Lunar eclipse Nigeria: How to watch tonight’s ‘blood moon

• The Blood Moon Explained

 

THIS evening, our night will be a little darker, with the second lunar eclipse this year taking place. It’s known as the ‘blood moon’.

Eclipses occur when the Earth is perfectly lined up between the moon and the sun. Tonight’s eclipse will turn the moon into a bright red glow. This will happen because the light the moon usually reflects from the sun being blocked by the earth.

This phenomena is known as a ‘blood moon’, and while the science above is simple enough to explain it, two Christian pastors have claimed the blood moon is a sign that Judgement Day is coming. They say that their claim is further backed up by the fact both solar eclipses each year fall on significant Jewish holidays Passover and Sukkot.

For a scientific view, however, Dr Alan Duffy, an astronomer at Swinburne University of Technology, said that there are three key aspects to the blood moon.

“The eclipse begins with a shadow slowly appearing on the surface of the Moon. Over the next hour more of the Moon will be covered until eventually it lies directly behind the Earth away from the Sun,” Dr Duffy said.

“At this point the Moon should be blacked-out but it will actually appear blood red. This colour is from all the sunrises and sunsets of Earth shining onto the Moon.

“The phase of totality with a red moon lasts for an hour, before the Moon begins to leave the umbra and the series of events reverses over the course of the final hour.”

Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse like this one is safe to watch without any eye protection, so all you will have to do to see it is look up. If you’re stuck inside though,Slooh has a lifestream for you to watch online.

WHEN TO WATCH (local times):

NSW/ACT/VIC/TAS: Eclipse begins 8.15pm, total eclipse 9.25pm-10.25pm, eclipse ends 11.35pm.

QLD: Eclipse begins 7.15pm, total eclipse 8.25pm-9.25pm, eclipse ends 10.35pm.

SA: Eclipse starts 7.45pm, total eclipse 8.55pm-9.55pm, eclipse ends 11.05pm.

NT: Eclipse starts 6.45pm, total eclipse 7.55pm-8.55pm, eclipse ends 10.05pm.

WA: Moon rises at 6.19pm, total eclipse 6.25pm-7.25pm, eclipse ends 8.35pm.

A picture of the last blood moon from April this year. Source: News Corp Australia

Jonathan, 6th richest African president

Richest Lifestyle, a US-based website, has listed President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria as the 6th Richest African president.

In an article titled, ‘Richest African Presidents 2014′ , the US website compiled a list of the nine richest presidents and kings in Africa. According to the article, President Jonathan is worth $100million. Other African presidents and kings on the list include;

1. Jose Eduardo dos Santos of Angola – Net Worth: $20 Billion 2. Mohammed VI of Morocco – Net Worth: $2.5 Billion 3. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea – $600 Million 4. Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya – Net Worth: $500 Million 5. Paul Biya of Cameroon – Net Worth: $200 Million 6. King Mswati III of Swaziland – Net Worth: $100 Million (The monarch shares the number 6 spot with President Jonathan) 7. Idriss Deby of Chad – Net Worth: $50 Million 8. Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe – Net Worth: $10 Million

Fashion & Skin Cancer. ..... the truth

Rates of melanoma have been increasing for at least the past 30 years. Now, a new study published in the American Journal of Public Healthclaims a number of cultural and historical factors over the past 100 years, such as changes in fashion trends and social perceptions, have contributed to this increase.

Researchers say changes in clothing over the past century have led us to show more skin, increasing UV exposure and the risk of melanoma.
Image credit: Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Langone Medical Center

Melanoma accounts for less than 2% of all skin cancercases but is the main cause of skin cancer deaths. This year, around 76,100 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the US, and around 9,710 people will die from the disease.

A major cause of melanoma is high exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning lamps and beds. Earlier this year, Medical News Today reported on a study revealing multiple sunburns as an adolescent can increase the risk of melanoma by 80%.

In this latest study, led by Dr. David Polsky of NYU Langone Medical Center in New York, NY, the researchers have identified a number of factors in the past century that have led to increased exposure to UV light, which may explain rising melanoma incidence rates.

To reach their findings, Dr. Polsky and his team analyzed a number of socioeconomic changes from the early 1900s until now - such as evolution of clothing styles, economic trends, perceptions of tanned skin, social norms and travel patterns - and looked at how these may translate into increased UV exposure.

They divided the 20th century into four periods - the turn of the century, early 20th century, mid-20th century and late 20th century - and estimated the how much of the body was likely to have been exposed to UV light in each period.

The 'era of porcelain beauty' diminishes

The researchers describe the turn of the century as the "era of porcelain beauty." Lower class individuals were more likely to be tanned, as the majority worked outdoors doing manual labor, while upper class people were more likely to stay indoors. Therefore, having a tan was associated with lower status.

This, and the general negative attitudes toward dark-skinned individuals in this period, increased desirability for fair skin, the researchers say. As a result, many people shaded themselves from the sun with parasols and thick clothing that covered most of the body.

This began to change, however, when evidence emerged that exposure to sunlight may be good for general health, as well as illnesses such as tuberculosisand rickets.

Exposure to sunlight started to be perceived as positive, and as a result, people began spending more leisure time in the sun and wore clothing that showed more skin.

A reversal in negative attitudes toward tanned skin

In the early 20th century, the first evidence that UV exposure may cause skin cancer emerged. But the researchers say such warnings were largely ignored.

"This may have occurred because the mechanism underlying UV-induced carcinogenesis was poorly understood," the researchers note. "It was also widely held that sunlight caused skin cancer only in susceptible individuals, such as patients with xeroderma pigmentosum, but not in the general population."

Such warnings continued to be ignored in mid-20th century, when negative attitudes toward tanned skin completely reversed, the authors say.

Tanned skin was perceived as "sexy" and "healthy," and was promoted as such by celebrities and fashion magazines. As a result, clothing became more revealing. The T-shirt - which led to arm exposure on a daily basis - grew popular in 1942, and the bikini became popular in the US in the 1960s, increasing women's skin exposure from 47% to 80%.

The team also notes that increases in travel and engagement in outside sports would have led to increased UV exposure.

Tanned skin maintains its 'allure,' despite skin cancer warnings

Figures show that between the 1930s and 1960s, melanoma incidence increased 300% in men and 400% in women. The researchers say that this increase correlated with changes in fashion, travel and leisure that led to an increase in skin exposure.

"The tanning trend that began in the 1920s sustained its allure and celebrity promotion into the late 20th century," the researchers say. "Despite mounting evidence that UV exposure was linked to the development of skin cancer, tanned skin remained highly desirable."

And it seems perceptions have not changed in the 21st century. Tanned skin is still seen as being attractive and healthy, and as a result, many of us tend to ignore the warnings of skin cancer.

This is supported in a feature by MNT earlier this year, looking at why we ignore the health risks of UV exposure.

"Despite elevated awareness of the dangers of UV radiation, people still choose to ignore the dangers in the pursuit of what they consider to be a 'healthy tan,'" Tim Turnham, executive director of the Melanoma Research Foundation, told us.

"This is particularly an issue among young people who tend to ignore health risks in favor of enhancing their social status and popularity," he added. "We know that tanning appeals to people who are interested in being included, and this is a primary driver for teens - being part of the 'in' crowd."

Rates of melanoma are still on the rise in the US. Incidence increased from 22.8 cases per 100,000 to 28.9 cases per 100,000 between 2000 and 2009.

The investigators of this latest study note that although their research is unable to make a causal link to melanoma, it effectively provides a "historical framework" of how changing socioeconomic factors have contributed to the disease. They add:

"Identifying the roles of cultural and historical forces (including gender and social class differences) that contribute to the growth and persistence of public health problems may help target interventions to affect disease epidemiology in a positive fashion."

MNT recently reported on a study suggesting that askin glow from fruits and vegetables is deemed more attractive than a tan.

PHOTOS: South Africa seizes Nigeria's $5.7m in another secret arms deal bust

Three weeks after South African government seized $9.3million allegedly belonging to the Nigerian government, they have once again confiscated $5.7million arms money from Nigeria.

According to South African newspaper City Press, the money was seized by South Africa’s Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority for allegedly being the proceeds of illegal transactions and even shared some documents. See the full report after the cut...

From City Press

The Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has seized $5.7 million (R64 million) for yet another arms deal between South Africa and Nigeria.
This is the second multimillion-rand arms deal between the two countries in the past month that has resulted in the money being frozen in South African banks.

Last month, R103 million in $100 bills stashed in suitcases was seized at Lanseria Airport, north of Joburg.

The money was frozen in both cases for allegedly being the proceeds of illegal transactions.
City Press’ sister paper Rapport has learnt that the department for offences against the state in the Special Investigating Unit is also involved.

Documents in the newspaper’s possession show that the earlier consignment was approved by the Nigerian government – that country’s national security adviser personally issued the end-user certificate for the transaction.

An entire “shopping list” was supplied with the certificate, which included everything from helicopters to unmanned aircraft, rockets and ammunition.
Sources close to the investigation said the latest transaction was between Cerberus Risk Solutions, an arms broker in Cape Town, and Societe D’Equipments Internationaux, a Nigerian company in Abuja.
An impeccable source said this company paid the R60 million into Cerberus’ account at Standard Bank.

Cerberus was previously registered as a broker with the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC), but the registration expired in May this year.
The marketing and contracting permits also expired at the same time.
The company has since applied for re-registration, but the application lay in the NCACC’s mailbox for more than two months.

Sources told Rapport that Cerberus apparently tried to pay the money back to the Nigerian company, after which the bank became suspicious.
The NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit subsequently obtained a court order in the South Gauteng High Court to seize the money.

Cerberus’ attorney, Martin Hood, this week declined to comment on the matter.
NPA spokesperson Nathi Mncube said there were no indications that the two transactions were related.
“However, both are now the subject of a criminal investigation and all possible information and connections are being investigated,” said Mncube.

Ebola: Lessons for US from Nigeria

Health workers attending to Ebola patients at a clinic in Monrovia, Liberia.... on Monday. | credits: Photo: ABC News

In the comity of West African nations affected by the Ebola Virus Disease, Nigeria and Cameroon have been singled out for their prompt response and effective contact tracing mechanism. Less than seven weeks after the late index case, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, imported the EVD into the Nigeria from Liberia, there is yet to be any suspected or confirmed case.

Stakeholders have said that the United States, which recorded its own index case on September 20, when a Liberian, Mr. Thomas Eric Duncan, travelled from Liberia the US, can take away a lesson or two from Nigeria’s quick response.

Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, said there were more than 800 primary and secondary contacts between Sawyer and the ECOWAS official, Olu Koye-Ibukun, who took the virus from Lagos to Port Harcourt. In the end, health workers reportedly made 18,500 face-to-face visits, checking on the contacts for any symptoms of the disease.

On September 10, Chukwu had announced a total number of 19 confirmed EVD cases with seven deaths.

In the US, the wheel of contact tracing has been set in motion and the number of primary and secondary contacts of Duncan whittled down to 15.

A Reuters report on Sunday said, “While devastating reports continue to stream out of West Africa, where the deadly virus has overwhelmed already weak public health systems and left thousands of people dead, and anxiety grips the US over the first case of Ebola diagnosed in the country, one nation serves as an example of hope: Nigeria, which appears to have successfully contained Ebola.

“As concerns spread over US hospitals’ readiness, there are some lessons to be learned from Nigeria, where officials managed to get ahead of the fast-moving virus after it was brought into Africa’s most populous country by an Ebola-infected man, who had flown into Lagos. This week, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the outbreak could be coming to an end in Nigeria, with no new Ebola cases since August 31.

“As in the US case, Ebola arrived in Nigeria by passenger plane. But unlike Thomas Eric Duncan, who arrived in Dallas before he became symptomatic and was therefore not contagious during his flights from Liberia to Texas through Brussels and Dulles International Airport, Patrick Sawyer was already symptomatic when he landed in Lagos on July 20. At that point, Sawyer, Nigeria’s index case was contagious and dying.”

It continued, “It was a nightmare scenario with the potential to spiral out of control, given the bustling city of Lagos, Africa’s largest, is a major transport hub. As Sawyer was placed in isolation, public health officials had to track down every single person who had come into contact with him, from the flights he had boarded to the Lagos airport and the private hospital where he went after landing. And they had to do so quickly, making the process known as contact tracing a priority.

“In the whole system approach in beating the war on Ebola, contact tracing is the key public health activity that needs to be done,” said Gavin MacGregor-Skinner, who helped with the Ebola response in Nigeria with the Elizabeth R. Griffin Research Foundation. “The key is to find all the people that patient had direct close contact with.”

“From that single patient came a list of 281 people, MacGregor-Skinner said. Every one of those individuals had to provide health authorities twice-a-day updates about their well-being, often through methods like text-messaging. Anyone who didn’t feel well or failed to respond was checked on, either through a neighbourhood network or health workers.

Nigeria took a “whole community approach,” with everyone from military officials to church elders in the same room, discussing how to handle the response to the virus, MacGregor-Skinner said.

“Such an approach, and contact tracing in general, requires people to be open and forthright about their movements and their health, he said. Stigmatisation of patients, their families and contacts could only discourage that, so Nigerian officials sent a message to “really make them look like heroes,” MacGregor-Skinner said.

“This is the best thing people can do for Nigeria: They are going to protect and save Nigeria by being honest, by doing what they need to do, by reporting to the health commission,” he said. This made people feel like they were a part of something extremely important, he said, and also took into account real community needs. “You got real engagement and compliance from the contacts. They’re not running and hiding.”

Sawyer had come into contact with someone who ended up in Port Harcourt. That person went to a doctor who ended up dying from Ebola in August. Within a week, 70 people were being monitored. It ballooned to an additional 400 people in that one city.

Success stories of people coming through strict Ebola surveillance alive and healthy helped encourage more people to come forward, as they recognised that ending up in a contact tracer’s sights did not mean a death sentence.

The CDC also pointed to the robust public health response by Nigerian officials, who have had experience with massive public health crises in the past — namely polio in 2012 and large-scale lead poisoning in 2010.

When someone is on a contact list, that does not mean that person has to stay at home for the entire incubation period of 21 days from the last contact with someone who had Ebola. People on contact lists are not under quarantine or in isolation. They can still go to work and go on with their lives. But they should take their temperature twice a day for 21 days and check in with health workers.

The CDC recommends that people without symptoms but who have had direct contact with the bodily fluids of a person sick with Ebola be put under either conditional release, meaning that they self-monitor their health and temperature and check in daily, or controlled movement. People under controlled movement have to notify officials about any intended travel and shouldn’t use commercial planes or trains. Local public transport at use is approved on a case-by-case basis.

When symptoms do develop, that’s when the response kicks into high gear. People with Ebola are contagious only once they begin exhibiting symptoms, which include fever, severe headaches and vomiting.

While four people in Dallas are under government-ordered quarantine, which is not the norm. Those individuals “were non-compliant with the request to stay home. I don’t want to go too far beyond that,” Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins said Thursday.

On Friday, the four people were moved to a private residence from the apartment where Duncan had been staying when he became symptomatic.

A law enforcement officer will remain with them to enforce the order, and none of the people are allowed to leave until October 19.

Duncan is the only person with an Ebola diagnosis in Dallas, and no one else is showing symptoms at the moment. But, as Nigeria knows, the work in Dallas has just begun.

anoda benin accident same spot... are the witches fighting?

Last week we saw some James bond car accident usually seen in the movies today we are having a reoccurrence of it.
Why is this particular thing happening? Who is to blame? Benin witches or just pure coincidence?
What do u think?

na wa for us oh! ebola now bola #olodo

Well, the international network of three professionals have murdered the name "ebola" no wonder they want to come to the most populous black nation who most people though couldn't contain the virus for help..... now that's something

What do u guys think?

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau emerges, dismisses claims of his death

In a 36 minutes video released exclusively to AFP, Boko Haram leader, Shekau Abubakar has dismissed reports of his death. Shekau, pictured above from the video, is quoted by AFP as saying he's alive and that his members are running their captured towns.

"Here I am, alive. I will only die the day Allah takes my breath. Nothing will kill me until my days are over... I'm still alive. Some people asked you if Shekau has two souls. No, I have one soul, by Allah. It is propaganda that is prevalent. I have one soul. I'm an Islamic student. I'm the Islamic student whose seminary you burnt... I'm not dead,"

He went further to say "We are running our caliphate, our Islamic caliphate. We follow the Koran... We now practice the injunctions of the Koran in the land of Allah," he said.

AFP also reports that the insurgency group claimed in the video to have shot down a Nigerian air force jet that went missing nearly three weeks ago.

US sends medical experts to study how Nigeria tamed Ebola

Stunned by the entrance of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, into America, the United States’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention has despatched its personnel to study how Nigeria contained the killer disease.

HEALTH PERSONNEL IN PROTECTIVE KITS AT THE NATIONAL HOSPITAL IN ABUJA ON TUESDAY

The US reported on Tuesday that it has discovered a case of EVD in Dallas, Texas, but its health officials said “the crisis is under control and the public has nothing to fear.”

A statement released by US CDC Director Tom Frieden said “it’s clear the nation needs a quick and thorough response to its first Ebola patient”

He said although Nigeria was not completely out of the woods, “their extensive response to a single case of Ebola shows that control is possible with rapid, focused interventions.” Apart from Nigeria, the US will also visit Senegal to study its model.

Frieden said “the best practices in Nigeria and Senegal suggest the U.S. should monitor all individuals who may have been exposed to Ebola and establish a dedicated management and response system.”

Senegal has had no new reported cases of Ebola since Sept. 18 while Nigeria has not reported new ones since August 31,

US health officials are expected in Nigeria which it claimed had the best practices in combating Ebola Virus disease which entered into Nigeria through Liberian born American citizen Mr. Patrick Sawyer whose index case was reported on July 20, 2014. Nigeria is expected to officially announce today that the remaining two potential Ebola patients will exit the 21-day observation period.

How Nigeria stopped the spread of Ebola

According to US CDC, “Nigeria’s first reported case of Ebola surfaced July 20, when Patrick Sawyer landed in Lagos from Liberia and exposed 72 other passengers to the virus. Nigeria’s Health officials quickly issued notifications and tracked everybody who may have been in contact with Sawyer.

“Nigeria also established an Ebola Incident Management Center to handle the potential outbreak and developed a staffing plan that executed a social mobilization strategy that reached more than 26,000 households of people living around the contacts of Ebola patients,”

The deadly virus has killed more than 3,000 people in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia in the largest outbreak ever recorded.

How Senegal contained Ebola

Senegal confirmed its first Ebola case Aug. 29 after a man, travelling from Guinea on Aug. 14, took ill and showed symptoms of the disease. This prompted a quick response, including an experienced and trained staff that was prepared to contain the Ebola outbreak. The procedure led to the identification of 67 contacts who were placed under quarantine, monitored for 21 days and showed no symptoms of Ebola.

Panic in America

The man who imported Ebola into US was found to have travelled to Liberia without informing the authorities and did not disclose the nature of his ailment to the nurse that attended to him. Reports from Texas yesterday said that the Nurse who attended to the man has also taken ill for Ebola in Texas.

A spokesman for Texas Health Presbyterian said the patient had walked into a Dallas emergency room on September 26, without knowing that he contacted the deadly virus and left after he was treated. He then returned to the facility on September 28 where it was determined he likely had Ebola and was isolated. He tested positive Tuesday, health officials said.

Following the lapse on the part of the hospital officials, questions are being asked amid panic across the country. The CDC has thus advised that all medical facilities should ask for patients with symptoms consistent with Ebola for their travel history.

NFF wants me to replace Keshi –German coach

German Christoph Daum

German Christoph Daum claims he has been approached by the Nigeria Football Federation to replace Stephen Keshi as the Super Eagles coach, supersport.com reports.

The former Bayer Leverkusen manager was reported to have told German website mobo.de that he rejected the offer last week.

The NFF has yet   to renew Keshi’s contract when it expired after the Brazil 2014 World Cup in June and he is currently on a ‘game per game’ contract.

Daum, 60, who has previously managed German sides FC Cologne, VfL Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt, as well as Turkish outfit, Bursaspor, and is currently out of work.

Keshi guided the Eagles in their two 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo and South Africa. Nigeria lost 3-2 to Congo in Calabar on September 6 and battled to a goalless draw against South Africa in Cape Town four days later.

“I had offers last week to become coach of Nigeria,”mobo.de quoted Daum as saying.

The former Fenerbahce coach said he is not open to any coaching job until next season.

“By next year, I’ll take over a team,” Daum said.

Meanwhile, Stoke City winger Victor Moses has said he was surprised he was not awarded a penalty after he was brought down inside the box on his way to goal in a 1-0 win over Newcastle United in their Premier League match on Monday.

Nigeria international Moses, who is on a season-long loan from Chelsea, has impressed in his four Premier League appearances for Stoke City this season.

“We’re delighted with these three points,” Moses told Sky Sports.

2014 Independence Day Broadcast by President Jonathan

Wednesday 1st October, 2014

Fellow Nigerians:

1.             Today marks the 54th anniversary of our country’s independence as a sovereign nation.  This is also the tenth month of our journey into a new century, having marked the centenary of our nation in January this year. 

2.             The first one hundred years were marked by triumphs and tribulations, benefits and burdens, opportunities and challenges.  We made some far reaching advances in building a strong, united and prosperous nation.  We also overcame the forces of disunity that culminated in a debilitating civil war.  We have also renewed our faith in one another, and in our country. We have proven that we are truly a resilient nation.

3.             In my address to the nation last year, I did emphasize that we were in a sober moment in our country. We are still in that mood in spite of the many accomplishments of our administration. Our sombreness has to do with the crises of nationhood occasioned by the activities of terrorist elements who have done the unimaginable to challenge our unity as a people. 

4.             On an occasion like this, it is important that we remember all the precious souls that have been lost in the unprecedented war of terror unleashed on some parts of our country by these individuals who want to compel us to live our lives their way. They will not succeed!

5.             In their mission, they have maimed and raped. They have killed men, women and children, rendering many children orphans and several women widows.

6.             They have made violence their ideology and are bent on destroying our country. Dear countrymen and women, we will not allow them. 

7.             Night after night, day after day, our security forces continue to engage the terrorists in battle. My gratitude goes out to our armed forces whose will has been greatly challenged by this insurgency more than any other time, since the civil war.

8.             Yet, they have remained undaunted and unwearied in the face of constant challenge and mortal danger. Driven by patriotic zeal, they are turning the tide by their prowess and determination. As Commander-in-Chief, I will continue to do all it takes to enable them to keep on inflicting devastating blows at the heart of terror. Fellow Nigerians, it is our collective duty as patriots to avail our men and women in uniform of all the support they need to fight and win this war.

9.             This Administration is committed to making Nigeria safe for all Nigerians, irrespective of our places of birth, how we worship God and our political persuasion. To all those waging war against our country, I ask that you lay down your arms and embrace peace.

10.       To those who have genuine grievances, I affirm that Nigeria will listen to you, if you bring your grievances to the table of dialogue. To the good people of Nigeria, let me restate that our task of building a better and greater country must not waver.

11.       While we continue to deploy our resources in the fight against the terrorists, we do recognize the great toll the conflict is taking on our people.

12.       This is why, to assist the afflicted, we have launched the Victims Support Fund, an independent multi-sectoral charity, which will aggressively solicit resources to augment Government’s statutory intervention, in bringing succour to the injured, the displaced and the bereaved. 

13.       In partnership with Nigerian business leaders and international partners, we have also introduced the Safe Schools Initiative which is aimed at promoting safe environments for education nationwide, starting with the North East region. 

14.        The Presidential Initiative for the North East, a comprehensive programme to fast-track the economic restoration of this region, which has been the epicentre of terrorist activity, has been set up. 

15.        Our overall objective is to do all we possibly can, to sustain in the North-East, the momentum of economic advancement, which is on-going in other parts of the country, despite the machinations of the terrorists and their sponsors.

16.       It should now be clear to anyone who was ever in doubt that these terrorists do not mean well for anyone, of whatever religion or dispensation. Their persistent choice of the weakest and most vulnerable in society, for gruesome attack, provides an insight into their abnormal mind-set.

17.        I urge every Nigerian to put aside political, sectional or other parochial considerations, and support whole-heartedly the efforts of the government and the military, in checking this evil. 

18.        We are grateful to the international community, and especially our neighbours who are working closely with us in confronting this challenge, for their increased partnership and solidarity. Our steady progress in weakening the insurgency has certainly justified our cooperation. 

19.       Fellow Nigerians, in my independence anniversary address last year, I informed you that we had taken cognizance of the suggestion over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need to focus attention on rebuilding and strengthening the ligaments of our union. It was in that regard that we announced the convening of a National Dialogue on the future of our beloved country.

20.       We have successfully delivered on that promise as we established the 2014 National Conference headed by Justice Legbo Kutigi. After months of deliberations, which did not come without its challenges, the conference concluded its assignment and has handed its Report to me.

21.       I have made a firm commitment that we would act on the recommendations of the conference. This, I have started by setting up the Ministerial Committee headed by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation to work out the modalities for implementing the Report. Every promise I make, God willing, I will see to its fulfilment. I assure you, we shall implement the report.

22.       One major lesson which the 2014 National Conference has taught us as a country is that, a multi-ethnic country like ours, must learn to embrace painstaking dialogue until consensus is established.

23.       To me, the National Conference is the greatest centenary gift to our country that we must cherish and sustain.

24.       Fellow Nigerians, our 54 year-journey as a nation has not been easy. There have been tough periods, but the Nigerian spirit and the unflagging resilience of our people have seen us through. We will continue to march forward to greater heights. 

25.       We have been able to sustain a big, strong and influential country with a robust economy. We are currently in our sixteenth year of uninterrupted democratic rule, daily improving on the consolidation of our democratic process.

26.       Our Administration has made a commitment to ensure that we build and sustain a democratic infrastructure anchored on free and fair elections. International and local observers have attested to the positive evolution of electoral credibility and we cannot afford to relent.

27.       We will continue to ensure that the will of the electorate prevails so that political leaders would be reminded at all times that there is a day of reckoning when they have to go back to the people at the polls. Election days must not be days of violence and death. We must remain vigilant to ensure that our electoral process is characterised by peace, security and transparency.

28.       I enjoin the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all security agencies, politicians and the electorate to work conscientiously and peacefully, together, to consolidate on the gains of the recent elections.Free and fair elections have come to stay; nothing else will be acceptable to our people.

29.       My dear countrymen and women, occasions such as this present an opportunity to thank God for our country and to report to you, on our journey so far.

30.       Our power sector reform is on course with the ultimate objective of generating enough electricity to power our homes, industries and businesses. We are making giant strides in the Agricultural Sector which we are re-positioning to diversify our economy. We will continue to upgrade our infrastructure to make life easier for all and create an enabling environment for enterprise to flourish.

31.       Over the last four years, the implementation of the Nigerian Content Act in the Oil and Gas Sector has ensured major increase in the participation of indigenous Oil and Gas companies in the industry. Several critical infrastructure projects have been commissioned and commenced. The level of indigenous asset ownership has greatly increased and utilisation of Nigerian-owned and built assets such as marine vessels and rigs is being progressively enforced.  

32.       There has been maximised local value addition by encouraging the manufacture of equipment components and parts within the country.  There has also been massive growth in indigenous participation in the provision of goods and services to the upstream sector from 10% to 60% within the last four years.

33.       Today, following the rebasing of our economy, every international monitoring and ratings agency now acknowledges Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, with a Gross Domestic Product of five hundred and ten billion dollars ($510 billion) which also places us as the 26th largest economy in the world. This is progress.

34.       Earlier in the year, we launched the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) with the stated objective of fast tracking inclusive growth, job creation, enterprise development and industrialisation. 

35.       The success of these policies is already evident in the increased value addition in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.  

36.       In line with our objective of encouraging the production of made-in-Nigeria vehicles and making Nigeria a regional hub for the automobile industry, a number of foreign auto manufacturers have established plants in Nigeria, complementing the laudable efforts of our local vehicle manufacturers who have also demonstrated great innovation and competitiveness.

37.       We have also launched a special support programme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises with an initial intervention fund of two hundred and twenty billion naira (N220 b).  This is in addition to the Presidential Job Creation Boardwhich I inaugurated recently with the charge to create three million jobs annually.

38.       In demonstration of our Administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit, we have commenced the new mortgage re-finance programme with the establishment of theNigerian Mortgage Re-finance Company. It is expected that, in addition to creating additional housing units across the country, this initiative also represents a huge job creation opportunity. 

39.       We have recorded notable success in the social sector. Nigeria has been globally acknowledged for reducing extreme hunger by more than half, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) formally presenting the country with an award for achieving the Millennium Development Goal on Hunger three years ahead of the 2015 target date set for the Millennium Development Goals.

  

40.       This progress is as a result of the deliberate policy of government to increase capacity in our agricultural sector of which the first step was to address and eliminate the graft in our fertilizer procurement system and ensure that the product gets directly to the farmer.  We are expanding our irrigation infrastructure to ensure that our farmers have sufficient water supply for dry season farming.

41.       A benefit of these combined actions is that our national food import bill has declined from 1.1 trillion naira (6.9 billion dollars) in 2009 to 684.7 billion naira (4.35 billion dollars) by December 2013, and continues to decline.

42.       Modern hybrid schools are being provided for less privileged children across the country, resulting in significant increase in the national school enrolment figure.

43.       In order to further enhance access to education at the tertiary level, fourteen new Federal Universities have been established; and, to encourage persons of exceptional abilities, our Administration has also introduced a Presidential Scholarship Scheme based strictly on excellence and merit.

44.       On infrastructure, we are building roads, bridges, and new rail lines to make it easier to traverse Nigeria and increase the integration of our people and our ability to do business with each other. In this regard, we have commenced the process of building the Second Niger Bridge. The Loko-Oweto Bridge over River Benue in Nasarawa and Benue States, will significantly reduce travel time by road between Northern and Southern Nigeria. The on-going dredging of the River Niger up to Baro in Niger State is opening up large parts of the Nigerian hinterland to maritime activity.

45.       The Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro-electric power projects are on course, and the Kashimbilla dam which we started a few years ago, is nearing completion. The successful privatisation of our power sector will in the long run enhance industrial growth. Policies such as this and others have raised Nigeria to the enviable status of being the number one recipient of Foreign Direct Investment in Africa in the past year. 

46.       The result of this infrastructure drive is that two and a half million jobs have been created over the past two years. This is a record, which we are committed to improve upon to continue to provide jobs for our youth. 

47.       An unprecedented number of Airports across the country, are not only being reconstructed at the same time, but being re-equipped and reassessed with emphasis on maintaining global standards.

48.       Fellow Nigerians, the goals we set to achieve for our country involve expanding the frontiers of economic freedom. Let us therefore unite with one heart and one mind. All our people must have access to the good things of life. All our people must be empowered to pursue the gift of life with happiness. This is our country; we must build it for our common posterity.

49.       As we move into an election year, desperate moves to overheat the polity are becoming a regular occurrence.  Our political leaders in particular must know that the contest for power should not translate to the destruction of the polity.

50.       The contest for the leadership of our country must yield good governance, and not ungovernable spaces. The love of country should rank higher than our individual ambitions.

51.       We must remain committed to a united and indivisible Nigeria within democratic parameters. The protection of individual rights, liberty, equality before the law, freedom of thought, and a progressive pursuit of a sound economy must be our goal.

52.       I cannot end this address without commenting on the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) which was sadly brought into our country recently. My directives to the Federal Ministry of Health saw the ministry leading the charge in curtailing the spread of this deadly scourge and managing its impact. This is how it should be:swift, effective and comprehensive action in defence of citizens. 

53.       It must be pointed out that the Ebola battle is still raging elsewhere in our sub-region. I therefore enjoin all our citizens to continue to adhere strictly to all the guidelines that have been given by our health officials to keep Ebola out of our country.

54.       I appreciate and welcome the spirit of collaboration, unity and partnership with which we confronted the threat of the Ebola Virus Disease.  I thank all Nigerians for working together to prevent what could have become a major epidemic.  I particularly thank the medical personnel, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.    

55.       This is the spirit which we must demonstrate at all times as we face up to our challenges as a nation: one people, united by a common resolve, in the pursuit of one common national interest.

56.       As we look forward to another year in our national life, I am more than confident that our tomorrow will be better than our yesterday and today. Nigeria has got the human and material resources to excel and we shall lead the way in that journey to our manifest destiny. 

57.       Fellow countrymen, brothers and sisters, in all our plans, and in all our words and our actions, we must stand together in love and unity, as one people under God.

58.       We are one people from the womb of one Nigeria. We are brothers and sisters. We are one family. We are Nigerians.