HON. BAGO EMPOWERS NIGER STATE WOMEN WITH DEEP FREEZERS AND CASH GIFTS

Today, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, representing Chanchaga Federal Constituency of Niger State continued the empowerment process to support Niger State Women's Micro & Small Medium Enterprises (MSME's) by distributing 150(One Hundred and Fifty) Deep Freezers and #50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) Cash Gift to women across Political, Religious and Socio-economic class of Niger State.

The beneficiaries of this edition of women empowerment are Women Leaders and Assistants of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, 3 Zones, 25LGA and 11 Wards of Chanchaga Federal Constituency, Niger State. Also, women beneficiaries were also drawn from Religious Organizations, FORMYON and CAN, NATA, NURTW, NARTO, ACCOMORA, Inter-Tribals, Tailors and Market Associations,... etc

The event of the distribution took place at Niger State APC Secretariat, Minna, with Party Chairmen and Leaders accross the state in attendance.

Hon. Bago was ably represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abdulakeem Oshinuga Abdulrahman and Chairman Bago Foundation, Alhaji Aminu Isah Danasabe Sinkin. He congratulates all the beneficiaries and sincerely appreciate all APC Leaders who were present at the event.

The beneficiaries which cut across the 25 Local Government Area of the state were full of enthusiasm as they hold in high regard the gesture of Hon. Bago towards boosting the businesses of women in Niger state. They prayed for more greater opportunities for the Legislator.

Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago who is the Chairman House Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, pledged to continue to deliver the best of his ability for Human and Community development of his immediate constituents and Niger state as a whole.

~Enthralling |Enchanting | Assuring

With #excellence etched in our operational culture, we had set a standard, a benchmark below which we couldn't afford to fall. It has become more of a creed than code to which everyone in the team have swore to strictly adhere. We have recorded some level of success in Abuja and Lagos Centre, as to be expected, promised surprises.

Participants began to trickle into the LCCI Hall, venue of the Screening so early, defiling the popular chaotic traffic logjams occasioned by the closure of several metropolitan roads due to reconstruction and routine maintenance. Determination was unmistakably written on everyone's face, depicting only one thing: #enthusiasm.

In reenactment of the Independence Anniversary, the ambiance was colourful, the Green-White-Green decorations made many attendees prouder Nigerians and nature was friendly with clement weather on the menu. The usual "Eko for show" was on display, what with the memorabilias, the razzmatazz and the paparazzi? Lagos sure paved the road to the Boot Camp so solidly and raised the bar, a notch higher!

The Convener, Congressman Bimbo Daramola, held the audience spellbound as he explained the introspection common to nation's at milestones as Nigeria's Diamond Anniversary. He lamented the already bad situations associated with youth unemployment which has been made worse by the COVID-19 realities. Stressing the reasons for birthing the initiative, he emphasised the need for remediation processes that guarantee predictable, tangible and measurable outcomes.

The Guest Speaker, Mr. Lanre Oyenuga, used to have a flourishing Marketing career with an established manufacturing concern which, at the time, was already taking him to several African countries but had to plunged into the entrepreneurial ocean without a guiding compass and "life vest" but successfully swam ashore with sweet tales to show for it. One major take home from his speech that was ladened with personal life's stories, was to dare failure which he said would come but only a matter of when. He wrapped up his session with the famous Prof. Tai Solarin quote of "may your roads be rough"!

Here comes the zenith, the point to fling open the doors to the Screening Room where Barr. Winifred Kwentua-Aboderin, Mr. Yemi Anjorin, Dr. Bukola Jaiyesimi et al as Assessors were ready and waiting for individual participant for a live pitching of their proposals and business ideas hoping to progress to the Entrepreneurs Boot Camp.

While enthused participants and satisfied organisers savour the joy of hosting a successful Lagos/South West Screening exercise, everyone seems to act Oliver Twist, asking for more as they all anticipate the next edition at yet another zone.

Let's make you, your own boss.
Get between #60,000 - #1,00,000 Grant, to kick start your own business.


For more details:- https://www.nigeriaat60.com.ng/

Interesting.
I'll love to be part of this.

July 15, 2020

Press Release

SAVE THE SOUL SPRING FOUNDATION CALLS ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO RETHINK THE RECOMMENDATION OF ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE (ESC) TO SUSPEND THE NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE CORPS (NYSC) ORIENTATION CAMP FOR TWO (2) YEARS AND THE NEED TO PROVIDE COVID-19 RESPONSE SUPPORT TO CREATE SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SME) JOBS FOR YOUTH CORPS MEMBERS WHO HAVE ACQUIRED VARIOUS SKILLS ON CAMP.

The Prof. Yemi Osinbajo led Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC) made many far reaching recommendations to the President, Muhammadu Buhari recently on the nation's responses and precautionary measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.

In its focus on the Educational sector and reaction to the NYSC Directorate's submitted proposal which includes guidelines to reopen camps across the country for which it sought approval, the Committee suggested the suspension of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp Exercises for at least 24 months while allowing direct deployment from institutions to places of primary assignment (PPA) to ensure that there is no backlog in the National Service placement.

With due respect to the person of the Vice President and his Office and without prejudice to the Committee's recommendations, Save The Soul Spring Foundation, a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) with interest in Youth and Community development and several other stakeholders in the students and youths affairs find the suggestion inaccurate and herewith plead with the Committee and Federal Government to rethink same.

There's no gainsaying the facts that the spirit and letters of Decree 24 of 1973 that established NYSC Scheme and the intendment of its drafters was to reawaken patriotism, propagate unity and revive the culture of discipline and endurance among Nigerian youths.

The Orientation Camps has not only become the best attraction for Called-Up graduates, it's about the only place, during the entire one year compulsory service, that participants are well-exposed to the above listed ideals and ethos of the Scheme. Scrapping or suspending it will take the shine off the programme and adversaries who want the Scheme dead would have succeeded, God forbids!

Recall that the Scheme used to have a twin camp of Orientation at the onset of Call-Up and yet another upon completion but before discharge. With the discontinuance of the Camp at completion, the Orientation Camp remains the singular avenue where the cultures of host communities are inculcated into the Call Members before being dispatched into places of Primary Assignments (PPA). There, in the various Camps, Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Development (SAED) training, paramilitary training, social interaction and effective bonding, talent discovery, to say the least, are achieved among the very lively budding young graduates from different institutions nationwide.

Besides the myriads of gains the nation has benefited from National Youth Corps Scheme from community integration, inter-tribal marriages and entrenchment of peaceful co-existence, the Federal and State Governments have incurred so much on its preparations and infrastructural facilities at the permanent Orientation Camps now scattered across the State. The nation can't afford these costs, efforts and the labour of the Scheme's founding fathers to go into waste and become futile.

The National Youth Service Orientation Camp, the very soul of the Scheme, has become the survival point for many a trader, artisan and small scale entrepreneurs; from photographers to cobblers, tailors who mend and adjust materials for Call Members, from food/snacks vendors to dry cleaners, water and soft drinks sellers etc, the "now regular" Camps have served and continue to serve as succour where men, women and even children earn a living and so, look forward to.

While we understand the difficulties and challenges associated with Coronavirus and its spread, we believe and very strongly so, that the recent decision to ease the lockdown, remove the restrictions on inter-State travels, opening of worship centres, resumption of aviation services and the prospect of calling back Pupils and Students to Schools and Campuses, there's no begging the question about the untenability of shutting the Orientation Camp's gate in the face of freshly called-up youthful graduates.

Save The Soul Spring Foundation hereby recommend, in place of the proposed suspension of National Youth Service Orientation Camps, that the existing protocols and health advisories about the pandemic are extended to the Camps, while provisions are made for Medical personnel, paramedics, PPE, hand-washing facilities, sanitisers and if possible, isolation centres and other equipment for the prevention of the spread of the dreaded virus and treatment of those who might be unavoidably but inadvertently infected.

We also implore the Federal Government to at this crucial time develop more interest in NYSC Skill Aquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Training. Corps Members who have acquired various skills on camp should be beneficiaries of COVID-19 Response Support Programs and Stimulus Plan such as support from African Development Bank (AFDB), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), United Nations (UN) and other world donors. This can help them to create job through Small Medium Enterprises amidst job cut and dwindling economy.

Finally, we have unshaken faith in the 47 years of unblemished services by NYSC Directorate that have built Nigerian youths and overcome several obstacles. We believe that given the necessary supports and adequate encouragement, Management and Staff in all the Offices of the Scheme will effectively and successfully operate safe and secured Camps across the nation.

We therefore call on parents, students who are the direct beneficiaries of sustained Orientation Camps, employers of labour that engage the Call members and every stakeholder in the growth and development of our youths, the "leaders of tomorrow" to join in persuading the Economic Sustainability Committee, Mr. President and for that matter, the Federal Government to, in the face of the undeniable benefits, allow the continuation of the NYSC Orientation Camp amidst a secure and hygienic environments since cutting off the head can't ever be the cure of headache.

Signed:

Ogunkuade Oluwatosin
President, Save The Soul Spring Foundation
Fmr. National Vice President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
Fmr. Students’ Union Government (SUG) President (FEDPOFFA)

Project606060 - MAKIING NEW AND YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS TO CELEBRATE NIGERIA'S 60TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY.

The days of post graduation ready jobs are long gone, gone with the recently expired century.

One of the realities of the millennial is that "one hasn't really started working unless and until he began to work for himself".

Now the "new normal", life after COVID may bite harder on Nigerian youths as there are no jobs out there anymore. What with many companies trying to find their feet.

In response to this, Naija Green Card, an organisation with interest, among others, in youth development has come up with an initiative of providing youths with free Start-up Capital to realise incubated dreams and innate talents.

The processes climax at an Entrepreneurs' Boot Camp for screened and successful applicants and presentation of Start-uo Capital on the National Day.

Registration is ongoing and closes on 15th July, 2020. For more detailed information and to register, visit: www.nigeriaat60.com.ng

REGISTER | PARTICIPATE | REALISE YOUR DREAM.

DO YOU BELIEVE YOU CAN FLY? THEN GIVE WINGS TO YOUR INHERENT TALENTS, TAP INTO #Project606060

If you keep receiving handouts from friends, they get fatigued and could, one day, bang the gate at your face.

Why not empower yourself with what you have as innate abilities and turn your passion to wealth.

Are you ready to #unlock the #treasure?

Then visit the website: www.nigeriaat60.com.ng and follow the process, you just might be the #nextbigentrepreneur.

HURRY NOW as time is of essence.

Project 60:60:60 is a National Visioning Initiative to signpost the attainment of the milestone of 60 by Nigeria

Every nation optimised such landmarks as a moment for introspection, reflection about how far she has come in the nationhood trajectory and projects into the future on the basis of prevailing realities.

Today the greatest challenge our nation and people face is the bludgeoning incidence of under employment, unemployment and joblessness, at the dawn of the 60th anniversary, the nation is heading for recession with 39.4 million jobs under threat, made worse by the yet to abate raging COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

This is what has informed the initiative code named PROJECT 60:60:60 as a complementary private sector driven effort to make the next decade i e 2020-2030, one to make "raising of NEW ENTREPRENEURS" A PERMANENT AGENDA and activity and not an isolated event.

One of the goals is to establish 37 "ENTREPRENEUR LABORATORIES" in ALL THE STATES of Nigeria.

This vision starts this year as part of our 60th year Independence Anniversary with the selection of 60 young people with workable creative ideas, skills, vision from the 6 GEOPOLITICAL ZONES on the basis of their entries submitted via the www.nigeriaat60.com.ng

The successful ones will attend the 60th INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY ENTREPRENEUR BOOT CAMP and thereafter will be given STARTUP CAPITALS OR BUSINESS SUPPORT FUND to take off under guided application of the funds and operational supervision.

The objectives of this initiative in the short and long term is the interest and well being of our people and nation as we approach the new decade, lest we ignore the imminent implications of a nation under threat of socio economic disruptions if we do not act fast to arrest the drift.

Growing up my grandmother used to tell us in my Ekiti dialect, " han a wi uku i lode, kan gbode re uku" meaning literally "we cannot cede our streets to death because they say death is stalking the streets"



Well COVID-19 seems to have to a large extent challenged this wise saying from my grandmother, albeit momentarily depending on what we do from now and henceforth with the situation we have found ourselves in.



COVID-19 that happened on us is undeniable now! What do we do with it is the question?



To a greater majority it caught us pants down, save for the video that showed President Barack Obama talk about the likelihood of a pandemic that is flu like, and he predicted that this may happen between five and ten years, so this clearly validates the fact that the intelligence community of some "big-boy" nations knew that something was afoot.



Naturally they did not share the info, no heads up, and when it happened for some reason they have casualties in tens of thousands and Africa is dealing with losses painfully so too but not posting the figures from the big-boy nations.



We can say we were caught napping because we were not privy to the information and sadly too those who were and hoarded the info, regrettably did not work on it, and today they will not say the fault is in their stars, but here we are paying for a meal we did not partake in.



Now that we are at this point, as I said on a National Television station yesterday, we must domesticate our action, we cannot continue to lap up the cut and paste methodologies of coping with CORONA VIRUS as handed to us.



Its time for us to own our response and stop REACTING!!!



Virtually all we know and work with by way of information and knowledge were handed down and not one thing in terms of response has evolved generically from within and among us in Africa. Not one.



We woke up to directives from others that we should wash our hands frequently,even times for 20 seconds, that we should wear masks, self isolate, social distancing, quarantine and the ultimate prize LOCKDOWN strategy!



Now my worry is that the Lockdown which is the most far reaching of the "directives" handed down is not very compatible with us as Africans, it does not match up with our lives, in principle, pattern and not informed or supported by our socio-economic realities!



But Lockdown we must. Little wonder why today the society is bursting at the seams because it's strange to us to stay locked in!!!, indeed it's when they say we should stay inside that our pristine nature pushes us out!!! That's us!.



We have a lot of homeless people , whose bed spaces are makeshift kiosks that doubles up in the day as "stands" for itinerant food sellers and when night falls becomes the "homes" of many people at the various motor parks.



In other climes , there are homeless people mostly on drugs, but not as many as we have in this part of the world, and somehow they still have a working social security system that knows them and has provision for them every week, that offers not only actual economic reprieve but psychological buffer against hopelessness.



In many African nations, such a near perfect social security system does not exist, and where it does like in Nigeria, it is fraught with irregularities and the absurdity of a bloated register, sometimes burdened by corruption. But Lockdown we must.



So in determining the efficacy of such any strategy, it is clear that the structure to build the Lockdown strategy upon as it is elsewhere does not exist here in Africa. So its a mismatch, that can only serve momentarily not enduringly.



Then about 80% of the 1.4 billion Africans have subsistence lifestyle, their livelihood is dependent on what they do during the day, from cart pushing, through Cab driving to local hair dresser, barbers, newsvendors, masons, painters, Students, Bludgeoning populationof unemployedand underemployed, to "Mama Put" restauranteurs etc to all of these people Lockdown as a strategy is seen as punishment i.e depriving them the opportunity to access and earn legitimate income to keep themselves and families alive, but Lockdown we must.



Now in many countries in Africa, governments are grappling with growing citizen resistance, restlessness and managing that may be difficult in the days ahead, going by what we now see on the streets with attacks on vehicles conveying food items during the day and attacks on neighbourhoods that seems to belong to those perceived as more immune to the consequences of the Lockdown strategy.



Now as at today, nobody can safely tell what will happen next after the next lock down date, another extension? how do we measure the impact of Lockdown? when it did not prevent death of thousands in more organised countries?



But what I know is that with the resistance that is brewing now, the policemen drafted to enforce the lock down will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of people that will over run them in an event of another lockdown extension. Let's prepare for that. And we do not need high handed treatment of citizens who are already groaning under the weight of this pandemic as it is.



A minor drama happened in Abuja, Nigeria, where a grown up man was being restrained by security operatives from going into town , coming from the suburbs, the man simply went berserk and stripped his clothes to his butts screaming , how do I feed my family? You say I should stay at home? What will i eat?It's obvious that the man believes that it's better to run away from hunger than from CORONA VIRUS.



So we have reacted enough, it's time to respond,and this is where my grandmother's statement comes in handy!



We simply cannot abandon our lives and our world to Corona, as morbidly cruel as it is, the reality is that how long can our safety be guaranteed in our homes , if our streets remain unsafe?



God forbid that death begins to knock on our doors since we are all ensconed in our homes!,



Death in this instance from massive hunger, (that palliatives cannot handle) death from inability of the sick to access medicare, because of Lockdown or afford their medications, death from poor electricity in our homes to power fans in this very hot weather, death from frustrations, feeling of hopelessness or helplessness or both and above all death from armed robbers who will do anything to survive! Their victims are defined by the neighborhoods and appearances.



Definitely death will stalk us.



So it's time to respond, based on and motivated and informed by our realities as Africans, from socio economic to cultural and even politically.



For me the way out is to push the borders and boundaries of strategies foisted on us from other climes causing us to react permanently as against responding.



We must not react perpetually which is what we have been doing with adoption of all the strategies that have been handed down from other climes, suggesting that we are not a thinking lot.



Now there is the unseen strategy that the guys who passed down the present strategies that we are adopting today, will never tell us or encourage us to do.



They will never report that or put them up for discussion until they succeed and then we become either guinea pigs or further slip in Africa's comfort zone of age long dependence on others for solutions to her problems, insatiable palate for quick fixes!



This is the strategy of getting local scientists and researchers to go into aggressive research, this is one strategy that is always kept in the background.



As at today, there is nothing to suggest that Africans believe that they have capacity or capability to handle their own problems , rather they wait for somebody from somewhere else to figure out the solution to their problems!



This is one of the biggest shameful attributes of Africans today.



It took a Bill and Melisa Gate to champion the cause of polio vaccination in Africa, the unfolding events are telling now, that this may not be altruistic afterall in the light of the revelations about Bill Gates tacit support for the evil "#depopulation #philosophy"that will reduce the population of Africans to 500million!



He has admitted to funding five organisations to produce vaccines against Corona VIRUS! He is not interested in vaccines against other medical challenges, this new foray and enterprise are both driven by mercantilism and #morbid #masochism.



Africa must not forget the vaccination test where innocent children from Northern Nigeria were the Guinea pigs and they died in thousands from the consequences of the administration of that vaccine.



Who knows the fate that awaits Africans when Bill Gates vaccines are concluded, already two french sadists doctors have identified Africa as a place to run the tests, which is being protested against weakly, and Democratic Republic of Congo already indicated acceptance.



So why won't Africans pick up the gauntlet?



And save Africans from those who run with the hare and hunt with the hounds?Those who show up like helping us to dry our wet clothes but are the ones really encouraging the water conduit that makes us wet!



Why must we wait on others to find solutions for us? Since Ebola outbreak about five years ago, Africa has lacked the initiative to find a vaccine or an effective, efficient and potent treatment plan or management regime for this monstrous death laden virus five years later? We are waiting on other people!!



Shamelessly Africans have not deemed it fit to conquer our age long Malaria till date! Malaria and polio are still killer diseases in Africa.



Incidentally a drug called COTEXCIN was manufactured in China! for Africa about ten years ago, and guess what? The raw materials for the production came from nowhere else but you know it, AFRICA! Now shipped to us for consumption.



Nigerian government formally introduced and launched the drugs when the Chinese brought back the medication to us. I know their agents.



Now we are here now, what are we going to do with this?



The truth is that within this whole morbid and surreal situation lies some opportunities and the first is that Africans must quit the dependency mentality, where all we do is depend on others for solutions to our problems from badly skewed Aids and loans to Relief materials and all manner of interventions for survival.



This must stop, that is one of the inherent lessons that must not be lost on the leaderships on the continent from the COVID-19 malady.



Now two clear basics moving forward.



Firstly, all of the strategies handed down to us and that we have imbibed WILL NOT END CORONA VIRUS!!!



The aggregate expected value proposition of all these strategies is to reduce incidents, and incidences and occurrences until such a time that we either have a vaccination or safe medications to treat it! Pure and Simple.



Now that we do know that these are the two ends of the spectrum, vaccines or medication for treatment, so what is Africa doing to connect with these reality?



We have heard of several home remedies and all sorts of claims from people, its worrisome that our consciousness is not awake to the fact that the guys undertaking research into vaccines and drugs outside of Africa do not have two heads!



Why won't we just develop an aggressive strategy that is home grown from Africa, using Africa natural endowments for liberation of Africans should by now be a front burner strategy that we cannot afford to ignore or make light of.



Why must we wait for solutions from outside of Africa and be so dependent, while our people keep languishing through these painful times, when we also could try to seize the moment and use this opportunity to lead the world?



I am certainly convinced that Africans with the right incentives can find a way out of these, if the right environment is created.



It is time to think of responding and stop REACTING, Africa must seize the moment and break this dependence hold and appendage effigy mentality image that we have all regretably cut.



We have this moment to seize.



And we must do it Now, lest we again lose a moment to further deepen the meaning of our independence and earn the respect that our sovereignty should naturally attract.



#Congressman #Bimbo #Daramola

#Abuja.

#3rd Week of #COVID-19 #Lockdown.

#AFRICA2020 - #ONEUNITEDAFRICA EXTENDS LOVE AS THE CONVENER AND CREW DISTRIBUTES RELIEF MATERIALS TO THE LESS-PRIVILEDGED TO AMELIORATE THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 STAYATHOME ORDER.

ONLY LIVING AFRICANS CAN BE UNITED.

Unarguably, at the last sound from the barrels of guns of the World War II, it would appear NO plague has wrecked havoc on planet earth like the novel CORONA VIRUS otherwise called COVID-19. The World is simply in turmoil!

With the Chinese claim of quarantine (total isolation) being the major arsenal deployed to achieving early flattening of the infection's curve, the entire globe isn't just on lock down today, every nation of the World seemed to be locked up.

Unfortunately, the stay at home and social/physical distancing orders have impacted the vast majority of Nigerian population who operates in the informal sector and so, earn their meager incomes on daily basis too badly.

Concerned about the plight of the indigent populace and the most vulnerable of our societies; the #OneUnitedAfrica Foundation, as part of her mandate to use love, care and spirit of traditional African communality to unite Africans but starting back home, were led by her #Convener #Congressman #Bimbo #Daramola to distribute food items and other relief materials in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

The crew and volunteer participants who were dressed in customised 'T' Shirts were seen handing out well-packaged bags of palliative materials to cushion the effects of the pang of hunger on residents, some of who have stayed indoors for close to two weeks with stock of provisions, essentials and groceries that was inadequate, ab initio

Talking about hunger, fragile residents who most probably have ran out of food supplies rushed out of their homes to partake of the largesse. But for our crew and security arrangements, the large and surging crowd almost outstretch all our plans to maintain the social distancing policy.

Recipients were seen appreciating the gesture and praying God should bless the organisers even as they wish many other spirited Nigerians and indeed, the Government would "come to their Macedonia and help them".

#OneUnitedAfrica #Crew, most of who are young and agile youths, couldn hide their joy having been mobilised earlier, motivated and waited for a time like this to unleash their energies and interest to serve humanity.

We believe that you cannot unite the dead, only the living can imbibe the spirit of Unity that the #ONEUNITEDAFRICA goal is set to achieve.

Signed:
Lanre ARIBISALA
Director, Public Communications
#ONEUNITEDAFRICA

Mitigating the Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic and Preparing for Ramadan

Concerned about the plight in homes and families occasioned by the stay at home order and its attendant lose of revenue from shut down businesses coupled with the annual practice of offering assistance to adherents of Islam towards an easier Ramadan, I Mohammed Umar Bago, Legislator representing the good people of Chachanga Federal Constituency of Niger State have procured eleven (11) Trailer loads of Rice for distribution in the eleven Wards that make up my constituency.

The COVID-19 scourge which is a national and world threatening calamity respects neither the cross nor the crescent just as the pang of hunger also doesn't discriminate among political parties. Though we have made our contributions as Legislators to the National coffer, I cannot do but extend my outreach of helping hands to my immediate constituents.

I feel and identify with the pains of my people and this token which is to be distributed with fairness and equity devoid of any political sentiment, is to demonstrate my solidarity and reassure my constituents that this time shall, of certainty, pass.

I appreciate my constituents for their patience and cooperation with the government's directives on the instructions and modalities put in place to curb the spread of coronavirus in Niger State.

We must continue to maintain social distancing, stay safe and healthy, washing our hands regularly with soap and water as we pray to Almighty Allah for divine intervention.

Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago
Chairman House Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa
April 6, 2020.

Thank You Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila:- Please Do Not Wake Me Up From This Dream - Congressman Bimbo Daramola.

The video of a woman surfaced on the social media about three days ago, the video showed a frustrated and exasperated woman, sweating profusely, slapping her legs as she spoke.

She was angry. She begged and begged. Unsure that any one would listen, she just needed to speak before busting.

Severally she exclaimed in pidgin English, "..#wetin! #wetin!! #make #una #help #us #now! Make una help us now! Haba... she screamed as she went on and on.

Her visage was that of another helpless and hapless Nigerian, in the throes of despondency and in despair.

When I saw the video, my heart sank and broke, because I said to myself, if I were back in the parliament, it certainly would have elicited another angry Mr. Speaker....Point of Order motion from me.

Sometimes what the ordinary Nigerian wants is a leadership that listens, that can emphatise, if not sympathetic. That can connect with the realities of the less powerful.

Nigerians, the ordinary ones like me want a leadership whose body language and attitude does not convey exploitation of our "ordinariness" but meek enough to admit that we are at the very worst, base human beings, like those in the privileged class, we understand that positions may confer privileges and perks but we want our leaders to show sensitivity.

This I believe was what the Speaker of the House of Representatives demonstrated about two days ago.

I saw Speaker Gbajabiamila looking a little bit scruffy, I must commend his minders for that picture, he cut the image of a man who most likely had been in isolation too, and he was not wearing flowing Agbada of the privileged class, not clean shaven, rather spotted a light green shirt, two top buttons off, that cuts the image of a man also in our kind of situation, like one of us.

Mr Speaker had called a meeting of four people, even as the house is in recess, that must be acknowledged, I cannot recognise any of them at the meeting from the video, but I later read that those in attendance included Minister of Power and Representatives of the GENCOS and DISCOS.

Mr. Speaker did what he should do, he opened the meeting with that same video of the ordinary Nigerian shouting and lamenting...obviously with that he scored a hat trick! He was speaking for the people!!!

He had discharged the burden of the house of Representatives and the people that he leads as numero uno.

He had taken the burden of the people as their number one representative and convened that meeting at the instance of the angry vituperation of that Nigerian, expressive of millions others.

That is what a representative should do. He had discharged the understanding and the expectation of that office even without the house being in session, or any resolutions of the house from plenary at this instance.

The Minister of Power responded and I heard the Speaker pleaded, "....you cannot say the people should be at home and they are kept without light..., which is a way of saying , if they stock up for two weeks, the food will surely go bad, apart from the unbearable heat from the atmosphere and their pockets, the speaker must have meant.

I did not think much will come out of the "#moralsuation" sitting of the "#onemanmemberplenary".

But two days later I can attest to it that that #one #man #plenary worked!

When I saw that video, I just added my comment, I added ...hmmm.... this is my story! And I shared it, honestly not expecting too much out of it.

I live in an area of town that can best be described as one of the relics and vestiges of the decimated and disappearing "middle class" in Abuja.

For three months I have been under the burden of running my generator for 8hours daily! I was creaking under that financial burden and it became worse when the stay at home order was passed before the Presidential lock in and lock down.

My generator was under the pressure of running for more hours now as we all had to stay at home! Mehhnnnn... I was going bonkers! My blood was boiling daily.

This was the topic of discussion with anyone who calls me, the tiny hole that was being drilled in my stretched pocket as an IDP(if you know, you know) was becoming a gaping one.

The now permanent ZZzzzzzzz sound was making me cranky sun up to sun down, and there was no reprieve in sight or so it seemed.

Before then it was same scenario from office to my home and vice versa! Without any reprieve in sight or so I thought.

And BOOM last night , I decided to go stretch my bones and got back at 8pm. As I made the last turn to my street, I did not hear the various musical tenor notes from the different generators of my neighbours "singing in different keys" under the influence of their different sizes, years of usage and the flogging they had received some accompanied by fumes bellowed into our space like a factory.

I saw that the houses around had electricity, I was shocked and not excited, I just hissed but noticed it, under my breath I cursed " "awon were!!" ki lari"? Because I knew it will be short lived.

So I hissed and went to take a bath as I kicked of my work out gear. I got into the bathroom, and was expecting the light to go off, the light was on, Haha, i came out, light was on, opened my fridge, I found a cold beer, I said Haha, is this man on duty today? Abi he forgot? Or someone holding him hostage? Well, still not excited.

I was in this mood and I slept off as I was catching up with the spiking figures of CORONA VIRUS nationwide.

I woke up at 5.23am. My generator was not buzzing, that of my neighbours were not, the environment was quiet and sane, my room was cool, and I tapped myself to "wake me up again"

And then I began to ask how did this happen? What has gone wrong not right!

The ONLY INTERVENTION that I could remember was the meeting of Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila at the instance of that wailing woman in the video about "..make una help us.

Mr Speaker, even without being in plenary, without a point of order from any member, or personal explanation or intervention by way of petition by a member on behalf of any constituent, you took responsibility and intervened as number one representative that has the entire nation as your constituency by reason of your position. This is very salutary sir.

Reminded me of my time with you as minority leader, leader of opposition at the 7th house, when we fought on the side of the people, you have showed that streak in this instance again.

I must thank you for being so responsive, to listen to us as prompted by that video, you have discharged the duty and obligation thrusted upon you well with this intervention.

I am not sure where this woman resides, but I hope she also has this cheery story to tell, her social media protest has brought me and my neighbours such a reprieve, I hope more Nigerians by extension, I want to thank you Madam for not keeping quiet.

That's why keeping quiet sometimes immolates us.

I dont know how long this relief will be for, but for this one night, I on behalf of many who are in the same boat want to say thank you again to Mr Speaker, of course to the woman who protested, the Minister who promised to take the issue up with Central Bank Governor, the Central Bank Governor who I believed also must have acted promptly to release money to the GENCOs I guess . Thank y'all.

It's amazing the difference that a sensitive and responsive leadership can make in the life of ordinary people, this is actually what is needed to rebrand the parliament into the warm embrace of the often very and over indulgent followership that we are as Nigerians.

Speaker Gbajabiamila has showed that and I cannot but acknowledge it.

I certainly will not take it for granted, if you had not, last night would have been like the others before it and the mobile diesel supplier would have been tapping my gate for fresh supplies now, knowing what I had gone through in the past three months.

As I said, without being pessimistic,I dont know how long this will be for, but I want to enjoy this moment.. I am going back to bed.

They still have not taken it yet.

#Congressman #Bimbo #Daramola
#Abuja
#Nigeria

Your Reputation of building people to fulfil their destinies is a purpose that you have found and take delight in giving all of yourself to.

History is replete with examples.

Our terrain is dotted by men and women whose rise today is intrinsically linked with meeting you. And their stories took a turn for the better.

These alone are permanent footprints in the sands of time. That No revisionist can change, they can only deny it.

There are many today whose journeys would have been different , maybe not glowingly as they are today without that Asiwaju quotient.

Today if we celebrate you for being a political war horse, we will be correct, if we celebrate you for your political intuition , it will be justified , if we celebrate you for your political sagacity, we will be on point, but today the greatest basis for celebrating you is because your greatness is rooted in building people and taking them closer to their dreams and making them fulfilled souls.

It is on the basis of this that I most respectfully join your family, friends and numerous admirers to celebrate you for earning your place in the right places, in the lives of men.

Because life is nothing without purpose, to have known and related with you closely is a great privilege, having drank out of your fountain of resilience in the face of adversity, and staying on track when all else look bleak.

Your life among others bear eloquent testimony to and exemplifies pursuit of conviction, standing up for what one believes in and giving it the best shot.

I recall how you led us from opposition, two decades ago committing all, giving that well defined goal all, when we were down to one state and you navigated and walked us steadily under your shield, led us back to reckoning of having 6 states and then working with others to the centre.

Your days and years as that one Governor that survived holocaust in the western geopolitical zone, and went on to recalibrate Lagos sufficiently enough to occupy her place and not to depend on Abuja are stories awaiting to be told for generations to learn from, the sure foundation that you laid for the rebirth of Lagos State. It can only be an Asiwaju to be that daring.

Your imprints are deep and bold for generations to come.

Happy Birthday our own Jagaban Borgu, the only Jagaban of Africa.

I join millions to celebrate you Sir and wish you more years of making men and helping them to fulfil purpose and that way fulfilling yours.

Happy Birthday sir. Many Happy Returns

#Congressman #Bimbo #Daramola
March 29 2020
Abuja.

#OneUnitedAfrica’s 1000 Man March Postponed

WORLD RENOWNED LITERARY #
GIANT; PLAYWRIGHT AND NOVELIST, FIRST AFRICAN NOBEL LAUREATE IN LITERATURE AND QUINTESSENTIAL AFRICAN ELDERSTATESMAN, PROF. #WOLE SOYINKA ENDORSES AFRICA2020 - #ONEUNITEDAFRICA.

The first African Nobel laureate; Global icon of African extraction; our own literary giant of no mean repute Professor Wole Soyinka, W.S. or Kongi as he is fondly called, endorsed the ONE UNITED AFRICA efforts at Pan African rennaisance.

Receiving the team, He was his usual frank elements, at home with the subject and purpose of the moment. He was professorial, cerebral, pungent, versatile and deeply informed on Pan African issues through the ages.

His expansive knowledge and depth would leave anybody awestruck.

Dissecting today's Pan Africanism realities, prospects and challenges; the roles played by our forebears and proponents of a united continent, W.S had no hesitation in expressing his believe and support for the rennaisance of the pristine ideals of a united Africa.

He has reservations, though, on the philosophical and ideological conflict between some of the leaders that wrestled Africa from the claws of colonialism and the successor generation of political leaders.

Prof. Wole Soyinka did not mince words about his love for Africa as a whole, blacks or "white" but worried about the cultural dichotomy between Africans, southern or northern of the Sahara.

He urged the youth population that is estimated to be 64% of Africa's entire population to be more active, involved and pragmatic, equipped to interrogate the seeming aloofness of some of today's political leadership, as one of the factors that can help the rennaisance crusade.

Agreeing that the dangers of a disunited and perennially conflict prone region would catch up with everyone somehow someday, he counselled Africa's millennia generation not to give-up.

Kongi, in his frankness reiterated his belief in Africa's future, and encourages generational trust and concern in activities on the motherland.

He counsels the consideration of Africa's rich culture and tourism as veritable vehicles to push back the frontlines of the stumbling blocks to Pan African ideals, a view which is in tandem with the #PEOPLE TO #PEOPLE #ENGAGEMENT #PARADIGM as being canvassed by the ONE UNITED AFRICA agenda team.

W.S himself, four times victim of hostilities, that he believes bothered on resentment from an airport in Africa, inspite of his position and status, he wondered how people of lesser public profile have coped or are coping. He opined that we can brave the odds and scale the debilitating obstacles in the way of a more united Africa.

In endorsing the #AFRICA2020 and her #ONEUNITEDAFRICA crusade for the rennaisance of Pan Africanism, Prof. Wole Soyinka acknowledged the vision and determination of the team and the Convener, for deeming it necessary within limited resources and conflicting alternatives to think and work for the renaissance of Pan African spirit of brotherhood, to reunite Africa with a view to make brothers, brothers again.

The #AFRICA2020: #ONEUNITEDAFRICA Agenda had received endorsements from, two former Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, their Excellencies, Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR), Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR), The first President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, Former Secretary General Commonwealth, the first and only black till date, His Excellency, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, His Excellency, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoferry Onyeama, Federal Legislator, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Cooperation and Intergration in Africa, Hon. Umaru Mohammed Bago representing Chanchanga Federal Constituency of Niger State, Hon. Shina Abiola Peller, Federal Legislator representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency of Oyo State, and Showbiz impressario, His Excellency, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Former President, Africa Business Round Table, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, Basorun Dele Momodu, Publisher, Ovation Magazine International, Mr. Segun Adeniyi, Ace Journalist and Former Presidential Spokesperson, House of Representatives Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, and Federal Ministry of Information and Culture.


Signed:
Lanre ARIBISALA
Director, Public Communications
#ONEUNITEDAFRICA

A writer once said if you can think it, you will see it.

The Right Step Forward: Brothers Rediscover Themselves.

Its a Brand New Day.. Thank you, Your Excellency #President #Cyril #Rhamaphosa.

At every juncture where the opportunity presented itself, we were quick to remind everyone of the inherent opportunities in a United Africa.

Today we are taking steps toward that vision for the very first time since the outbreak of XENOPHOBIA attacks last year and early this year, all eyes had been on South Africa.

Now fast track to the election of President Cyril Rhamaphosa as the chairman African Union, rising from the 33rd General assembly in February 2020.

I was quick to post that all eyes are on President Ramaphosa and how he will handle the issue of black on black violence in Africa.

Today, the new chairman of Africa Union has discharged the burden well with the appointment of Mrs Okonjo Iweala, a distinguished Nigerian, certified and acclaimed global recovery economist, as the head of the economic recovery team of the republic of south africa.

Now there are a number of perspectives to this seemingly simple act of President Ramaphosa.

1. Is Mrs Okonjo Iweala the only person who could do this job? Absolutely No!

2. Are we saying there are no well known and respected South African economists? No

3. Is this not thesame South Africa where Nigerians were killed and displaced just last year, 500 of them voluntarily left, a country labelled for XENOPHOBIA. The answer is Yes.

Now President Ramaphosa if not profoundly intuitive may have allowed some people to shoot down the choice of Mrs Okonjo Iweala, using primordial sentiments of not a being South African but he rose above it.

This is not enough to say the appointment was given solely because Mrs Iweala is the only one that can do the job, or that she is an African, but inspite of that President Ramaphosa did not allow attempts to further rip Africans apart to gain traction by going for her.

Now by this simple action, He has dealt XENOPHOBIA a huge blow at least somewhat, but this message, this must therefore become the pivot for other interventions upon which the healing of the relationship between the two countries I.e Nigeria and South Africa must be predicated.

Yes the appointment would have been informed first and foremost because Mrs Okonjo Iweala has what it takes to navigate South Africa out of recession and the implications on the people, businesses and government of South Africa, but she could not have been the only person who can do the job!

By this symbolic and reality informed decision, President Ramaphosa has at least scored a hat trick goal that will suggest that resentment of other blacks PARTICULARLY Nigerians in South Africa named XENOPHOBIA as the world witnessed in September last 2019, that his government may not be complicit as many thought.

Unfortunately that sad incidents coincided with World Economic Forum, when the world was looking at Africa.

There is benefit of the doubt now that can now convey the impression that XENOPHOBIA is not a state policy as it was almost being perceived, because South Africa's policemen are said to look on or look the other way when other nationals were being attacked and those arrested were released just a few minutes later, not to talk of the popular video of the Senior police officer who instead of condemning the xenophobic attacks rather chose to gloat in justification.

By this need driven appointment, which ultimately would come with expectations of a quick turn around of the economy of South Africa by leveraging on the OKONJO IWEALA BRAND and the EQUITY that the brand can deliver, the appointment provides a very good opportunity to harvest more from the main product, the values desirable from the distillate coming from the major extraction process is very complementary.

When we started the #ONEUNITEDAFRICA project aimed at healing and restoring Africans to the pristine position of brothers and sisters, we clearly set before us, adopted, and canvassed a #PEOPLE #TO #PEOPLE #ENGAGEMENT #PARADIGM.

We opined that people to people engagement holds great prospects of healing of the fractures on the continent, this is a good example of that.

Yes this may be a high level intervention that may not be easily digested or digestible by the guys on the streets, who may not have access to TV or Facebook(I doubt much) but the truth is that at some point they will hear it on radio that a Nigerian woman is one of the people saddled with the responsibility of restoring the economic fortune of the People of South Africa. That must be emphasized and reechoed

Hopefully if the recovery of the economy of South Africa is not assured and tied to an Okonjo working with others within the limits of human projection, I do not think Mrs Iweala will be hired as a turn around kid for this herculean task that the lives of many depend on regardless of wether you are Zulus or Xhosa or any other four major tribe.

I am sure none of those who have imbibed the evil philosophy of black hating blacks will call Mrs Okonjo Iweala a "#kwerekwere" after working with others assiduously to get food back to the tables of many South Africans!

And so on this auspicious step, I want to salute the need motivated courage of President Cyril Ramaphosa, and ask him most respectfully to build on this step, to use this giant decision to the maximum, because perception is one of the greatest attributes of valour.

Let this appointment signal the dawn of a new day not only among Nigerians and South Africans, but a key to further unlock the yet untapped humongous opportunities inherent in a peaceful but united Africa.

Let the message go out that economics will not get better if we are not united, infact hostility is antithetical to any form of development

Lastly let this be the moment in history that Africans will find their ways back to the philosophy of Pan Africanism which we have stridently canvassed over the past eight months as couched in the ONE UNITED AFRICA RENNAISSANCE VISION.see www.oneunitedafrica.org

I rejoice because our vision and effort has secured a renewed commitment and impetus.

We can only ask for more Africans to recall our shared history as the polevault to launch us into the realisation of the dreams that the forebears of this continent lived and died for.

This is the reason why we have picked the baton to #crusade, #mobilise, #conscientise the new generation of Africans in order to raise an #informed, #educated and #reflective #successor #generation that will hold the banner aloft and keep the vision alive.

But most importantly resting on our shared history bring the Pan African vision to deliver maximum impact for the peoples of Africa.

This is the best way to #immortalise the #Patriachs who have departed and their works while #celebrating the very few vestiges who are still alive.

This is the spirit behind the #ONEUNITEDAFRICA- #AFRICA2020 #crusade.

Please join us as we prepare for the "#MARCH FOR #MOTHERLAND event on MARCH 31st 2020 in Abuja Nigeria.

Join the Whatzapp group today +2348035147491

Share . Like . Comment on all our social media handles today.

#Viva #Africa.

It's a new day Africa.

Join us today to achieve the #ONEUNITEDAFRICA dream

#Congressman #Bimbo #Daramola
For: ONE UNITED AFRICA
7th March 2020.

I have read and learnt that you must not cede the ground to evil because when you do, it festers.

And evil festers it takes territories, become entrenched and more difficult to uproot. It takes no prisoners .

The fate and fortune of the continent of Africa cannot be realised no matter what we do if we do not lock hands to restore the unity that the forebears of this continent unequivocally committed themselves to way back in 1945.

Now could time have paled into insignificance the vision of one UNITED Africa as they fought for?

Does the realities that Africans face today not compel us to revisit the vision of our forebears? So how has the sporadic conflicts and incidences of sporadic violence that has been inflicted made it a better place to prosper.

All manner of violence from ethnic to gender, to xenophobia and other have restrained us to a point where a black man in Ghana is morbidly suspicious of another blackman in Nigeria, South Africans are growing intolerant of their brothers in Zimbabwe, Somalis are affected in Angola .

This is not the picture that our forebears saw way back in 1945 at that meeting in Manchester, from which they all rose in one accord charged by the words of Kwame Nkrumah that every one should go and prepare their states for independence.

The Independent states became countries as we now have them and 70 years later Africans are making Africa hostile to themselves while those who kept them in Chains walk free and benefit from ripping us apart.

This is the mission that we have chosen to roll back the hands of the clock on, we must see ourselves beyond individuals and different nationals but be guided by our heritage and historical realities.

If we do not we will all be back in our chains!!

We will be victims politically, economically, materially, socially and culturally because divide we fall UNITED we stand.

Historically have we forgotten the gate of no return? Have we forgotten how our fore fathers slaves it out on sugar plantations and how they were sold and traded like common animals?

So all these realities must drown and when it does are we going to rewrite our history?

This is the charge that we have committed ourselves ultimately to. Criminals abound from all races, Pan Africanism does not shield crime and criminals, we must subject criminals to trials and fair hearing wherever they misbehave but one thing we MUST not do is criminalise being black anywhere on the continent of Africa.

All the factors that still typify Africa as a continent still struggling to take her place in the 21st century particularly conflicts and violence must be frontally dealt with.

It is time for Africans from Daesalam to Durban , Lagos to Lesotho, Cassablanca to Capetown to go back in time and reflect deeply about how Africa has fared since 1945..

It is time for brothers to be brothers again, Sisters to be Sisters again.

There must be a reason why Africa is the only continent called the MOTHERLAND, and when family members, brothers against brothers, nieces versus nieces, nephews at the throat of nephews , all are locked in any form of intractable violence and conflict, we would either allow our prized porcelain pots to fall to the ground and shatter into pieces or strangers will walk into our home and leave with our prized patrimony.

We at #ONEUNITEDAFRICA have therefore decided to herald our #PEOPLE TO #PEOPLE initiatives with a #1000 #man #MARCH #FOR #MOTHERLAND in MARCH!

This is the break of a long walk into our future as Africans, this is not a campaign it is a crusade where all Africans must be evangelists.

We need to confront our realities, imagine 54 cousins on the continent hating themselves for any reason? Whatever prosperity that we are focusing on at the expense of our unity will be imperilled.

A hostile environment is antithetical to development.

We are therefore taking the crusade to the streets where the real people are outside of the cozy rooms of diplomats reserved for fine "diplomatese" and bilateral palliatives.

We must conscientise ourselves, moderate our extreme positions by our shared history, we must raise a new generation of 21st century Pan Africanists, among the mobile phone driven millennials, we want to inform, educate, enlighten and sensitise the young people, thereby close the yawning gap between the Nyereres and the young ones of the information age glued to #instagraming", #twitting and "#Facebooking"

This is the charge.

When they say blacks dont crack it means much more than the melanin laden tensile strength of our skin!

We lose our identity , our pride is gone.

Join us as we plan and prepare for this great event.

Let's lock hands and #march for #Mama. This is a noble duty.

One United Africa is our umbrella from the rains of uncertainty, it is our shield against fiery darts, it's our refuge and habitation against the uncertainties and vagaries of a fascist world.

For details please chat on whazap the number on the flier. +2348035147491.

Please join the crusade on all our platforms

#FACEBOOK- ONEUNITEDAFRICA

#INSTAGRAM- ONEUNITEDAFRICA

#TWITTER - ONEUNITEDAFRIC

#WEBSITE. - www.oneunitedafrica.org

#LIKE. #SHARE. #COMMENT.

- WE ARE SAVING OURSELVES.

Thank you and see you there.

#Congressman #bimbo #Daramola
March 2: 2020

Saturday 15th of February 2020 ends the registration process for the 1000 young beneficiaries of BAGO Foundation Stream 14, year 2020 Free JAMB/UTME.

The process began on 14th of January with distribution of template forms to source for beneficiaries/applicants across the wards and neighbouring communities of Chanchaga Federal Constituency of Niger State.

Our diligent screening task certify that candidates met the required grade of O'Level result to secure admission into any higher institutions of learning. Therefore, all non-qualified applicants were substituted to set the seal on a complete 1,000 young beneficiaries of this educational and human development initiative.

Subsequently, distribution of JAMB Vended Pin to qualified candidates was done on 4th February at BAGO Foundation Office, Minna and allocation of candidates to JAMB Accredited CBT Registration Centres to commence their thumbprint and complete their registration.

The 2020 JAMB Computer-Based Test Examination will begin on Saturday, March 14 and end on April 4.

Ahead of the examination, we will communicate a date to all the 1,000 Beneficiaries for BAGO Foundation CBT Training, presenting the summary of the reading text(Sweet Sixteen, A coming of new age) and distribution of examination materials that will enhance proper preparation for these future generations of Niger State.

We want to appreciate the staff and management of JAMB Zonal Office, Maitumbi, Minna; staff of CBT Centres of Federal University of Technology, Gidan Kwano, Minna; officers of NSCDC and the Media for their cooperation and commendation.

Bravo to all volunteers of BAGO Foundation for their doggedness and tenacity and to everyone, group or associations that has contributed to the success of these exercise through Nassarawa A & B & C; Minna Central & South; Makera, Limawa A & B, Tundun Wada North & South, Sabon Gari and other communities of Chanchaga and environments, we say thank you.

Also, we salute the parents, guardians and all the 1,000 young beneficiaries for their resilience and perseverance in the face of network congestion. All we wish you is the best.

The desire of Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago is to see these young beneficiaries of Niger State extraction, perform excellently so as to further discover their maximum potentials and support them to achieve their dreams.

Please accept the assurance of Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago best regards always.

Coordinator
BAGO FOUNDATION
(Est. Since 2010)
16-02-2020

"...there was and still is a real hope for the Continent with the young people at the helm to succeed in the Pan-African dream if they (the young people) continue in their quest to build Africa".
    
Reliving his above evergreen quote, nonagenarian Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, the irrepressible "KK of Zambia" as he was fondly called received the Convener of the #AFRICA2020:#ONEUNITEDAFRICA, #Congressman #Bimbo #Daramola at residence in Lusaka where he endorsed the #ONEUNITEDAFRICA and the seven-pronged #PEOPLE TO #PEOPLE #engagement #paradigms its for delivery.

96 years old on his next birthday,on April 24, waxing strong, walks with little need for his walking stick or assistance, good bodily built, with very firm grip with his handshake, the man who led the Republic of Zambia to independence, one of the persons who attended the September 19th conference in 1945, where Kwameh Nkrumah charged all present to go lead the struggle for the independence of their respective "African states".

The retired first President of Zambia said "he is overwhelmed that there is a young man driving this huge vision, one who has taken up the challenge that he Kenneth Kaunda posed, when he asked and hoped for the enlistment of an assemblage of new, young men visionaries to build Africa and keep motherland afloat" through the Pan African vision.

Dr Kenneth Kaunda showed effusive emotions, upon the presentation of the #ONEUNITEDAFRICA vision that puts forward the rennaisance of Pan Africanism ideals as the vehicle for Africa's peace, unity and prosperity.

The sage, one of the vestiges and champions of Pan Africanism alongside the likes of Kwameh Nkrumah, said for the team to pick up the vision with the demonstrated passion for the restoration of Africa's essence, values, ideas and ideals, in his words "...this is a very inspiring and humbling experience for me.." as he pushed back a show of emotion.

Revered and referred to as the Ghandi of Africa, the freedom fighter, Kenneth Kaunda, who was imprisoned twice for struggles that started in 1949 to secure the independence of his country and liberation of the African people.

He became President of the Republic of Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) on the 24th October 1964 after fifteen torturous years of persistent agitation and relentless pressure.

He led the Pan African movement with other African Patriachs most of who later led their nations to independence such as #Kwame #Nkrumah, of #Ghana, #Jomo #Kenyatta of #Kenya, #Mwalimu #Julius #Nyerere of Tanzania, Dr. #Hastings #Banda of #Malawi, Chief #Obafemi #Awolowo of Nigeria.

Dr. Kenneth Kaunda's Pan-African passions was awakened during the Fifth Pan-African Congress in Manchester in the United Kingdom, held between 15th and 19th October, 1945 where the strategy to oust colonialism in Africa and the seed for a free and united Africa was planted.

The roll of endorsements for the crusade increased with this high profile African Patriarch evidenced by the presentation of the ONEUNITEDAFRICA insignia and emblems to Papa Kaunda, but the climax at Lusaka was the #Patriarchal #blessing and the "African Grandfather prayers and fortifications" on the Convener for success at the task on his and co-visioner's hands. It is a rarity.

The #AFRICA2020: #ONEUNITEDAFRICA Agenda had received endorsements from, two former Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, their Excellencies, Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR), Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR), Former Secretary General Commonwealth, the first and only black till date, His Excellency, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, His Excellency, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoferry Onyeama, Federal Legislator, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Cooperation and Intergration in Africa, Hon. Umaru Mohammed Bago representing Chanchanga Federal Constituency of Niger State, Hon. Shina Abiola Peller, Federal Legislator representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency of Oyo State, and Showbiz impressario, His Excellency, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Former President, Africa Business Round Table, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, Basorun Dele Momodu, Publisher, Ovation Magazine International, Mr. Segun Adeniyi, Ace Journalist and Former Presidential Spokesperson, House of Representatives Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, and Federal Ministry of Information and Culture.


Signed:
Lanre ARIBISALA
Director, Public Communications
#ONEUNITEDAFRICA

As we come closer to the end of the registration process for year 2020 Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) slated for 17th February 2020, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago has authorised that the 1,000 Free JAMB opportunities opened under the Bago Foundation should be completed for 1,000 young beneficiaries as declared earlier.

It will be recalled that BAGO Foundation issued out 1,000 Free JAMB Template forms for young beneficiaries across the 11 wards and neighboring communities of Chanchaga Federal Constituency of Niger state, the timeline for submission of forms and screening birthed 866 qualified candidates.

The 866 qualified candidates got their registration pin with enthusiasm at Bago Foundation Office on Tuesday 4th February 2020, where established and coordinated arrangement was made with two JAMB Accreditation CBT Registration Centres ;

1. JAMB Zonal Office CBT Centre, 3 Arms Zone, Maitumbi, Minna.

2. Federal University of Tech. CBT Centre, Gidan Kwano, Minna.

The beneficiaries were allocated to their registration centres according to their political wards and communities, and these ensured more relief in thumb-printing and timely completion of their registration.

The 144 Not-Qualified Applicants fall under the categories of Awaiting Result, Deficiency in O'Level and Late Submission of Forms. In his magnanimity as a man that walk his talk, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago has directed that the late forms be reconsidered for immediate registration and also make up the 1,000 Free JAMB Beneficiaries for Year 2020(Stream 14).

BAGO Foundation is committed to doing what is institutionalised that people can take value from, towards human and community development.

Coordinator
BAGO Foundation
(Est. Since 2010)

February 12, 2020

AFRICA2020- ONEUNITEDAFRICA - WE CAN ALL BE POTENTIAL VICTIMS OR VICTORS!

AS #HONOURABLE #SHINA ABIOLA PELLER; MEMBER HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND SHOWBIZ IMPRESSARIO ENDORSES THE ONE UNITED AFRICA.

Another critical voice was added to the vision to unite Africans yesterday, in person of a distinguished parliamentarian, from the Nigeria National Assembly, the House of the Nigerian People, the House of Representatives a.k.a the great green chamber in person of Honourable Shina Abiola Peller, the scion of the GREAT incomparable all time great entertainer to ever walked through the Nigerian entertainment landscape in person of Shina Peller(Snr.)

While alive he performed to the admiration of Nigerians, Africans and took Nigeria and Africa to the world.

It's no surprise when like a bolt from the blues Shina Peller ( jnr) emerged and took over the entertainment scene a little less than a decade ago with the birth of #QUILOX #NIGHTCLUB.

In a business landscape renowned for early mortality, NIGHTCLUB businesses have a relatively short life span but not Quilox, located at a highbrow area of Victoria Island, it has survived and waxing great due to the vision and resilience of this young Nigerian.

What #Nightshift Nightclub of the 70s and 80s , owned by Pharmacist turned club owner Mr Ken Caleb Olumense was to the Nigerian entertainment industry and night time business, Quilox has transformed and is today and much more.

Quilox is not a place for just fun and debauchery but a place where destinies are made, and ebbing careers get a rebound, and hundreds of direct employees and thousands of indirect employees owe their life lines and livelihoods to the tenacity of the young visionary Shina Peller's tenacity to keep Quilox running till date.

Today, Quilox stands undeniably taller than others in the sector, as one of the major feeders of the Nightime economy of Lagos state, it is a known fact countries that will do well must have a vibrant day and night time economy, the economic activities must never shut down, when a shift is closing another shift resumes.

Today some of the greatest Nigerian exports of the creative industry have great affiliation if not cutting their teeth and breaks from Quilox Nightclub, a vision of Shina Peller, as the #BunaBoys, #PastorRankings, #Davidos #Nairamarley etc, all of them find a warm embrace with Shina.

SP or Chairman as I call him and I first met couple of years ago, when we met at a birthday party of a mutual friend at Civic Centre, we sat at thesame table and you cannot miss his bright eyes, his vivacious self, and we got talking, before leaving he handed me an invite to the annual rebranding of his club.

The first thing you will notice about this youngman arts promoter, club owner turned politician is his eye for details, he never spares attention for details, I observed that first from that invite that he gave me. It was clean and compelling.

We then drifted by different life's journey until he won his election into the house of representatives in 2018,
i remember he had the first Constituency programme for his constituents very early into his tenure and I was there, oh Honourable Shina is loved by his people,he is in touch, his legendary warmth, generosity and affection oozed everywhere from knives to kings.

So when the idea to do something about the perennial outbreaks of violence and rising hostility started, and we felt this is a #PEOPLE TO #PEOPLE #crusade that must complement what Government is doing at the level of foreign Affairs, I knew we must get Hon Shina Peller on it.

When I ran it by him, in the early days, his busy schedules kept getting in the way and yesterday we eventually got this wrapped.

Hon SP spoke heartily about the need for CONTINENTAL reorientation as one of the keys to unite Africans, he said we must share our values correctly and heal the continent, observing that conflicts will never breed greatness.

He promised his fullest support.

Now for the #THEMESONG and the #4NATIONS #CHARITY #CONCERT, we can look forward to a great show , the biggest #CRUSADTAINMENT( crusade + entertainment) that will feature the biggest artists from the continent of Africa.

Whoever knows Shina, would agree that he does not spare, when he is into anything he pulls out the stops.

This is a crusade that is aimed at uniting the peoples of the continent and from this I see a CONTINENTAL giant arise #QUILOXAFRICA, it's one of the spin offs , that once we are united and stem the tide of hostility we can grow business that will be continental, so this may just be the beginning of Quilox from Lagos Nigeria to the continent.

This is one vision for every one to be a part of, we can ignore and be victims or unite and be victors.

Together we are safer.

#Congressman #bimbo #Daramola.

ONE AGENDA:- #ONEUNITEDAFRICA

As African leaders converge on Addis Ababa, the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Antonio Guterres said in describing the relationship between AU and the UN as one of the most important partnerships in the world said "..a partnership that is committed to responding to the anxieties and aspirations of the African people and having way for a better future for us all."

The above coming from the current Commonwealth Secretary General, whose predecessor in person of the first and only black Commonwealth Secretary General Chief #Emeka #Anyaoku had already fully endorsed this initiative, is very reassuring because this clearly attests to an undeniable fact that on the continent of Africa today the anxieties and aspirations are recognisable! And that it must be responded to, that way we will herald a better future for us all!

Now in a continent where there is veiled hatred and growing resentment, a manifestation of that was in September 2019, thesame week of World Economic Forum, consequent upon which many Africans lost their live unnecessarily, properties were destroyed, displacement of people , these are realities that will continue to fuel #anxieties and #compromise #aspirations to #CONTINENTAL #prosperity and well being.

As African leaders gather to discuss , the AFRICA 2020:#ONEUNITEDAFRICA crusade team wishes them very fruitful deliberations and hope that their interactions and discussions at personal and corporate levels will be very #frank, #contextual and #contemporary.

We cannot Afford a continent, hitherto referred to as MOTHERLAND by our forebears, that the predecessors of the current leaders dreamt, live and worked for become just a location where all that now takes the front burner today are only issues about enterprise, commerce and economic profiteering while annihilating the ideals of our pristine Pan Africanism that our forebears espoused.

There must be a non negotiable and undeniable, proven commitment and unshaken will to pursue and achieve the renaissance of a borderless Afrocentrism philosophy and in real terms from the deepest recesses of our hearts and rooted in our identity and our common history and heritage.

This is what the #Africa 2020:#ONEUNITEDAFRICA #crusade is all about.

Later this year, we will be presenting one million,(1,000,000) signatures behind this core objective with clear irreducible minimum demand to the AU to make Africa, every inch of the ground of the continent safe and secure for every African, that Africa will truly be home for Africans from Lagos to Lusaka, Cairo to Capetown.

Never again must Africans be criminalised for being Africans, Criminals and Crimes must be punished, because being an African does not make us criminals.

This continent cannot afford the seed of hate and resentment to grow, if we do and it grows to assume a fuller stature and status, then we are all imperilled, in one way or the other we will be victims!

Our wellbeing and wellness ECONOMICALLY, POLITICALLY, SOCIALLY, INDIVIDUALLY OR CORPORATELY is intrinsically linked to the unity among Africans.

We do not want to test that truism.

The extent of what happened in September 2020, the retaliatory action from Nigeria, the foreboding implications of deportation of Yvonne Chaka Chaka from Uganda on 31st December 2019, the masked resentment laden statements and snide remarks, retorts and repartee from some Africans about other African nationals must be terminated now.

We welcome and congratulate President #Cyril #Rhamaphosa as the new Chairman of the African Union, and his assumption of this position places a huge burden on his shoulders and more than ever before, all eyes are on him to live up to the expectations of this new role and the responsibility that comes with it.

President Rhamaphosa will be measured by the success he will achieve in terms of healing cracks in relationships and restoration of amity on the continent, and how fast we restore and relive the vision that we inherited from our foremost leaders on the continent, one of whom was his predecessor, the iconic MADIBA, President Nelson Mandela.

Congratulations President Cyril Rhamaphosa of South Africa and our warmest felicitation to the other African leaders.

We wish you all a very fruitful experience in Adis.

#Congressman #Bimbo #Daramola
For: #ONEUNITEDAFRICA
#Abuja, #Nigeria
10th February 2020

VIVA #AFRICA.. GO MOTHERLAND

#ONEUNITEDAFRICA- is a continental crusade organisation for rennaisance of Pan Africanism through PEOPLE TO PEOPLE INITIATIVES as a vital complement of #GOVERNMENT TO #GOVERNMENT bilateral and diplomatic efforts.

We are taking the #REAL #MESSAGE to the #REAL #PEOPLE on the Streets of Africa.

Healing starts from what is known, believed,accepted in the hearts and manifests on the streets.

Some of the initiatives are as posted here.

In empowering and mentoring more youths in Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago representing Chanchaga Federal Constituency of Niger State in the House of Representatives have under the Bago Foundation, commenced the Free Registration process for 2020/2021 JAMB/UTME for 1,000 young people across the constituency and it's environment.

This Educational and Human Development Initiatives is the fourteenth(14) stream in a row by Hon. BAGO with yearly gesture of free WAEC, NECO and GCE registration for his constituents.

Residents of Chanchaga Federal Constituency and it's environment with 5 Credits in their 0'Level including Mathematics and English Language in not more than 2 sittings, should contact their party, community, association and religion leaders to pick a template form or simply visit Bago Foundation Office in Minna.

The desire of Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago is to raise more Medical Doctors, Engineers, Bankers, Business Moguls, Pilot, Entrepreneurs, Politicians, Vice Chancellors, Lawyers, Journalists.... of Niger State extractions.

In charting a new path towards peaceful coexistence and socio-economic development of Nigeria nation, it is paramount to continually create platforms for the youths and focus on their development. That is why Bago Foundation will continue to do more to bring out the best in our youths.


Coordinator
BAGO FOUNDATION
(Est. Since 2010)

The 1,000,000 #Signatures #Target.

Good Morning Africa.

Thank you all soooo much for the support and great encouragement for our unity, peace and prosperity which hitherto is threatened by black on black violence arising from all manner of reasons, that cannot stand up to where we are coming from from, our shared historical experiences

We are moving on with #ONE #MILLION (1,000,000) #Signatures #Target in support of a #Violence #Free #United #Africa.

It's one of our initiatives to drive the agenda, to fight back in defence of MOTHERLAND, to protect that which our forebears lived for and passed on to us.

Our unity is our family porcelain.

A lot of people are signing on, within six hours (6) of the opening of the link #83,000 people have signed on from across the continent, men and women, from different walks of life and spread across ages.

The question is #HAVE #YOU #SIGNED #ON? Signing on means a lot to the future of Africa and Africans, it means you have become an advocate of #ONEUNITEDAFRICA which is the CONTINENTAL AGENDA code named #AFRICA2020.

This signatures will be submitted as a resolution of Africans to compel more concerted focus and demand for action from AU and State Actors about the evil phenomenon on the continent

PLEASE SIGN ONE IF YOU HAVE NOT AND SHARE THE LINK.

We are Africans, we believe a Peaceful Africa is the basis for our Progress and Prosperity.

Sign on today. #VIVA #AFRICA #VIVA #MOTHERLAND click this link https://oneunitedafrica.org/sign-on/[color=#000099][/color] to drop your support. This two minutes may mean the future of Africa/

BREAKING...

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN GCFR ENDORSES AND THROWS WEIGHT BEHIND
AFRICA2020- ONE UNITED AFRICA PROJECT.

Immediate past President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency (Dr.)Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,GCFR, has endorsed and thrown his full weight behind the proposed #AFRICA2020- #ONEUNITEDAFRICA project and it's broad initiatives.

The project is being articulated to commence a Pan African PEOPLE TO PEOPLE awareness against the backdrop of the incessant and spreading incidents of black on black violence in Africa and the associated grave consequences, particularly the last one in South Africa which attracted condemnable retaliatory action in Nigeria.

He expressed delight that the younger generation is taking off from where pioneer African statesmen left off in the reunification of brothers and kinsmen across the continent, through development of complementary initiatives in support of the hitherto well known GOVERNMENT TO GOVERNMENT bilateral and diplomatic actions.

Receiving a delegation from the organisers, #ONEUNITEDAFRICA led by Congressman Bimbo Daramola in his Abuja office, President Jonathan said no effort whatsoever should be spared to ensure that Africans across the continent and across the world, see themselves as one irrespective of the situation, urging tolerance, understanding and deep reflection on the shared history of Africans .

He lamented the September black on black violence in South Africa and the more recent flashpoints in Ghana, where Nigerian business operators were the butt of hostilities from the host country.

Dr Jonathan noted that African leaders must rise up to support this initiative, as it holds immense promise for Africa's future, and a new chapter in promoting unity among Africans.

The Africa 2020 #End to black on black violence initiatives, includes the four nation charity concert, featuring a broad coalition of African Artists from across African nations, as purveyors of peace and unity, also an #end black on black theme song, production of a world class documentary on Africa's political evolution titled AFRICA: FROM THE PAST, THROUGH THE PRESENT , TO THE FUTURE.

It hopes also to raise VIP Ambassadors and Youth vanguard that will take the message of one united Africa deep to regular Africans on the streets, and also canvass for adoption of an #end black on black violence day in Africa by the African Union, to maintain the need to permanently keep eyes on unity and peace among Africans.

The end black on black charity concert hopes to deploy some of its proceeds to support the rehabilitation of victims by way of providing complementary support for business start-ups.

The initiative had earlier secured the gracious endorsement of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs , through the Honourable Minister, His Excellency Geoffrey Onyeama, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Foremost Pan Africanists, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Chairman African Business Roundtable and President NEPAD Business Group.

Signed

'Lanre Aribisala
Director,Public Communication
#AFRICA2020- #ONEUNITEDAFRICA.

PRESS RELEASE


ALHAJI BAMANGA #MUHAMMAD TUKUR (CON) ENDORSES #endXENOPHOBIA CHARITY CONCERT, THEME SONG, AMBASSADORS AND DAY BY ONE UNITED AFRICA.


President of the African Business Roundtable and foremost pan-Africanist, Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group from (1975- 1982), former Governor of Gongola State, Dr Bamanga Tukur yesterday joined the list of eminent personalities who have endorsed the #Xenophobia Concert and theme song among other initiatives being organised to drum up pan African and global consciousness against the recent black on black violence in in South Africa.

Receiving a delegation of the organisers, One United Africa, led by Congressman Bimbo Daramola, Tukur expressed great shock that Africa which should by now be reaping the gains of various bilateral and multilateral collaborations between various countries, is now having to deal with distraction that black on black violence sadly constitutes.

According to him, the vision and ideals of pioneer African leaders for cooperation, integration and development, should by now have yielded sufficient dividends to move the continent forward.

Dr.Bamanga Tukur who expressed his reluctance to comment on contemporary issues of whatever kind, said he was encouraged to to break his silence because of his conviction that African unity can still be rediscovered as captured by the initiatives of the ONE UNITED AFRICA group.

He saluted the initiative of the organisers of the proposed charity concert which will have a theme song by foremost music artistes in Africa. The #Xenophobia Project is equally canvassing the dedication of a day on the continent as Anti Xenophobia Day by the African Union. It also aims at raising ambassadors for the campaign against xenophobia and the production of a documentary. He acknowledged their effort in trying to rejig Africa's collective conscience to the strands that bind the continent together.

The elder statesman who served as Minister of Industries in Nigeria and Chairman Ports Authority, promised to deploy his goodwill in rallying support for the success of the programme.

The Project equally hopes to deploy some of the charity concert to support the rehabilitation of victims by way of providing complementary funding for business start-ups.

He urged all men of good will to get on board to save and defend the unity of Africa, because tge consequences of taking the unity of Africa for granted may be irreversible in a negative sence.

It will be recalled that the ONE UNITED AFRICA had earlier been formally endorsed by, President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, Nigeria's former President, the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Similarly, the House of Representatives Committee on Cooperation and Intergration in Africa and Ovation Magazine have also bought into the project.

Signed

Lanre Aribisala
Director of Communications and Information
#ONEUNITEDAFRICA

PRESS RELEASE


Former Nigerian President, Foremost Pan Africanist and renowned statesman, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,GCFR has thrown his full weight behind the proposed Pan-African #endxenophobia charity concert to promote African unity and oneness.

The concert, being put together by The Bridge Concepts, on the platform ONE UNITED AFRICA, a Nigerian initiative with global affiliations, is scheduled to hold early next year.

It is conceived as a necessary supplement to ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the black-on-black recriminations, which became dominant in recent months and the potential threat it harbours for the continent, if allowed to fester.

The latest xenophobic attacks in South Africa culminated in the repatriation of nationals of various countries, including about 500 from Nigeria, at the height of the impasse.

In a correspondence personally signed by Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the organisers of the concert, Congressman Bimbo Daramola, Obasanjo stated that "..xenophobia or Afrophobia which is ongoing in South Africa is a most unfortunate issue not only for South Africa, but indeed for the whole of Africa.."

This situation, Obasanjo noted, calls for "..concerted efforts and partnership from all well-meaning individuals within and without Africa, to curb it so that great, positive impact can be made in the lives of African people across the continent.."

Obasanjo who recently visited South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to call for the activation of extant bilateral agreements aimed at promoting multilevel rapprochement between the two leading African countries, restated his identification with the laudable initiative by The Bridge Concepts, and pledged his support and encouragement to the successful realization of the idea.

The concert is billed to attract an array of frontline African musical artists who will also develop an end xenophobia theme song" in what the organisers describe as a new paradigm, aimed at taking the crusade to the real people on the streets of Africa, reminiscent of the '#USA #For #Africa #We #Are #The #World' anthem of the 1980s, conceived to drum up global support for Africa's poor and underprivileged.

Concert performances will be held in select countries and cities across the African continent to restate the imperative for Africans to rediscover the basis of their brotherhood and oneness, irrespective of geopolitical distances.

Dele Omoyeni

Manager, Public Communications,
ONE UNITED AFRICA
The Bridge Concepts.
Abuja.
28th October 2019.

NEW COMMUNICATION AND RE-ENGAGEMENT CHANNELS NEEDED NOW!!

Beyond Bilateral Talks

Beyond Diplomacy.

These guys will listen and understand the message more from their local music idol than their foreign affairs minister...

Thats the essence of the #endxenophobia CHARITY CONCERT and THEME SONG to be put together by AFRICAN MUSIC ICONS ACROSS THE CONTINENT.

PROCEEDS WILL ALSO BE USED TO SUPPORT REHABILITATION OF IDENTIFIED VICTIMS OF XENOPHOBIA ATTACKS

#endxenophobiaCONCERT
#antiXENOPHOBIAthemesong
#thebridgeconceptsnigeria.

My response to those who think we cannot pull the project through. We will by the grace of God.

When they say we can't, we say Yes..We Can! -Barrack Obama

MY SOUTH AFRICA EXPERIENCE.

WHY AM I INTERESTED IN ENDING XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS THROUGH AFRICA'S BEST MUSIC ICONS.

Some Nigerians could be incurable cynics, pessimists and sceptics. Ever so self conceited and halo setting every move.

Every action is seen from the the prisms of WIIFM! (What is in it for me) Altruistic actions do not exist to them.

I heard that from somebody today, she said the idea of having #ENDXENOPHOBIA CHARITY CONCERT and #endxenophobia theme song is driven by commercial undertones.

I was dispirited and tempted to say damn the bull..and say what my Yoruba people will say, "ewo lo kan mi mbe"?

But i had the usual nudging that this is the way of those who will not look for solution to any problem but will be the ones that are always trying to insinuate wrong meanings and dissuade.

Well, most things i have done in my life always have altruistic components over and above self gratification.

If you are talking about how i aided UNDP to fine tune beyond the books knowledge, to stubbornly use field experience driven strategy to ensure that the people of Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State, while on the 400 KADP project sponsored by World Bank, get productive boreholes in an area that is a hydrogeologist's nightmare.

To concerted efforts for harnessing alternative water sources in Enugu/ Anambra States.

To how i put my banking career in jeopardy to assist an advertising agency from losing a good account,

To the production of the documentary of President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, FROM PRISON TO PRESIDENCY without official funds, ,the first of its kind that also won international award in the land of the Aussies.

To the publication of 21 years of the only officially endorsed JAMB Q& A, a book of 1012 pages without funding, a resource material that would became succour to many admission seekers nationwide,

To NAIJAGREENCARD, the first specific Intergrated systemic systemic platform to cushion socio economic realities faced by young Nigerians.

I must say humbly that i first and foremost put my motives before actions on the ROTARY FOUR WAY TEST scale as my moral guide.

Even when i was in the parliament, why did i have to build a 32bed hospital for my constituents?

When i could convert it into some private business, indeed it was not because i had huge financial warchest, it took me 3years of personal sacrifice to accomplish it for public good.

What of the attention to the plight of my constituents as expressed in my ABOMIRE 1, 2, 3? for me my life is not defined by pecuniary motivations or considerations, humbly speaking,but will it be beneficial to all concerned? As it is in the 4 way test of ROTARY INTERNATIONAL.

Or why should i bother to pay for JAMB FORMS for 2050 young people in Ekiti? Who i see as the next generation of graduates from my dear state.

For me my life is dedicated to, defined by a commitment to greater good for the greatest number,at the expense of self for which i have been called names, but its alright.

So i jumped on this XENOPHOBIA issue. But before then let me share bits of my story.

I have been to the land of the zulus about five times when i was shooting the documentary of the life times and works of President Obasanjo.

I was trying to get "Madiba" to share perspectives on Olusegun Obasanjo, i got him on the fifth trip. I ll come back to this story.

In the meantime lets try to count the costs of XENOPHOBIA which is defined as deep resentment for strangers!

So before counting, should the day ever come that Africans will see Africans as strangers to the extent of displaying such a babaric depth of resentment that will lead to unabashed gruesome murder in the manner that we saw during the last attacks?

Least of all South Africans to Nigerians in spite of the undoubtable and manifest shared history?

Have we suddenly forgotten one Mrs Chukwu who went to South Africa and was murdered in her hotel room? Still unresolved till date, that could be anybody.

Now what about the Nigerians that were killed, some roasted, some machetted, and the properties they worked for destroyed in millions of rands.

About 500 Nigerians were evacuated from "war front" to safety, in peace times between African nations, with that went in the air all they ever worked for, means of livelihood, undertaken by a public spirited Nigerian, Bar. Allen Onyeama, he claimed that venture cost him N280m!

Im sure some people will impute meanings to this noble action too, as they are doing to ours now.

The most scary is that with every XENOPHOBIC attack , Africa and the black race is fractured the more, it is gradually seeping into Ghana and kenya i am told.

Of course if XENOPHOBIA becomes the new culture of Africans, thought initially to be particularly targeting Nigerians, now it has added the nationals of two more countries.

My worry then is that if this slips through our fingers, Africa and by extension the black race will plunge into a self destruct mode that it may not recover from, we saw the retaliatory attacks from Nigeria and the consequences, and implications.

Imagine that happening in 52 nations.

Burnaboy(Nigerian) the muscian and Aka (a south African) musician are at daggers drawn, Tiwa Savage and Whizkid im told cancelled shows in South Africa.

So the above represents an aggregate of the huge cost of XENOPHOBIA to Africa and her people , not only Nigeria and South Africa and other affected ntions .

Can we then afford to be the ostrich in the face of all these?

If we are not mindful , the cost will become more pricey, if we do not rise up together NOW to fight XENOPHOBIA to extinction using all means POSSIBLE.

This is the reason why i decided to get into the fight against XENOPHOBIA and starting the campaign of #ONE #UNITED #AFRICA, as the platform for the actualisation of the #endxenophobia CHARITY CONCERT and #EndXenophobiathemesong.

Pure and Simple.

It may be instructive to let the nay sayers know that Seven years ago, precisely March 8,2012, i moved a motion on the floor of the House of Representatives, National Assembly drawing attention to the Xenophobic attacks on as at that time Nigerians only.

As i predicted back then, i said if we do not prune the branches of the Iroko tree in good time, the Iroko will demand obeisance and libation from us all in worship of the deity it would have become.

Well its been seven years later, its become a monster and the monstrosity has extended to other African countries.

My prophecy is unfortunately being allowed to come to reality and painfully so too.

The untimely deaths that attends these attacks diminishes the humanity in me.

Even at that i still shrugged it away because i do not have any direct exposure but humanity call would not let me, and so when African Independent Television (AIT)invited me to speak when these last attacks broke, i of course was one for severance of ties.

But later when President Ramaphosa apologised as conveyed by the special envoy that preceeded President Buhari s recent visit , i then was inclined to change my stand of to your tents oh israel.

So three weeks ago, i started the bilateral and diplomatic intervention will not be enough campaign and among others , this led me to the above subject matter.

I accept and respect the place of diplomatic and bilateral talks but those guys on the streets do not respond to and react to diplomacy.

This is why i thought of using our Music as a tool , riding on the AFRICAN MUSIC ICONS who are great influencers of these category of persons who are short in the historical perspective to DO SOMETHING LIKE : WE ARE THE WORLD, THE #ENDXENOPHOBIA THEME SONG VERSION, among others use the vehicle to accomplish these things

-HAVE A FEW CHARITY CONCERTS TO RAISE
AWARENESS,
- RE AWAKEN THE AFRICAN CONSCIOUSNESS,
- FACILITATE DIRECT ENGAGEMENTS BETWEEN THE
AFRICAN MUSIC ICONS AND REAL PEOPLE ON THE
STREETS,
- SUPPORT VICTIMS,
- ERECT MEMORIAL OBJECTS AT THE SCENES OF THE
LAST ATTACKS.

I have thus far conveyed this to the South African Acting Ambassador here in Nigeria, conveyed the idea to the federal government through the Ministry of information, among other stakeholders that i have contacted.

So i broke the awareness campaign to coincide with President Buhari's visit, and the stage is set, and contact is being established among the personalities that i believe we need and can make a huge difference toward the success of this initiative and this should be of interest to all men of goodwill.

I am convinced that it will be a worthwhile effort in all ways if we can pull it through.

First and foremost, will be the satisfaction from introducing another perspective to curb a vermin that can ultimately destroy our shared history as Africans and drag us backward, if not annihilate all the prospects and possibilities inherent in a strong continent, if are to remain truly brothers and sisters.

Let me the conclude with the take away the day i followed President Obasanjo to meet then President Mandela.

I had the opportunity of going to Durban with President Obasanjo in 2004 or 5, for the Racism conference in Durban, but President Obasanjo decided to have a whistle stop visit in Jo'burg, not wanting to be in South Africa and not say hi to President Mandela.

I recall how the Madiba excitedly and affectionately received then former President Obasanjo, He threw his doors wide open, despite being on chemo, Yet met President Obasanjo at the door, threw his hand around his neck boyishly as brothers would and affectionately called him Olu...it was such a sight.

If XENOPHOBIA wins , a south African may see a Nigerian or others as Nationals are now affected and vice versa, that it will be impossible to multiply the scenario i witnessed between Mandela and Obasanjo.

It will pain me if we lose that affectionate and affectations in our relationship as Africans, few years after Madiba has gone and Obj in his advanced agel!

To those thinking i have any other motive, i think i have shed more light, not as if your insinuations will mean much, because i will do what i can, i pray we succeed, it is a lot of work, i know what has gone into this in terms of my time and the little resources available to me in this short while that we broke the awareness.

MY #INVITATION TO #ALL #MEN AND #WOMEN OF #GOOD #CONSCIENCE.

I am using this medium to invite all those who believe that ONE UNITED AFRICA holds greater prospects for us as Africans in the long run.

We are open to your ideas, direction and guidance in all ways to achieve this by the grace of God

I look forward to the opportunity, to meet with whoever believes in the objectives that informed this initiative at your earliest convenience and look forward to the borderless involvement of all interested persons.

We are proposing February or March as the date of first concert because some of the A- LIST , AFRICA'S BEST MUSIC ICONS FROM DIFFERENT NATIONS already have previously scheduled engagements.

But we would have concluded the theme song before the start of the CHARITY CONCERTS TO RAISE SUPPORT FOR IDENTIFIED XENOPHOBIA VICTIMS.

This contribution coming from Nigeria will yet again count for something in attracting regard and respect to Nigeria someday.

It will be worthwhile God willing if and when we pull it through.

It will be very tasking and challenging but we are determined to give it our best shot, for the greater good of the greatest number, Africans within and in diaspora.

Support the initiative #ENDXENOPHOBIACHARITYCONCERT, antiXENOPHOBIA THEME SONG AND MEMORABILIA.

Join us today.

Thank you

Congressman Bimbo Daramola.
6th October 2019.

My Dear Colleague.
Let me use this medium to again thank you for your kind reception during all my interactions in the pursuit of my speakership aspiration. I have since congratulated and conveyed my best wishes to Our Speaker, Rt.Hon. Gbajabiamila. I believe that providence brought us together, for a purpose and my quest for speakership is a milestone in that journey. I look forward to working with you as brothers and sisters to make the 9th Assembly House of Representatives a very successful one. I thank you very sincerely.
Yours - Honourable Umaru Mohammed Bago.

Press Statement.

June 10, 2019

Nass Leadership: PDP Endorses Ali Ndume, Umar Bago

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after very extensive consultations with critical stakeholders resolves to support Senator Ali Ndume and Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago for Senate President and Speaker of House of Representatives respectively, ahead of National Assembly inauguration on Tuesday.

The final resolution on Senator Ndume and Hon. Bago was reached at the end of a decisive meeting of members of the National Working Committee, party leaders, state governors as well as senators and members-elect on the platform of the PDP.

This decision is in the best interest of the nation, in line with our party’s determination to deepen democracy, ensure a strong and independent legislature, strict compliance to the principle of separation of powers as well as constitutional checks and balances in the polity.

All senators and members-elect on the platform of the PDP are to be guided accordingly.

Signed:

Sen. Umaru Ibrahim Tsauri
National Secretary

In what is an unprecedented demonstration of desperation by the anointed duo of Femi and Wase, the attempt to compromise the Speakership election as earlier reported today, but as usual was denied by the Femi / Wase campaign organisation.


We hereby attach the cards that the Femi /Wase campaign organisation had distributed "covertly"to innocent Honourable Members elect.


They are to snap the card with their ballots papers after voting and this becomes the evidence to collect "payment" for their votes. 


This is an unprecedented brazen attempt to corrupt the election into the post of Speaker in the house of representatives since the 4th assembly. 


When we alluded to character as the highest attribute a leadership must have, they argued that years in the parliament was enough a credential to be Speaker. 


Now Honourable Members-elect can see the kind of Speaker and Deputy Speaker they are being forced to vote for. 


We had suggested that Mr President and other leaders of the party should thread with caution and be circumspect about who they put their integrity behind, certainly not anyone whose reputation is stained. Now we have been proved right beyond doubts. 


We use this medium to put all Honourable Members-elect and Nigerians on notice that this card MUST NOT BE BROUGHT NEAR THE POLLING STATION for the purpose of compromising the integrity of the election to choose the next Speaker of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.