EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM PRESIDENT JONATHAN

Dear Compatriots,
I greet and felicitate with you all as we celebrate Easter which commemorates the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ after his redemptive self-sacrifice for the eternal salvation of mankind.
Irrespective of our religion or faith, all holidays provide us with a fresh opportunity to establish stronger bonds with our family, friends and all those around us for more enduring, harmonious and beneficial relationships.
As we celebrate this year's Easter therefore, I urge all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to living in peace and oneness with all members of their communities no matter their ethnicity, religious beliefs or places of origin.
By now, it ought to be an accepted fact amongst us that our immense potential for greatness in the comity of nations derives in the main from our collective strength as a country of close to 170 million people and the acclaimed richness of our diverse human resources and natural endowments.
It follows, therefore, that to successfully achieve our vision of becoming one of the most dominant nations on the global stage in the shortest possible time, we must stay together as a people and continue to effectively resist by all possible means, the evil machinations of global terrorists and their misguided domestic accomplices who seek to provoke turmoil, hatred and harmful divisions among us.
I assure all Nigerians that our security agencies, armed forces and I will continue to fully discharge our constitutional responsibilities for protecting the unity and territorial integrity of this country with all the powers and forces at our disposal.
We must have peace, security and stability to effectively implement our agenda for national transformation in all parts of the country and we shall continue to work ceaselessly to re-establish the prerequisite conditions for nationwide progress and development.
For your part, dear countrymen and women, I urge you to continue to exhibit restraint and understanding in the face of seeming provocations. Those who mindlessly and indiscriminately attack churches, schools, health workers, motor-parks, banks and ordinary road users must be seen as they truly are: the brainwashed pawns of international terrorism.
They do not represent any true religion or section of the country and we must never play into their hands by succumbing to their nefarious ploys to incite religious, ethnic hatred and division among us.
It is my hope and prayer that as we celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, his lessons of self-sacrifice, brotherly love, placing others before self, tolerance, obedience, respect for lawful authorities, dutifulness, diligence, honesty, justice and fairness to all will take firmer root in our beloved country and help us to overcome present challenges and build the more peaceful, secure, united, progressive and prosperous nation of our dreams.
I wish you all happy Easter celebrations.
 
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
March 30, 2013

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Police kills two NSCDC officials, shoot five

Gabriel Adaji

Policemen in Ikorodu area of Lagos State have been accused of killing two officials of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
It was learnt that five other NSCDC officials sustained gun shot wounds during the incident which occurred around midnight.
Reliable sources at the NSCDC told our correspondent that the slain officials, Gabriel Adaji and Innocent Akegbe, were on duty with their colleagues when they had an altercation with the police.
A senior NSCDC official, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, said, "Around midnight, a team of NSCDC officials had just arrested some suspected vandals during a raid.
Punch
 

PRESIDENT JONATHAN MOURNS PASSAGE OF PROPHET OBADARE

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has described the late Prophet Timothy Oluwole Obadare, the General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide and founder of the World Soul Winning Evangelical Ministry (WOSEM), as a gifted preacher and religious leader who overcame physical challenges, to carry on the work of evangelism with incredible vigour and enthusiasm.
President Jonathan extends his deep sympathies to members of the Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, the World Soul Winning Evangelical Ministry, as well as friends, followers and family of the late Prophet Obadare.  
President Jonathan says the late octogenarian's life was an inspiring lesson in the virtues of faith, hardwork and determination. In the course of his many years of diligent service in the Lord's vineyard, President Jonathan notes that the renowned Evangelist impacted positively on the spiritual lives of many, and gave hope through his acclaimed gifts of prophetic healing.
The President further observes that Prophet Obadare will no doubt be remembered always for his pioneering role in promoting television evangelism, his uncommon mastery of the Scriptures, and his charismatic leadership on the pulpit.  
President Jonathan prays that God will reward the late Prophet Obadare for his spiritual exploits and service to humanity, by granting his soul peaceful rest.
 
REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to the President
March 22, 2013
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PRESIDENT JONATHAN SAYS ACHEBE’S IMMENSE PATRIOTISM AND SINCERE COMMITMENT TO A BETTER NIGERIA WILL BE GREATLY MISSED

President Goodluck has received with immense sadness, news of the passing away of Nigeria's globally acclaimed writer, scholar, tutor, cultural icon, nationalist and artist of the very first rank, Prof. Chinua Achebe.
President Jonathan joins Prof. Achebe's family, his friends, colleagues, past and present students, admirers and all who have learnt indelible lessons of human existence from his award winning works of literature in mourning the legendary author.
As he mourns however, the President is consoled by the knowledge that Prof. Achebe will live forever in the hearts and minds of present and future generations through his great works which brought him enduring  international fame and countless honours.
The President believes that Prof. Achebe's frank, truthful and fearless interventions in national affairs will be greatly missed at home in Nigeria because while others may have disagreed with his views, most Nigerians never doubted his immense patriotism and sincere commitment to the building of a greater, more united and prosperous nation that all Africans and the entire black race could be proud of.
He recalls that with maturity and global stature, Prof. Achebe fearlessly spoke the truth as he saw it and became, as he advanced in age, a much revered national icon and conscience of the nation who will be eternally honoured for his contributions to national discourse as well as the immense fame and glory he brought to his fatherland.
On behalf of himself, his family, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to Prof Achebe's family.
He prays that God Almighty will receive Prof. Achebe's great soul and grant him eternal rest from his outstanding earthly labours.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 22, 2013
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PRESIDENT JONATHAN DECORATED WITH GRAND COLLAR OF ORDER OF INDEPENDENCE IN E' GUINEA

PIC 1. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN RECEIVING A SOUVENIR FROM THE PRESIDENT, NIGERIAN COMMUNITY, EQUATORIAL GUINEA, MR EJIKEME OFOEGBU DURING A MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT WITH NIGERIANS IN MALABO ON THURSDAY
(21/3/13).

PIC 2. FROM LEFT: MEMBER, REPRESENTING ONITSHA NORTH/SOUTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, REP. CYRIL EGWUATU; GOV IBRAHIM GEIDAM OF YOBE STATE; MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS 2, ALHAJI NURUDEEN MOHAMMED; PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN; NIGERIAN AMBASSADOR TO EQUATORIAL GUINEA, AMB SUNDAY BASSEY AND GOV EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN OF DELTA AT A MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT WITH NIGERIANS IN MALABO ON THURSDAY (21/3/13).

PIC 3. FROM LEFT: MINISTER OF TOURISM, CHIEF EDEM DUKE; MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT, DR SAMUEL OTTOM; MINISTER OF AVIATION, PRINCESS STELLA ODUA AND THE MINISTER OF PETROLEUM, MRS DEZIANI ALLISON-MADUEKE AT A MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT WITH NIGERIANS IN MALABO ON THURSDAY (21/3/13).

PIC 4. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (L) BEING DECORATED WITH THE GRAND COLLAR OF ORDER OF INDEPENDENCE AWARD BY PRESIDENT OBIANG MBASOGO OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA IN MALABO ON THURSDAY NIGHT

PIC 5. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (L) SHAKING HANDS WITH PRESIDENT OBIANG MBASOGO OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA AFTER HIS DECORATION WITH THE GRAND COLLAR OF ORDER OF INDEPENDENCE AWARD IN MALABO ON THURSDAY NIGHT.

PIC 6 PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (L) ADMIRING A GIFT PRESENTED TO HIM BY PRESIDENT OBIANG MBASOGO OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA (R) AFTER HIS DECORATION WITH THE GRAND COLLAR OF ORDER OF INDEPENDENCE AWARD IN MALABO ON THURSDAY NIGHT.

PIC 7. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (L) TOASTING WITH PRESIDENT OBIANG MBASOGO OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA DURING A DINNER IN MALABO ON THURSDAY NIGHT
 
STATE HOUSE PHOTO

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PRESIDENT JONATHAN TAKES ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY TO EQUATORIAL GUINEA

In continuation of the federal government's efforts to boost economic and trade relations between Nigeria and neighbouring countries, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will embark on a two-day state visit to Equatorial Guinea, tomorrow, Thursday, March 21, 2013.

President Jonathan will in the course of the visit hold talks in Malabo with President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on various issues of mutual interest to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea including the enhancement of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, exploitation of oil and gas resources,  and the enhancement of developmental cooperation between both countries.

President Jonathan will also lead a delegation including  Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, Honourable Cyril Egwuatu, the Minister of  Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke, the Minister of  Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Edem Duke, the Minister of State (Defence), Erelu Olusola Obada and the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed to formal bilateral talks with the Government of Equatorial Guinea.

It is expected that new agreements on the strengthening of economic relations and developmental cooperation between both countries will be concluded and signed before the end of the visit on Friday.


President Jonathan will also meet with Nigerians resident in Equatorial Guinea before returning to Abuja.


REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
March 20, 2013
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EKWEREMADU LEADS PRESIDENTIAL DELEGATION TO ENTHRONEMENT OF NEW ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY

President Goodluck Jonathan has constituted a delegation headed by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu to represent him and Nigeria in London at the formal enthronement of the Rt. Reverend Justin Welby as the 105
th Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the worldwide Anglican Communion  on Thursday, March 21, 2013.
Other members of the delegation are Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple, Ambassador Maurice Ekpang, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Mr. John Kennedy Opara, and the Chaplain of the Presidential Villa Chapel, Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba.
The Rt. Reverend Justin Welby was appointed to succeed the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams in November last year.
In a congratulatory letter to him, President Jonathan said that he was confident that with Bishop Welby's "inspiring antecedents", he will achieve "astounding success" in the new assignment which he has been given at a time of great challenges for the Anglican Church.
 
"On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I write to express warm felicitations to you on your appointment as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

"I am confident that, given your inspiring antecedents, you will make an astounding success of this divine assignment.

"You can be assured of the prayers and steadfast support of my government and the body of Christ in Nigeria as you assume your exalted office," President Jonathan wrote.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 19, 2013
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PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDEMNS BOMB BLASTS IN KANO

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has condemned in strong terms today's bomb blasts in Kano. The President said the barbaric incident will not deter the Federal Government from its strong-willed determination to overcome those who do not mean well for this nation. He said the Federal Government will not be stampeded, for any reason whatsoever, into abandoning its unrelenting war against terrorists in the country.

President Jonathan reassured Nigerians and foreigners in the country that the Nigerian Government will continue to do all that is required to ensure the safety of lives and property, including continued collaboration with local and international partners and stakeholders to check the menace of terrorism.  President Jonathan commiserated with the victims of the Kano explosions, their families and friends, and assured the Kano State government of the Federal Government's continued support.

REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to the President
March 18, 2013
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PRESIDENT JONATHAN REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO POLIO ERADICATION

President Goodluck Jonathan affirmed Thursday at the Presidential Villa that the Federal Government remains fully committed to achieving the total eradication of polio from Nigeria before the end of the tenure of the present administration in 2015.
Speaking at an audience with a delegation of Rotary International led by the Chairman of the Rotary Foundation Trustees and past President of Rotary International, Mr. Wilfrid Wilkinson, President Jonathan said that the Federal Government will take all necessary action and work in close collaboration with its development partners and other stakeholders to overcome the challenges of ignorance, misinformation and security  as well as the cultural  and religious inhibitions that were currently hindering mass immunization against polio in parts of the country.
President Jonathan said that his administration was actively encouraging pro-polio immunization advocacy by respected religious leaders and traditional rulers as part of a multi-faceted strategy to ensure the success of the nationwide campaign.
"I promise you that we will continue to do our best because I do not want to hand over polio to the next administration," President Jonathan told the delegation which also included Chief Jonathan Majiyagbe, the first African President of Rotary International.
The leader of the delegation, Mr. Wilkinson assured President Jonathan that Rotary International will continue to commit resources and personnel in support of the Federal Government's efforts to eradicate polio from Nigeria.
President Jonathan had earlier received a Mexican Government delegation which was at the Presidential Villa to seek Nigeria's support for Mexico's candidate for the post of Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Welcoming the delegation, President Jonathan noted that the WTO had a very important role to play in global trade and economic development.

President Jonathan told the delegation which was led by Mrs. Lourdes Aranda Bezaury, a Special Envoy of President Enrique Pena Nieto that Africa needed someone at the WTO's helm who will positively address the continent's concerns over the restrictions that currently hinder the export of African products to other part of the world.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 14, 2013

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PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONGRATULATES POPE FRANCIS

On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President Goodluck Jonathan congratulates Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina on his historic election yesterday as the first Pope from the Americas and 265th successor to the Chair of St Peter.

With Cardinal Bergoglio's glowing antecedents as a great scholar, teacher, Catholic philosopher and very humane leader of the Church, President Jonathan welcomes his election as successor to Pope Benedict XVI as a divinely inspired choice by the College of Cardinals and an unequivocal testimony of God's abiding presence in His Church and the world.

The President joins Catholics in Nigeria and other countries of the world in praying for God's blessings and Divine guidance for Cardinal Bergoglio, now Pope Francis as he assumes the papacy, trusting that he will put his acclaimed qualities and devoutness to the best possible use in resolutely guiding the Church through the many challenges it currently faces.

President Jonathan and the Federal Government look forward to further enhancing the already cordial and excellent relationship between Nigeria and the Vatican under the leadership of Pope Francis, the beloved champion of the underprivileged and renowned crusader for global equity and social justice.

The President also looks forward to collaborating with Pope Francis and the Holy See in working towards the realization of a much more secure, peaceful and just world order.

As he prepares for his formal installation and ascension to the Papacy on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, the President prays that God Almighty will grant Pope Francis  continued good health and strength, and the even greater knowledge, wisdom, understanding and divine insights he requires to successfully maintain the positive traditions of the Catholic Church and discharge the sacred Petrine Mission entrusted to him. 

He wishes Pope Francis a blessed and successful tenure.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 14, 2013


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PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONGRATULATES KENYATTA, APPLAUDS ODINGA’S CALL FOR CALM AND ADHERENCE TO THE RULE OF LAW

President Goodluck Jonathan congratulates Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta on his victory in Monday's presidential election in Kenya as declared Saturday in Nairobi by the country's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
As Mr. Kenyatta prepares to assume office later this month as the first Kenyan President to come into office under the country's new constitution which was adopted after the crisis that followed its 2007 elections, President Jonathan urges him to rededicate himself to carrying forward the process of national healing and reconciliation.
President Jonathan calls on the Kenyan President-Elect to do his utmost best to foster greater peace, unity and progress in the country by forming a truly national administration that will meet the yearnings and aspirations of all Kenyans, including his opponents and their supporters.
President Jonathan applauds the call by Mr. Kenyatta's closest rival for the Presidency, Prime Minister Raila Odinga for his supporters to remain calm and eschew violent protests while he takes his complaints about the election results to the Kenyan Supreme Court.
The President also welcomes Mr. Odinga's expression of confidence in the court and his pledge to adhere to the rule of law and accept the court's verdict on the elections in good faith.
President Jonathan commends the ordinary people of Kenya who showed their undying faith in democratic governance by turning out in their millions to set a new voter turn-out record of 86 per cent in Monday's elections.
He assures them of the best wishes of the Government and people of Nigeria.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 9, 2013

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PRESIDENT JONATHAN REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO BREAKING GENDER BARRIERS

President Goodluck Jonathan greets and felicitates with all Nigerian women as they join others across the world in celebrating this year's International Women's Day tomorrow, Friday, March 8, 2013.
In keeping with the theme –
"A Promise is a Promise: Time For Action To End Violence Against Women", chosen by the United Nations for International Women's Day this year, President Jonathan wishes to reassure Nigerian women that having already taken very significant steps to fulfill his promise of affirmative action to further empower Nigerian women, his administration will continue to build on its achievements in this regard and do all within its powers to curb violence against women.
President Jonathan also seizes the opportunity of the occasion to pledge the Federal Government's full support for "COMMIT"– the new United Nations initiative which calls on leaders worldwide to take a stand to end violence against women and girls. President Jonathan fully believes that Nigerian women can be equal partners with men in the implementation of his administration's Agenda for National Transformation and will therefore carry on doing everything possible to ensure that they are politically and economically empowered to contribute even more positively to the national development effort.
Having already broken gender barriers by appointing women to key positions in government including the first female Chief Justice of the Federation and female ministers for very important ministries such as Finance, Petroleum, Communications Technology, Education, Water Resources, Housing, Environment, Power, Defence and the Federal Capital Territory, and authorizing the admission of women to the Nigerian Defence Academy and their commissioning as combatants in the Armed Forces, the President assures Nigerian women that he is determined to take their empowerment a step forward by working to ensure that they also get better representation in elective offices in future.
As International Women's Day 2013 is marked, President Jonathan also reaffirms his personal commitment to the accelerated reduction of maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria and assures Nigerian women that the Federal Government will continue to work for its attainment through the Federal Ministry of Health and its agencies, as well as international organizations such as the United Nations Commission on Life-Saving Commodities for Women and Children which he co-chairs.
The President wishes Nigerian women a very happy International Women's Day.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 7, 2013
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PRESIDENT JONATHAN MOURNS LATE PRESIDENT CHAVEZ OF VENEZUELA

On behalf of himself, the  Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan extends sincere commiserations to the government and people of Venezuela on the death yesterday of President Hugo Chavez.
President Jonathan and Nigerians join the brotherly people of Venezuela in mourning President Chavez who greatly endeared himself to the ordinary people of his country with his admirable efforts to improve the living conditions of underprivileged Venezuelans.
As they observe the seven-day period of mourning which has been declared for late President Chavez, President Jonathan urges members of his family, officials of his Administration, members of his political party – the United Socialist Party, his supporters and all Venezuelans to take solace in the knowledge that he did the very best that he could to uplift his people and country in the 14 years of his Presidency.
The President also calls on Venezuela's political leaders, institutions of governance and security agencies to ensure that the procedures stipulated in the Venezuelan Constitution are strictly followed to ensure the peaceful and orderly emergence of a worthy successor to President Chavez.
He prays that God Almighty will receive President Chavez's soul and grant him eternal rest.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 6, 2013

 


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Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez dies

Caracas, Venezuela (CNN) - Hugo Chavez, the polarizing president of Venezuela who cast himself as a "21st century socialist" and foe of the United States, died Tuesday, said Vice President Nicolas Maduro.

Chavez, who had battled cancer, was 58.

Chavez's democratic ascent to the presidency in 1999 ushered in a new era in Venezuelan politics and its international relations.

Once a foiled coup-plotter, the swashbuckling former paratrooper was known for lengthy speeches on everything from the evils of capitalism to the proper way to conserve water while showering. He was the first of a wave of leftist presidents to come to power in Latin America in the last dozen years.

Chavez leaves a revolutionary legacy

As the most vocal U.S. adversary in the region, he influenced other leaders to take a similar stance.

But the last months of Chavez's life were marked by an uncharacteristic silence as his health worsened. Chavez underwent a fourth surgery on December 11 in Cuba, and was not publicly seen again. A handful of pictures released in February were the last images the public had of their president.

Chavez's ministers stubbornly maintained a hopeful message throughout the final weeks, even while admitting that the recently re-elected president was weakened while battling a respiratory infection.

President concentrated country's power

Chavez launched an ambitious plan to remake Venezuela, a major oil producer, into a socialist state in the so-called Bolivarian Revolution, which took its name from Chavez's idol, Simon Bolivar, who won independence for many South American countries in the early 1800s.
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NIGERIA OWES OBASANJO A DEBT OF GRATITUDE – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

President Goodluck Jonathan has written to congratulate Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of the former President's 76th birthday today.
"On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and on my own behalf, I write to express warm felicitations to you on the occasion of your 76th birthday anniversary which comes up on Tuesday, March 5th, 2013.

"Over the years, you have always readily given of yourself to the cause of the peace, stability, growth, and development of our country, Nigeria.

  For this, we owe you an enduring debt of gratitude.

"As you celebrate with family, friends and well-wishers I pray that Almighty God continues to guide, guard, and prosper you, even as He blesses you with many more years of robust health and abiding fulfillment," President Jonathan wrote. 

He wished Chief Obasanjo a very happy birthday.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 5, 2013
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REMARKS BY PRESIDENT JONATHAN AT A DINNER IN CELEBRATION AND HONOUR OF NOLLYWOOD

REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, AT A DINNER IN CELEBRATION AND HONOUR OF NOLLYWOOD, 2ND MARCH 2013, AT STATE HOUSE, MARINA, LAGOS.

PROTOCOLS
1. It is with great joy that we are gathered today on this memorable occasion to celebrate our own dear NOLLYWOOD. I had intended to host Nollywood last year, in celebration of 20 years of industry and achievement by its members. But the event was postponed, as it coincided with the burial of my late brother, Meni Jonathan. Let me seize this opportunity to express my appreciation to all of you for standing by my family during that sad period.
2. Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, there are three major endeavours that easily unite Nigerians. They bring us joy and promote the oneness of our great country, irrespective of our ethnic, social or political affiliations.
3. One is sports. You could see how joyous Nigerians were when the national football team, the Super Eagles, won the African Cup of Nations in South Africa. Every Nigerian was proud of the achievement.
4. Another is music. Nigerians do not discriminate against one another when they are listening to tunes churned out by our artistes. It does not matter from which part of the country the producer hails from or in what language the song is rendered. What matters is the sweet melody. We are all Nigerians when we listen to it.
5. And now very proudly, there is our national global brand, Nollywood. Our movies are now a major item on the entertainment menu of many countries. Nigerians, home and abroad, are very proud of Nollywood.
6. Whenever I travel abroad, many of my colleagues, Presidents of other countries, ask me about Nollywood. Nollywood is our shining light. Africans are very proud of Nollywood. That is why we are here today to celebrate the success story of this national, continental and global brand.
7. In September 1992 when the home video, Living in Bondage, was released into the Nigerian market, little did anybody know that a revolution was about to sweep through our movie industry. As it were, our film industry had been living in bondage, with moderate successes recorded only in fits and starts.
8. The early film makers, such as Francis Oladele, Hubert Ogunde, Ola Balogun and Eddie Ugbomah, were not helped by the heavy production budgets and little returns that the industry had to offer. But Living in Bondage, produced by Kenneth Nnebue on VHS for home viewing, broke the jinx and eventually kick-started what we now know as Nollywood.
9. In a matter of 20 years, Nollywood has grown in such proportions that the whole world has come to acknowledge it as an authentic success story. Maybe Kenneth Nnebue should have titled his movie "Breaking out of Bondage". The industry has practically been delivered from bondage in the last two decades.
10. Today, Nollywood is rated as the biggest movie industry in Africa and competes favourably with America's Hollywood and India's Bollywood in terms of production and market size. Researchers have estimated that Nollywood sells at least 50,000 copies of home videos every week. That is 2.6 million copies per year.
11. They also estimate that there are about 1,200 productions in a year. That is 23 per week. Depending on whose figures you are quoting, the worth of the industry is getting close to about N79 billion.
12. Also, thousands of Nigerians and non-Nigerians are employed, both directly and indirectly, by Nollywood. We have produced hundreds of stars and megastars. All Nigerians and I are very proud that our productions are currently shown at mainstream cinemas in Western countries and that our stars are now getting global recognition, including invitations to participate in movies produced in other countries.
13. This is an encouraging endorsement in a world where anything from Africa is often received with cynicism. More importantly, through the movies produced in indigenous languages, our languages, worldview, and aspects of our history, traditions and cultures are being documented and projected positively.
14. The amazing story of Nollywood must be put in proper perspective. It was not started with any seed money from government. It was not established with any intervention or prompting from government.
15. Rather, it is the marvellous result of the efforts of extremely talented Nigerians working very hard on their own with their God-given abilities to overcome the most difficult challenges and thrive on the global stage.
16. The success of Nollywood shows that there is no denying the fact that Nigerians are a people of great capacity and determination. We have creativity, we have perseverance and we also have excellence in our midst as the accomplishments of Nollywood clearly show. They are also a glorious testimony to the ability of very determined Nigerians to overcome the most daunting of challenges and soar to triumphant success in any field of human endeavour.
17. Nollywood would certainly not have become what it is today if our producers and artistes had thrown up their hands in despair after encountering financial and technical challenges for several decades. Definitely, we have every reason to celebrate the great talents, skills, artistry, courage, dedication, and commitment which have earned global acclaim for your industry.
18. I assure you that my Administration will continue to give Nollywood every possible support and assistance to take the Nigerian movie industry to even greater heights of success. I have invited the private sector to this dinner because I believe that they can also support efforts to further develop our entire creative industry.
19. Encouraged by the feedback we have received from you on our administration's support for Nollywood, we have further designed a programme known as  "Project Nollywood," to support the key components of the industry's value chain through a dedicated grant, totalling N3 billion. It will include grants for the best film scripts; a capacity development fund, and funds for supporting the industry's infrastructure. The scheme which will be launched in the first week of April, will be managed by the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
20. In addition, I have asked NEXIM and the Bank of Industry to redouble their efforts in assisting the industry to access loans.
21. I am aware that till date, NEXIM has extended about N766 million in loans to a number of companies involved in film production, cinemas, and distribution, with another scheduled N1.4 billion for projects in the industry. This should be sustained.
22. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Nollywood has already achieved great success but it must not rest on its laurels. It is often said that while getting to the top may be hard, remaining there is often more challenging. Our producers, scriptwriters, actors, actresses, and others who work in the movie industry must therefore continue to work with zeal to further improve on the quality and content of their productions.
23. In the last 20 years, you have become an export item for Nigeria. I challenge you to become the major export item in the next 20 years. Our national income is currently dominated by the oil sector. I believe that with continued hard work, Nollywood could begin to challenge the oil sector's domination in the years ahead.
24. Finally, let me thank you and appreciate you once again for the great things you are doing to the economy as well as the image of Nigeria.
25. I thank you all.
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STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY OR RISK POLITICAL INSTABILITY, PRESIDENT JONATHAN WARNS AFRICAN LEADERS

President Goodluck Jonathan warned Saturday in Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire that African leaders must work harder to strengthen democracy and the rule of law in their countries or face the continuous threat of political instability with its attendant societal dislocations.
 
Addressing the members of the Ivorian Parliament during his state visit to the country, President Jonathan said the present generation of African leaders must rise to the challenge of managing contests for political power in a manner that assures greater collective security and peaceful co-existence.
 
The President also warned  that leaders of emerging democracies in Africa must never succumb again to the lure of dictatorship as the surest way of bottling up grievances and dissent in their countries.
"We are ourselves daily confronted with the multiplicity of demands and expectations that are the hallmarks of multicultural societies. There are some, here and elsewhere, who might think that the straightjacket of a dictatorship is the surest way to bottle up these grievances and dismantle dissent.
"That is wrong. Nothing strengthens a society more than openness and a leadership courageous enough to understand the inherent positives that flow from these contending demands. As African leaders, we have to, calmly and dispassionately, harness these energies and utilise them to serve the best interest of our people.
"Indeed, it is self-evident that people, who feel secure and free, governed by the rule of law and not by the whims of men, are less likely to go to war with each other, either within or across borders, than those who do not.
 
"We therefore risk the very institution we are trying to build if we exclude the people who voted us into power in the governance process. That is why we have to build strong institutions and allow the rule of law to take root. Democracy without strong institutions defeats its own objectives," President Jonathan told the members of Parliament.
 
He also told them that political leaders in Africa must do more to alleviate and ultimately eradicate abject poverty from the continent as it dis-empowers people and retards growth and development.
 
"We must assiduously promote the welfare of all citizens and create the enabling environment in which they can fully realise their aspirations and potentials.
  This would enable them, as stakeholders, to invest in the protection of peace and stability of our countries. And this is achievable," President Jonathan said.
Noting that it is generally acknowledged that there are billions of dollars waiting to be unlocked by improved trade and economic relations amongst countries in the West Africa, the President also called for the loosening of the "bolts of bureaucracy" that currently stifle trade in the sub-region.
"My own countrymen and people form a sizeable proportion of the population of this wonderful city. They have brought their energy and skills to enrich the economy and culture of Abidjan and other towns and villages in this country. That is the African spirit at work. That is the way we should see ourselves. Borders divide us physically, but our spirits are one and indivisible.
 
"The borders we defend so resolutely nowadays are, after all, fairly recent creations. Useful as they may be, they must not be more important than the welfare of the sub-continent and its peoples," he said.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 2, 2013
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

Let them March to Timbuktu for all I Care by Aisha Ibrahim

A civil society group of Nigerian women under the aegis of Women Arise recently marched in Lagos to protest against the proposed allocation of N4billion to construct a First Lady's Peace Mission House in Abuja.

The women marched to the office of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola where they delivered a letter. Governor Fashola received the women's letter, promising to deliver it to President Goodluck Jonathan. The protesting women repeatedly claimed that the proposed Mission House is "for President Goodluck Jonathan's wife, Mrs. Patience Jonathan."

The impression being given to the general public is an erroneous notion that the FCT wants to build a "Mission house" for Dame Patience Jonathan, which of course, is contrary to information available on the whole matter. If the group of protesters had done a little homework, they would have known that the building being proposed is a permanent secretariat for the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM). The building is not for an individual person and certainly not to be the property of Dame Patience Jonathan.

The AFLPM Secretariat is for the work of whoever occupies the seat as Nigeria's first lady and who automatically by that position is a member of the AFLPM. When that individual ceases to be first lady of her country, she also ceases to be a member of AFLPM as membership of the body is open only to African First Ladies.

I am all for our constitutional rights of freedom of expression, freedom of association and the freedom to march but if we do so, we must understand what we are agitating about and articulate our points with honest precision so that we do not misinform. If the protesting women cannot do that much… they can all march off to Timbuktu!!

Aisha Ibrahim, a public commentator sent this article from Lagos
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PRESIDENT JONATHAN RECEIVES COTE D’IVOIRE’S HIGHEST NATIONAL HONOUR

President Alassane Ouattara late Friday in Abidjan conferred Cote D'Ivoire's highest honour, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Nation on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in appreciation of Nigeria's contributions to peace, stability and progress in Cote D'Ivoire.

 President Ouattara also conferred the honour of Commander of the Order of the Nation on the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan at a State Banquet in the Ivorian seat of government.

Speaking at the occasion, President Jonathan who began a state visit to the country on Friday said that Nigeria and Cote D'Ivoire must continue to strengthen their bilateral cooperation for the benefit of their citizens and others in the West African sub-region.

"As partners, driven by shared values and a common strategic objective, namely, the security, stability and prosperity of our sub-region, we must continue to build on the historical bond of friendship and solidarity which have served our two countries very well in the past.

  My challenge – and also President Ouattara's challenge – is to intensify this partnership for the benefit of our citizens and the entire sub-region of West Africa.

"I believe that the future of our countries lies in consolidating our relationships in all spheres of human endeavour but most especially in the areas of democratisation and good governance, promotion of human rights, poverty eradication and development.

"Going forward, our countries must build on the efforts of our past leaders to foster a climate of peace and security in our sub-region.

  Without these collective efforts, our hopes and our aspiration of improving the living conditions of our peoples would be imperilled.

  We must fight poverty collectively through pooling of our resources, value-addition, intra-regional trade and promotion of investments," President Jonathan said.

President Jonathan thanked President Ouattara and the people of Cote D'Ivoire for the special honours conferred on him and the First Lady. "We will cherish and treasure them for the rest of our lives," he said.

'"As a true friend of Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria will always be on your side to share the joys and pains of friendship, in good times as well as in bad times.

  We stood, shoulder to shoulder, with you all the way during some of the darkest periods of your recent history.

  Now that your beautiful country has turned the bend, there is even more incentive for us in Nigeria to work with the government of President Ouattara and with the people of Cote d'Ivoire to build on the progress you have worked hard to achieve in the last few years," the President also said.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 2, 2013
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

PRESIDENT JONATHAN URGES AFRICAN LEADERS TO WORK HARDER TO ACHIEVE POLITICAL STABILITY

President Goodluck Jonathan pledged Friday in Yamoussoukro, Cote D'Ivoire that he will continue to work with President Alassane Ouattara and other leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to achieve greater peace, security, political stability and economic prosperity in the sub-region.
Speaking at the City Hall after being presented with the keys to the city by its Mayor, Konan Ouanigbe Jean, President Jonathan said that African leaders must carry on doing their best to foster greater political stability and accelerate economic growth within their countries and across the continent as no significant progress can be attained without stable governance structures and stronger national economies.
President Jonathan who formally began his State Visit to Cote D'Ivoire earlier in the day noted that there was an intrinsic link and a symbiotic relationship between political stability and economic development.
"Without political stability our economies cannot grow and stronger economies will help us achieve greater political stability. We need to strengthen ECOWAS by strengthening our individual countries economically and politically. We must continue to do our best in this regard," President Jonathan said.
The President thanked the Mayor and people of Yamoussoukro for honouring him and the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan with the freedom of the home town of late President Felix Houphouet-Boigny who he described as "one of Africa's greatest sons".
Noting that Nigeria and Cote D'Ivoire already have excellent bilateral relations, President Jonathan assured the people of the city that he will work in partnership with President Ouattara "to bring our two countries even closer politically and economically".
He welcomed the offer of admission by the elite Felix Houphouet-Boigny National Polytechnic in Yamoussoukro to 50 Nigerian students in the next academic year as a further gesture of friendship, saying that the Federal Government will sponsor at least one student from each state of the nation to take up the offer.
The President had after a colourful welcoming ceremony in the city, proceeded to lay a wreath at the burial vault of late President Houphouet-Boigny.
Formal bilateral talks will be held between Nigerian and Ivorian government delegations in Abidjan tomorrow. President Jonathan will also address the Ivorian Parliament there and meet with Nigerians resident in Cote D'Ivoire before returning to Nigeria later in the day.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 1, 2013
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

Photos: Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps clocks 10

Today 1st March 2013 Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps clocks 10.

Lagos Command of NSCDC was not left out in the celebration. Find below the ceremony in pictures.


Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN