech-entrepreneurs and leaders. who are reported to be attracting a lot of the tutelage of Uchenna Onwuamaegbu- 115 countries participated in the qualifiers Anefiok Akpan: I have always Ugwu the CEO of Edufun Technik but only 12 teams from all over the world attention in the world’s greatest wondered what the Yankari Game STEM, the Golden Girls spent five were selected as finalists for the pitch in technological hub won the Challenge with Reserve looked like, especially a mobile application called the FD- months researching and developing FD- Silicon Valley. considering its reputation as one of Detector which they developed to help Detector which swept through over 2000 the most popular tourist attractions We settled quickly into the business presented to capture the highs and t a c k l e t h e C h a l l e n g e o f f a k e competing applications to get to the finals Every year, girls are invited to identify a of wandering around. The reserve lows of the game reserve: hoofs of pharmaceutical products in Nigeria. in San Francisco. problem in their communities and then are in Nigeria. It covers an area of more challenged to solve them by developing than 2,000 sq km. The serenity could boasts of one of the most well exotic birds, skins of wild animals; These young ladies in Junior Secondary Technovation is a programme that offers Andriod applications that would address not be mistaken; neither will tourists stocked artifacts museum, well tools of poachers who used to trouble School, developed a mobile application girls around the world the opportunity to those problems. fail to appreciate the tranquil curated and information nicely the reserve. I was impressed with the called ‘FD Detector’ to tackle the problems learn the programming skills they need to - Culled from www.theelitesng.com ambience of the reserve. presented to capture the highs and guides and staff who showed us

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 42 43 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR TOURISM And what is a reserve without the wildlife? We drove through the picturesque wild, came across a jubilant tribe of monkeys. On our way to the legendary prehistoric caves, it was a beautifully weird experience, realizing that behind those small holes, a long gone civilization had existed. Our journey literally came to halt at the Wikki warm spring. I couldn’t help but get a dip, relishing its therapeutic effect. The Marshall Caves Wikki Warm Spring

Chukwuemeka Ekenaka: The journey from Bauchi State capital to Yaknari Games Reserve (Bauchi State) the Yankari Games Reserve is about 1 hr 30 mins, covering a distance of 110km. We visited the museums and saw preserved skins, skulls and skeletal system of animals such as the wolf and cheetah. The reserve has hostel accommodation for researchers and tourists. Wildlife At Yankari Game Reserve Wildlife Inside The Yankari Game Reserve

There are also shackles used by the Apart from seeing these places, It’s an mind. The whiff of the dry forest and A truck took us into the reserve colonial masters on our forefathers opportunity to identify with the other natural sights were too good to (natural habitat), where animals during the slave trade era. The wiki hidden treasures embedded in forget. The pageant of wild animals are allowed to reproduce warm spring was another pleasant Nigeria, which have not been tapped and nature, especially the bluish naturally without any human experience, because I had never set into by the various state warm wiki spring, thrilled me on Preserved Animal Parts In The Yakari Museum interference or aid. We met a my eyes on a spring before. It was governments. end: I swam like a toddler. pure and clean, a fine specimen of the handful of animals - from The road networks in the minute spent there. finest of waters. It’s impossible to The opportunity to see the animals in Miracle Umoh: It was an reserve are not paved and you Impala to Monkeys - who describe the allure of the reserve to their natural habitat made me so opportunity for me to go to Yankari Samuel Igbomiye: I won’t forget depend on a stream that runs could feel the refreshing those who have not been there; but I happy. The Wikki warm spring added Game Reserve and experience what the experience of visiting the Yankari can say that you’ll be thrilled when flavour to the visit as it was most Nigerians travel outside the through the reserve. expanse of nature. Bridges in Games Reserve in a long time. I felt you visit. Also, visiting the Marshal discovered that one could swim in country to experience. We can have the reserve are made of woods the natural breath of fresh air for a Caves, where the early men lived was water that is constantly warm all the money in the world to throw Our group was taken to the Marshall and stones. Sadly, we didn’t see couple of hours at a stretch. The Caves, named after the person who another mind blowing experience on anytime of the day. Visiting the around, but something is paramount the ''big five'' - Lions, Tigers, reserve is one of Africa’s finest its own. The caves, as small and as museum was also a very memorable here, which is to visit some later proved that humans once lived tropical forests; within it there is a Leopards, Giraffes and deep as they are, were very cold experience. Seeing guns and traps extraordinary local places and see in the caves. The caves are carved in museum, which consists of preserved inside-out. seized from poachers was fantastic. If wonders of the world and the rocks close to the stream, which Elephants. remains of wildlife (elephant, I have an opportunity to visit again, I handiwork of God. YGR is one of served as a source of water for the leopard, crocodile, lion, tiger to Adeniyi Philip: Going to Yankari will lodge in the reserve’s nicely built those places one needs visit to inhabitants hundreds of years ago. Its either poachers have reduced the mention but a few); it was the first Game Reserve was a dream come chalets with my family. appreciate God, the creator of the The safari was as scary as it was animal population in the reserve or time I saw some of the wild animals true. For so many years, I wanted to Abel James: My visit to the reserve world. Truly, Yankari Game Reserve exciting - unsurprisingly only our they were sleeping/ grazing far away. in their natural habitats, roaming visit tourist attractions in Nigeria. will forever remain etched in my is a reserved place for all and sundry. guide was relaxed. All in all, it was a trip worth every freely in search of prey.

THE NIGERIA INDICATOR 44 45 THE NIGERIA INDICATOR TOURISM And You Didn’t Just Visit Badagry: You Also Had A Letter With You, Which You Read Out, Before Dropping It Into The Atlantic. What Was The Reason Behind That Ritual, So To Speak And How Did You Feel That The Mission Was Accomplished? My trip to Badagry was based on the theory that the DNA test was accurate. If a Yoruba woman was in my family (and likely subjected to the slave trade) I wanted to write to her, to let her know I was here. I wanted her to hear me say “thank you.” That thank you had to come from my whole family, since we share the same DNA. I asked one of my family members to help me write Wall art depicting slavery in Badagry the letter, and put all our names on it. It was very important to me Slab on the slave route (Gberefu Island), Badagry to put the letter in the Atlantic. Ships set forth from Badagry and Ikee Gardner At The Akran's Palace Badagry crossed the Atlantic, after which the surviving people became enslaved in the U.S., Brazil, Cuba, or wherever they landed. The Nigerian side of the ocean was the appropriate place to let “Visiting Badagry Was The Most the letter rest. What Was It Like Processing Your Travel Documents? Ha – it was highly stressful! I am so glad I had a college friend Meaningful Trip Of My Life” living in Lagos to help me through the process. I was required to send letters to the Nigerian consulate, verify my financial status, and verify that I had someone in Nigeria to support me during African-American Ikee Gardner was in Nigeria nations. When they find a match, they send you a letter with the my travels. Actually, Nigeria is the first country I’ve visited recently to connect with her African Ancestry. While in results. My letter says it is 98.9% likely I had a Yoruba woman which required me to get a tourist visa – and I’ve spent over a year ancestor. I’ve always dreamed of finding the link between myself and a half of my life traveling the globe. Lagos, she took a tour to historic Badagry, a town and whichever of my ancestors was taken into the slave trade. reputed for being a hub of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade Since you can’t argue with science, I decided to go to Nigeria to I Assume That You Would Have Heard - In The News, in West Africa. - Interview by Pelu Awofeso find out more about the slave trade of Yoruba people in Nigeria. From The Us Government Travel Alert Or From Friends - that Nigeria May Be Unsafe For Foreigners. Was This The Visiting Badagry Was Top On Your To-Do List. Why Was When Did You Begin To Nurture The Thought To Come Case? If Yes, What Was Your Reaction? That? To Lagos / Nigeria - and Why? I knew that only the northern parts of Nigeria were threatened As soon as I received the letter containing my genetic results, I uring my third year of law school, I started by Boko Haram. I have tons of Nigerian friends, mostly Yoruba started reading tons of books and articles about Yorubaland. I researching my family history. I only knew as far and Ibo, and knew of two people who had recently visited went to the library and took home two giant grocery bags full of back as my grandparents, and wanted to see how southern Nigeria by seeing their Facebook photos. My friend D books (lol!). When I read that Badagry was a site of slave trading from college was also living in Lagos, so I knew it was safe to much I could find out. My research got me back to 1820 on my for many years and that it was located in Yorubaland, I knew I had Mom’s side, but then the paper trail stopped. I am a Black come. to visit. American woman, and (as you probably already know) during What Were Your Impressions After Spending Days In the enslavement of Black people in the Americas, written family Ikee Gardner holding slave chains at the Brazillian Barracoon in Badagry Can You Relive Your Feelings And Experiences While You Lagos And Returning To The Us? records were kept very rarely, if at all. I wondered what other Toured Badagry? trip to Lagos and Badagry. people in my situation – Black American young people who Lagos is an amazing city. Lagos is a difficult city. Lagos has so wanted to know more about their family – were doing to find out It was a very odd experience. I wanted to be emotional, but at the much potential to be an international travel destination, except What Has Happened Since You Returned To The Us As more about their past. same time, I knew at least two hundred years separated me from for the bureaucracy involved in getting a visa and the difficulty any person I could possibly share blood with who was subjected navigating the city without a friend or family member there. Per Your Visit To Nigeria? The trip has been so eye-opening for my whole family. We’ve sat Using Google, I found a website called African Ancestry.com. to the slave trade. Also, my family members wanted to see the Because I am confident in the results from the lab, this was the down as a family to go through the pictures and hear the stories For a small investment, this website allows you to analyze your photos, so I wanted to spend more time in documenting the trip most meaningful trip of my life. I can never be Nigerian, from the trip. I want to say that I could not have done it without DNA in a lab. The scientists compare your DNA with and in photographing it than feeling emotional. I do think that, because I was not born there, nor do I have Nigerian parents. Travel Next Door, the travel company that planned and catalogued DNA from over 100 tribal groups in various African if the genetic test is right and if I did have a Yoruba woman However (according to the DNA testing anyway) I have ancestor, that she’s proud of me. I hope so! Nigerian blood. So, no other trip will ever be as important as my organized my tour to Badagry.

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