HCOTN 29122016

Hephzibah's Commentary on Today's News

1. NHRC asks security agencies to stop herdsmen from killing innocent people.

Hephzibah : Are they allowed to kill 'guilty' people?  Why are our security agencies looking the other way while herdsmen are killing anyone they feel like?  Sigh!

2. Many blind candidates collide to cheat at exams - WAEC.

Hephzibah : I don't understand this article.  What is COLLIDE doing in this gist?  Sigh!

3. Police foil bid to bomb 3rd Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

Hephzibah : This gives a serious cause for concern.  Yesterday,  a BH member was arrested in Lagos,  today it's this.  Abeg oooo.

4. Nigerian Pastor loses $5m to Ponzi scheme.

Hephzibah : Hmmmm.  All I know is that my cousin,  MMM (Mudashiru Motolani Makanjuola) is back.  I don't know if Pastor's money is with him sha... Ntoin...

5. Nurse pulls off baby's hand during delivery.

Hephzibah : *Adds checking out Nurse's "muscles" to list of things to check when choosing hospitals for delivery*
I am kuku not understanding how this happened... Sigh!

6. Dogs disappear as Ekiti residents resort to canine meat.

Hephzibah : Meanwhile,  my uncle has a Special Assistant for Stomach Infrastructure... What a wawu!

7. Family loses 3 children locked in a room by their mother to fire.

Hephzibah : Ah!  I wonder why the mother locked them up like this. Doesn't sound good to me ooo

8. Davido celebrates Christmas with N80m 2017 Range Rover

Hephzibah : Meanwhile,  somewhere in Lagos,  Hephzibah Oyinda is looking for someone that has 1 million Naira they are not using.  Is that gewd?

9. China: We will be on Mars by the end of 2020.

Hephzibah : Meanwhile,  Nigeria is still battling silliness and pettiness... Sigh!

10. Omeruo will explode like Moses, says coach Obuh.

Hephzibah : Coach Obuh, why do you want Omeruo to explode?  Do you mean him well?  Lol.  I hope his career soars, though, and hopefully he shines on his own (not necessarily like Moses).

Please keep praying for our country.  Continue to contribute your quota to national development.  May God continue to bless,  prosper and preserve the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

ABOUT SOUTHERN KADUNA AND ENUGU

As significant as the "recapture" of Sambisa forest is (I'm struggling to believe it,  honestly),  it is insensitive to be celebrating it while the people of Southern Kaduna are being slaughtered and Fulani herdsmen invade Enugu.  If you are not aware,  a "fleeing" Boko Haram member was captured in Lagos (My overactive mind wonders if he is the only one that got to Lagos).

This is how ethnic cleansing started in Rwanda and everyone looked the other way.  President Buhari,  what is happening in Southern Kaduna?  Can they sleep with their eyes closed?  Why are you taking on Boko Haram,  if insurgency is supposed to be a "state affair", though the military and para military are controlled by the Federal Government?  Why is it okay for Jonathan to have been vilified for the abduction of Chibok girls?  If we follow Femi Adesina's warped logic,  it was a state affair and the buck should have stopped on the Borno State Government's table.  Posterity will judge you and everyone supporting you harshly if this ethnic cleansing continues.  I have (minus) 100% confidence in El-Rufai's will to address this matter.  This is a good one to declare a state of emergency and tackle the matter decisively.

I thought the APC would make the State Police idea happen. I remember it being one of their campaign promises. Femi Adesina's defense of Buhari's silence will only make sense if the we introduce state policing.

Dear International Community, a genocide is happening in Southern Kaduna. Fulani herdsmen have invaded Enugu.  It's time to mount pressure on this government to deal DECISIVELY with the issue.  Dear activists,  it's time to set up online and offline petitions against this government. The silence is criminal.  The best time to act was yesterday,  today is the second best.

Good morning.

HCOTN 20122016

Hephzibah's Commentary On Today's News

20/12/2016

1. Okorocha gets knocks over his wife’s control of four ministries

Hephzibah: Adds 24 more knocks

2. German govt. threatens Facebook

Hephzibah: I hear Facebook is taking steps to address fake stories and hate speech. Let us be watching…

3. Why NYSC is deploying more corps members in rural schools– Zamfara Coordinator

Hephzibah: Honestly, I find it upsetting that young men and women whose parents/guardians have spent so much on are being used to fill the gaps that TRAINED TEACHERS should be filling. Some of them even put themselves through school. I dislike the NYSC idea but well…

4. Itel donates school bags, learning materials to schools in Ajegunle

Hephzibah: I appreciate the fact that a company is taking CSR seriously. I’m just struggling with how the money spent on school bags could have been used for more learning materials. All the same, if you own a company or are influential enough where you work, please follow Itel’s footsteps.

5. Facebook faces €200m fine for ‘misleading’ EU in Whatsapp buyout

Hephzibah: Na wa oooo. Mark…Hmmm

Links

1. http://adf.ly/1gtu7R

2. http://adf.ly/1gtuJq

3. http://adf.ly/1gtuYI

4. http://adf.ly/1gtvNq

5. http://adf.ly/1gtxsk

HCOTN 09122016

Hephzibah's Commentary on Today's News
1. Tiwa Savage, Teebilz unite again

Hephzibah: Hmmmm... Una don learn,  Naija people?  Don't poke your nose in husband and wife matter. Okay?

2. NSE, EFCC stop N20m capital market fraud

Hephzibah: I wish we had more information about how the fraudsters were able to get access to the late Prof's shares.  That will be helpful for the rest of us to learn.

3. NERC fines TCN N47.6m for infractions

Hephzibah: I don't think the power distribution companies are serious.  They are complaining about "low tariffs" when they have not provided the utility they are currently being paid for.  Where in the world does one provide terrible services then ask consumers to pay more?  Biko,  park well...

4. We won’t consider 2017 budget until MTEF is passed – Senate

Hephzibah: Uncle Bukola,  please can you throw more light on this MTEF?  All this "empty" talk you people are sharing upandan,  not that we will start hearing budget padding and other related terms o.
The happy thing is that the President has sent a letter that includes the proposals and plans to lead the country out of the recession.  I am waiting for the President's speech at the joint session of the National Assembly.  Not the one that one Peter Obi will go and give one speech that will take the shine off the President's speech o.  Erm,  please Ndi-speech writers,  remember to pass the speech through plagiarism checks o.  Thanks a bunch.

5. From friendship to Maxtivity

Hephzibah: This is the kind of friendship I endorse.  Not the one that you people will huddle for trouble.  They spent five years researching before opening shop.  Wow.

6. Falcons reject Dalung’s appeal, continue protest

Hephzibah: Seriously, the Sports ministry has no plans of paying these women?  Which kind of ministry is this one o?  Whose uncle is putting on red beret upandan?  Please come and collect him,  he is embarrassing us...

My people, let's keep praying.  Let's not burn bridges because tomorrow is pregnant with some level of uncertainty. Let's stay prayerful,  watchful and hopeful.  Let's learn lessons from Tiwa and TeeBillz. After breaking the internet with their drama,  they are codedly trying out counselling (I'm happy for them).  Meanwhile, some people whom neither Tiwa nor TeeBillz have ever heard about fought their close allies over the matter.  Let's find ways to cohabit peaceably with others, particularly if they are not trying to defraud you. May God bless, keep and prosper the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Good morning.

Links
1. Tiwa and TeeBillz Gist - http://adf.ly/1gXW8D

2. Stolen and recovered shares gist - http://adf.ly/1gXWh3

3. NERC,  TCN,  Power gist - http://adf.ly/1gXXDg

4. MTEF and Budget Gist - http://adf.ly/1gXYCl

5. Maxtivity gist - http://adf.ly/1gXYen

6. Falcons gist - http://adf.ly/1gXZ6v

HCOTN 02122016

Hephzibah's Commentary On Today's News
02/12/2016

1. LASG begins housing initiatives, bans okada near banks


Hephzibah: Good one, my good Governor. I have only one question. What is the definition of "near" for Okada riders and banks? How many metres is the minimum distance? If you don't specify, police will take advantage of that loophole o. Ehn ehn

2. Defection: PDP senators return to Senate, Saraki urges unity

Hephzibah: Two questions for the Senators. Uncle Godswill, plix how does your walking out and walking back in show that change has come to the 8th Senate? I'm asking on behalf of the children of Twitter and Facebook.
Secondly, plix, who will pay for the time spent throwing ineffective tantrums? Senators or taxpayers? Again, I'm only asking on behalf of the children of Facebook and Twitter o.

3. Ex-YABATECH bursar remanded for leaking college’s secret
Hephzibah: All of you leaking classified information upandan, come and see your cousin o. I'm still waiting for when they will catch that EFCC mole that is always leaking classified information to newsmen.

4. I’ve destroyed my US Green Card, says Soyinka

Hephzibah: Sir, please the children of Facebook and Twitter need evidence. We would have loved a live video. After all, we watch videos of people as they arrange their houses, clean their cars, cook their meals etc. Please glue all the pieces together and record a live video as you repeat the destruction. We promise to waste our data and watch the video. Tainks sir.

5. Perish the thought of Biafra, Buhari tells agitators

Hephzibah: So, it's turn by turn that Nigeria's issues are being tackled. All the "noise" that you people were making in other regions did not mean anything while the focus was on the North East. Rejoice, South East, they are coming to face your matter. The rest of the regions can kontiniu for now; your turn will soon come. Sigh!
Oh, and I am interested in knowing how ministers are ranked in the federal cabinet? Can anyone help?

6. Iheanacho, Moses can replace Okocha, Kanu – Taribo

Hephzibah: Okay sir. Bhet sir, which year are you in? 1997? The rest of us are going into 2017 o.

Thanks for your patience and understanding. HCOTN is back and hopefully better. Now, I'll be providing the links to each story so those of us that used to collect extra sheets during exams back in school can follow up, lol. Please click on "Skip Ad" when you get to the landing page (except the advert catches your attention, lol). If you'll like to know more about the Link Shortener I'm using and why, please send an email to womentellingafricanstories@gmail.com. I'll appreciate it if you can get to the point quickly, data go soon cost. Thanks in advance.

Please continue praying for Nigeria. We need the prayers. Thanks.

Enjoy your day.

Links
1. http://adf.ly/1gJQz9

2. http://adf.ly/1gJRle

3. http://adf.ly/1gJSGw

4. http://adf.ly/1gJSwG

5. http://adf.ly/1gJTuU

6. http://adf.ly/1gJUSf

Hephzibah's Commentary on The Disguised Communication Tax

Yesterday,  I got this silly message from my service provider - "Dear Valued Customer, Effective 1st Dec 2016, we will review our data plans & prices in compliance with NCC directive. Dial *200*3# NOW to buy MORE DATA"

I was not shocked because MTN subscribers had already blown the whistle on social media. Etisalat was just catching up.

My comments on this madness are actually questions

1. Why are we hearing about the NCC directive from the service providers?  Is the NCC not funded by taxpayers' money and therefore accountable to taxpayers?

2. If NCC truly issued such a silly directive,  why the hurry?  Why did we only hear about it 3 days to implementation?  Is it not a joke that an agency (Abi a parastatal) that has "Communication" in its name and as its core function is not communicating? The joke is very "unfunny", by the way.. I am looking at the Telcos one kain ooo because they are yet to fully comply with the very public NCC directive to stop sending unsolicited emails or be fined.  That one was effective from July 1, 2016. Meanwhile, they are rushing to comply with a nocturnal directive within 3 days.  I am not fooled,  abeg.

3. If the NCC truly issued this directive, are we not joking when we say that the Telecommunications sector is deregulated?  Which kind of deregulation allows the government,  not the market forces of demand and supply,  determine prices?
On the bright side,  I see opportunities for upcoming Telcos to repeat Globacom's entry strategy of introducing Per Second Billing when the existing cabal insisted that it was not possible. It's time for new Telcos to break in and take the data market from these jokers... Otherwise,  we will go back to posting letters and calling from our landmines.

To be fair,  I expect some form of price increase because the economic forces indicate that except a Telco can find innovative ways to bring down their expenses,  price increases should be the way to go.

I don't think,  though,  that there is anything in the NCC act that gives NCC the powers to direct the Telcos to hike prices.  I will search for the Act and share so we can review it together.  If the NCC actually issued such a directive,  we need to confirm that they are empowered to do so.  If the Telcos are telling lies against NCC,  I expect NCC to penalize them one way or the other.  The NCC cannot afford to keep quiet on this matter.  They owe us an explanation....

Hillary Clinton's concession speech – full transcript

Thank you. Thank you all. Thank you.

Thank you all very much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Thank you, my friends. Thank you. Thank you, thank you so very much for being here and I love you all, too.

Last night, I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country. I hope that he will be a successful president for all Americans. This is not the outcome we wanted or we worked so hard for and I’m sorry that we did not win this election for the values we share and the vision we hold for our country.

But I feel pride and gratitude for this wonderful campaign that we built together, this vast, diverse, creative, unruly, energized campaign. You represent the best of America and being your candidate has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

I know how disappointed you feel because I feel it too, and so do tens of millions of Americans who invested their hopes and dreams in this effort. This is painful and it will be for a long time, but I want you to remember this. Our campaign was never about one person or even one election. It was about the country we love and about building an America that’s hopeful, inclusive and big-hearted.

We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought. But I still believe in America and I always will. And if you do, then we must accept this result and then look to the future. Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead.

Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power and we don’t just respect that – we cherish it. It also enshrines other things; the rule of law, the principle that we are all equal in rights and dignity, freedom of worship and expression. We respect and cherish these values too and we must defend them.

Now – and let me add, our constitutional democracy demands our participation, not just every four years but all the time. So let’s do all we can to keep advancing the causes and values we all hold dear: making our economy work for everyone not just those at the top, protecting our country and protecting our planet and breaking down all the barriers that hold any American back from achieving their dreams.

We’ve spent a year and a half bringing together millions of people from every corner of our country to say with one voice that we believe that the American dream is big enough for everyone – for people of all races and religions, for men and women, for immigrants, for LGBT people, and people with disabilities. For everyone.

So now our responsibility as citizens is to keep doing our part to build that better, stronger, fairer America we seek. And I know you will.

I am so grateful to stand with all of you. I want to thank Tim Kaine and Anne Holton for being our partners on this journey.

It has been a joy getting to know them better, and it gives me great hope and comfort to know that Tim will remain on the frontlines of our democracy representing Virginia in the Senate.

To Barack and Michelle Obama, our country owes you an enormous debt of gratitude.

We thank you for your graceful, determined leadership that has meant so much to so many Americans and people across the world.

And to Bill and Chelsea, Mark, Charlotte, Aidan, our brothers and our entire family, my love for you means more than I can ever express. You crisscrossed this country on our behalf and lifted me up when I needed it most – even four-month-old Aidan, who traveled with his mom.

I will always be grateful to the creative, talented, dedicated men and women at our headquarters in Brooklyn and across our country.

You poured your hearts into this campaign. For some of you who are veterans, it was a campaign after you had done other campaigns. Some of you, it was your first campaign. I want each of you to know that you were the best campaign anybody could have ever expected or wanted.

And to the millions of volunteers, community leaders, activists and union organizers who knocked on doors, talked to neighbors, posted on Facebook, even in secret, private Facebook sites ...

 I  want everybody coming out from behind that and make sure your voices are heard going forward.

To everyone who sent in contributions as small at $5 and kept us going, thank you. Thank you from all of us.

And to the young people in particular, I hope you will hear this. I have, as Tim said, spent my entire adult life fighting for what I believe in. I’ve had successes and I’ve had setbacks. Sometimes really painful ones. Many of you are at the beginning of your professional public and political careers. You will have successes and setbacks, too.

This loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it.

It is – it is worth it.

And so we need – we need you to keep up these fights now and for the rest of your lives.

And to all the women, and especially the young women, who put their faith in this campaign and in me, I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion.

Now, I – I know – I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday someone will and hopefully sooner than we might think right now.

And to all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.

Finally ...

Finally, I am so grateful for our country and for all it has given to me. I count my blessings every single day that I am an American. And I still believe as deeply as I ever have that if we stand together and work together with respect for our differences, strength in our convictions and love for this nation, our best days are still ahead of us.

Because, you know – you know, I believe we are stronger together and we will go forward together. And you should never, ever regret fighting for that. You know, scripture tells us: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

So my friends, let us have faith in each other, let us not grow weary, let us not lose heart, for there are more seasons to come. And there is more work to do. I am incredibly honored and grateful to have had this chance to represent all of you in this consequential election.

May God bless you and may God bless the United States of America.

Source: The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/nov/09/hillary-clinton-concession-speech-full-transcript

DONALD TRUMP'S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

Following is a transcript of Donald J. Trump’s victory speech, as compiled by Federal News Services.

TRUMP: Thank you. Thank you very much, everyone.

(APPLAUSE)

Sorry to keep you waiting; complicated business; complicated.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you very much.

(APPLAUSE)

TRUMP: I’ve just received a call from Secretary Clinton.

(APPLAUSE)

She congratulated us — it’s about us — on our victory, and I congratulated her and her family on a very, very hard-fought campaign. I mean, she — she fought very hard.

(APPLAUSE)

Hillary has worked very long and very hard over a long period of time, and we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country.

(APPLAUSE)

I mean that very sincerely.

(APPLAUSE)

Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division; have to get together. To all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people.

(APPLAUSE)

It’s time. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans, and this is so important to me.

(APPLAUSE)

For those who have chosen not to support me in the past, of which there were a few people. . .

(LAUGHTER)

. . . I’m reaching out to you for your guidance and your help so that we can work together and unify our great country.

(APPLAUSE)

As I’ve said from the beginning, ours was not a campaign, but rather an incredible and great movement made up of millions of hard-working men and women who love their country and want a better, brighter future for themselves and for their families.

(APPLAUSE)

It’s a movement comprised of Americans from all races, religions, backgrounds and beliefs who want and expect our government to serve the people, and serve the people it will.

(APPLAUSE)

Working together, we will begin the urgent task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the American dream. I’ve spent my entire life and business looking at the untapped potential in projects and in people all over the world. That is now what I want to do for our country.

(APPLAUSE)

Tremendous potential. I’ve gotten to know our country so well — tremendous potential. It’s going to be a beautiful thing. Every single American will have the opportunity to realize his or her fullest potential. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer.

(APPLAUSE)

We are going to fix our inner cities and rebuild our highways, bridges, tunnels, airports, schools, hospitals. We’re going to rebuild our infrastructure, which will become, by the way, second to none. And we will put millions of our people to work as we rebuild it.

We will also finally take care of our great veterans.

(APPLAUSE)

They’ve been so loyal, and I’ve gotten to know so many over this 18-month journey. The time I’ve spent with them during this campaign has been among my greatest honors. Our veterans are incredible people. We will embark upon a project of national growth and renewal. I will harness the creative talents of our people and we will call upon the best and brightest to leverage their tremendous talent for the benefit of all. It’s going to happen.

(APPLAUSE)

We have a great economic plan. We will double our growth and have the strongest economy anywhere in the world. At the same time, we will get along with all other nations willing to get along with us. We will be.

(APPLAUSE)

We’ll have great relationships. We expect to have great, great relationships. No dream is too big, no challenge is too great.

TRUMP: Nothing we want for our future is beyond our reach.

America will no longer settle for anything less than the best.

(APPLAUSE)

We must reclaim our country’s destiny and dream big and bold and daring. We have to do that. We’re going to dream of things for our country and beautiful things and successful things once again.

I want to tell the world community that while we will always put America’s interests first, we will deal fairly with everyone, with everyone — all people and all other nations. We will seek common ground, not hostility; partnership, not conflict.

And now I’d like to take this moment to thank some of the people who really helped me with this, what they are calling tonight, very, very historic victory.

First, I want to thank my parents, who I know are looking down on me right now.

(APPLAUSE)

Great people. I’ve learned so much from them. They were wonderful in every regard. I had truly great parents.

I also want to thank my sisters, Maryanne and Elizabeth, who are here with us tonight. And, where are they? They’re here someplace. They’re very shy, actually. And my brother Robert — my great friend. Where is Robert? Where is Robert?

(APPLAUSE)

My brother Robert. And they should all be on this stage, but that’s OK. They’re great. And also my late brother, Fred. Great guy. Fantastic guy.

(APPLAUSE)

Fantastic family. I was very lucky. Great brothers, sisters; great, unbelievable parents.

To Melania and Don. . .

(APPLAUSE) . . . and Ivanka. . .

(APPLAUSE)

. . . and Eric and Tiffany and Baron, I love you and I thank you, and especially for putting up with all of those hours. This was tough.

(APPLAUSE)

This was tough. This political stuff is nasty and it’s tough. So I want to thank my family very much. Really fantastic. Thank you all. Thank you all.

And Lara, unbelievable job, unbelievable.

Vanessa, thank you. Thank you very much.

What a great group. You’ve all given me such incredible support, and I will tell you that we have a large group of people. You know, they kept saying we have a small staff. Not so small. Look at all the people that we have. Look at all of these people.

And Kellyanne and Chris and Rudy and Steve and David. We have got — we have got tremendously talented people up here. And I want to tell you, it’s been — it’s been very, very special. I want to give a very special thanks to our former mayor, Rudy Giuliani.

(APPLAUSE)

Unbelievable. Unbelievable. He traveled with us and he went through meetings. That Rudy never changes. Where’s Rudy? Where is he? Rudy.

Governor Chris Christie, folks, was unbelievable.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you, Chris.

The first man, first senator, first major, major politician, and let me tell you, he is highly respected in Washington because he’s as smart as you get: Senator Jeff Sessions. Where is Jeff?

(APPLAUSE)

Great man.

Another great man, very tough competitor. He was not easy. He was not easy. Who is that? Is that the mayor that showed up?

(LAUGHTER)

Is that Rudy? Oh, Rudy got up here.

Another great man who has been really a friend to me. But I’ll tell you, I got to know him as a competitor because he was one of the folks that was negotiating to go against those Democrats: Dr. Ben Carson. Where is Ben?

(APPLAUSE)

Where is Ben?

TRUMP: And by the way, Mike Huckabee is here someplace, and he is fantastic. Mike and his family, Sarah — thank you very much.

General Mike Flynn. Where is Mike?

(APPLAUSE)

And General Kellogg. We have over 200 generals and admirals that have endorsed our campaign. And they’re special people and it’s really an honor. We have 22 congressional Medal of Honor recipients. We have just tremendous people.

A very special person who believed me and, you know, I’d read reports that I wasn’t getting along with him. I never had a bad second with him. He’s an unbelievable star. He is. . .

(CROSSTALK)

TRUMP: That’s right. How did you possibly guess? So let me tell you about Reince, and I’ve said this. I said, Reince — and I know it, I know. Look at all those people over there. I know it. Reince is a superstar. But I said, “They can’t call you a superstar, Reince, unless we win,” because you can’t be called a superstar — like Secretariat — if Secretariat came in second, Secretariat would not have that big, beautiful bronze bust at the track at Belmont.

But I’ll tell you, Reince is really a star. And he is the hardest-working guy. And in a certain way, I did this — Reince, come up here. Where is Reince? Get over here, Reince.

(APPLAUSE)

Boy oh boy oh boy. It’s about time you did this, Reince. My God.

(APPLAUSE)

Say a few words. No, come on, say something.

RNC CHAIRMAN REINCE PRIEBUS:Ladies and gentlemen, the next president of the United States, Donald Trump.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you. It’s been an honor. God bless. Thank God.

TRUMP: Amazing guy.

Our partnership with the RNC was so important to the success and what we’ve done.

So I also have to say I’ve gotten to know some incredible people — the Secret Service people.

(APPLAUSE)

They’re tough and they’re smart and they’re sharp, and I don’t want to mess around with them, I can tell you. And when I want to go and wave to a big group of people and they rip me down and put me back down on the seat. But they are fantastic people, so I want to thank the Secret Service.

(APPLAUSE)

And law enforcement in New York City. They’re here tonight.

(APPLAUSE)

These are spectacular people, sometimes underappreciated unfortunately, but we appreciate them. We know what they go through.

So, it’s been what they call a historic event, but to be really historic, we have to do a great job. And I promise you that I will not let you down. We will do a great job. We will do a great job.

(APPLAUSE)

I look very much forward to being your president, and hopefully at the end of two years or three years or four years, or maybe even eight years. . .

(APPLAUSE)

. . . you will say, so many of you worked so hard for us, but you will say that — you will say that that was something that you really were very proud to do and I can. . .

(CROSSTALK)

TRUMP: Thank you very much.

And I can only say that while the campaign is over, our work on this movement is now really just beginning.

(APPLAUSE)

We’re going to get to work immediately for the American people. And we’re going to be doing a job that hopefully you will be so proud of your president. You’ll be so proud. Again, it’s my honor. It was an amazing evening. It’s been an amazing two-year period. And I love this country.

(APPLAUSE) Thank you. Thank you very much.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you to Mike Pence. Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

Source: The New York Times

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/11/10/us/politics/trump-speech-transcript.html

WHEN TRUMP TRIUMPHED

Hmmmm....
So, Donald Trump will be the 45th American President, God willing.

I'm sure motivational speakers will milk his story for another 70 years or more. Let me be one of the first to do so. So far, two lessons have been bouncing in my head.

First of all, those of us against patriarchy need to learn how to advocate by building bridges. I think the Democrats did not try hard enough to reach the "rednecks", understand their deepest fears and let them know that they have nothing to fear with a Clinton presidency. We need to learn how to build bridges as we advocate; it will greatly help the cause

Secondly, I thought of that my distant relative that sent a message from the Donald Trump's page and got a response. You and I know that it was an auto-response but to folks that are usually ignored by "Beeg Beeg" people, the gesture means a lot. I think there is a lesson there for an entrepreneur whose products/services are used by the "masses". How do you respond to the lowliest of your customers?

Consider this my first official response to the Triumph of the Trump. I'm going back to writing... Enjoy your day.

HCOTN 14102016

Hephzibah's Commentary on Today's News
1. Buhari orders EFCC to return 10 billion Naira to NBC
Hephzibah: Hmmmm... This EFCC,  will we not scrap it like this?

2. Tears as freed Chibok Girls meet VP Osinbajo
Hephzibah: Truth be told, it's a bittersweet moment for me.  Assuming the freed girls are not part of a grand propaganda (with this government, one can never be 100% certain),  there are questions on what the government gave Boko Haram to secure their release... I can't pretend to be ecstatic... All the best to those that have enough energy to rejoice...

3. Emir's marriage to 14 year old irreversible - Katrina Emirate Council
Hephzibah: "The Council said the marriage and Isa's conversion to Islam were voluntary and willingly entered into by the girl"
A 14 year old girl was abducted from her family and the Emirate Council is asking lame questions like whether she was forcefully converted to Islam,  whether she was forced into her marriage with the emir and whether she was already menstruating when she met her husband.
Nothing about parental consent... Nothing about the propriety of abducting a child... Kudos to Stefanos Foundation that has taken up the case... I hope this case does not die o... As we are #StandingWithGirls,  we need to stand with the Isiyaku Tanko family... Their daughter was abducted and forced into marriage by the Emir of Katsina... Sigh!

4. I did not bribe judges to validate my election - Wike
Hephzibah: I don't know if Governor Wike bribed judges or not, honestly.  However,  he raised a valid point.  If we believe he bribed judges to uphold his election, is it safe to believe that the governors of Lagos,  Kaduna,  Zamfara, Oyo and Ogun state also bribed judges to uphold their victories?  Can we assume that every time APC gets a favorable ruling,  the judges were bribed?  We cannot denigrate institutions just to pursue parochial interests... Those that live in glass houses should not throw stones...

5. Goodie Ibru not on the run, says family
Hephzibah: Me,  I don't understand EFCC again. Should people postpone their scheduled medical treatment because EFCC invited them?  Is the EFCC interview a higher priority? Again,  I ask,  will we not scrap the EFCC like this?

Please let's continue to pray for our country and do our part.  May God bless and keep the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

HCOTN 14102016

Hephzibah's Commentary on Today's News
1. Buhari orders EFCC to return 10 billion Naira to NBC
Hephzibah: Hmmmm... This EFCC,  will we not scrap it like this?

2. Tears as freed Chibok Girls meet VP Osinbajo
Hephzibah: Truth be told, it's a bittersweet moment for me.  Assuming the freed girls are not part of a grand propaganda (with this government, one can never be 100% certain),  there are questions on what the government gave Boko Haram to secure their release... I can't pretend to be ecstatic... All the best to those that have enough energy to rejoice...

3. Emir's marriage to 14 year old irreversible - Katrina Emirate Council
Hephzibah: "The Council said the marriage and Isa's conversion to Islam were voluntary and willingly entered into by the girl"
A 14 year old girl was abducted from her family and the Emirate Council is asking lame questions like whether she was forcefully converted to Islam,  whether she was forced into her marriage with the emir and whether she was already menstruating when she met her husband.
Nothing about parental consent... Nothing about the propriety of abducting a child... Kudos to Stefanos Foundation that has taken up the case... I hope this case does not die o... As we are #StandingWithGirls,  we need to stand with the Isiyaku Tanko family... Their daughter was abducted and forced into marriage by the Emir of Katsina... Sigh!

4. I did not bribe judges to validate my election - Wike
Hephzibah: I don't know if Governor Wike bribed judges or not, honestly.  However,  he raised a valid point.  If we believe he bribed judges to uphold his election, is it safe to believe that the governors of Lagos,  Kaduna,  Zamfara, Oyo and Ogun state also bribed judges to uphold their victories?  Can we assume that every time APC gets a favorable ruling,  the judges were bribed?  We cannot denigrate institutions just to pursue parochial interests... Those that live in glass houses should not throw stones...

5. Goodie Ibru not on the run, says family
Hephzibah: Me,  I don't understand EFCC again. Should people postpone their scheduled medical treatment because EFCC invited them?  Is the EFCC interview a higher priority? Again,  I ask,  will we not scrap the EFCC like this?

Please let's continue to pray for our country and do our part.  May God bless and keep the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The International Girls Day

It was the International Girls Day on October 11, 2016. I asked on my Facebook wall if we could talk about the issues the Girl Child faces and what we can do individually and collectively to bring down these barriers and help her reach her full potential?

I had fantastic responses. Thanks to all respondents. Please feel free to include your views as comments on this blog.

Tolulope Harry

Hmmm...

 First of all, the girl child should be taught that she can be anything she wants to become if she sets her heart to it.

 That a boy is not better than her simply because he has a penis. That the man who marries her isn't doing her a favour. That she can be happy and complete without a boyfriend...

That marriage and child bearing isn't the biggest achievement in the life of a female... That it (education) all doesn't end in the kitchen as they say. That it is not OK to be beaten n battered by the man who is supposed to love and pamper you. That it is not her fault that he is cheating on her.

That she can attain and achieve excellence without 'bottom power'. That she should feel the plight n pain of other women... Not add to their problems. That having a child through cesarean operation doesn't make her less a woman or mother. That women wounding other women has to go away n is gradually going into extinction...

That she should have self-worth and not force herself on men or guys who don't want her. That she should put value on herself n not cheapen herself. That she should not fight over a man who does not love her enough to be committed to her. That she should not be the bread winner of the home. That she should be doing something no matter how little (financial independence). That she can enjoy herself (in a good way though) in the period she is waiting for Mr. Right.

That there are people who care about her. She should not be silent about matters that are eating deep into her. She should speak out..

That she should have standards and not settle for less. When he is displaying traits you cannot live with, trash it out! Do not ignore the warning signs..

That all these does not mean she should not still submit to her husband.

The list is endless!

Awele Nwamu

Girls should have access to sanitary products!!!A lot more girls than we know don’t get to use sanitary towels. Shall we start a use one give one campaign?

Nneka Thelma N'Kenda-Bikoumou

FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) and child marriage are still rampant in Africa. We need our educational curriculum to include these topics to spread awareness on the dangers they pose.

Oyindamola James

Florida Uzoaru asked me what message I have for the 16 year old girl with respect to reproductive health and this was my answer.

"My most pressing message to the Girl Child is that she is the custodian of her reproductive organs and she needs to make choices with those organs today considering her tomorrow..."

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES AND MATTERS ARISING

If you think all the negative press will hurt either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump's chances of becoming president, you are WRONG! Why?

Because "Good Moral Standing" was dumped a loooong time ago as a criteria for picking leaders. I saw a believer justify why he would still support Trump YESTERDAY... Essentially, the argument was "Clinton is evil, Trump is also evil. However, Clinton is MORE evil than Trump. Therefore, I'm going for the less evil person".

Personally, I think they are both morally deficient. Also, I'm not eligible to vote. Someone says he wants Trump to win so America can "enjoy" bad leadership for a change. I am not passionate about it enough to even wish America evil. I look forward to a time when an Independent will become the American President. That's "Change I Can Believe In". Till that time, I'll be here sipping my tea, watching "24"...

I saw a hilarious comment today. Someone says "CNN is too biased, watch Fox News"... Are you kidding me? It's like saying "AIT is too biased, watch TVC"... We all know only Channels TV tells the truth in Nigeria na...

Anyway, as everyone who watched the SAME debate claims their preferred candidate "won", me I have no opinion. I was fast asleep and it was dark... I was also wondering if we will still have an independent judiciary by the end of this week. That's of paramount interest to me. I'm also wondering why we are still paying for EFCC when DSS is fighting corruption. What is the role of ICPC sef?
What is the role of the NJC is dealing with unscrupulous judges?

The monies recovered from the "sting operation", how much is it? Where is it? What will happen to it? How will we ensure it is not re-looted? When do we get to hear from the "corruptible judges"? Or is only the DSS' side of the story sufficient to crucify them? Which judge will hear the cases? Will they borrow judges from the ECOWAS court since the Nigerian judiciary is apparently more corrupt than the Executive and Legislative arms of government?

So many questions... Still, we will continue to pray and uphold Nigeria. We have no other country on this earth to call our own... May God bless, keep and deliver the Federal Republic of Nigeria from wicked and unreasonable men....

Enjoy your day.

Peter Obi's Speech At The Platform

Former Governor Peter Obi's speech at The Platform has been trending on social media...
My darling brother compressed and compressed before he could get it across...Here it is...

Presidential Address on October 1, 2016

Read full speech of President Buhari’s address: 

1. Today – 1st October is a day of celebration for us Nigerians. On this day, 56 years ago our people achieved the most important of all human desires – freedom and independence. We should all therefore give thanks and pray for our founding fathers without whose efforts and toil we would not reap the bounties of today. 

2. I know that uppermost in your minds today is the economic crisis. The recession for many individuals and families is real. For some It means not being able to pay school fees, for others it’s not being able to afford the high cost of food (rice and millet) or the high cost of local or international travel, and for many of our young people the recession means joblessness, sometimes after graduating from university or polytechnic. 

3. I know how difficult things are, and how rough business is. All my adult life I have always earned a salary and I know what it is like when your salary simply is not enough. In every part of our nation people are making incredible sacrifices. 

4. But let me say to all Nigerians today, I ran for office four times to make the point that we can rule this nation with honesty and transparency, that we can stop the stealing of Nigeria’s resources so that the resources could be used to provide jobs for our young people, security, infrastructure for commerce, education and healthcare. 

5. I ran for office because I know that good government is the only way to ensure prosperity and abundance for all. I remain resolutely committed to this objective. 

6. I believe that this recession will not last. 

7. Temporary problems should not blind or divert us from the corrective course this government has charted for our nation. We have identified the country’s salient problems and we are working hard at lasting solutions. 

8. To re-cap what I have been saying since the inception of this administration, our problems are security, corruption and the economy, especially unemployment and the alarming level of poverty. 

9. On Security, we have made progress. Boko Haram was defeated by last December – only resorting to cowardly attacks on soft targets, killing innocent men, women and children. 

10.Nigerians should thank our gallant men of the Armed Forces and Police for rescuing large areas of the country captured by insurgents. Now, residents in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, as well as several neighbouring states go about their daily business in relative safety. People can go to mosques, churches, market places in reasonable safety. 

11. Commuters can travel between cities, towns and villages without fear. Credit for this remarkable turn-round should go to our Armed Forces, the Police, various sponsored and private vigilante groups, the local traditional leaders. Security is a top to bottom concern and responsibility. 

12. Besides Boko Haram, we are confronting other long-running security issues, namely herdsmen vs farmers, cattle rustling, kidnappings. This Administration is firmly resolved to tackle these challenges and to defeat them. 

13. A new insurgency has reared up its head in the shape of blowing up gas and oil pipelines by groups of Niger Delta Militants. This Administration will not allow these mindless groups to hold the country to ransom. 

14. What sense is there to damage a gas line as a result of which many towns in the country including their own town or village is put in darkness as a result? What logic is there in blowing up an export pipeline and as a result income to your state and local governments and consequently their ability to provide services to your own people is reduced? 

15. No group can unlawfully challenge the authority of the Federal Government and succeed. Our Administration is fully sympathetic to the plight of the good people of Niger Delta and we are in touch with the State Governments and leaderships of the region. It is known that the clean-up of the Ogoniland has started. Infrastructural projects financed by the Federal Government and post amnesty programme financing will continue. 

16. We have however, continued to dialogue with all groups and leaders of thought in the region to bring lasting peace. 

17. Corruption is a cancer which must be fought with all the weapons at our disposal. It corrodes the very fabric of government and destroys society. Fighting corruption is Key, not only to restoring the moral health of the nation, but also to freeing our enormous resources for urgent socio-economic development. 

18.In fighting corruption, however, the government would adhere strictly by the rule of law. Not for the first time I am appealing to the judiciary to join the fight against corruption. 

19. The Third Plank in this Administration’s drive to CHANGE Nigeria is re-structuring the economy. Economies behaviour is cyclical. All countries face ups and downs. Our own recession has been brought about by a critical shortage of foreign exchange. Oil price dropped from an average of hundred USD per barrel over the last decade to an average of forty USD per barrel this year and last. 

20. Worse still, the damage perpetrated by Niger Delta thugs on pipelines sometimes reduced Nigeria’s production to below One million barrels per day against the normal two point two million barrels per day. Consequently, the naira is at its weakest, but the situation will stabilize. 

21. But this is only temporary. Historically about half our dollar export earnings go to importation of petroleum and food products! Nothing was saved for the rainy days during the periods of prosperity. We are now reaping the whirlwinds of corruption, recklessness and impunity. 

22.There are no easy solutions, but there are solutions nonetheless and Government is pursuing them in earnest. We are to repair our four refineries so that Nigeria can produce most of our petrol requirements locally, pending the coming on stream of new refineries. That way we will save ten billion USD yearly in importing fuel. 

23. At the same time, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Central Bank have been mobilized to encourage local production of rice, maize, sorghum, millet and soya beans. Our target is to achieve domestic self-sufficiency in these staples by 2018. 

24. Already farmers in thirteen out of thirty six states are receiving credit support through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Programme. Kebbi state alone this year is expected to produce one million tonnes of locally grown rice, thanks to a favourable harvest this year. As part of the 13 states, Lagos and Ogun are also starting this programme. Rice alone for example costs Nigeria two billion USD to import. 

25.The country should be self-sufficient in basic staples by 2019. Foreign exchange thus saved can go to industrial revival requirements for retooling, essential raw materials and spare parts. It is in recognition of the need to re-invigorate agriculture in our rural communities that we are introducing the LIFE programme. 

26. Government recognises that irrigation is key to modern agriculture: that is why the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources are embarking on a huge programme of development of lakes, earth dams and water harvesting schemes throughout the country to ensure that we are no longer dependent on rain-fed agriculture for our food requirements. 

27. In addition, government is introducing Water Resources Bill encompassing the National Water Resources Policy and National Irrigation and Drainage Policy to improve management of water and irrigation development in the country. We are reviving all the twelve River Basin Authorities, namely; 
I. Anambra – Imo 
II. Benin – Owena 
III. Chad Basin 
IV. Cross River 
V. Hadejia – Jama’are 
VI. Lower Benue 
VII. Lower Niger 
VIII. Niger Delta 
IX. Ogun – Osun 
X. Sokoto – Rima 
XI. Upper Benue 
XII. Upper Niger 

28. The intention is eventually to fully commercialise them to better support crop production, aqua –culture and accelerated rural development. 

29.This Administration is committed to the revival of Lake Chad and improvement of the hydrology and ecology of the basin. This will tune in with efforts to rehabilitate the thirty million people affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad basin countries. 

30. The second plank in our economic revival strategy is centred on the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing. The Ministry will lead and oversee the provision of critical infrastructure of power, road transport network and housing development. 

31. Power generation has steadily risen since our Administration came on board from three thousand three hundred and twenty four megawatts in June 2015, rising to a peak of five thousand and seventy four megawatts in February 2016. 

32. For the first time in our history the country was producing five thousand megawatts. However, renewed militancy and destruction of gas pipelines caused acute shortage of gas and constant drop in electricity output available on the grid. 

33. There has been during the period June 2015 to September 2016 big improvement in transmission capacity from five thousand five hundred megawatts to the present seven thousand three hundred megawatts. 

34.There were only two system collapses between June and December 2015, but due to vandalism by Niger Delta militants the over-all system suffered 16 system collapses between March and July 2016 alone. As I have said earlier, we are engaging with responsible leadership in the region to find lasting solutions to genuine grievances of the area but we will not allow a tiny minority of thugs to cripple the country’s economy. 

35. In the meantime, government is going ahead with projects utilizing alternate technologies such as hydro, wind, and solar to contribute to our energy mix. In this respect, the Mambilla Hydro project, after many years of delay is taking off this year. Contract negotiations are nearing completion with Chinese firms for technical and financial commitments. 

36. The project is to be jointly financed by Nigeria and the Chinese-Export-Import Bank. In addition, fourteen Solar Power Projects have had their power purchase agreements concluded. Hence the plan to produce one thousand two hundred megawatts of solar electricity for the country would be realized on schedule. 

37. And in line with the objective of government to complete all abandoned projects across the country, the Rural Electrification Agency’s projects needing completion are provided for in the 2016 Budget. Bringing electricity to rural areas will help farmers, small scale and cottage industries to integrate with the national economy. 

38.Roads Construction and Rehabilitation has taken off. The sum of twelve billion naira was allocated to this sector in the 2015 Budget, not enough even to pay interest on outstanding unpaid claims. 

39. Notwithstanding the budgetary constraints, the current budget allocated two hundred and forty billion naira for highway projects against twelve billion naira in 2015. Many contractors who have not been paid for three years have now remobilized to sites. Seven hundred and twenty point five billion naira has so far been released this budget year to capital projects. 

40. The Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has received one hundred and ninety seven point five billion naira. Work on the following highways has now resumed. 
1. Dualization of Calabar – Itu Road in Cross River/Akwa Ibom States. 
2. Dualization of Lokoja – Benin Road, Ehor – Benin city, Edo State. 
3. Re-construction of outstanding sections of Benin – Shagamu Express way, Edo/Ogun States. 
4. Expansion works on Lagos – Ibadan Dual carriageway, Ogun/Oyo States 
5. Rehabilitation of Onitsha – Enugu Expressway, Anambra/Enugu States. 
6. Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Enugu – Port Harcourt Dual carriageway, Abia/Rivers States. 
7. Rehabilitation of Hadejia – Nguru Road, Jigawa State. 
8. Dualization of Kano – Katsina Road, Kano State. 
9. Dualization of Kano – Maiduguri Road, Borno State. 
10. Dualization of Azare – Potiskum Road, Azare – Sharuri Road, Bauchi State. 
11. Rehabilitation of Ilorin – Jebba – Mokwa – Birnin Gwari Road, Kwara State. 
12. Construction of Oju/Lokoja – Oweto Bridge over River Benue, Benue State. 

41. Other major highways are in the queue for rehabilitation or new construction. 

42. Already contractors have recalled about nine thousand workers laid off and Government expects that several hundreds of thousands of workers will be reengaged in the next few months as our public works programme gains momentum. 

43. On railways, we have provided our counterpart funding to China for the building of our standard gauge Lagos -Kano railway. Meanwhile, General Electric is investing two point two billion USD in a concession to revamp, provide rolling stock, and manage the existing lines, including the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Line. The Lagos-Calabar railway will also be on stream soon. 

44. We have initiated the National Housing Programme. In 2014 four hundred million naira was voted for Housing. In 2015 nothing. Our first budget this year is devoting thirty five point six billion naira. Much of the house building will be private – sector led but Government is initiating a pilot housing scheme of two thousand eight hundred and thirty eight units uniformly spread across the 36 states and FCT. 

45.We expect these units to be completed within 4 – 6 months. These experimental Nigeria House model Units will be constructed using only made in Nigeria building materials and components. This initiative is expected to reactivate the building materials manufacturing sector, generate massive employment opportunities and develop sector capacity and expertise. 

46. The programmes I have outlined will revive the economy, restore the value of the naira and drive hunger from our land. 

47. Abroad, Nigeria’s standing has changed beyond belief in the last 18 months. We are no longer a pariah state. Wherever I go, I have been received with un-accustomed hospitality. Investors from all over the world are falling over themselves to come and do business in Nigeria. This government intends to make business environment more friendly because we can not develop ourselves alone. 

48. All countries, no matter how advanced, welcome foreign investments to their economy. This is the essence of globalization and no country in the 21st century can be an island. Our reforms are therefore designed to prepare Nigeria for the 21st century. 

49. Finally, let me commend Nigerians for your patience, steadfastness and perseverance. You know that I am trying to do the right things for our country. 

50. Thank you and may God bless our country.

Source:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/nigeriaat56-read-president-buharis-independence-anniversary-speech/