PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan is set to change the face of the Niger Delta with the construction of floating cities in the oil-rich region.

According to sources at the Presidency, the cities are being designed to uplift the area and its people.

Said the source: “The President is determined to provide basic amenities of life, jobs, education, security, state of the art transportation, and recreation centres, as well as potable water.

“This plan would consolidate on the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s on-going rehabilitation of the people of Niger Delta. It will bring lasting peace and eradicate the restiveness observed before the amnesty granted to former militants in the region.

“These floating cities will definitely attract tourism to the Niger Delta region, since they would be of the same standard as those built in the UAE, which is one of the wonders of the world. They will be equipped with modern power generation unit, to be powered with wind and solar systems.”

While speaking on some obstacles, which the project may face, the source said: “There will be some problems in the implementation, because of the activities of politicians, who are using their positions to enslave the people. But where there is a will, there’s always a way.”

http://www.compassnewspaper.com/NG/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48785:jonathan-plans-floating-cities-in-niger-delta&catid=672:top-stories&Itemid=794

Good project but um where will the money come from?

Jonathan Goodluck will be a BIG BIG failure and disappointment to Nigeria and Nigerians the way he is going! But, I seriously hope and wish he disappoints me by being a success instead!! Why??

Yes, it is good to conceive ambitious projects but how, when and what resources will he use to prosecute these project? Who really will undertake the project? The already over-leveraged Federal government, the overly-corrupt State government or the private sector? Look, what you (Jonathan) should be doing now and should have done is VERY simple:

1. Immediately send to the National Assembly the full, un-compromised Uwais Panel report. If this is already sent, lobby and apply necessary pressure to have it passed immediately.

2. (1) above will help to set in motion the appointment of a creditable INEC chairman.

3. The EFCC needs to be made very strong and totally independent of any other person or body. Do this and re-invigorate the body to wage a strong anti-corruption campaign.

4. Fix or attempt to begin quickly the power sector

5. Sack and appoint credible people as the comptroller of customs, UBEC, NCC, institute stronger banking regulations, etc; and totally monitor all the contracts that have already been awarded.

These will have a more serious and positive effect without spending BIG in the next one year before the next elections. Which of these is not important?

Errr I think I like the idea of the floating cities better. Your input just sounds too realistic and easily applicable and achievable .
This is Nigeria!!!! We will rather learn how to fly before walking

CyberG:

Jonathan Goodluck will be a BIG BIG failure and disappointment to Nigeria and Nigerians the way he is going! But, I seriously hope and wish he disappoints me by being a success instead!! Why??

Yes, it is good to conceive ambitious projects but how, when and what resources will he use to prosecute these project? Who really will undertake the project? The already over-leveraged Federal government, the overly-corrupt State government or the private sector? Look, what you (Jonathan) should be doing now and should have done is VERY simple:

1. Immediately send to the National Assembly the full, un-compromised Uwais Panel report. If this is already sent, lobby and apply necessary pressure to have it passed immediately.

2. (1) above will help to set in motion the appointment of a creditable INEC chairman.

3. The EFCC needs to be made very strong and totally independent of any other person or body. Do this and re-invigorate the body to wage a strong anti-corruption campaign.

4. Fix or attempt to begin quickly the power sector

5. Sack and appoint credible people as the comptroller of customs, UBEC, NCC, institute stronger banking regulations, etc; and totally monitor all the contracts that have already been awarded.

These will have a more serious and positive effect without spending BIG in the next one year before the next elections. Which of these is not important?

Yeah Exactly,i thought at first he can turn our fortunes but at the rate things are going God Help Nigeria
the UAE building wonder dubai-remember dubai world were in a debt of $80 billion dollars
DOnt do that let EFCC catch state governors of the N/Delta recover part of the money and develop N/delta + these governors shouldnt loot anymore and use the money to develop the region.

We never learn in this country, do we??

Ok. The socialists would naturally gather here to condemn the initiative!
Who cares about electoral reforms sef?? It is a grand deception to believe that electoral reforms would put an end to our problems.
We need an economic outburst and not electoral reforms. The UAE has no elections but their citizens are amongst the wealthiest in the world!

How in the hell is that Socialist are u even listening to yourself!!!! Dude wants to build a bloody freaking floating city what sense does that make? Initiative means starting from the basics and building up. You don't go from point A to Z. It makes absolutely no sense at all. Floating city is not gng to help anything in the Niger Delta. Have you stabilized the environment, have you gotten to the root cause of the problem? NO

I really don't understand the way some ppl think. WAKE UP LEADERS OF NIGERIA. THE DEFINITION OF MADNESS IS DOING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND ALWAYS EXPECTING A DIFFERENT RESULT.

floating city ko, floating city ni. Dang morons!

PapaBrowne:

Ok. The socialists would naturally gather here to condemn the initiative!
[size=14pt]Who cares about electoral reforms sef?? It is a grand deception to believe that electoral reforms would put an end to our problems.[/size]
We need an economic outburst and not electoral reforms. The UAE has no elections but their citizens are amongst the wealthiest in the world!

UUgh~!!   
Does  the UAE already have 250 ethnic groups all vying for power?

Kobojunkie:

UUgh~!!   
Does  the UAE already have 250 ethnic groups all vying for power?

I just used the UAE as and example because it was mentioned here. But the best example I should use is the Miracle of China. They didn't need any electoral reforms there. They just got their economy right and the world is now in awe!!
After the electoral reforms, we would start asking for electoral restructuring after which it would be electoral organization.
Electoral reforms might be neccesary to get the political processes right, but I bet it's impact on the well being of society would be minimal when compared with creating an enabling enviroment for economic development.

Meddler:

How in the hell is that Socialist are u even listening to yourself!!!! Dude wants to build a bloody freaking floating city what sense does that make? Initiative means starting from the basics and building up. You don't go from point A to Z. It makes absolutely no sense at all. Floating city is not gng to help anything in the Niger Delta. Have you stabilized the environment, have you gotten to the root cause of the problem? NO

I really don't understand the way some ppl think. WAKE UP LEADERS OF NIGERIA. THE DEFINITION OF MADNESS IS DOING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND ALWAYS EXPECTING A DIFFERENT RESULT.

floating city ko, floating city ni. Dang morons!

Ok. How do I begin now to explain to you that the article you have fallen for is a ploy by Jonathan's enemies to make him look like a directionless and sectionist president with outlandish aspirations!
First, if you read my article, I didn't comment on the Floating cities. My comment was on electoral reforms.

Now let me explain. Compass Newpaper(the originator of the article) belongs to Gbenga Daniel(OGD).  OGD is working towards an IBB presidency. The only way for IBB to become President is to make Jonathan unsellable to the Nigerian public. And incase you don't know, that is the purpose of this article. And it has already started working on you. Its a pity.

FYI, anytime the FG comes out with any plans, Ima Niboro(Special Adviser on Media) or any of the Ministers serve as the mouthpiece. This article is telling us that presidency sources are the ones telling them. Isn't that signal enough??
Please, lets learn to read btw the lines. Don't just follow headlines.
I took time to explain to you because I percieve U as someone that is quite logical in reasoning and advanced in thinking.

As for the talk on Socialism, yes,the average Nigerian is socialist by inclination. And they hate big projects.

if the Nigerian government did everything on that list you would complain that they're not building floating cities LOL.


i love the idea, and economic boost in construction, real estate, capital, and the boost to science and technology this will give is better then 'electoral reformers'

it's not our election process that need to be reformed sef. if the rules we have in place are followed nigeria would have the most full proof elections in world history. our laws are actually ahead of their time.

the problem isn't the process its the people. we have a culture of not following rules, so what's the use of making new ones?


I love the idea, projects like this will bring investment into nigeria and these investors will bring electricity because
[size=20pt]THE PRIVATE SECTOR PROVIDES ELECTRICITY IN CAPITALIST COUNTRIES. NOT THE GOVERNMENT[/size]

Ikengawo:

if the Nigerian government did everything on that list you would complain that they're not building floating cities LOL.


i love the idea, and economic boost in construction, real estate, capital, and the boost to science and technology this will give is better then 'electoral reformers'

it's not our election process that need to be reformed sef. if the rules we have in place are followed nigeria would have the most full proof elections in world history. our laws are actually ahead of their time.

[size=14pt]the problem isn't the process its the people. we have a culture of not following rules, so what's the use of making new ones?[/size]


I love the idea, projects like this will bring investment into nigeria and these investors will bring electricity because
THE PRIVATE SECTOR PROVIDES ELECTRICITY IN CAPITALIST COUNTRIES. NOT THE GOVERNMENT

The bolded part in rred is right on point!! If you reform the laws, the people are the same, so it changes nothing. Its the people that need reforming, not just the laws.

PapaBrowne:

I just used the UAE as and example because it was mentioned here. But the best example I should use is the Miracle of China. They didn't need any electoral reforms there. They just got their economy right and the world is now in awe!!

You want to compare Nigeria to China? Dude, you need to know when to stop already! lol
We can never be like China; we have too many domineering groups out in Nigeria and we don't have 5000 years to tame them all, and bring them to submit as the Chinese have done.

PapaBrowne:

After the electoral reforms, we would start asking for electoral restructuring after which it would be electoral organization.

You do realize it is OK to just say you are all for floating cities and mountains, and there is really NO NEED to try DESPERATELY to justify it with the disconnected stuff.

PapaBrowne:
Electoral reforms might be neccesary to get the political processes right, but I bet it's impact on the well being of society would be minimal when compared with creating an enabling enviroment for economic development.

oh please . . .  stop already!!! lol

[size=14pt]The Problem we have in Nigeria is there is a dearth scarcity of beautiful affordable condo's. Eko Atlantic City or Cities that would be created in the Naija Delta should take note of this. There are over 15 million Nigerians in DIaspoaras who would be more than happy to part with 25% deposit on luxurious apartments in Lagos , Abuja OR Porth Harcourt irrespective of tribe. The key is Nigerian financial institions should be willing to give out mortgages on such choice properties in high brow areas knowing that a default would lead to a summarily re-possession of the product and sold to the ever ready buyers.

Apart from the 15 million diasporas there are at least another 20 million home based Nigerians that can afford what ever they want, the purchasing power of this 30 million individuals should be carefully taking care off, as they are the ones that would propel the economy from a stale one product economy to a multi facet one.

The FG through the CBN should make mortgage funds available to all and sundry provided a handsome deposit of between 25 and 30 % is deposited. Developer's should also be encorage to build affordable condo's in our major cities not what we have presently at Banana Island in Ikoyi where Flats in Condos are going for $600,000 to a million dollars, if we have a glut of such buildings the prices would drop and the quality does not necessary have to be compromised.

The craze for Nigerian shares a few years ago made me realise diasporas and Nigerians at home are always looking and seeking for the next viable investment in their home country, the only stumbling block being the FG, the FG should relentlessly pursue a policy of providing an enabling enviroment if they are to be taking seriously, this more than anything should be a priority.
[/size]

@ xterra2

I agree with your post 100%. The President should tackle real issues such as the war against corruption(fat chance, as his wife Patience allegedly tried to launder N104m and $13.5m in two separate incidents in 2006. Remember, how it took intense media pressure before Jonathan publicly declared his assets of N295m, several weeks after his boss?); Electoral reform (keep dreaming, they are still playing hide and seek with the Uwais report whilst Jonathan ponders on who to appoint as head of INEC, to umpire an election in which he is widely speculated to contest the presidency), Power/Electricity (another mirage, Nigerians have forgotten that the same Jonathan was the head of the committee that Yar'adua appointed to ensure that the Independent Power Projects deliver 6,000 megawats by Dec 2009. Jonathan promised that by 2010 nobody in Nigeria would have to use a generator). Like xterra2, I hope I'm totally wrong about the President but can't keep wondering why I have this premoniton of business as usual.

PapaBrowne:

Ok. The socialists would naturally gather here to condemn the initiative!
Who cares about electoral reforms sef?? It is a grand deception to believe that electoral reforms would put an end to our problems.
We need an economic outburst and not electoral reforms. The UAE has no elections but their citizens are amongst the wealthiest in the world!

I would be patiently waiting to see how the floating cities will transform to economic outburst in a region that is considered unsafe for foreign investment.

I am posting this again, because I agree with the post of CYBERG, I inadvertently referred to xterra2 the OP.

@ Cyberg

I agree with your post 100%. The President should tackle real issues such as the war against corruption(fat chance, as his wife Patience allegedly tried to launder N104m and $13.5m in two separate incidents in 2006. Remember, how it took intense media pressure before Jonathan publicly declared his assets of N295m, several weeks after his boss?); Electoral reform (keep dreaming, they are still playing hide and seek with the Uwais report whilst Jonathan ponders on who to appoint as head of INEC, to umpire an election in which he is widely speculated to contest the presidency), Power/Electricity (another mirage, Nigerians have forgotten that the same Jonathan was the head of the committee that Yar'adua appointed to ensure that the Independent Power Projects deliver 6,000 megawats by Dec 2009. Jonathan promised that by 2010 nobody in Nigeria would have to use a generator). Like xterra2, I hope I'm totally wrong about the President but can't keep wondering why I have this premoniton of business as usual.

@ Meddler,

You are too funny and I totally agree with you. Even your username is funny. (No be yabis, meant to be a compliment).

gud for them.

Jonathan PLANS floating city in ND

Before we begin an endless argument, we need to consider that this is still a plan and that doesn't mean they want to start construction tomorrow. Nothing was stated about how the floating city will be built. And i don't believe President Jonathan is also a magician.

There are more important issues that will have to be taken care of or else this will be impossible.

So, i don't see anything wrong in having future plans for the ND region. But right now, the plans are far from actualization. I'm sure we can all see that.

Jonathan Goodluck will be a BIG BIG failure and disappointment to Nigeria and Nigerians the way he is going! But, I seriously hope and wish he disappoints me by being a success instead!! Why??

Yes, it is good to conceive ambitious projects but how, when and what resources will he use to prosecute these project? Who really will undertake the project? The already over-leveraged Federal government, the overly-corrupt State government or the private sector? Look, what you (Jonathan) should be doing now and should have done is VERY simple:

1. Immediately send to the National Assembly the full, un-compromised Uwais Panel report. If this is already sent, lobby and apply necessary pressure to have it passed immediately.

2. (1) above will help to set in motion the appointment of a creditable INEC chairman.

3. The EFCC needs to be made very strong and totally independent of any other person or body. Do this and re-invigorate the body to wage a strong anti-corruption campaign.

4. Fix or attempt to begin quickly the power sector

5. Sack and appoint credible people as the comptroller of customs, UBEC, NCC, institute stronger banking regulations, etc; and totally monitor all the contracts that have already been awarded.

These will have a more serious and positive effect without spending BIG in the next one year before the next elections. Which of these is not important?

@cybergy,
i also want to be disappointed with what i say and think when i have in many different threads said it that jonathan has nothing to offer.
this is same pdp, same govt, same manifestoe and same promises a couple of years back 2007 to be precise.
if jonathan and yar adua made promises to nigerians in 2007 and started working on those promises until the death of yar adua, since it is the same govt, why changing things? why new promises when old ones have not been fulfilled.
have u(jonathan) been having problems with yar adua while he was alive or have u been loyal?
the major problem of this pdp is lack of vission and lack of respect for institutions.
i am bored with these criminal promises.
this same pdp, 1 million promises and nothing to show for it.
soon, jonathan will complete a 4 wasted yr term and we wait for the next set of promises.
nigerians shld come together in one voice and tell God to kill all those standing and seating on our progress as a ppl.
the death of top pdp members will surely makme way for development to come into this country.

KnowAll:

[size=13pt]The Problem we have in Nigeria is there is a dearth scarcity of beautiful affordable condo's[/size]. Eko Atlantic City or Cities that would be created in the Naija Delta should take note of this. There are over 15 million Nigerians in DIaspoaras who would be more than happy to part with 25% deposit on luxurious apartments in Lagos , Abuja OR Porth Harcourt irrespective of tribe. The key is Nigerian financial institions should be willing to give out mortgages on such choice properties in high brow areas knowing that a default would lead to a summarily re-possession of the product and sold to the ever ready buyers.

U really do not mean that statement do you

Of everything you know about the country, that's the only deduction you could make?

awesome, he just replicate what was done in abuja, he shld relocate some ministries to the niger delta

buffox:

U really do not mean that statement do you 

Of everything you know about the country, that's the only deduction you could make?

Dont mind the yeye guy he thinks  he is in Florida  - nonsense

Condo ko Cocaine ni

ummmm, better to actually see a 'plan' to the end.

Why 'floating cities'?!?!?!?

what happened to stable light supply,
water?
good roads?

there are other 'projects' which would create jobs and stability to the ND areas.

floating city is just a pipe dream,

Here we go again. It's just like saying rather than fixing and maintaining the road let's now make flying cars. Can someone please tell this man to focus

@ crownvilla

Outstrip:

Here we go again. It's just like saying rather than fixing and maintaining the road let's now make flying cars. Can someone please tell this man to focus

Lol flying cars.

Why don't you verify this story first before making comments? Floating cities in Niger Delta? How realistic is this idea with the current state of Nigeria's economy, not only that, can Goodluck unilaterally construct cities anywhere?

He said 12 months was too short a time to address some of the challenges,
yet he plans bogus floating cities.
Put rightly,Jonathan means Nigeria will run before learning to crawl.

I can understand why Nigerians are being skeptical about this idea. They have been disappointed innumerable times by their leaders, but if Fashola can build or start building the Eko Atlantic city in Lagos I don't see any reason why this is not feasible

Floating cities where? In the middle of brackish creeks or offshore?

Abeg leave our mangrove for us, tell that story to the fairies.

Blame Naija news media for any uproar that this news may have caused.

They will always misquote, misrepresent, and the titles will always be some s.hit that will bring about controversy.