PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESENTS 2016 BUDGET TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

President Muhammad Buhari, this morning presented the N6.08 trillion 2016 budget to the National Assembly members. During his speech, PMB said Nigeria remains committed to diversification to build and reflate the economy. On current fuel scarcity, Buhari apologized to Nigerians and blamed it on some stakeholders who have refused to embrace change. He said fuel pump price will remain at N87 for now

He said the trust in government is at an all time low but that his  government will not betray the trust put on them. He said his government has the will,resources and commitment to deliver to the Nigerian s

He announced that a conditional cash transfer to the poor will be created and it will be managed by the vice-president's office. On the  educational sector, Buhari said 500,000 teachers will be recruited.

On the diversification of the economy, Buhari said young farmers and miners will be encouraged. He added that N1.884 trillion shall be borrowed to fund the budget.

STRAIGHT FROM THE INK OF A POET III - MUBARAK OLADOSU

Prayer for my pen 

 Dear pen,

I heard you shriek aloud in pain

Please don’t despair;

Don’t go dry             

And do not cry

Please note 

That it’s not the fault of the ground

That the grass is dry:

Very soon, we shall swim together

When comes the rainy season;

In my pool of words,     

We shall be drenched in success

When the hosts of heaven 

Rain down inspiration

For our grins to green again.

                                               

 .....an excerpt from the book 'MIND MANTRA' by OLADOSU MUBARAK...
Oladosu Mubarak writes for and broadcasts at the UNILORIN BULLETIN
and UNILORIN FM respectively

                                                     call: 07034426998, tweet  @mubarakng

still IN THE KITCHEN WITH ABIMBOLA OMOLADE VII

VEGETABLE SALAD           

  

 Ingredient  

1.  • cabbage
2. • cucumber
3. •  leaves
4. •  carrots
5. • Tomatoes
6. • green bell pepper
7. •sweet corn 
8. • green peas - salted, boiled
9. • macaroni - salted, boiled
10. • Hard-boiled

Directions

Step 1: Rinse the cabbage and chop. Slice the cucumber into 2 from the middle, remove the seeds, rinse and chop. Rinse the lettuce, tomatoes, green bell pepper & carrots, chop. 

 






 Step 2: In a medium sized bowl, combine the whole ingredients together and mix everything together. Pop it into the refrigerator to chill and also prevent it from getting sour. 

 




Step 3: To serve, simply dish out into small bowls and drizzle some salad cream or mayonnaise over it. Serve alone as an appetizer or as a side with any rice dish.

 




 ABIMBOLA OMOLADE
+2348188866735
abimbolaomolade9@gmail.com
www.ladesimi.blogspot.com.ng

AFRICAN LADY TOPS UNITED STATES COLLEGE GRADUATING CLASS

A Nigerian-born American, Ms. Rukevwe Ekayoma has emerged top of
the 2015 graduating class from the Trinity Valley Community College,
Athens, Texas, United States with a perfect 4.0 average grade point. Ms.
Rukevwe Ekayoma was described by her family as “hardworking and
focused”. The CEO, Dream Project for Africa, Mr. Nelson Oluwabukola
Michael was at the graduation to celebrate with the family.
The African community in the United States have showered praises on
Ms. Rukevwe for bringing glory, pride and honor to the African
community. Friends from all over the world have also kept sending
endless messages on social media to celebrate with the graduate and
her family.
Ms. Rukevwe Ekayoma plans to further her career towards becoming a
fully registered nurse in the coming year.

RAPE: LETTER TO MY DEAR FRIEND BY WHYTE HABEEB IBIDAPO

DEAR FRIEND
It is with great enthusiasm and soberness that I write this letter which is of
uttermost importance to me, you and every other fellow that gets to read this.
I must first appreciate the fact that you took the courage to share your
dreams of a better Nigerian society with me barely less than eighteen hours of
meeting. It shows how eager you want to create the change our society
deserves. Sharing a dream with a dreamer is not a bad idea at all. It is a right
step to the right destination where success resides. A listening ear a times
can be considered as a custodian of wisdom. Thank God you never made
attempt to set sail using someone’s star. The navigation may seem north and
wrong because we are voyaging different ships and on different oceans. I have
learnt from you and I guess I want to share your fate.

Friend, you made me understand your misfortunes and I must say that I have
spotted blessings from the story behind it. You are a lady of substance, your
life have a worth even when you think it does not. The fears you keep never at
any point betrayed the truth in your tongue. Fortune is already at your favour’s
spot. The sky is going to weep to your victory sooner or later. I always like to
look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is
a complex matter. Part of its complex nature is the hatred you filled your
heart with. I know the hatred is as a product of bad acts done to your person.
Such acts were aimed at depriving you of your dignity as a woman of
substance. However, I want you to know that hate is heavy; I doubt if you
would ever let it go. I do not think hating what hates us is good. For hate is
the burden to exhaust the stare in you.
Friend, you made me understand the fate of your dark hours. You keep
emphasizing that I do not know how you feel to be robbed off your dignity.
The tears keep rolling down your cheeks as you keep murmuring the word
‘toilet’, ‘toilet’, toilet. You made it worse when you said he gave you a chapter
in the bible to read after all he did to you. You mentioned Isaiah 51 or
thereabout. You made me know that you cannot even explain how you lost
your virginity but all you remember is the toilet issue and the main man that
you see most of the time. It keeps paining you that he is now a pastor of God.
He now wins souls. You made me know that you can never forgive him and
that you feel like killing him. Even the lesson teacher that betrays the
confidence your mum repose on him by making you stay with him after school
hours is also a thing you cannot spare. The lesson teacher is a man you
cannot see again but you still see your uncle who is now a pastor. You live
and wake up with your mum who knows nothing about your misfortune. You
were betrayed by fate the day you intend telling her of your mysteries because
you met her in the pool of her own tears. At that very day, she was in tears
over the welfarism of you and your brother. Rather than adding to her problem
that night, you offered helping hand by telling her that you are ready to start
hawking so as to help meet the family’s financial condition. Your everyday
thoughts were destroying you. You tried not to think but the silence was a
killer too. You suddenly became the flower that gives its fragrance to even the
hand that crushes it.
Friend, it is not easy to have gone through hell like you have done. It is more
or less like a paleontologist coming face to face with a dinosaur. No doubt, an
odd combination of fear and exhilaration must have settled over you. To be a
victim of rape or sexual harassment is so inhumane and degrading. To be a
victim of separated family is also worse. To be raised by a mother that can do
everything for the sustenance of her children but not knowing what happens to
them after her daily exit is sad. Your reputation for secrecy is now exceeded
only by that of your deadliness. An oasis where hope is gone and tongue glued
to its root.
I know you are learning how to be okay without the world and I can’t wait for
the day when you would get to look at the world and feel absolute nothing.
Not even the bunch of hatred in your heart. I can wait for the day when you
would stand tall before the world and say your story. I only had the privilege
of knowing because you considered me as a change agent. You charged me to
also address issues like yours when campaigning or making advocacy on
sexual harassment and sexual related offences. You want people like your
uncle to face the wrath of the law. Even as you stare through the fog with a
look somewhere between stupefaction and anger, you still want the best for
the vulnerable persons. Your heart is good my dear friend.
My friend, as you have decided to start an agency that would see to the
development of kids and youths that are facing similar problem like yours, I
pledge to support with all I have and I know every right thinking mind out there
would do same. Before then, I would want you to forgive all those that have
trespassed upon your dignity. I would want you to be hopeful as you have been
till now. I only wish everyone could get talking like you have done. A warm
tear of sincere repentance earns the mercy of the Almighty and wipes off our
sins no matter how big or how many they are. Just know you would get
through it. Life isn’t so much about what is happening but your reaction to
what is happening.
N.B: To every person that gets to read this, it is a real story. Issues of sexual
harassment and Rape have caused a whole lot to the development of some many
female folks around. My own friend aspires to be great and willing to have a big
platform to tell her story and educate others. If you have a worthy platform, don’t
hesitate to contact me and let us help her achieve her aim.


(WHYTE HABEEB IBIDAPO is a Lawyer, United Nations Award winner, Africa
International Arbitration Award winner, Coca cola/ The Nation Campuslife
Award Winner, Promasidor Runner-up for the Best Future Writer in Nigeria, i-
Hustle Campaign Initiative Ambassador and Editor Egba Youth Awards
Foundation.

GIRL 9, PUBLISHES BOOK, ADVOCATES FOR TERRORIST

As the menace of insurgency has continued to prevail around the world, Splendour Joe King, a 9-year-old female pupil of Unique Blossom School, Maitama, Abuja, has published a book on terrorism titled: “Effects of Terrorism on Children”.

This was made known yesterday when splendour, in the company of her parents, Mr and Mrs Joe King, the headmistress of her school, Kate Onwubuariri, some of her teachers and colleagues, paid a courtesy visit to the corporate headquarters of LEADERSHIP Group in Abuja.

Miss Splendour, who is arguably the first child around the world to write a book on terrorism, said her inspiration to write the book stemmed from the concern she has for the numerous lives that are being lost to the wanton destruction by the Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria and the fact that if the children are adequately educated on the dangers of becoming a terrorist, the future will be at peace.

“You will agree with me that there is an urgent need to include terrorism education in the school curriculum for all schools to key into it. The terrorists we see today were once Children like us and if they were properly educated, they may not have ended up as terrorists,” she said.

She said the purpose of her visit was to seek cooperation of LEADRSHIP in creating awareness.

Her mother, Mrs Joe King, also spoke to the management of LEADERSHIP, confirmed her daughter’s dream of seeing an end of terrorism in future through the use of education. According to her, nobody sold the idea to her; she had had the privilege of travelling to the North-east after the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls and what she saw convinced her of the danger ahead.

“She met some of them who escaped and heard from them about their horrible experiences and since then she became pre-occupied with the writing of a book to educate children on terrorism,” she said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief Operating Officer (COO), LEADERSHIP Group, Mr Nnamdi Samuel, praised the effort and initiative of Splendour whom he said is too young for what she had done and pledged the company’s support for her henceforth.

NIGERIAN YOUTHS TASK BUHARI ON WELFARE

A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH ASSEMBLY OF NIGERIA NATIONAL SITTING ON SATURDAY 12th DECEMBER, 2015 AT THE POWER MIKE CENTER, ABUJA
STATE OF THE NATION:
ISSUES DELIBERATED UPON AND RESOLUTIONS REACHED THEREON:
Whereas the National Youth Assembly of Nigeria is an Assembly committed to the promotion of good governance anchored on youth empowerment and sustainable development;
Whereas the Assembly is concerned about the many grave challenges facing our nation at this critical period;
Concerned that the Nigerian youths have been at the receiving end of the harsh economic weather enveloping the Nigerian nation at the moment;
Aware that the Nigerian Youths have greater stake in the future of the Nigerian nation than the present crop of the nation's Leadership;
Convinced that anything about us without us is not for us;
The Assembly consequently rose from its National sitting to resolve as follows;

1. ON INSECURITY:
The youth are the most affected by the insecurity bedevilling the nation, we call on the youth all over the country to rise up and unite against terror while enjoining our government to pursue the empowerment of youths as a lasting solution to youth restiveness.
2. ON MINIMUM WAGE:
Governor that cannot pay should resign. The high cost of maintaining our elected leaders has negatively impacted the nation's economy on a large scale as it is not reflective of but rather insensitive to the economic realities of the time. There is no justification for a state to be unable to pay the minimum salary. Governors should be creative in seeking for ways of enhancing their internally generated revenue rather than relying on the Federal Government Allocation.
3. ON ANTI-CORRUPTION:
The issue of corruption in governance of the country is very disturbing. The Assembly identifies with the Anti-corruption war being currently waged by the present administration but expresses the considered view that government must be holistic and non-selective in this war so that questions surrounding the integrity of the process would not derail the ongoing campaign or undermine its effectiveness. The Assembly commends the Osigwe Anyiam Osigwe Foundation for considering corruption as a topic of its annual memorial lectures. We call on Nigerians to contribute to the ongoing anti-corruption war by correcting ourselves individually. It is the belief of the Assembly that the fight against corruption must start from somewhere. Media trials should be discouraged and Court processes and Orders respected.
4.ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY:
The National Assembly and the Presidency should enforce a complete financial autonomy for the Local Governments in the country. The Independent Electoral Commission should take over the conduct of Local Government elections as against the States' Independent Electoral Commission since past experiences have demonstrated lack of objectivity by the State Electoral Umpires presiding over the Local Government Elections.
5. ON UNEMPLOYMENT:
The Assembly observes that the youth unemployment rate remains alarming and government must rise to act appropriately. The proposal of a 500 billion Naira welfare package in the 2016 budget is a welcome development but considers that a lot more could be done by ensuring the full implementation of the policy which should be supported by establishment of Skills Acquisition Centres across the country. Programmes of the previous administration such as SURE-P, YOU-WIN and GIS should be sustained and built upon. The Assembly calls on our Honourable Minister of Labour and Productivity to immediately role out his plan for tackling unemployment during his stewardship even as we assure him of our ever preparedness to partner with him in tackling the challenges before him.
6. ON EDUCATION:
The highly exploitative tendencies of our higher institutions such as exam fees, acceptance fees, convocation/graduation fee, post-UTME and such other frivolous charges during studies must be discouraged by Government, Civil Society Organizations, student bodies and all well-meaning Nigerians. This is further widening the illiteracy gap in the country.
Attaining qualitative basic education remains a mirage in the country when education is one of the most vital sector that needs to be addressed.
We find it highly irresponsible of different State Governments to fail to pay fees owed exam bodies which has resulted in the withholding of SSCE results of thousands of Nigerian students.
We equally commend the Senate for passing a resolution calling for the extension of the validity period of JAMB result.
7. ON FRACTION IN NYAN:
In the spirit of unity, peace and progress, the Assembly resolved to extend the olive branch to our separated brethren who have carried on under the aegis of YAN being championed by the former Deputy Speaker of the National Youth Assembly of Nigeria. It is our belief that our brethren would see good reasons to come back home in the overall interest of the Nigerian Youths and achievement of our collective vision.
8. ON YOUTH AFFAIRS:
The Assembly calls on the Youth Minister to, as a matter of compelling urgency, convene a National Youth Summit where he is expected to roll out his measurable blueprint on how to immediately arrest festering youth restiveness across the land, combat growing youth unemployment in the land, achieve financial inclusiveness, skill acquisition, wealth creation and youth empowerment with a view to stamping out crushing poverty engulfing the youths and ravaging their potentials.

9. CONCLUSION:
It is the humble but firm view of the Assembly that the lot of the Nigerian Youths and indeed the entire nation will have received a tremendous leap in the much sought-after direction of economic emancipation, prosperity and peaceful co-existence if the salient issues and resolutions herein contained are given accelerated consideration and implemented.
SIGNED

LUQMAN MAIJIDADI,
NATIONAL SPEAKER.