Nakata's Blog: UN Jerusalem Resolution: How Countries Voted

Nakata's Blog: UN Jerusalem Resolution: How Countries Voted: Image of how each country voted The United Nations has voted by a very huge majority to declare a unilateral US recognition of Jeru...

UN Jerusalem Resolution: How Countries Voted

Image of how each country voted

The United Nations has voted by a very huge majority to declare a unilateral US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital "null and void".

At an emergency session of the body's General Assembly on Thursday, 128 countries voted in favour of a resolution rejecting US President Donald Trump's controversial decision on December 6.

Nine countries voted against, 35 abstained while 20 member countries including Zambia did not participate.

Despite that Trump had earlier threatened to cut aid to UN members who would vote against his decision, Nigeria and some other countries receiving financial and otherwise aid from the US defied him.

Here is a country breakdown of the General Assembly vote:

Member states that voted in favour of the resolution

A: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan
B: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi
C: Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Chad, Chile, China, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica
E: Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia
F: Finland, France
G: Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guinea, Guyana
I: Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy
J: Japan, Jordan
K: Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan
L: Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg
M:Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique
N: Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway
O: Oman
P: Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Portugal
Q: Qatar
R: Republic of Korea (South Korea), Russia
S: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria
T: Tajikistan, Thailand, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey
U: United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan
V: Venezuela, Vietnam
Y: Yemen
Z: Zimbabwe

Member states that voted against the resolution

G: Guatemala
H: Honduras
I: Israel
M: Marshall Islands, Micronesia
N: Nauru
P: Palau
T: Togo
U: United States

Member states that abstained

A: Antigua-Barbuda, Argentina, Australia
B: Bahamas, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia-Herzegovina
C: Cameroon, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic
D: Dominican Republic
E: Equatorial Guinea
F: Fiji
H: Haiti, Hungary
J: Jamaica
K: Kiribati
L: Latvia, Lesotho
M:  Malawi, Mexico
P: Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland
R: Romania, Rwanda
S: Solomon Islands, South Sudan
T: Trinidad-Tobago, Tuvalu
U: Uganda
V: Vanuatu

Nakata's Blog: An Open Letter to the President: You Can Avert the...

Nakata's Blog: An Open Letter to the President: You Can Avert the...: AN OPEN LETTER TO MR. PRESIDENT: YOU CAN AVERT THE LOOMING WAR By: BAMITEKO Anthony Dare Three years back, President Muha...

An Open Letter to the President: You Can Avert the Looming War

AN OPEN LETTER TO MR. PRESIDENT: YOU CAN AVERT THE LOOMING WAR

By: BAMITEKO Anthony Dare

Three years back, President Muhammadu Buhari appears to be the 'messiah' almost all Nigerians await. I could remember vividly, I was in my final year then. Many people campaigned, preached to people and even canvassed on the day of election for General Muhammadu Buhari to emerge as the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Since your popular emergence in 2015, what have we seen in the land? You came in on a  change mantra you and your party promised  Nigerians. Virtually almost everyone was tired of Jonathan government, except the religion fanatics and those Yoruba calls "aríje nídìí ìbàjé", it means selfish and self-centered creatures. Two years gone down, three years counting, President Muhammadu Buhari, what have you achieved? What have you done to acknowledge those that supported you heart and mind? How have you made them proud?

Let me remind you Mr. President if you have forgotten. You promised to jailed corrupt hands and thieves that stole our wealth. You also promised to create job opportunity for youths and give some five thousand naira every month and to strengthen our security, including putting an end to insurgency. Your Excellence, what job have you created? How many people have been employed. Don't tell me you are thinking about NPower for its not a job but mere empowerment that even those about 180,000 given out of 500,000 promised are not living fine? When it comes to good job like that of DSS, you know how to give your own people from Katsina 57 slot and even the whole Southwest states had almost the same amount. The whole of South-South and South-East didn't have up to that. Apart from beefing up the security, what have you done? Are you sure you love all Nigerians? Are you sure you are father to all Mr Muhammadu Buhari?

At the inception of your reign as President of Nigeria Mr. President, I argued it even till this year that Buhari loves this country. I was arguing blindly that what differentiates Buhari from other leaders of this country is that he is patriotic and loyal. But I must confess General, I am ashamed to have defended and supported you. We that fought with friends and were madly in love with you are now laughing stock among our friends. Imagine two friends that we served together in Sokoto called me few days ago, mocking me that Buhari's son, have you seen your father. The second one says see your dad's performance. Hope you are happy now. You promised to fight corruption but you are aiding corruption. People shouted endlessly about Babachir Lawal before you took action. People closer to you are favoured and you give them preferential treatment. They are the sacred cows.

In terms of appointment Mr. President, you've justified your critics that you are bias. You appointed your own people. And that alone caused a lot of tension in the East and made more disciples to followed Nnamdi Kanu. If you are not aware President, truly your appointments caused the tension and uproar in the land. Yes, we all abused and condemned Kanu, but that man has done well and created what Igbos needed that is making their voices heard that they have been sidelined in your government, but he, Kanu, truly stepped the National red line in doing that. And the derogatory words coming out of his vocal cavity and his manner of approach and failure to listen to advice are  uncalled for. If you don't repent Mr. President, and you continue in your ways of elevating and appointing your own people like someone your government elevated between one week and made her Deputy Governor in CBN. I can assure you, more of Kanu will emerged.

Where is the love you have for this country,  General? Where is the loyalty and the patriotic attribute in you that differentiate you from other leaders? I'm afraid that people around you are not telling you the truth anymore. They are intoxicated with power and looking for means to deceive you that you are still love by Nigerians like before. Mr. President I laugh in Swahili because this is far from the truth. We youths that also played our role silently by making parents and our people to vote for you are putting our heads in shame everyday because we have not benefited anything from this government except nepotism. Secret recruitment here and there. No visible recruitment into good government parastatals to work and get good job except NPower. Even for those of us that chose to work on the street, we still generate more than the so-called NPower empowered beneficiaries at the end of the month after removing recurrent expenditure. Most of the graduates of our time are still being fed by their parents. How do you sleep Mr. President? Sir, I must tell you, Youths are regrouping and we are making good use of social media this time around. And if we are pushed to the wall it will shock you how it will unfold.

There is no way we won't result to Karl Marx theory to get what we want. We can not continue to look unto Heaven to fight our battle anymore. I just realized it that truly Heaven won't fight the battle we can fight ourselves. Our future is in our hands. We can not allow what Marx call opium of the masses to hinder us from getting what we want and our right. You people in the Executive arm are even worst than the Legislature these days. The Legislatures are eating our future but you in the Executive arm are paralyzing our future, for there is no hope. There is no hope at all. And there is no way chances will not be taken to risk our lives to liberate ourselves from oppressors. If we sum this administration up together with the 'ìlù bábúbámú ni mo yó', (drum of selfishness) that the National Assembly is drumming, your government is the worst democratic reign that the 80's generation have experienced. We used our PVC to send Jonathan's government packing and he didn't do quarter of what you have done in terms of your nonchalant attitude to your subjects Sir.

I am not a supporter of young thieves ruling because base on evidences youths entrusted with power have failed woefully. To mention but a few, see that one from Kogi. The one that was also acquitted from Ogun State in the House of Reps... One can go on and on to count. To me age is not a barrier to governance. Though, many are not happy with the forced to resign Zimbabwe President, but with facts Mugabe did fine as a President but got drunk with power along the line and derailed.

General Muhammadu Buhari, what will it cost you to do the needful by removing those soiling your name in your government? Don't you know that everything is centered on you? The image you have been building and protecting for so long have been tarnished with your nonchalant attitude and not following good recommendations from patriotic citizens. We voted for you knowing fully well that we are chronically corrupt in this country and we need an ex-general that can help us fight corruption to it barest minimum. We know we need you to diplomatically apply Military style of leadership but I must confess, Mr. President you have only used that to fight your enemies. I strongly believe that you can't lose anything if you fight for this country with the spirit you came in with. That was why we all prayed for your quick recovery. I find it difficult to believe that the General I read his history, biography and studied how he governed will allow whom his wife called 'Jackals' to decide, control and shape his government. My beloved Muhammadu Buhari, you are fast asleep and even slumbering. You are in the state of no return in your sleep. When will you wake up from your slumber my beloved President?

Sir! There is still hope. You can avert this looming war and put Nigeria on the right step as we all believe. You can give Nigeria a new identity. You can make us that have been burying our heads in shame to be proud again that that is my President. Sir, I reiterate, you can and you won't lose anything if you do the needful;  that is taking the right step in putting this Nation on track. If you are scared or protecting the image of your friends at the detriment of yours, no problem, at least its a good attribute of a good and loyal friend. But help us to quit the scene and make Osinbajo the President if you can't sack those that needed to be sacked. That will even add to your reputation and put your image on a good standard worldwide that Buhari stepped down willingly because of loyalty to friends and being patriotic to Nigerians and you can be regarded as another African hero just like great Nelson Mandela.

If you are not aware General, your image has been soiled by the so called 'Cabal'. And they are not cabal in the real sense but mere friends you trust with power, but in the face of the masses they form cabal. If I may remind you though I'm too small for this anyway. Do you still remember sir that it is because of this attitude of not being sensitive, that your Military regime was hijacked from you? And now you are also tolling that line again. Permit me to be blunt sir, you are not the one ruling Nigeria anymore, it has been hijacked from you. If Maina can be brought in without your knowledge how under the Heaven will you proof it wrong the assertion that it is the 'Cabal' that is running your government. Please I'm not condemning Maina, only the Nigerian Court of Law can do that. When General Buratai said some people are planning coup, we never knew it's not the Military planing the 'coup', but your 'loyal friends'. General, you need to wake up. You were in the same sleeping mode thinking you were in charge in 1983 until you lost your government. Buhari stop sleeping and take charge. Take total charge. We never voted for those crooks but for you. These crooks are now making you to see those that helped and made you President as enemies. Forget the political formality. They have successfully brainwashed you because they know your weakness. Let me tell you your weakness sir in case you don't know; corruption. They come up with fact that this person has "stole so so amount of money" but they won't tell you how politics really works. They make you see real friend as enemy. I mean what is Kachukwu's crime that made his subject to sidelined him and release a statement via his own Baru Maikanti staff that no law compels him to pass through Kachukwu, Femi Falana (SAN) had done justice to that anyway. And when people bring up allegation against those running the government with you, because you have given them veto power, they cover it up and appear clean before you.

It is better late than never President Muhammadu Buhari. Please redeem your status by doing the needful. People that love and spoke highly of you are now covering their heads in shame. They mock us day in day out. Sir avenge your reputation and give Nigeria new identity. You only have one year more to do this,its not up to two years anymore and campaign will start soon. I predicted when I was in Sokoto as a Corper that after Buhari first tenure, Nigerians will be the ones to beg Sai Baba to go for second term. You can still make this happen Sir. Yes you can. I still believe you can, but there is no time to waste time. Start taking actions and decisive steps in redeeming your name and giving this nation the identity you promised.

God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Live Long President Muhammadu Buhari!

Nakata's Blog: NIS Applicants, Check Here to See if You are Short...

Nakata's Blog: NIS Applicants, Check Here to See if You are Short...: Nigeria Immigration Services releases shortlisted candidates after so many wait. In fact, myriad of candidate lost absolute trust in t...

NIS Applicants, Check Here to See if You are Shortlisted

Nigeria Immigration Services releases shortlisted candidates after so many wait.

In fact, myriad of candidate lost absolute trust in the Nigeria Immigration Services recruitment process, because shortlisting seems to be long overdue especially when a letter where a lawmaker recommended a candidate (that has legs) for the NIS job she might have not registered for, surfaced.

Finally, NIS has released the list of shortlisted candidates. You can check if you are one via this link www.nisrecruitment.org.ng . Best of luck.


FOLLOW

Nakata's Blog: Press Release by Zimbabwe Defence Force on the Sta...

Nakata's Blog: Press Release by Zimbabwe Defence Force on the Sta...: “Good morning Zimbabwe. Fellow Zimbabweans. Following the address we made on 13 November 2017, which we believe our main broadcaste...

Press Release by Zimbabwe Defence Force on the State of Affairs

Nakata's Blog: House of Tara Host Entrepreneur National Summit

Nakata's Blog: House of Tara Host Entrepreneur National Summit: Tara House of Beauty is an entrepreneur home that specializes in make-up. The popular beauty house was established more than a decade a...

House of Tara Host Entrepreneur National Summit

Tara House of Beauty is an entrepreneur home that specializes in make-up. The popular beauty house was established more than a decade ago by Tara Fela Durotoye.

Tara Entrepreneurship National Summit 2017 tagged 1000Voices held in Lagos on Wednesday 8/11/2017 with about a thousand family member from across Nigeria and dignitaries in attendance.

Dignitaries at the event are the first lady of Lagos State ably represented, the rich blogger, Linda Ikeji, Bimpe Onakoya of First Bank PLC among others.

Tara advised her "children" as they are fondly called on how to improve in their business. In her words she said "money is good, but it is not everything". She told them the essence of morals and family. She also encouraged her ladies to go for workshops that are business related. "Tara is a house, a family, not just a business entity" she added. 

The leading sponsor, First Bank Plc, educate the participants on the importance of record keeping, book keeping, personal finance and other business documents. She gave enormous example to back her points on the necessity of banking and documents. Tara added hers too and asked the people to practice all what they are taught.

There was raffle draw at the event that witness multiple sponsors like Google, who facilitated on online opportunity, how and the advantage of leveraging on digital for their make up business. Others like fayrouz, Maggi, Zapphire Events also made their presence known.

House of Tara is the maker of so many products including Tara foundation, eye pencil kumashe, volume boosting mascara, eye shadow pallette-Queen Nana and so on.

It was a glamorous event where so many others were inspired by what was on display. We hope to see more of this from Tara and other entrepreneurs in the country.

Lessons From Hiroshima

Compiled by: Saka Ridwan


North American children know about Hiroshima. They are taught about the dangers of nuclear war. Sometimes they learn the details of the damage that was done. They learn about what happened at 8:15am on August 6, 1945. People were eating breakfast; children were going to school and adults going to work. There was a blinding flash of light, a scorching heat, and a mushroom cloud rose up. People close to the explosion were instantly vaporized. Many of those further away would die from burns and radiation. Sixty thousand houses were destroyed immediately. One concrete structure remained standing, although it was damaged. The local government left the Atomic Dome standing as a memorial to the explosion.

Even those who were not seriously injured in the explosion later became very ill. They became very sick from radiation poisoning. Many developed leukemia. Sadako Sasaki was two years old when the bomb exploded. She was apparently uninjured and grew up normally until she was twelve. Then she developed leukemia, a disease of the blood and bone marrow. Sadako began to fold paper cranes to protect her from the illness. However, she died in 1955 before she reached 1,000 paper cranes. Her example inspired the Children's Monument at Hiroshima.

There is a Peace Museum in Hiroshima which has objects left by the explosion. These include bottles, metal, stones and tiles twisted into strange shapes by the heat. There are objects on which people were vaporized, so that their shape appears like a shadow on the material. There are bits of burnt clothing and many photographs.

Why was the bomb dropped? World War II was a long and bitter war. The rules of war, which said not to kill civilians, were forgotten. Hitler bombed London, hoping to break the spirit of the English. Then England bombed Germany to destroy the factories and kill the people who worked in them. Americans wanted revenge for the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The U.S. government had spent six billion dollars developing the A-bomb and wanted to use it. Some say that they also wanted to warn the Russians not to cause trouble for America.

When American forces advanced on Japan in 1945, they had to decide what to do. Would Japan surrender, or would they fight to the last soldier? American leaders feared that they might lose many men by an invasion. Dropping the atomic bomb would end the war very quickly. President Truman made the decision to use it.

Since then, most people have felt that this decision was wrong. It was such a terrible thing to do to people - children, old people, women, men and babies. Hiroshima inspired many people to try to "ban the bomb." They wanted to ensure that atomic bombs would not be used again. Even some of the scientists and aircrews involved in making and dropping the bomb at Hiroshima wanted it banned. Perhaps if we can all remember what happened that day, there will be no more Hiroshimas.


Follow @nurdeano on Twitter for more of this.

Nakata's Blog: 57th Independence: Nigerians are Dancing Without M...

Nakata's Blog: 57th Independence: Nigerians are Dancing Without M...: ::::::AT A TIME LIKE THIS:::::: By Bamiteko Anthony Dare Celebration galore... I can see people using Nigerian flag inside and outside...

57th Independence: Nigerians are Dancing Without Music

::::::AT A TIME LIKE THIS:::::: By Bamiteko Anthony Dare

Celebration galore... I can see people using Nigerian flag inside and outside their cars, including homes, offices and shops. There are people putting on white and green clothes in the Church. Church Altars are also decorated in white and green.  White and green hand band worn by many. Some put on brooch with Nigeria's flag or map. And I ask myself, why are we even celebrating this country at a time like this? Why are we over joyous to the extent of using one thing or the other that has white and green? With all the complaints of people here and there, even home and abroad majority if not all still dim it feat to remember Nigeria and honour this day in one way or the other? Many honour it verbally, some with signs and symbols. Why at a time like this?

At a time like this, Nigeria was freed from some sets of people that had the privilege of exposure before her. Nigeria was liberated from the hands of outsider instructing, leading, teaching, shaping and governing her. I remembered base on history that Nigeria independent was gotten on a platter of gold.

Kudos to our great leaders that worked for this and made it happened. Permit me to mention the man of timber and calibre, he inspires me so much because of his political sagacity, a patriot, loyalist and lover of his people. A man with impeccable character and charisma. His political sagacity can never be overemphasized. I am talking about Pa Awolowo. I can never forget to mention the most renowned politician from the East. A man that knows how politics work. A man that can play his political card and get intended result, he is no other person than Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe. The wise and the visionary man from the North. The man that his political prowess still live on after his death and place Northerners high till date in Nigeria politics and power. Alhaji Tafawa Balewa is his name. I doff my cap for this great men because of their vision and mission.

These 3 great men were highly respected and brought independent to Nigeria without blood shed because of the level of their exposure, knowing how to play their political card and seeing how things work outside Nigeria, they were passionate to bring liberty to Nigeria. I call them the Three Wise Men of Nigeria.

The question I keep asking myself is that what inspired these great men to be passionate about working for the good of this Nation. They wanted Nigeria to be great, just like what they see overseas if not better than that. They led with example and the development they brought to their regions within the short time spent as leaders in various capacities its the manifestation of their good works we are still making reference to till date.

Who or what truncated the good trend and the land mark these people put in place? Do we still have visionary leaders in our midst? Do we still have patriotic leaders in our midst? Do we need to beg God to wake this Three Wise Men from the dead for Nigeria to be great again. Are we even sure if they are still alive till this day or called back to serve, will the structure in place make them function?

Our problem is that we are all corrupt in this country. Almost everyone is self-centered. Me first is the order of the day. No one is ready to make and set record and also becomes true hero and pay the price attached to it anymore in this country. Outrightly, no one is aspiring to lead and serve without interior motives. Majority are just after how to make name, with the show of; I was once a Minister, Governor, Perm. Secretary, Senator, Honourable President, CJN... Please don't confuse making name with setting record.

Why are we like this in this country? Why are we self-centered? What we see nowadays is joker using people and forming hero. Where did we go wrong.

Even youths are not helping matters. Youths are been used to create tension, chaos, anarchy and doom. Imagine we youths of nowadays are gullible. We are even celebrating Not too young to rule as if that will bring food to our tables, nor have the money and everything it takes to finance it and become a leader. We didn't clamour for not too young to seek for job. It seems we don't know what is good for us. Some youths gathered and say they want to have their own political party and I studied the atmosphere, what I see is partiality, self-centeredness, bias (this is my person) and agents using others. People that can't speak the truth in respective of whose ox is gored. And all these laughable characters are endemic among we youths, we might be worst than our present leaders if we didn't work on ourselves on time.

What pierce my heart is that of the ethnicity tension. Youths saying we are marginalized and indirectly fighting for the leaders that never brought true development to their land. I'm not talking about marginalization or not, but why are we fighting for political appointment for those that didn't remember us. When they get it will they remember us?

Time like this we need to reflect and know what is good for us. Truly we need to celebrate Nigeria and fly the flag higher, but we need to reflect and meditate on attributes and circumstances surrounding our independent. A time like this should be for sober reflection of where we missed the track and on how to put ourselves back on the track set by our founding Fathers

We don't pray for our country nor our leaders that God should grant unto them everything it takes to govern anymore. But everyone is aspiring to lead. Many betray his colleague just to win favour. Many are spy and mole among his contemporaries.

What we know his how to talk about flaws of our leaders and that make us find it difficult to see anything good in them. Buhari administration is doing everything to put Nigeria on track, doing it with utmost loyalty. What majority talk about is his weakness and flaws. "He is bias, he likes Fulani more than others as if we are better than him. We've never appreciated any leader while in government. I thy know is always a late statement anyway. Its high time we appreciated our leaders. We need to learn how to weigh disadvantages and advantages of each government and adopt better strategy in checkmating them.

A time like this, we need a person like General Muhammadu Buhari to help us apply military pattern of leadership stylishly and diplomatically because we are all chronically corrupt in this Country and everyone needs to be checkmated. Even small child that is aware that one did something bad, buy biscuits for that child and ask who did it? The child response will be; I don't know or point to another person. That is the environment we find ourselves and that is the state of our Nation.

Nothing is wrong with Nigeria. I find it difficult to believe that restructuring is the panacea to our problem, because though restructuring is good but it will only empower some crooks that I am 100% sure will use it for their own good. Our mindset needs to be restructured first. We need to work on ourselves, first thing first. We need to wake up from our slumber because we are deeply asleep and many Nations that we gained independence before and those that are age mate with us like Malaysia are all ahead of us.

Arise O compatriots. We all need to obey the clarion call...

We bless God for the 57th year anniversary of our great nation Nigeria.
Individuals should aspire to make Nigeria great without selfish ambition. Let's shun ethnicity and violent. Let's drop self-centredness and study the life of true heroes and heroine within and outside Nigeria and put it into practice.

The future and destiny of this nation is in the hands of we youths. Let us restructure ourselves, strategies and pursue everything like a patriot with utmost loyalty so that leaders can be checkmated and made quit the stage. And if those old leaders refuse to quit the stage willingly, nature will automatically quit them for us. Patriot don't struggle to be noticed, nature and their attributes brings them to limelight.

God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Live On Real Patriot of Nigeria!
Long Live Real Patriot!
Happy Independent!
God Bless Nigeria! 

Nakata's Blog: Meet Halimah Yacob, the Newly Sworn-in President o...

Nakata's Blog: Meet Halimah Yacob, the Newly Sworn-in President o...: Halimah Yacob Taking the Presidential Oath Madam Halimah Yacob has been named President-elect and sworn in on Thursday (Sep 14) as ...

Meet Halimah Yacob, the Newly Sworn-in President of Singapore

Halimah Yacob Taking the Presidential Oath

Madam Halimah Yacob has been named President-elect and sworn in on Thursday (Sep 14) as Singapore's eighth President and its first female head of state.

She was the only one of three prospective candidates to receive a certificate of eligibility for this year's Presidential Election, which was reserved for the Malay community. Two other presidential hopefuls, Mr Mohamed Salleh Marican and Mr Farid Khan, had their applications to stand for the election turned down on Monday as both did not meet a requirement for private-sector candidates to helm companies with at least S$500 million in shareholders' equity.

The 63-year-old will be Singapore's first female President and the first Malay head of state in more than 47 years, breaking barriers yet again after being elected as the first female Speaker of Parliament in 2013.

THE ROAD TO PRESIDENCY

The youngest of five children, Madam Halimah was just eight years old when her father, a watchman, died. Her mother became the sole breadwinner, helping out at a food stall before dawn till late at night. 

"From the age of 10, my hours outside of school were spent being my mother's assistant: cleaning, washing, clearing tables and serving customers, and I am a better person for it," Mdm Halimah wrote in her bio on her website. "I have experienced poverty firsthand and know how debilitating it can be as you struggle to survive, to put food on the table and also grapple with the uncertainty of the future on a daily basis. It limits your choices but also tempers your determination to succeed."

In Secondary 2, she was nearly kicked out of Singapore Chinese Girls' School for missing too many classes.

Halimah and her husband

“That was one of the worst moments of my life. But I told myself, ‘Stop wallowing in self-pity, pick yourself up and move on,'" Mdm Halimah told Channel NewsAsia in an interview last month.

She later went on to attend Tanjong Katong Girls’ School and graduated from the University of Singapore with a law degree, subsequently obtaining her Master of Laws at the National University of Singapore.

Her career began in 1978 with the National Trades Union Congress, where she served in various roles for the next three decades, eventually rising to become the labour movement's deputy secretary-general.

She entered politics at the urging of then-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in 2001, and was elected Member of Parliament (MP) for the Jurong Group Representation Constituency (GRC). Ten years later, she was given the portfolio of Minister of State for the then-Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.

Prior to announcing her intention to run as President last month, Mdm Halimah was serving as both Speaker of Parliament and MP for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC - both roles she has since relinquished.

Over the years, she has advocated for women’s rights, spoke up on senior citizens and mental health issues, and served as patron to associations such as Club HEAL and PPIS (Singapore Muslim Women's Association).

The decision to run for the highest office of the land did not come easy: The mother of five told Channel NewsAsia her children initially had reservations about being in the public eye.

However, they and her husband - her university sweetheart Mohamed Abdullah - gave their support after some discussion.

Since her bid for presidency was made known, Mdm Halimah has repeatedly denied allegations that she may lack independence due to her close ties to the People’s Action Party.

"It is a gross disservice ... even (among) those who continue to hold party colours, if they put the interest of people behind party colours," she said at a press conference last month, citing times when she disagreed with the Government both as a trade unionist and as an MP.

She also said on Monday that her commitment to serve Singaporeans was not affected by the fact that there is no election. "I promise to do the best that I can to serve the people of Singapore and that doesn't change whether there is an election or no election ... My passion and commitment to serve the people of Singapore remains the same."

Mrs Halimah has said that as President, she hopes Singaporeans will work together with her to build a stronger Singapore. One of the President's roles is to act as a unifying force, she said.

"The process may be a reserved election but the President is for everyone, for all communities – regardless of race and religion."

PHOTOS:

 

CREDIT: Channel NewAsia

Nakata's Blog: Kunle Afod Becomes First Brand Ambassador of HEADL...

Nakata's Blog: Kunle Afod Becomes First Brand Ambassador of HEADL...: Kunle Afod signing the deal Veteran actor, Kunle Afod becomes the first brand ambassador of Headlight Nigeria Limited Monday 11th ...

Kunle Afod Becomes First Brand Ambassador of HEADLIGHT Nigeria Limited

Kunle Afod signing the deal

Veteran actor, Kunle Afod becomes the first brand ambassador of Headlight Nigeria Limited Monday 11th of September, 2017.

The event was witnessed by the firm Deputy Managing Director, Mrs Tunde-Olateju Kemi and the General Manager, Mr Victor Oladehinde. Others are staffs which include Mr Bello Opeyemi, invited guess and members of the press. 

The Yoruba famous actor, said he was glad to be announced as a brand ambassador of such a reputable company and that he would not make them regret the privilege given to him of all people. 

Headlight Nigeria Limited is a real estate and property development company incorporated in Nigeria with its registered business address at No. 25B Oba Babington Ashaye Street, Omole Phase 1, Ojodu Berger, Lagos. 

The company offers an excellent choice of modern advanced homes to meet 21st century lifestyle expectations in a thoughtfully designed neighbourhood.

Headlight estates are strategically located across Lagos and Ogun axis; 
1. Premier Garden City Estate, Ibeju Lekki.
2. Premier Garden City Estate Mowe.
3. Mainstreet Estate, Agbara.
4. Sprawling Homes, Arepo.

For further information on properties available and acquisition, kindly contact Kunle Afod on 08091393797 or on Instagram @kunleafod to get brand ambassador's discount. 

You can also reach Mr Bello Opeyemi on 07052318160 by text, call, or on Whatsapp. Invest in your future and thank us later.

PHOTOS:

Mr Kunle Afod and Mr Bello Opeyemi

website: www.headlightnigeria.com
Instagram: headlightnigerialimited

Nakata's Blog: Lagos to Reconstruct Oshodi-Airport Road to World ...

Nakata's Blog: Lagos to Reconstruct Oshodi-Airport Road to World ...: Proposed Design of Oshodi-Airport Road Lagos flags off reconstruction of 10-lane Oshodi to Muritala Muhammed International Airpo...

Lagos to Reconstruct Oshodi-Airport Road to World Standard

Proposed Design of Oshodi-Airport Road

• Lagos flags off reconstruction of 10-lane Oshodi to Muritala Muhammed International Airport road.

• Project to be completed in 15-months with flyovers, ramp bridge, lay bys, slip roads and others.

The Lagos State government on Monday flagged off the Oshodi-Int'l airport way, with a pledge to complete the project within the next fifteen months.

Specifically, the design of the project include the reconstruction and expansion of the existing carriage to  three-lane expressway in both directions, construction of two-lane Service Road in both directions, construction of Ramp Bridge to provide a U-turn from Ajao Estate to Airport, construction of a flyover at NAHCO/Toll Gate and drainage system.

Others include the removal of existing Pedestrian Bridge at Ajao Estate and construction of Pedestrian Bridges at Ajao Estate and NAHCO/Hajj Camp, construction of Slip Road to provide access to Ajao Estate, construction of Lay-bys and installation of Street Lights, among others.

Speaking while flagging off the project, the State’s Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engineer Adebowale Akinsanya said the commencement of the project was in line with the commitment of the present administration to transform the entire axis, being the major gateway to the country’s commercial nerve centre.

He said the State Government took it upon itself to undertake the reconstruction of the road being one of the busiest roads in the State with vehicular volumes averaging 50,000 vehicles daily, and that its poor state was not acceptable for the status of the State as the fifth largest economy in Africa and the nation’s commercial hub.

To fast-track the project, three group of workers will work on the project and they would work day and night, while upon completion, the project will be linked to the Oworonshoki reclamation project, which is also ongoing and is aimed at transforming the corridor to a major entertainment and tourism hub. He added.

The Commissioner, however, urged residents and motorists to cooperate with government while the construction will last, saying that the intention was to transform the area.

The Managing Director of Planet Projects, whose firm designed the project, Mr Biodun Otunola, also said that “The desire of the State Government under Governor Ambode is to ensure that this whole corridor is turned into an international corridor so that investors and the people can be proud that we have an international gateway that we all can be proud of."

Nakata's Blog: Inspiring: Hushpuppi Write a Letter to the Ghetto ...

Nakata's Blog: Inspiring: Hushpuppi Write a Letter to the Ghetto ...: A landlord chased me and family out a rented room The Government don't care about your future Hushpuppi For the first time, t...

Inspiring: Hushpuppi Write a Letter to the Ghetto Kid, Blast the Government

• A landlord chased me and family out a rented room
• The Government don't care about your future

Hushpuppi

For the first time, the Gucci ambassador, Nigerian-Malaysia big boy, Hushpuppi reveal who he really his and a bit of his life story in Lagos as a ghetto boy, though he is yet to tell us what else he does for living except being a professional beggar...lols. Hushpuppi's story is so touching and inspiring, it gives hope to the hopeless, life to the lifeless and specifically targeted at Nigerian youths termed 'The Ghetto Kid'. Enjoy, reminisce and take bold steps.

"Letter to the Ghetto Kid:

As a man that I am today who developed from being one of you guys, who went through the same struggles you are presently going through, who had to run and jump hurdles where other kids just walk past the same situation in a better environment with better resources and much provisions, I know the society do not expect you to make it, the government don't care about your future, they toy and joke around making rules and laws that only affect you and benefit the rich. You lack everything it requires to become who you might have loved to be, do the things you would have loved to do or to live the life you may have seen on TV or the internet, which I know you even have limited access to because there's never power supply for such, which means you are deprived most of the things that can be learnt through TV and internet in the first place which makes your dreams smaller, quicker to fade away but I want you to know that darkness you are, without the dark, the stars won't shine and so you can shine out if that darkness.
 

You have been deprived so many right a child deserves and the world look down on you because you are nothing but a clot of blood miraculously turned a baby, and an unfortunate one at that. Good health, good foods or good education hasn't been in any way your chance to have. Looking at you disgusts not your brethren only but even strangers are not so impressed for your unhealthy appearance. Your strength; courage; and dreams are nothing but hallucination just because you were not supposed to dream big.
 

I am sure nobody ever believed in whatever you say or do. You have been victimized by neighbors; friends; and even family members who were supposed to give you hope. This is my story, this is me and this is the Hushpuppi you have been hearing about. The Ghetto kid in me is at its peak and ready to explode and spread around the globe. I am you and you are me. I represent every under-privilege kid of the world and especially of Nigeria and of Lagos and of Bariga and of Oworonsoki -- Where a landlord had chased me and my family out of a rented room. I'll never forget the look on my mother's face."

Nakata's Blog: Is Police Truly your Friend? Read Mr Eso's Experie...

Nakata's Blog: Is Police Truly your Friend? Read Mr Eso's Experie...: IS POLICE TRULY YOUR FRIEND? -NO, THE POLICE IS NOT OUR FRIEND... -YES, THE POLICE IS OUR FRIEND... A true life experience in the las...

Is Police Truly your Friend? Read Mr Eso's Experience

IS POLICE TRULY YOUR FRIEND?
-NO, THE POLICE IS NOT OUR FRIEND...
-YES, THE POLICE IS OUR FRIEND...

A true life experience in the last 24 hours.

My phone rang at 3:15pm yesterday Saturday August 19, 2017 and it was the Pastor of our church Pastor Tope Akimbola calling me sounding down (I knew there was trouble) that one of the member of our church, RCCG Glory Worship Center, was locked up at Ifako Police station on the charges that she found a child and the long story was while Sister Happiness was going to work on July 20, 2017 she found a child wandering by the canal in Ifako who was apparently lost and could not find her way.

The child is about 4 years old and as a good Samaritan she brought the child to church. The members and the Pastor was informed and the child was taken to Alakara Police station .It is interesting to note that Alakara Police station has facility for children and juvenile correction center. Our church members including sister Happiness wrote statements.

Our church in the past has always supported Alakara Police station and once they heard the name of the church they were very helpful.

Later on like about two weeks, Sister Happiness in the same Ifako residence heard that a child was missing and told the neighbors that she found a child two weeks ago and they should check Alakara Police station.

Long story cut short, the police arrested Sister Happiness yesterday that she must know about the missing child and that she was involved and why did she not come to Ifako  police station in the first place. She was immediately  locked up at the cell of Ifako Police station since yesterday morning. Now, why will citizens want to help their neighbors or the Police.

This morning our Pastor grabbed me at 7:45am in company of his Assistant Pastor Bayo Ajayi and we started working up our phones. Eventually I got to speak with the DPO of Ifako Police station. That was the drama of my life. He said why did she go to Alakara Police station and not Ifako Police station? I explained to him that not everyone has education to know that the nearest police station was were to report a matter and that he will be shocked that people are scared of police and pure ignorance.

He even went micro by telling me that Sister Happiness should have shouted that.....the people around can intervene. I was disturbed that SP Smith, a senior officer in the police force can think like this. I appealed for at least 45 minutes on the phone and I even offered to see him immediately he said he is not at work and she will be charged to court on Monday and that was his final position.

At this point I started racking my brain on who can help intervene in this simple matter? I tried getting the phone no of Mr Fatai Owoseni the Lagos State Commissioner of Police but no luck. I finally got an old friend who I had to wake up Assistant Commissioner Of Police , Kola Okunlola .Thanks to technology I had to do a three way call .

I finally connected my ACP friend with DPO Ifako .Now my worry must we know someone to get things going in Nigeria???????
So we started the conversation and I was shocked of the spice added by the DPO. He had full facts of the story. The ACP asked him five salient questions
1. Was he aware that Sister Happiness reported the matter to Alakara Police station he answered in affirmative
2. Did Sister Happiness take the child away or reported same day? He said same day
3. Do you know that this will discourage good people to help others in the future .......He agreed
4. What did he do to the parents that were careless by not taking care of their child? He said he arrested and released them immediately.
5. On the board at the police station where you state the person in the cell and the offence what did you state as the offence of Sister Happiness? He said Misconduct
At this point I just gave up and said under my breath that police is not just our friend
The ACP adviced him to release Sister Happiness and get a reliable surety that will produce her anytime that she is required for investigation. That charging her was a waste of government resources.

Now the DPO Ifako has requested that we all report at 8am tomorrow
My question and worry ......what is misconduct for a good Samaritan that saved the life of a vulnerable child? The child was not kidnapped nor kept away.

I am appealing to anyone that has contact with the Lagos Police Commissioner to help circulate this ....
I hope we will not discourage other good Samaritans being their  brothers keeper.

A. Eso
08093684509

Nakata's Blog: President Buhari's Full Speech on His Return from ...

Nakata's Blog: President Buhari's Full Speech on His Return from ...: My d ear citizens, I am very grateful to God and to all Nigerians for their prayers. I am pleased to be back on home soil among my bro...

President Buhari's Full Speech on His Return from London.

My dear citizens,

I am very grateful to God and to all Nigerians for their prayers. I am pleased to be back on home soil among my brothers and sisters. In the course of my stay in the United Kingdom, I have been kept in daily touch with events at home. Nigerians are robust and lively in discussing their affairs, but I was distressed to notice that some of the comments, especially on social media, have crossed our national red lines by daring to question our collective existence as a nation. This is a step too far.

In 2003 after I joined partisan politics, the late Chief Emeka Ojukwu came and stayed as my guest in my hometown Daura. Over two days we discussed in great depth till late into the night and analyzed the problems of Nigeria. We both came to the conclusion that the country must remain one and united. Nigeria's unity is settled and not negotiable. We shall not allow irresponsible elements to start trouble, and when things get bad they run away and saddle others with the responsibility of bringing back order, if necessary with their blood.

Every Nigerian has the right to live and pursue his business anywhere in Nigeria without let or hindrance. I believe the very vast majority of Nigerians share this view. 

This is not to deny that there are legitimate concerns. Every group has a grievance. But the beauty and attraction of a federation is that it allows different groups to air their grievances and work out a mode of co-existence.

The National Assembly and the National Council of State are the legitimate and appropriate bodies for national discourse. The national consensus is that, it is better to live together than to live apart.

Furthermore, I am charging the Security Agencies not to let the successes achieved in the last 18 months be a sign to relax. Terrorists and criminals must be fought and destroyed relentlessly so that the majority of us can live in peace and safety.

Therefore we are going to reinforce and reinvigorate the fight not only against; elements of Boko Haram which are attempting a new series of attacks on soft targets; kidnappings; farmers versus herdsmen clashes; in addition to ethnic violence fuelled by political mischief makers. We shall tackle them all.

Finally, dear Nigerians, our collective interest now is to eschew petty differences and come together to face common challenges of economic security, political evolution and integration, as well as lasting peace among all Nigerians.

I remain resolutely committed to ensuring that these goals are achieved and maintained. I am so glad to be home.