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8 things Saraki said in 2018 resumption speech

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1. On the Fuel Scarcity: “When one part of the body is hurting, the whole body hurts, and this holds true for the entire nation.”
I am not unmindful of the sobering fact that the new year has met many citizens in a reflective mood. Many were on the queue for petrol; many households are grief-stricken. This mood of reflection is also one from which no lawmaker is immune; what affects one, affects all. When one part of the body is hurting, the whole body hurts, and this holds true for the entire nation.

We have all been witnesses to the hardships with which many Nigerians saw in the new year, stuck on fuel queues tailing from petrol stations in many of our cities. It has been disheartening to see, especially during the festive period when Nigerians should have been enjoying carefree time with their loved ones, with enough petrol in their tanks to make that cherished journey to the various hometowns.

2. On the Fuel Scarcity: “We, as representatives of the people, feel the pain of the people.”
We, as representatives of the people, feel the pain of the people. Things being the way they were, we could not but respond to the crisis. I therefore had to direct members of the Senate Investigative Panel on Fuel Scarcity cut short their recess to commence hearings into the lingering problem; and that work is ongoing. I commend the committee for their prompt response and the work carried out.

We seek the cooperation and understanding of Nigerians as we try to get to the bottom of this issue. My own estimation of the fuel scarcity phenomenon is that it is man-made. We thought we had left the problem of fuel queues firmly in the past in this country, but sadly, that appears not to be the case. In any event, there is a problem, and it must be solved. We await the findings of the Investigative Panel on Fuel Scarcity, firm in our resolve that whoever is responsible must pay the price for visiting this needless hardship upon our people.

3. On the Benue Killings: “We condemn these killings in the strongest terms, and we declare that mindless bloodletting has no place in our society.”
Distinguished colleagues, you will agree with me that even more sober reflection attends the killings in some parts of the country, particularly recent tragic events in Benue State. We condemn these killings in the strongest terms, and we declare that mindless bloodletting has no place in our society. I offer our sincerest condolences to the people of Benue, and indeed to all who have suffered the loss of their loved ones as a result of these wanton acts.

Human life is sacred. We state without equivocation that Nigerian life must become sacred. When we fail in our duty to protect Nigerian lives, it is a tragedy and an indictment on us all. We as the 8th Senate stand ready to help find solutions to assuage the hurt to affected parts, to bring the perpetrators to justice and to enthrone peace in all four corners of this country.

Let me state that the 8th Senate is disturbed by these unfortunate incidents, and we have been for some time. We were concerned enough to have inaugurated the Ad-Hoc Committee on Security in November of last year. And so it was that, with the shocking reports from Benue, Rivers and other places, the Security Committee members also cut short their recess to resume sitting, with a view to fast-tracking their investigations, in order to present an interim report for the Senate’s consideration immediately on resumption. I really must commend the committee for their swift action in this regard; and I am happy to note that the Interim Report is ready for the consideration of this chamber.

4. On the Work of the Senate: “We cannot lose momentum, nor can we afford to rest on our oars.”
We are a people-oriented Senate, and I believe I speak for us all when I pledge that we shall continue to demonstrate similar dedication to our duties this year, as worthy representatives of the people who voted us into office.

Distinguished colleagues, the 8th Senate has continued its historic run, because by the end of 2017, we had passed 140 Bills over a period of 30 months. The landmark Economic Bills we passed, helped to propel the country’s emergence from recession, powering us upwards in the Ease of Doing Business Report. While the legislative feats of the year gone by shall go down in the annals of lawmaking in this country, what is also true is that we cannot lose momentum, nor can we afford to rest on our oars.

5. “This is Nigeria’s time. Let us devote ourselves to her service.”
Going into the new year, I can only wish each and every one of us the best as we prepare for the task ahead. It is a crucial year. As you all know, this, in all probability, will be the last productive year before we go into the 2019 electioneering period. Not only is there a need to up the ante in terms of productivity, it is important we keep our eyes on the big picture. Let us not be caught in the political fray before due season. To each and every thing under the sun, its own time. This is Nigeria’s time. Let us devote ourselves to her service. It is therefore imperative that we speed up consideration on the various bills on which legislative work remains outstanding – particularly economic bills. Calling for similar attention are the other parts of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) related bills still to be passed, namely: the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill and the Petroleum Host Community Bill.

6.“We must not allow the upcoming 2019 elections to overshadow our work for the people.”
Distinguished colleagues, it is my appeal to each and every one of us, that our legislative duty to Nigeria and her people, must be uppermost in our minds. We must not allow the upcoming 2019 elections to overshadow our work for the people that elected us – or distract us from that which we are mandated to do by the constitution and the trust reposed in us by the people.

This is my appeal: it is too early for 2019 politicking to override the legislative agenda and the larger work of governance. We have begun a good thing with the economic core of our agenda; let us see it to its proper conclusion. It would be most insensitive to the needs of the people of this country if we were to do otherwise. I am directing this appeal not only to us in the chamber but to the National Assembly as a whole, as well as to the Executive and indeed all political actors.

7. “Let me opine that 2018 will be defined by the collaboration between the two chambers of the 8th National Assembly”
Distinguished colleagues, let me opine that 2018 will be defined by the collaboration between the two chambers of the 8th National Assembly as regards the number of items due for concurrence. We must work to build on the very cordial relationship between the two chambers as witnessed so far, and elevate the level of cooperation, for the benefit the people. To this end, I urge you all to reach out to our counterparts in the House, so that we can fulfil the lawmaking function in the most expeditious manner. This will help streamline the process – and clear the way for the passing of various legislations – making for improved synergy and joined-up working between the two chambers.

8. On the Way Forward: “We will not relent in our efforts…”
Currently, distinguished colleagues, there are two major ongoing issues before us – namely the Constitutional Amendment process and the 2018 Appropriation Bill. It is encouraging to see that the Assemblies in the States have already started work on the Constitutional Amendment; I urge us all to keep a keen eye on developments on that front. With regard to the 2018 Budget, let me take this opportunity to give a word of encouragement to the Committee as they work to ensure the proper conduct of the process.

The full text of the welcome address is reproduced below:

WELCOME BACK SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, HIS EXCELLENCY (DR.) ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CON, TO SENATORS OF THE 8TH SENATE ON RESUMPTION FROM THE 2017 END OF YEAR RECESS ON TUESDAY, ON JANUARY 16, 2018.

PROTOCOL.

1. Distinguished colleagues, it is a privilege and an honour to welcome you all back to work as we embark on the legislative endeavour that will define our country in the year 2018.

2. Let me take this opportunity to wish you – my distinguished colleagues, your families and all Nigerians – a happy new year. I am not unmindful of the sobering fact that the new year has met many citizens in a reflective mood. Many were on the queue for petrol; many households are grief-stricken. This mood of reflection is also one from which no lawmaker is immune; what affects one, affects all. When one part of the body is hurting, the whole body hurts, and this holds true for the entire nation.

3. We have all been witnesses to the hardships with which many Nigerians saw in the new year, stuck on fuel queues tailing from petrol stations in many of our cities. It has been disheartening to see, especially during the festive period when Nigerians should have been enjoying carefree time with their loved ones, with enough petrol in their tanks to make that cherished journey to the various hometowns.

4. We, as representatives of the people, feel the pain of the people. Things being the way they were, we could not but respond to the crisis. I therefore had to direct members of the Senate Investigative Panel on Fuel Scarcity cut short their recess to commence hearings into the lingering problem; and that work is ongoing. I commend the committee for their prompt response and the work carried out.

5. We seek the cooperation and understanding of Nigerians as we try to get to the bottom of this issue. My own estimation of the fuel scarcity phenomenon is that it is man-made. We thought we had left the problem of fuel queues firmly in the past in this country, but sadly, that appears not to be the case. In any event, there is a problem, and it must be solved. We await the findings of the Investigative Panel on Fuel Scarcity, firm in our resolve that whoever is responsible must pay the price for visiting this needless hardship upon our people.

6. Distinguished colleagues, you will agree with me that even more sober reflection attends the killings in some parts of the country, particularly recent tragic events in Benue State. We condemn these killings in the strongest terms, and we declare that mindless bloodletting has no place in our society. I offer our sincerest condolences to the people of Benue, and indeed to all who have suffered the loss of their loved ones as a result of these wanton acts.

7. Human life is sacred. We state without equivocation that Nigerian life must become sacred. When we fail in our duty to protect Nigerian lives, it is a tragedy and an indictment on us all. We as the 8th Senate stand ready to help find solutions to assuage the hurt to affected parts, to bring the perpetrators to justice and to enthrone peace in all four corners of this country.

8. Let me state that the 8th Senate is disturbed by these unfortunate incidents, and we have been for some time. We were concerned enough to have inaugurated the Ad-Hoc Committee on Security in November of last year. And so it was that, with the shocking reports from Benue, Rivers and other places, the Security Committee members also cut short their recess to resume sitting, with a view to fast-tracking their investigations, in order to present an interim report for the Senate’s consideration immediately on resumption. I really must commend the committee for their swift action in this regard; and I am happy to note that the Interim Report is ready for the consideration of this chamber.

9. We are a people-oriented Senate, and I believe I speak for us all when I pledge that we shall continue to demonstrate similar dedication to our duties this year, as worthy representatives of the people who voted us into office.

10. Distinguished colleagues, the 8th Senate has continued its historic run, because by the end of 2017, we had passed 140 Bills over a period of 30 months. The landmark Economic Bills we passed, helped to propel the country’s emergence from recession, powering us upwards in the Ease of Doing Business Report. While the legislative feats of the year gone by shall go down in the annals of lawmaking in this country, what is also true is that we cannot lose momentum, nor can we afford to rest on our oars.

11. Going into the new year, I can only wish each and every one of us the best as we prepare for the task ahead. It is a crucial year. As you all know, this, in all probability, will be the last productive year before we go into the 2019 electioneering period. Not only is there a need to up the ante in terms of productivity, it is important we keep our eyes on the big picture. Let us not be caught in the political fray before due season. To each and every thing under the sun, its own time. This is Nigeria’s time. Let us devote ourselves to her service. It is therefore imperative that we speed up consideration on the various bills on which legislative work remains outstanding – particularly economic bills. Calling for similar attention are the other parts of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) related bills still to be passed, namely: the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill and the Petroleum Host Community Bill.

12. Distinguished colleagues, it is my appeal to each and every one of us, that our legislative duty to Nigeria and her people, must be uppermost in our minds. We must not allow the upcoming 2019 elections to overshadow our work for the people that elected us – or distract us from that which we are mandated to do by the constitution and the trust reposed in us by the people.

13. This is my appeal: it is too early for 2019 politicking to override the legislative agenda and the larger work of governance. We have begun a good thing with the economic core of our agenda; let us see it to its proper conclusion. It would be most insensitive to the needs of the people of this country if we were to do otherwise. I am directing this appeal not only to us in the chamber but to the National Assembly as a whole, as well as to the Executive and indeed all political actors.

14. Distinguished colleagues, let me opine that 2018 will be defined by the collaboration between the two chambers of the 8th National Assembly as regards the number of items due for concurrence. We must work to build on the very cordial relationship between the two chambers as witnessed so far, and elevate the level of cooperation, for the benefit the people. To this end, I urge you all to reach out to our counterparts in the House, so that we can fulfil the lawmaking function in the most expeditious manner. This will help streamline the process – and clear the way for the passing of various legislations – making for improved synergy and joined-up working between the two chambers.

15. Currently, distinguished colleagues, there are two major ongoing issues before us – namely the Constitutional Amendment process and the 2018 Appropriation Bill. It is encouraging to see that the Assemblies in the States have already started work on the Constitutional Amendment; I urge us all to keep a keen eye on developments on that front. With regard to the 2018 Budget, let me take this opportunity to give a word of encouragement to the Committee as they work to ensure the proper conduct of the process.

16. Once more, my distinguished colleagues, we are a people-oriented Senate. Nigerians already have a measure of who we are, particularly through our interventions and engagement in areas such as Job Creation and Youth Empowerment, the Welfare of Nigerian Students Overseas, and the Drug Abuse Epidemic ravaging through Nigerian Communities. We will not relent in our efforts in these arears.

17. In conclusion, it bears reiterating that we cannot waste a moment of this year that rolls its boundless opportunities out for us. As the legislative arm of government, we must do everything we can to transform the developmental firmament of this country, to bring succour to the masses, and to leave our prints in the sands of time. There is really no other choice. The work is upon us. We can get it done.

18. I wish the entire members of this chamber – and indeed every one of our countrymen and women – a most productive and prosperous 2018.

AFRICAN

Ghana Leads The Front At The WAEC Excellence Awards

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Ghana Leads The Front At The WAEC Excellence Awards | fab.ng

Ghana dominated the West African Examinations Council’s (WAEC) recent International Excellence Awards for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). All three top awards went to Ghanaian students in a ceremony held last Tuesday at the Council Meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The outstanding young men hail from St. James Seminary Senior High School. Two of the awardees are proud alumni of St. James Seminary, further solidifying the school’s academic excellence. A total of 2,327,342 students from the five WAEC member countries participated in the 2023 WASSCE, making this Ghanaian achievement even more impressive.

The ceremony itself was a moment of national pride. Ghana’s Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dr. Eric Nkansah, congratulated the winners for their exceptional performances. He highlighted their consistent success, mentioning that Ghana claimed two out of the top three spots last year and achieved a clean sweep this year.

Meet the Ghanaian heroes:

  • Amo-Kodieh Leonard Kofi Marton (St. James Seminary)
  • Dzandu Selorm (Labone Senior High School)
  • Daniel Asenso-Gyambibi (St. James Seminary)

Ghana's performance in WAEC Excellence Award testament to Akufo-Addo's legacy, says Adutwum - Asaase Radio

Mr. Amo-Kodieh beamed with pride as he addressed the crowd, expressing his immense honor at being named the overall best student of the 2023 WASSCE. He attributed his success to his dedication to academic excellence. Throughout his journey, he actively pushed his intellectual boundaries, embraced challenges, and thrived in dynamic learning environments.

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Mr. Amo-Kodieh acknowledged the government and all stakeholders who played a crucial role in his achievement. “Their immense support,” he declared, “was instrumental in turning this path to success into a reality.”

Extending his appreciation further, Mr. Amo-Kodieh spoke on behalf of all awardees at the (WAEC) Excellence Awards. “We are incredibly grateful,” he emphasized, “to the government, the GES, the Ministry of Education, the WAEC, and especially our families. Each of you played an indispensable part in shaping our education.”

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MOVIES

Onyeka Onwenu Set To Chronicle Her Music Journey In Upcoming Film

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Onyeka Onwenu To Chronicle Her Music Journey In Film | Fab.ng

Nigerian veteran musician Onyeka Onwenu is making a movie about her long music career! She recently told the News Agency of Nigeria that the film will cover her decades of experience in the music industry. Onwenu is known as the “elegant stallion.” She started her career in the 1970s and is excited to share her perspective on how Nigerian music has changed over the years.

Onwenu said,

“I am currently working on a film that will chronicle my experiences in the music industry from the 70s to the present day. Having been a part of this narrative for decades, I have a wealth of stories to share.”

Onyeka Onwenu also has another exciting project in the works! She plans to release a compilation of her classic songs with a fresh twist—collaborations with up-and-coming artists. This means fans can look forward to both a movie and a new music collection from her later this year.

“I am rebranding my old songs and collaborating with new talents. My aim is to offer listeners a fresh perspective on timeless classics,” she explained.

Onyeka Onwenu is a woman of many talents! Besides working on the movie and music project, she recently released a new single called “Abu Otito” (Songs of Praise). This song has a special meaning: Onwenu is donating the money earned from streams of the song to the Rose of Sharon Foundation, which helps widows.

“I am passionate about using music to address social issues. From supporting widows to promoting education among rural children, I strive to make a positive impact through my art.”

Onyeka Onwenu’s generosity extends beyond music. She’s passionate about helping others, especially children. Onwenu has already set up programmes to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged kids in Abia State. And she’s not stopping there; she plans to expand these initiatives to Imo State as well.

“We not only pay school fees directly to schools but also offer civic education to instill a sense of cultural identity. These efforts represent my dedication to empowering future generations,” the musician noted.

Onyeka Onwenu also has some advice for other musicians. She says they need to be persistent and take charge of their careers, especially during tough economic times.

“Hang in there and create opportunities for yourselves,” she urged, highlighting the need for proactive approaches in navigating the ever-evolving music industry landscape.

Onyeka Onwenu’s work in music, film, philanthropy, and education makes her a true role model for future generations.

“I have been part of the story right from time, and I am still moving forward, so I have a lot of stories to tell,” she remarked.

Onyeka Onwenu is giving her fans a double treat this year! Besides working on a new movie, she’s also releasing a collection of her classic hits with a modern twist—collaborations with up-and-coming artists.

Onwenu’s music has always been about more than entertainment. She’s used her powerful voice to promote Nigerian culture and social issues. Remember the evergreen duet “Wait for Me” with King Sunny Ade? It tackled population control, a relevant message even today.

Another one of her classics, “African Woman,” celebrates the strength and beauty of African women facing challenges. Songs like “Sodom and Gomorrah” explore biblical themes, while others like “Iyogogo,” “One Love,” “Dancing in the Sun,” and “Choices” cover a range of topics that continue to resonate with fans.

Check out more news updates here.

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MOVIES

Zack Orji Is Alive – AGN President Shuts Death Rumours

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Zack Orji: AGN President Confirms He Is Alive | Fab.ng

Rumours are going around that Nollywood actor Zack Orji has passed away. But that’s not true. The president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, said on his Instagram page on Tuesday, March 26th, 2024, that these rumours are false. He asked people to stop spreading this misinformation.

His post read,

“Mr Zack Orji is alive 💯💯💯💯💯💯Please ignore mischief makers who enjoy circulating fake news. This is to show how wicked some people can be. It is totally unacceptable. He will not die but live to declare the good works of God in Jesus’ name.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Emeka Rollas Ejezie (@emekarollas)

A concerned commenter said,

“Thanks a lot for the update sir. I don’t know why some people prefer to disseminate unconfirmed information. May he not die. Wish him a quick recovery.” 

In December 2023, the public learned about the actor’s health struggles, leading to concern among his fans. On December 31st, he collapsed in his home’s toilet and was quickly taken to the hospital.

He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for further treatment due to the severity of his condition. Reports indicated that he couldn’t speak or walk at that time. Fans became even more worried when a video surfaced showing the actor in a hospital bed.

During his recovery, he received visits from prominent figures including the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the Vice President’s wife Hajia Nana Shettima, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the wife of the Minister for Works, Rachael Umahi, and the wife of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, among others.

In January 2024, there was relief among Nigerians as reports confirmed the actor’s recovery at a private hospital in Abuja following brain surgery.

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