Buhari felicitates with Nigerian Muslim faithfuls on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir

Press statement from the Presidency

President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with all Nigerians of the Islamic faith as they celebrate this year's Eid-el-Kabir. President Buhari also congratulates all Nigerian Muslims who are currently in the Saudi Arabia to participate in the rites of the Hajj.

As they join the global Islamic community in celebrating Eid-El-Kabir, President Buhari urges Muslims and other Nigerians to rededicate themselves to a greater acceptance and internalisation of its lessons of piety, faithfulness, dedication, fortitude, obedience, sacrifice and selfless service which are for the benefit of all mankind.

The President calls for more patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all as his administration strives to lead the nation towards rapidly overcoming its current security, economic and developmental challenges.
President Buhari assures all Nigerians that their safety, well-being and progress remain uppermost in his thoughts and actions, and that he will continue to work with all his might to deliver the positive changes in national life which they expect after his election and inauguration as Head of the Government of the Federation.

The President seizes this opportunity to extend heartfelt commiserations to families in Maiduguri and North-Eastern Nigeria who have sadly lost beloved relatives in recent terrorist attacks.

President Buhari's thoughts and prayers for Divine solace are with all those who have been callously plunged into mourning by mindless terrorists, when others are celebrating this year's Eid-El-Kabir.
The President has directed the Armed Forces and national security agencies to provide maximum security across the nation during Eid-El-Kabir prayers and celebrations, especially in areas most vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

President Buhari assures all Nigerians that the days of Boko Haram are numbered.
Boko Haram's reign of terror in parts of the country will be finally over very soon as the ongoing military onslaught against the terrorist sect will continue relentlessly until total victory is achieved.

Garba Shehu
SSA to the President
(Media & Publicity)

Nigeria's Economy Could Slip Into Recession - CBN Warns

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria on Tuesday warned that the country’s economy could slip into recession by next year if proactive steps were not taken by the Federal Government to revive key sectors of the economy.

It also reduced the Cash Reserves Requirements for Banks from 31 per cent to 25 per cent as well as retained the Monetary Policy Rate at 13 per cent.

The committee also retained the symmetric corridor of 200 basis points around the MPR; and left the Liquidity Ratio unchanged at 30 per cent.

Addressing journalists shortly after the two-day meeting of the committee held at the CBN headquarters in Abuja, the CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, noted that the economy had remained fragile owing to various factors.

For instance, he said the country’s Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate recorded a slow growth in the second quarter of this year, making it the second consecutive less-than-expected performance for the current fiscal year.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, real GDP grew by 2.35 per cent in the second quarter of 2015, a significant decrease when compared with the 3.96 per cent and 6.54 per cent in the preceding quarter and corresponding period of 2014, respectively.

Real GDP growth is projected by the NBS to stabilise at 2.63 per cent in 2015, compared with the 6.22 per cent recorded in 2014.

I Am Being Tried Because I am Senate President - Saraki

Senator Bukola Saraki says he is being tried at the Code of Conduct Tribunal because he is the Senate President. In a personal statement he signed yesterday September 22nd, Saraki said

"I reiterate my belief that the only reason while I am going through this trial is because I am senate president. If I were to be just a senator, I doubt if anybody will be interested in the asset declaration form I filled over twelve years ago".

Buhari Approves N70m For Nigeria’s 55th Independence Anniversary

President Buhari has approved N70 million for the entire celebration of Nigeria 55th Independence Anniversary which is slated to commence from September 25, 2015.

Disclosing this at a press conference today, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, said the Federal government has decided that the independent anniversary would be celebrated low key, that is the reason only N70m was approved to take care of the entire celebration.


Lawal who was represented by the Permanent Secretary on Political Affairs, Mrs. Ibukun Odusute, explained that the reason for the low key celebration is because the present administration appreciate the economic hardship that Nigeria and indeed the nation is confronted today.

"What the President made clear is that we cannot have Nigerians in pains and unable to do what they are supposed to do by reason of our dwindling resources and then we are spending lavishly on celebrations. That has been his philosophy and principles, that it would not be fair to spend Nigeria’s money that can be spent in paying salaries to people, making sure that children are comfortable in their various schools, providing enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the country and we will leave all that and spend large amount of money on celebration. He felt it was not a wise thing to do and we totally agreed with him. So, the main reason for low key is because of the state of the nation concerning our finances. This year’s celebration is therefore in consonance with the cost-saving policy direction of this administration. The ceremony will commence with the Jummat Prayers on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 1.30pm, at the National Mosque in Abuja, the interdenominational thanksgiving service will hold on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at 4pm, at the National Christian Worship Centre, while the ceremonial change of Guard will hold at the Presidential Villa at 8.00am and the children’s party will take place at the state house conference centre on October 3, 2015 at 3pm,” he said

President Buhari will address the nation at 7am on October 1, 2015.

“As we look forward to our independence anniversary with deep and sober reflection, on how we can work together to return our country to prosperity. Let me seize the opportunity to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters and all Nigerians a happy Salah holiday.”

Press Release: Senate is Solidly Behind Senate President, Bukola Saraki

Press statement signed by Sen. Ibrahim Abdullahi Danbaba on behalf of the Eighth Senate.

After majority of us, Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, witnessed the appearance of our President, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal this morning, we are happy that he appeared at the Tribunal after availing himself of the opportunity to defend his Fundamental Human Rights. We also want to state here, on behalf of our colleagues, that the Senate remains solidly behind Senator Saraki and we express our unalloyed support for his leadership.


We reiterate the fact that he is our choice for the post of Senate President and no politically motivated, mischievous and vindictive trial will change our opinion of him.

By his appearance at the Tribunal, he has demonstrated his firm belief in the rule of law and his respect for our judicial process. We join Dr. Saraki in affirming our commitment to rule of law, constitutionalism and democracy. We only hope the other arms of government will ensure that due processes and procedures are followed in this trial and on all other issues.

The Eighth Senate restates its commitment to the programmes and policies of the Buhari administration. It is our belief that at the end of this trial, our democracy, Nigerians and the people will end up as the beneficiaries. May God bless our country, Nigeria.

Signed Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Danbaba On behalf of the Eighth Senate

Saraki's trial adjourned to Oct 21, released on bail on self recognition

The trial of Bukola Saraki has been adjourned to October 21st, 22nd and 23rd. Saraki pleaded not guilty to all the 13 count charges read to him at the Tribunal. The tribunal granted him bail on self recognition.

Saraki Appears Before Code of Conduct Tribunal

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has finally appeared before the Code of Conduct Tribunal where he is being charged for alleged false declaration of assets.

Mr. Saraki failed to appear before the tribunal on Friday, and again on Monday, despite an arrest warrant issued against him.

He faces a 13-count charge bordering on corruption and false assets declaration.

Mr. Saraki said Monday that he would appear before the tribunal, after the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed his application for a stay of execution.

He arrived at the tribunal at about 9.320 a.m, accompanied by deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and other senators.

FG exempts NNPC, PHCN, BoI, 11 others from TSA

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation has exempted 13 Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA). In a circular released yesterday September 21st, the accountant general said they were exempted because they are entities classified as profit oriented government businesses, pay dividends to the Federal Government.

The exempted MDAs are the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Bank of Industry (BoI), Nigeria Railway Corporation, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Agriculture, Niger Delta Power Holding Company/National Integrated Power Project, National Communication Satellite Limited, Galaxy Backbone Limited, Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Urban Development Bank, Nigerian Export-Import Bank NEXIM) and Transcorp Hilton Hotel.

A circular entitled, “Approval to Exempt Some MDAs In line With the e-Collection Mop-Up Exercise,” from the AGF’s office to The Director, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Banking and Payments System Department, referenced FD/LP2015/C/ADC/20/1/ /DF dated September 14, 2015 and signed by M. K, Dikwa, for the AGF, Federal Ministry of Finance, Funds Department, Abuja, reads in part: “Approval is hereby granted to your bank to exempt the accounts of thirteen (13) MDAs (Category 6) as listed below the mop-up in line with the e-Collection Circular No. HCFSF/428/S.1/120 dated 7th August 2015 as these are Profit-Oriented Government Business entities that are to pay their dividends into the Treasury Single Accounts whenever they are declared.

Please note that in line with the Presidential approval, the following as it relates to Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation NNPC as listed above (S/No.9) under Category 4 should also apply: That NAPIMS remains classified as an MDA that is funded from the Federation Account under Category 4 of the Circular, being the NNPC Business Unit responsible for the management of the Federation’s investment in the upstream activities and funded from direct proceeds of oil and gas revenue.

That NNPC will continue to preserve the status with respect to NAPIMS Operations Account as well as Escrow Account for Third Party Financing in view of the Joint Venture (JV) Cash funding currently being experienced. That all other NNPC’s commercial/Business Entities as re-classified as ‘Profit-Oriented Public Corporations /Business Enterprises’ under Category 6 of the Circular which requires that only dividends from these entities be paid into the TSA.”.

Army Promotes 5,000 Soldiers Fighting Boko Haram

The Nigerian Army has approved the promotion of 5,000 soldiers fighting insurgents in the North-East and others involved in other operations, as part of steps to boost their morale.

The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, made the announcement on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the 2015 Chief of Army Staff third quarter conference held at the Army Headquarters conference hall.

He said the approval of the promotion of the soldiers was one of the many measures introduced by the Army under his command to boost troops’ morale and reposition its operations.

He said it was also in line with the vision of the Army command to reward gallant troops in any way deemed fit to boost their combat readiness and willingness to serve their fatherland.

He said that troops serving in the North-East and in other operations in the country would regularly receive rewards from the Army high command for their selfless service to the nation.

“Since we came on board, we have introduced several measures aimed at encouraging our troops to give their best in the service of their nation.

“The approval of the accelerated promotion of 5,000 soldiers was to redeem the promise made by my predecessor to the troops fighting insurgents in the North-East.

“It is my belief that this promotion, coupled with other incentives, will encourage our troops to fight for our country,’’ he said.

Mr. Buratai said that the Army, under his watch, within the short period, had recorded major successes in the areas of fighting insurgency, improving its human rights credentials as well as improving the welfare of troops.

He said that his vision of entrenching professionalism and bequeathing a combat ready Army to the nation was on course as commanders and troops had been fully briefed to key into the vision.

He warned commanders and senior officers to guard against acts that could undermine efforts of the present administration to rebuild the image of the Army.

“You will all agree with me that the renewed breath of change flows directly from the President in his directive to our operations and other directive on his vision for the Army.

“I therefore demand that you all react with corresponding appropriateness with regards to the directive because majority of our requirements within the limited period has been provided for,’’ he said.

The COAS charged the officers and all personnel of the Nigeria Army to constantly maintain the required level of physical fitness.

He gave all Army officers and soldiers a December 15, 2015 deadline to shape up or face the medical board for the appropriate disciplinary actions.

He also warned against leasing or selling of Nigeria Army lands across the country to private individuals or organisations and directed lands already sold be recovered with immediate effect.

The one-day conference will take briefs from theatre commanders on all Army operations across the country.

(NAN)

NAF - Boko Haram Terrorists will no longer move freely to slaughter citizens

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Wednesday said that Boko Haram terrorists would no longer be allowed to move freely to slaughter citizens or capture military units in the North-East.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), AVM Sadique Abubakar, gave the assurance in Abuja while delivering his remark at a 2-day seminar on Standards and Evaluation, organised by NAF.

"So far, the air operations in the North-East are creating the enabling environment for the army to move unhindered in the conduct of their operation.

"We have substantially degraded the capacity of the terrorists to move freely in Toyota Hilux vehicles ravaging villages and murdering innocent citizens.

"God willing, they will never move freely again to slaughter our citizens or capture our military units.

"We will continue to do our best to meet our statutory responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of the nation, acting singly or in concert with other security agencies, " he said.

US Sending Army To Nigeria For Fight Against Boko Haram

Indications have emerged that the United States’ government is sending arms to the Nigerian military in its efforts to crush Boko Haram.

Facts that the US is sending arms to Nigeria came on the heels of the US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle’s revelation in an interview with one of our correspondents that the US government never placed arms embargo on Nigeria.

“There’s been a lot of misunderstanding on this issue before, during and after President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Washington. Let me be clear about a couple of things. One, we had worked very closely with Nigeria on the Leahy Amendment….The second piece of misinformation, which has been bandied about in (newspapers’) headlines, is that the US has lifted its arms embargo on Nigeria. There was never an arms embargo,” Entwistle said.

According to Radio France Internationale, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency records show that the country’s Department of Defence is set to transfer military material to Nigeria.

Punch

Naija Girls Can Be Very Annoying At Concerts - Etcetera

From Etcetera,


I was watching entertainment news on TV with a couple of friends and it got to a part where Tuface was on stage performing and a girl who probably was as drunk as a skunk, dragged herself on the stage and started hugging him and even took off her shirt . What is actually wrong with Naija babes at concerts? How do you expect your boyfriend to feel watching his girlfriend on national TV jumping around Tuface on stage like a chimpanzee wearing just a bra and with boobs wobbling from side to side?

Well, Tu-baba surely didn’t mind. He probably would have grabbed at those bouncy boobs if it wasn’t a concert. Twale Baba!!!

Here are some of the annoying things Naija babes do at concerts.
Taking pictures the entire show: I get it. You want to show all your friends on Facebook and Twitter that you were at the concert. Fine. Take a photo. Take five if you want. But please, don’t take 1000! You always manage to hold your camera right in my line of sight. You don’t even look like you’re enjoying the show while you’re doing this. All your attention is on the pictures you are taking. And you know what? Those pictures are all going to look like nonsense, every single one of them. You’re too far away from the stage. You’ll probably never even look at them. Also, you see those guys right in front of the stage with the giant cameras? They’re taking great professional pictures. There’s really no need for yours.
Taking pictures the entire show: I get it. You want to show all your friends on Facebook and Twitter that you were at the concert. Fine. Take a photo. Take five if you want. But please, don’t take 1000! You always manage to hold your camera right in my line of sight. You don’t even look like you’re enjoying the show while you’re doing this. All your attention is on the pictures you are taking. And you know what? Those pictures are all going to look like nonsense, every single one of them. You’re too far away from the stage. You’ll probably never even look at them. Also, you see those guys right in front of the stage with the giant cameras? They’re taking great professional pictures. There’s really no need for yours.
Checking Facebook, Twitter and Instagram every couple of minute Unless you’re a surgeon who’s expecting an emergency call or message, everything can wait. Live in the moment. Enjoy the show. You paid gate fee to be here. You can tweet your friends when you get home. Also, your fake China phone emits a very harsh and distracting light. For the love of God, turn the damn thing off!
Incessantly talking to your friends: You might not like whatever song is playing. You may be bored with the show in general. You may have been dragged here by your boyfriend against your will. But you’ve been talking all through the entire show, and I can hear everything you are saying. It’s driving me crazy. Please shut the hell up! I can’t tell you how many shows I attend where the girls in front of me are yelling in each other’s ear the entire night. Not only is my sightline blocked when their cheap wigs or weave-on come together, but I can hear their gossip. Take your chit-chat to one of the food vendor’s shed and stay there till the show is over, or go spread a wrapper under that pawpaw tree and lie down and talk till morning. I don’t care. Just shut up so I can enjoy the show.
Yelling out requests: ‘Yaaay, I want Styl-plus to play “Imagine That”’. Hey girls, imagine if you shut up and stop screaming in my ear; most of the time, the song list is pre-determined, and they can’t even hear you from up there. They’re going to play what they’re going to play. Just go along for the ride. Damn it! 5.
Yelling out the names of the artiste on stage: This is another level of irritation. This has never been funny. Maybe it was cool in the 80s. Now, it’s just madness.
Pushing your way to the front: If a concert is general admission, the people in front earned their spots. They got there early and laid claim to their space. The people all the way in front might have even spent all day waiting by the doors, so when the show begins and you shove your way to the front, you’re being a huge distraction. Don’t do that. If you show up late and there’s only room in the back, you’ve just have to deal with it.
Getting so drunk you puke: Girls these days drink like sharks. You see them at Felaberation smoking igbo even more than TerryG. I feel sorry for those who have to clean up the venue after the concerts. I can imagine the types of vomit and stench they have to clean up.
Loudly complaining after the show because the artiste didn’t play your favourite song: This is actually one of the crazy things we see after each concert. Babes, try to enjoy the show you’re getting as opposed to the one you wish you were seeing. Besides, haven’t you heard “Kukere” and “Shoki” enough?
Filming the entire show on your mobile phone: This distracts people even worse than taking pictures, and usually results in an equally horrid product. The sad irony is that people tend to film their favourite songs, but the smiles on their faces are gone when all their concentration goes into capturing these moments on film. Next morning, Instagram will be cluttered with crappy cell phone videos of every song from the concert. Stop tagging me to these crappy videos. I was at the concert for Christ sake! You paid good money to see a show, and you’re joylessly watching it through a tiny screen on your mobile phone. It just doesn’t make any sense.

APC Warns Opinion Leaders - Don’t Truncate The Fight Against Corruption

Press statement from the APC below...

The All Progressives Congress has warned against any attempt to truncate the ongoing fight against corruption under any guise, while also expressing total support for President Buhari’s determination to end the scourge of corruption in the country. In a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party appealed to all Nigerians, especially opinion leaders, to ensure that their actions and utterances do not give comfort to those who have looted the commonwealth.

Photos: Pulling Out Ceremony Of The Immediate Past Chief of Naval Staff

Photos from the Pulling Out ceremony of the immediate past Chief of Naval Staff, retired Vice-Adm. Usman Jibrin. Jibrin, is one of the service chiefs retired by President Buhari. more photos...

Ex Chief of Naval Staff says Materials used by Boko Haram are sold in shops owned by Nigerians

Immediate past Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin says that some of the materials used by Boko Haram members to make the devices they use in their various attacks are sold by Nigerians and in Nigerian shops.

According to The Nation, he said this while speaking to reporters after his pulling out ceremony at the Naval Base, Apapa in Lagos yesterday August 12th.



“Terrorists are among us; they are very difficult for security agencies to identify without intelligence. Since they are among us, the source of materials used for their devices are sold by Nigerians and some from shops belonging to Nigerians. To that end, one expects that owners of stolen equipment or those who suspicious equipment are bought from should report to the security agencies, their confidentiality is guaranteed because no one will disclose the source of the information. I am appealing to Nigerians to support President Buhari and the security agencies so that they can do their jobs well. Believing in the effectiveness of intelligence gathering, Nigerians must provide the intelligence for security forces to be able to identify would-be bombers and suicide bombers; as well as monitoring to the extent that security forces can unravel where terrorists make their IEDs.”he said

Senators Reject Pay Cut Recommendation by Panel

The Senate on Wednesday suspended consideration of the report of its Finance committee following disagreements among members over the pay cut recommended by the panel.


It was gathered that during a 2 hour deliberation behind closed doors the senators resolved to reject the reduction of salaries and allowances as recommended by the Senator James Manager’s committee.

The senators said it was not possible to accept pay cut with other beneficiaries of the N120bn National Assembly annual budget not doing same. He said his colleagues also resolved to reject the report because the recommendations were not practicable.

Some other senators on condition of anonymity said further consideration of the finance committee report was stepped down because many of their colleagues rejected the contents of the report.

Senator Matthew Urhoghide (PDP Edo South), said senators told themselves the truth at the session on the need to be very cautious on accepting reduction of salaries and allowances.
Urhoghide said that majority of the senators agreed that “funny allowances” like the monthly N42,000 wardrobe allowance should be cut off completely.
He said
“Yes, as recommended by the committee, all senators agreed that there must be openness in Senate budget and by extension, that of the National Assembly.
“At the same time, many reasoned that why should we further reduce our budget when already, N30bn has been reduced from the traditional 150bn that it used to be for all the seven different organs of the National Assembly.
“All of us have people in our constituencies and financial requests from them keep piling up on a daily basis, the reality of which made steps to be redirected, otherwise, some of us may stop coming here.”
The committee, also recommended the publication of all the payments accruable to each senator on a quarterly basis.
However, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, at plenary, explained that “Senate in closed session deliberated on the report of the finance committee but agreed to stand it down for further legislative input.”
Addressing journalists after plenary, Senate spokesperson, Senator Dino Melaye, said further action on the report was put on hold because the senate budget was an integral part of the National Assembly budget being jointly shared by seven bodies.
Melaye said:
“The Senate today, in closed-door session, discussed the report of the ad hoc committee on finances of the senate.
“After due deliberations by the senators, we came to the conclusion that since the budget of the Senate is not independent of the budget of the National Assembly, the budget of the House of Representatives is also inclusive.
“We have the management; we have the National Institute for Legislative Studies; we have even the Public Conduct Commission; the National Assembly Civil Service Commission, and over 3, 000 legislative aides, that are beneficiaries of the N120bn annual budget.
“Therefore, we have agreed that we should consult amongst other arms that share the budget of the National Assembly, before we would draw a conclusion on the report.
“So, the resolution is that we are going to interface with the House of Representatives so that we can be on the same page on the report as presented. This is the resolution of the Senate today in a closed-door session.”
Melaye denied reports that the National Assembly had been experiencing cash crunch despite the fact that some senators confirmed last week that they had not received salaries since their inauguration on June 9.
“I am not aware of any cash crunch, and for me, it is news from you, and I don’t think it is true,” he said.
He said that the senators had the power to reduce their own pay just like the President, the Vice President and some governors had done.
Melaye said
“It is the responsibility of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission to stipulate how much you would be paid. But you can sacrifice, as a public officer, to say: I am taking half of my salary, and then taking half back to the treasury.
“It means that it would be returned to the treasury, where it would be used for other developmental programmes.
“We would make wider consultations with the House of Representatives on the report because we have one National Assembly and whatever is going to affect the Senate, the House of Representatives should also be carried along and I am sure that after this consultation we will get back to the public.”

Punch

Nigerian dad sends US-born teen sons to Nigeria to learn gratitude

Their dad is Nigerian, who relocated to the US and married a white American. When his sons turned 14, he decided to send them to Nigeria (where they've never been) to experience the culture and learn gratitude. Quite interesting. Read below..meanwhile, can more parents in the US do this?

A dad wanting his twin teen sons, accustomed to the comforts of the country club, to learn some gratitude took an unusual step. He sent the 14-year-olds to spend the seventh grade in Nigeria.
The boys, Noble and Evan Nwankwo, spent seventh grade at Mea Mater Elizabeth High School in Enugu, southern Nigeria. There, the day starts with 5 a.m. exercise and prayer, and continues with a 12-subject course load. There’s no help from mom on homework or washing clothes, either.


“Adversity is important in somebody’s development in life, as far as I’m concerned, because there comes a time when the storm is going to hit you, and if you never had that to fall back on you’re just going to fall apart,” Evans Nwankwo, the father, said. “I strongly believe that because it’s been important in my own development.”

Nwankwo was born and raised in Nigeria. He was one of 13 children. The family was well off. Then, the Nigerian Civil War broke out and they were running for safety and scrambling for food, and his father was killed.

He eventually made it to the U.S. and built a business. People around Cincinnati probably know Nwankwo’s work – his construction company is the go-to contractor that has worked on sites including Fountain Square, the Freedom Center and Washington Park.

As the boys were getting ready to go, things in Africa were looking bad. The Ebola outbreak was making headlines, as were attacks by the terrorist group Boko Haram on schools in northern Nigeria.
The elder Nwankwo said he had “a lot of apprehension as they were getting ready to go, a lot of anxiety.”

The boys had other concerns.

“I hope I’m not as lazy as I am now,” Noble said before leaving for Nigeria.
It looks like Noble got his wish. Besides being responsible for their studies, basic necessities like water required work to obtain.

“It was kind of eye-opening to see how much you actually have to work to get a simple bucket of water, and how you actually have to use your own strength to carry it back and forth,” Noble said. “And it’s actually pretty tough to hand-wash your clothes with that amount of water. You have to really manage it.”

“You have to be trekking all over the school just to get water to bathe with… Here you can just turn on the tap and there’ll be water flowing like it’s nothing,” Evan said. “There, you’ll, be struggling for it. Sometimes we would go without water for a couple days.”

Since returning, their dad said he’s already seen a change in his boys.

“I feel that the experience is one that will live with them forever, and they will be forever changed – maybe not on the immediate, but long term.”
Evan and Noble agreed.

“I appreciate the washing machine. I appreciate the running water. I appreciate the shower, so I don’t have to use a bucket of water in a bowl,” Noble said. “I appreciate my electronics. I appreciate my parents a lot more because I realize how much – especially my dad – I really realize how much he had to do to get here.”

Besides the actual experience, they said their dad taught them a lot as well.

“He’s taught me a lot, and he’s made me go through a lot to make me a better person, to make me a person that can just endure,” Evan said.

The trip may turn into a family tradition. Evans said he was going to put aside some money so any future grandchildren can also spend a year in Nigeria.

Source: WCPO

OMG!! See What Soldiers Did To A Civilian In Nasarawa

 That is a human being stripped naked and being beaten in a gutter by a soldier at Mararaba, Nassarawa state on Saturday August 8. I hope the Defence HQ will act as they promised...

A Judge Ordered A Student Remanded in Prison For Jilting His Girlfriend In Nigeria

According to the Special Adviser on media and publicity to Sokoto state governor, Imam Imam, this actually happened in Nigeria.

Flight Attendant Shares His Most Meaningful Experience As He Encounters A Nigerian Travelling For The First Time

Micheal Ray Huerata, who is a flight attendant/air host, with one of the international airlines shared this story on his Facebook page of his encounter with an elderly Nigerian man pictured above with him who was traveling out of Nigeria for the first time. Read what he wrote below...

"I'd like to share with you the most meaningful experience I've had in my 2+ years of flying. While boarding our flight from Nigeria last night, the man you see in this picture was seated in an aisle seat. As I walked by him, he waived me down and after I approached, he said "I must go to the toilet to relieve myself." I said "Ok, sir, the toilet is right behind you," pointing towards the bathrooms near the back galley. He repeated his request, but this time he was motioning both hands towards his lap and politely said "but I need to go to the toilet, please."
I assumed he was just reiterating his need to pee, so I again pointed towards the aft bathroom. He continued to motion towards his lap, but this time he grabbed his seat belt. It hit me; he had placed his seat belt on, but had no idea how to lift the buckle to release the belt! I apologized for not having understood, smiled, and showed him how to release his seatbelt. I shared this story with the crew shortly after and we were all humbled by the experience. But the story doesn't end here. Throughout the 12 hour flight, the man was as nice and generous as could be. He was smiling, enjoying the meals and entertainment, while always offering a genuine "thank you."
In the last hour of the flight, he came to the back galley and was just looking around in awe, fascinated by the plane. He and I began to talk... In his decades of living, today was this man's first time in an airplane, his first time seeing a seatbelt, and his first time leaving his small village. As a mathematics and geography teacher, he'd always dreamed of visiting the United States. So he saved money his entire life so that one day he could purchase a flight, a new suit, and a camera. Today was that day, and today I had the distinct honor of being able to serve him on the first leg of that journey. I'm moved to tears that I could be so lucky to meet this man. Of the thousands of passengers I've ever served, of the rich and famous, successful and powerful, frequent travelers and million milers, serving this one man - in coach - was the greatest honor I've had as a flight attendant.