General Electric to Invest $350 million in Power Sector

The minister for Trade and Investment, Chief Olusegun Aganga revealed today that General Electric has signed a deal with Stanbic IBTC  Bank to invest $350 million in the nation' sailing power sector.
The area of concentration of this their investment would be in the building of mini-power projects. This is aimed at generating an extra 20 megawatts of electricity.

The Minister also added that General Electric will also be bringing 10 of its suppliers to partner with Nigerian companies, to help develop the power capacity and transfer of technology.

 It is hoped that taking distribution, generation and transmission into the private sector will lead to steady supplies and reduce the reliance of homes and businesses on polluting diesel or petrol generators.
God bless General Electric! God bless the Minister of Trade and Investment! God bless Nigeria!

$11 Billion Invested in the Agricultural Sector Since 2011

President Goodluck Jonathan today disclosed that about $11 billion has been invested in the Agricultural Sector by private investors and developmental partners since the Agricultural Transformation Agenda was launched in 2011.
The president made this known at the ongoing 22nd Summit of African Union Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia!
This massive investment in the sector has started yielding some tangible results. This has provided employment for the teeming population who are unemployed. Exports have also improved in this sector.
We commend the government for creating the enabling environment to attract such mammoth investment in the country. Leveraging on this will attract more investors not only in the Agricultural Sector, but also in other areas of need, further actualizing the Transformation Agenda!
God bless President Goodluck Jonathan! God bless Nigeria!

Oyakhilome Donates 650-Capacity Hall to Ambrose Alli University

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the President and Founder of Believers' Love World, also known as Christ Embassy, yesterday handed over the keys of a duly completed 650 Capacity Auditorium to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the Visitor of Ambrose Alli Univeristy, Ekpoma in Edo State. He also donated a sound proof 100KVA Generator along with the auditorium.
In his words, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, an alumnus of the institution said, “It is to use this as the first phase and to serve as a catalyst for others to join hands in developing the country. The problem is not the management of our natural resources but managing the potentials locked up in the minds of our teaming youths whose education cannot be separated from the aspiration of the country.”
He further sought for the permission of the governor to provide solar-powered lanterns for each student resident on the campus and solar-powered street lights.
Governor Adams Oshiomhole in his response commended Pastor Oyakhilome for his vision and commitment, and described him as a global icon. 
Truly this is an act that other churches and religious organizations should emulate. Apart from praying for the peace and prosperity of our communities, cities and countries (which is very vital), we should also be seen to contribute to the peace and prosperity of our communities, cities and countries too!
God bless Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and Christ Embassy! God bless Nigeria!

FG to Complete Rehabilitation of Plateau-Bauchi Railway Line in February

Another stride again is about to be achieved in the Transport Sector of our nation. The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar during his inspection of the rehabilitation works going on in the Kafachan District of the Nigerian Railway Line made known that, the railway line running from Kuru Station in Plateau State to Bauchi Station in Bauchi State will be duly completed by the end of February.
According to the minister, the FG is working assiduously to ensure that the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railway line be fully operational by the end of the year. He said the desire of government is to see the railway system of the nation back and better than what it was before in the good old days.
The Apapa Port in Lagos railway line running to Kaduna and Kano is already operational. Conveying both people and freight on a daily basis.
This is another feather in the cap of the Transformation Agenda of the present administration. Nigeria is working! Things will certainly get better!
We commend the Ministry of Transport, all agencies and parastatals, consultants and contractors working tirelessly to see this dream become a reality!
God bless the Ministry of Transport and it's team of Agencies, Consultants and Contractors! God bless Nigeria!

40,000 Farmers Benefit from the FADAMA Project in Anambra State

Mr Emmanuel Muofunanya, the Project Coordinator for FADAMA 111 in Anambra stated that the project had assisted about 40,000 farmers between 2009 to 2013 in the state. He said that N600 million was disbursed to 870 groups. He revealed that the farmers within this period have witnessed an increase in average income of N45,000 to N80,000.
A research by the International Food Policy Research Institute in the state highlighted a 70% improvement in the savings and income of farmers.
The project development objective of FADAMA is to increase the income and livelihood of beneficiaries, and this the project has achieved in this phase.
We commend the Federal Government for this initiative. A pat on the back also to the Project Coordinator FADAMA 111 Anambra State, for a job well done!
God bless the FADAMA Project! God bless Nigeria!

FG Launches the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company

The Transformation Agenda achieved another remarkable milestone as the Federal Government just launched the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company.
It is believed that this initiative would facilitate 200,000 mortgages over the next 5 years at affordable interest rates.
According to the Ministry of Finance which is to midwife the Programme, it will begin in 14 pilot states where the state governors had agreed to provide fast-track land titles, foreclosure arrangements, and serviced plots.
This is indeed a laudable project of the present government!
May God bless the project! May God keep blessing the Transformation Agenda!
God bless the Ministry of Finance and all related agencies!
God bless Nigeria!

SURE-P Spent 5 Billion in Niger State in 2013

The Director-General of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program (SURE-P), Alhaji Hassan Nuhu, yesterday in Minna said that N5 billion was spent in Niger State in 2013.
He said the money was used to purchase buses, cars and tricycles to boost the transport sector of Niger State, thereby also engaging about 4000 youths with some meaningful employment. Also the Schools of Agriculture at Tegina, Kuta and Makowa were renovated so as to facilitate the training of more youths on farming.
He added that another N5 billion will be spent this year too, so as to consolidate and pursue the goals of SURE-P in Niger State.
This is a good development. We pray that the funds will keep being judiciously used for the project!
God bless the SURE-P! God bless Nigeria!

FG to Employ 1000 Teachers for Unity Schools

At a meeting held in Abuja between the Supervising Minister of Education, Chief  Nyesom Wike and Principals of Federal Government Colleges yesterday, it was made known of the Federal Government's intention to employ about 1000 teachers. This is to address the deficit of teachers, and to improve learning and teaching in the schools.
In the meeting, the Minister stated that the government was making efforts to upgrade technical and vocational education in our Federal Technical Colleges. According to the minister, there can be no technological and economic advancement without adequate technical and vocational education. In his words, 'this is a serious drive to revive the sector'. He further directed the principals of the technical colleges to supply the ministry with their lists of their prevalent needs.
Later, the Minister presented six technical colleges from the geo-political zones with science equipment.
We give kudos to the Supervising Minister of Education and his team. We pray that the drive to revive the sector will be taken seriously. This stride by the Minister will indeed bring about significant changes to our education sector, and also contribute in facilitating the Transformation Agenda!
God bless the Supervising Minister of Education and his team! God bless Nigeria!

Nigeria-China Trade Volume Hits 13 Billion USD in 2013

Mr Deng Boqing the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria revealed on Friday at a farewell reception held in his honor, that the trade volume between Nigeria and China has risen to about 13 billion USD in 2013. This is double what it was four years ago.
He added that Chinese companies have been encouraged to come and establish companies in Nigeria in order to increase job opportunities for Nigerians, ands also industrialize Nigerian products. It has been discovered that China spearheads about 70% of the development of Nigeria today.
The outgoing envoy also commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for being the first in Africa to include the Chinese currency (Renminbi) in its Foreign Exchange Reserves.
All this is quite notable as China is obviously now an economic world super power. If this development is properly harnessed by all those in charge, it will definitely lead to the realization of the transformation agenda of the nation.
God bless Nigeria!

UN Certifies Nigeria Guinea Worm Free

Two days ago the United Nations officially certified Nigeria free from Guinea Worm. Guinea Worm Disease (GWD) is a modular dematosis produced by a parasite called Dracunculus Medinensis. It has been a skin disease reported to be found in humans, dogs, cats, horses, cattle and other animals in parts of Asia and Africa.
The disease is caused by drinking water contaminated by water fleas known as Copepoda which host the Dracunculus larva. The larva then mature into long thin roundworms that begin to move to the lower leg of the body of its victim through the subcutaneous tissues. This leads to intense pain localized on its path of travel. The pain is like a burning sensation. That is why the Guinea Worm Disease is also known as "the fiery serpent". Symptoms of the disease include fever, nausea and vomiting.
There is no vaccine or medicine to treat or prevent Guinea worm disease. Once a Guinea worm begins emerging, the first step is to do a controlled submersion of the affected area in a bucket of water. This causes the worm to discharge many of its larva, making it less infectious.
 Therefore for the nation to succeed in getting a clean bill from the UN with respect to the Guinea Worm Disease, serves as another feather in the cap of the Transformation Agenda of the present government. It's shows that the populace of our great nation now access to water that is free from the GWD parasite.
For this we say well done to all the ministries, parastatals, government and non-governmental agencies that have worked to see this feat achieved.
God bless all that have worked to see this happen! God bless Nigeria!

Nigeria Passes Law Banning Homosexuality

President Goodluck Jonathan this week has signed a new legislation outlawing homosexuality and imposing a prison term of 14 years for people who are persecuted under this new act.
This new act is known as the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act. Apart from forbidding same sex marriage, it also criminalizes homosexual clubs, associations and organizations.
This new law has attracted condemnation from countries like the US and UK, who consider themselves liberal societies.
I am of the opinion that every society and country at large have beliefs, ideals and cultures that makes them uniquely different from one another. It is the responsibility of every responsible government to put laws and policies in place to both uphold and preserve this.
Nigeria still is and will remain a highly religious and conservative society that considers homosexuality a deviation from the intrinsic human nature.
This bold step by the President and the legislative arm is commendable.
God bless President Goodluck Jonathan! God bless our Senators! God bless Members of the Federal House of Representatives! God bless Nigeria!

Significance of January 15 to Nigeria

January 15th of every year should be a day worthy of note for all true meaning Nigerians. Two major events took place on this day that should be kept fresh in our memories.
On January 15th, 1966, the first ever military coup in this nation took place. It was quite a bloody one , as Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, Premier of the Northern Province, and Festus Okotie-Eboh, Minister of Finance were assassinated. This coup lead to a major political crisis that eventually degenerated into a civil war.
Incidentally, on January 15th, 1970, the civil war that had ravaged our country badly, especially the south eastern part, and had led to the death of about 1 million Nigerians, officially came to an end when the Biafra Army surrendered.
We should on this day therefore thank God that the evil meant to derail our country from her glorious destiny was brought to an end the very date it was triggered, though four years later! The unseen hands of God is evident over our nation! We should use these days to learn from the mistakes of the past so that the adage that 'history repeats itself', will not become our plight in this nation.
We must not forget to commend the troops of the Biafra Army for the humility of heart to surrender, thereby allowing for the reintegration of Biafra into the Federal Republic of Nigeria where the truly belong.
We commend the Nigerian Army that fought to preserve the unity of the country of which we celebrate the 100th year of our creation as one indivisible country!
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria! May God preserve the unity of our nation!

Significant Strides in the Petroleum Industry

An overview of activities in our nation's petroleum sector last year shows that some meaningful and commendable strides are being made.
Firstly, the Joint Task Force setup by the government to tackle pipeline vandalism has drastically reduced pipeline vandalism in the country to its lowest in recent years. This the government achieved by ensuring tight security along all our petroleum pipeline networks across the country, leading to some massive savings to the Nation bearing. Once when a major pipeline was vandalized for about 6 weeks. It cost the Government a loss of about N3.6 billion Naira!
Secondly, for the whole of 2013, the government achieved 0% scarcity of petrol. This is commendable, especially as 2012, was a year that stressed petrol consumers.
Thirdly, the Minister of Petroleum Resources embarked on aggressive revamp of downstream facilities including PPMC Depots and product supply pipelines. 20 out the 23 PPMC inland storage depots across the country have been turned around.
In addition to this, the Federal Government has stepped up its fight to stop crude oil theft. The President on his last visit to the US implored the assistance of the US Government in helping us stop this menace. The Government has also warned the international community to stop buying stolen oil from Nigeria.
The above mentioned efforts by the government is a move in the right direction and indeed commendable! We are truly hope that this year the government will concentrate on consolidating on its efforts. We hope to see pipeline vandalism come to an end in our country. We look forward to that  day when, crude oil theft becomes a thing of the past in our country!
God bless the Minister of Petroleum Resources; Mrs Dienzani Alison-Madueke, and her team! God bless President  Goodluck Jonathan! God bless Nigeria!

Arm Forces Remembrance Week ends

The Armed Forces and Remembrance Week celebration is an annual event organized to honour members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who fought in the first and second World Wars, and those who served or are still serving in various peace support operations worldwide as well as those who fought in the Nigerian civil war. The Day is to celebrate both the dead and the living heroes including all those who suffered various deprivations as a result of wars.

Let us use today to appreciate God for their lives. Let us pray that the legacies they fought for and are fighting for be preserved. Let us also remember especially the families of our heroes that laid down their lives, that God will adequately comfort them and fill the vacuum they left behind.

May God bless the memory of all our fallen heroes! God bless our living heroes! God bless the Arm Forces of our great nation! God bless Nigeria!

Lagos State to Rehabilitate 1400 Roads in 2014

The decision of the Governor Babatunde Fashola led government of Lagos State to rehabilitate 1,400 of its roads is quite commendable. By the end of this year hopefully, driving in Lagos State would be a pleasure. This is also coming at a time when the face of our Federal roads are changing for the better. It would be nice if other Governors could take cue. Especially as road transportation still remains the main source of transportation of people, goods and services in our nation.
I am already dreaming of a Nigeria where potholes will become extinct on our roads! Where our roads would be wide enough, well drained, excellent shoulder works, and smoothly paved!
God bless Governor Babatunde Fashola and his team! God bless Lagos State! God bless Nigeria!

100 Jobs for Fresh Graduates in Borno State

Some respite will at least come to the people of Borno State. Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State announced that at least 100 fresh graduates will be absorbed into the State Civil Service within the first quarter of this year.
This is a step in the right direction knowing the prevalent situation in Borno State. We commend the Governor Kashim Shettima lead administration for this move!
God bless Governor Kashim Shettima! God bless the people of Borno State! God bless Nigeria!

Another Impending Strike Action Cancelled

Late yesterday evening at a meeting held by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Minister of Petroleum Resources,  President of NUPENG, President of PENGASSAN, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Petroluem Resources, and the executives of the two unions, the impending nationwide strike actions of the two unions we cancelled.
This was based on a signed agreement that the two unions, NUPENG and PENGASSAN have agreed to work along with the Federal Government to engage in social dialogue in developing viable and workable business models for our nation's refineries.
A big thank you to all the parties involved. We sincerely pray for a commitment to this agreement by all the parties, as this will indeed bring a turnaround as regards to our nation's refineries. All Nigerians I believe are eagerly looking forward to the day when all our refineries will be truly working and viable! God bless the Ministers and Ministries of Labour and Productivity, and Petroleum Resources! God bless NUPENG and PENGASSAN! God bless Nigeria!

Transformation Agenda is working!

I drove by road to and fro Abuja to Calabar with my family during the festive season. It was a thrill and pleasure to drive on smooth asphalt, not ONE single pothole, from around Okunde junction on the highway all through Ikom LGA axis till outskirts of Obubra LGA. What used to take us about 3 hours took us little above an hour! Awesome!
Special thanks to President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Liyel Imoke and Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba for giving us the benefits of good governance.
Thanks also to the team of consultants and contractors that executed a job well done! God bless you all! God bless Nigeria!!

DoubleJubileeNigeria Blog is Up

Welcome!! We are committed in Celebrating all the good things that have happened and are happening in Nigeria! Our Nation is 100 this year!

Kudos to the leadership of NMA for suspending their intended nationwide strike action today! This was based on two major factors. The impact the strike could have on the lives of innocent citizens of the nation, and on the committed strides of the President in resolving the issues at hand! God bless the leadership of NMA!!! Hope other organizations would learn from them!