2, June 2019

John Bolton’s dangerous ‘obsession’ with Iran ⁰

As the US announced plans on Friday to send 1,500 more troops to the Middle East amid hostilities with Iran, analysts say the ultra-hawkish National Security Adviser John Bolton has driven much of the escalation in tensions between the two countries.

More than two weeks after the US announced a strengthening of its military presence in the Middle East in response to Iranian “threats”, relations are still fraught between Washington and Tehran.

Since taking office, Donald Trump has expressed an array of conflicting positions, from saying he wants dialogue with the Islamic Republic to making luridly vengeful threats, such as his May 19 tweet: “If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again!”

The central figure behind America’s increasingly belligerent stance towards Iran is, however, not the US President but John Bolton, a consistent advocate of regime change in Iran.

‘To Stop Iran’s Bomb, Bomb Iran’

Bolton had been pouring forth warlike rhetoric against Iran for several years before his appointment as national security adviser in April 2018, in paid speeches, opinion columns and as a talking head on Trump’s favourite TV channel, Fox News. “To Stop Iran’s Bomb, Bomb Iran”, implored the headline of his opinion piece in The New York Times in 2015, when the Obama administration was negotiating the nuclear deal from which Trump would go on to withdraw in May 2018.

In 2017, Bolton gave a speech at a conference in Paris organised by the People’s Mujahedin of Iran – a militant opposition movement detested by the Iranian regime and classed as a terrorist group by the US and EU. He declared at this event that the Islamic Republic of Iran would “not last until its 40th birthday” (April 1, 2019).

In his role as national security adviser, Bolton asked the Pentagon to draw up military options for an attack on Iran – provoking considerable disquiet amongst senior officials. On February 11 2019, the 40th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, Bolton used the White House’s official Twitter account to tell the Ayatollah Khamenei: “I don’t think you’ll have many more anniversaries to enjoy.”

Such “extremely belligerent rhetoric” has caused heightened concern because there is a “shared interest amongst several leaders – those of Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and indeed the US – in ramping up the antagonism towards Iran,” Karim Sader, a Middle East specialist and former researcher at the French ministry of defence, told FRANCE 24.

“The US has returned to the anti-Iranian reflex of the George W. Bush era, and the Trump administration – especially its national security adviser – is obsessed with the Iranian threat,” he continued.

It remains to be seen how far Bolton will get with his ferociously hawkish views on Iran. Despite his aforementioned moments of vitriolic fervour against the Islamic Republic, Trump ran for the White House as a non-interventionist candidate, and analysts say that his instincts are broadly isolationist.

Is Bolton ‘manufacturing a crisis’?

However, the recent developments in US-Iran relations seem to suggest Bolton’s influence is growing. Indeed, the national security adviser is reportedly taking advantage of the void left by James Mattis, the internationalist defence secretary who resigned in December. Mattis’ successor, the low-key and little-known Patrick Shanahan, is still waiting for the Senate to confirm his appointment.

Bolton was the first US official to announce the dispatch of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers to the Persian Gulf to “send a clear and unmistakable message to the Iranian regime”, in a statement posted on the White House website.

He also lobbied successfully for the Pentagon to produce a plan to send 120,000 troops to the Middle East should Iran attack American soldiers or accelerate its nuclear weapons programme, The New York Timesreported on May 13. Trump denied it, speaking to journalists the next day: “I think it’s fake news, ok? Now, would I do that? Absolutely. But we have not planned for that.”

“I think this is manufactured by Bolton to try to justify the administration’s very harsh policy toward Iran despite the fact that Iran has been complying with the nuclear deal,” Barbara Slavin, an Iran specialist at the Atlantic Council think-tank in Washington DC, told AFP.

“Given Bolton’s record,” she continued, “I wouldn’t put it past him to try to manufacture a crisis here.”

American officials and diplomats have been at pains to argue that the US is not trying to provoke a conflict with Iran. Trump’s strategy – as seen with North Korea – may well be to impose harsh sanctions on Iran and then try and negotiate from a position of strength. “If they call, we would be certain to negotiate,” the US president told journalists on May 20.

“Going back to sanctions and threats against Iran is counter-productive,” Sader warned. “It is the best way to strengthen the most extreme factions within the Iranian state.”

Trump ‘tempers’ Bolton

Described as “tenacious” by Condoleezza Rice (secretary of state during Bolton’s brief, controversial tenure as US ambassador to the UN under Bush from 2005 to 2006), Bolton seems to regard the notion of diplomacy with distaste.

The US president himself said last week that he is a moderating influence on Bolton. “I actually temper John,” Trump said.

The influence of a national security adviser who makes Trump look moderate has even prompted anxiety amongst Republican legislators. Senator Rand Paul – a maverick non-interventionist on foreign policy, but broadly supine in the face of Trump’s decisions – called Bolton “a malign influence on the administration”.

“I think the most important thing is to put the administration on notice that they do not have congressional permission to go to war with Iran and we need to make sure we’re not involved in anything that is provocative enough to encourage a skirmish that leads to a bigger war,” Paul continued.

It could be that Trump agrees with Paul. The president lambasted his advisor for pushing forward the US’s hardline stance on Nicolas Maduro, which hasn’t lived up to its promise of forcing the Venezuelan president out of power. Trump said Bolton wants to get him “into a war”, The Washington Post reported on May 8.

Bolton certainly likes to play hardball on the world stage. But it’s a game that could have calamitous consequences for the Middle East.

France 24

2, June 2019

Woman accuses footballer Neymar of rape in Paris ⁰

Paris Saint-Germain’s star striker Neymar has been accused of raping a woman at a hotel in Paris, Brazilian media reports said Saturday, charges that the player’s father slammed as attempted blackmail.

According to a complaint filed with São Paulo police and reported by the UOL and GloboEsporte websites, the Paris Saint-Germain star is accused of “using violence to have sex with the victim without her consent”.

São Paulo’s security secretariat would not provide a copy of the complaint to AFP, confirming only that one had been filed but saying its contents were classified.

The unidentified woman, who lives in Brazil, allegedly met Neymar through Instagram and, after exchanging messages, the footballer invited her to visit him in Paris in mid-May.

According to the complaint, Neymar arrived at the hotel “apparently intoxicated”, and the two chatted and exchanged “caresses”.

But then “he became aggressive and used violence to have sex with the victim without her consent”, the document said.

Neymar’s father, who is also his agent, categorically denied the accusations in an interview with Brazilian broadcaster Bandeirantes.

“This is not true, he has never committed any crime,” said Neymar Santos, arguing that his son was a victim of blackmail. “We have all the evidence and we already gave everything to the lawyers.”

According to Neymar Santos, his son and the woman went on a date, but Neymar did not want to see her again. Since then, the woman has tried to extort money from the player and his family, he said.

“My son can be accused of many things, but I know what kind of man he is… It’s clear that this was a trap,” he said, adding that the family was prepared to release WhatsApp messages that would exonerate Neymar.

According to the media reports, the accuser was in Paris from May 15 to 17, but waited until last Friday to file the complaint in Brazil because she was “emotionally shaken”.

Neymar has recently been embroiled in assault scandals. In May the French football authorities banned him for three matches after he lashed out at a fan after PSG’s embarrassing French Cup loss to Rennes in April.

Neymar, 27, is currently in Brazil preparing for the Copa America, which takes place in the country from June 14 to July 7.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

2, June 2019

Barrister Fru John Nsoh: Southern Cameroons Judas Iscariot ⁰

Dear senior colleague, I am Barrister A P Asafor formerly Secretary/founding member of Meme Lawyers Association (MELA).Presently I am the President of Southern Cameroonians in Los Angeles (SCILA) California. We met several times during Cameroon Bar Association meetings in Yaounde,Douala and Bamenda mostly in the 90s.

I remember you running for a Bar Council seat during one of these meetings. I was impressed by your contributions during discussions at the General Assembly. In the recent past when you propounded and defended the SC/Ambazonian position in Equinox TV and various other media outlets, my admiration for your fearlessness grew. You spoke with a boldness and candour,that could not but convince your listeners that you knew what you were talking about. Our people say that “when I do well no one remembers, but when I do something bad, everyone remembers!“

As lead counsel for the SC/Ambazonian Leadership in French Cameroun jails, I observed that you and your team of lawyers have done a commendable job so far. Ambazonians cheered for you and your colleagues. They saw you as “knights in shining armor“, who would ultimately rescue our Leaders. Now, permit me to fast-forward to your recent utterances on ABC AMBA TV, and other media.

You unleashed a bomb by your various utterances. Due to time constraints, permit me go into just a few and make my observations as your keen admirer. The most outstanding revelation you made was that Sissiku AyukTabe Julius, imprisoned Ambazonian Leader is compromised (by French Cameroun officials ostensibly.) You offered as evidence, the possibility that Ayuk Tabe met with the Director of Cabinet of Paul Biya,and also with Kamto Maurice (the acclaimed winner of French Cameroun’s last presidential elections) who happened to be in the same jail (Kondengui) as Sissiku.

You also alluded to documents being released by Sissiku AyukTabe without consulting you. And finally there was the reference to Sissiku stating that you are no longer his Attorney. Sir, the evidence you presented to buttress your allegations that Sissiku Ayuk Tabe is compromised, are so circumstantial, frivolous, and totally lacking in relevance, that no one except the gullible public would even consider it. For such serious accusations as you’ve leveled against Sissiku, the requirements must be concrete, compelling irrefutable evidence as proof. What you offered as best is mere speculation, which anyone with a healthy imagination can concoct. “Sissiku met with Biya’s Director of Civil cabinet. Biya declared war on Ambazonia. Therefore, Sissiku’s meeting with that gentleman can only mean that: Sissiku is compromised!!”

Again, Sissiku met with Maurice Kamto,who claims to have won presidential elections, and has been imprisoned by Biya in Kondengui. Sissiku’s meeting with Kamto,to you has only one reason. He is compromised! Is that the only conclusion that can be drawn from Sissiku’s meeting with those 2 individuals, if at all, he did? How many apartheid leaders did Mandela meet while incarcerated? Almost all of the last four! Did that make him compromised? Sir, with your 30 years experience as a practicing Attorney, it’s my humble opinion that you can do better than this.

Senior Colleague, we were taught in the Nigerian Law School, during Professional Ethics, that there is client/lawyer confidentiality. All information that a client discloses to his Attorney, or that the Attorney comes across, in the course of his retention by the client is protected by attorney/client confidentiality. That said, your disclosures on public media, of information that you acquired as Lawyer for the SC/Ambazonian leaders has seriously breached the rule on confidentiality. Not only that, your exposures portray your client in bad light, and amount to character assassination defamation and exposing his life to risk! Think carefully about your words Sir, and the timeliness of your so-called revelations. The social media has exploded and is abuzz in the past couple of days with your allegations.

As someone who believes in the Struggle of Ambazonians to throw off the yoke of neo colonialism,it is my humble submission that your revelations have done more harm than good to our Struggle. You have “washed our dirty linen in full view of the entire world”! Are you happy now? Even if Sissiku AyukTabe is guilty of all the crimes you accuse him of, is the world stage the best forum to seek for redress? Do you seriously believe in this fight? Or is it merely an opportunity for you to build your popularity, and amass wealth at the expense of our suffering masses and leaders? Could you not have approached a select group of SC/Ambazonian “elders/wise men” to look into and resolve these issues without resorting to this drama of yours?

Finally, would it be true that your public outrage is mere vengeful payback at Sissiku over his reduction of the monies you were getting from this “brief”? The other Lawyers who are involved in defending our leaders (Hon Barrister Oroh of Nigeria, Barrister Yong etc, why haven’t they raised the same concerns as you have? If,Sissiku Ayuk Tabe has been compromised, how come just last week he released a powerful letter to the UNO and the world, stating conditions under which Ambazonians will negotiate? Were the contents of that letter, evidence of a man who is “compromised?” Doesn’t the Bible say that “by their words we shall know them?”

In summary, I would opine that casting aspersions on Sissiku AyukTabe’s name and person has not portrayed you in the best of lights. You have accused a man (your client,) tried him, and sentenced him to condemnation, all this while he is incarcerated without the opportunity to reply. Boxers would say you “hit below the belt!” Others less polite would say: you stabbed your client in the back, in the dark! And in trying to exact vengeance you caused untold havoc to the SC/Ambazonian Struggle! Think about it as you enjoy your new-found fame on social media. “He who throws up gravel in the market place, should not be surprised if his wife returns home blind”. The cockroach says that it does not talk much, not because it is dumb, but because its words, if carelessly released, have the potential of scattering the market place!

By Barrister Asafor

2, June 2019

Francophone Crisis: Wall of fear crumbles ⁰

Despite threats by the government, MRC supporters took to the streets on Saturday in major cities in Cameroon calling for the release of president-elect, Professor Maurice Kamto, who has been imprisoned by Mr. Biya who lost last year’s presidential election.

Mr. Biya has never won any election in Cameroon, but has always used the military to intimidate the population after every major election.

But the wall of fear is gradually coming down as Kamto’s supporters have made up their minds to call for his release and the departure of the ailing Biya who is already losing his mind.

The government, through its violent territorial administration minister, Paul Atanga Nji, an ex convict, has been threatening and arresting MRC supporters across the nation. But those threats are no longer deterring Cameroonians who hold that it is time to kiss goodbye to the Biya regime which is noted for its corruption and incompetence.

Since taking power in 1982, Mr. Biya has been reckless and irresponsible, steering the ship into stormy waters. The country has been facing major challenges, with growth stagnating and unemployment heading for the skies.

Poor policies, corruption and internal conflicts have taken a toll on the economy and the people.

The fighting in the two English-speaking regions of the country has brought the country’s economy to its knees with major state corporations shutting down due to disruptions by separatists.

Yesterday’s fire at the country’s lone oil refinery will surely deal a severe blow to the struggling economy that has been robbed of its energy by the corrupt and inefficient regime.

Things are really getting too complicated for the corrupt government. Boko Haram is still a major threat to the country and CAR rebels in the country’s eastern border have become a nightmare that will not go away anytime soon.

With the ineffective government using violence to address its issues, the international community is gradually abandoning its ally in the fight against terrorism.

Americans, Canadians and the EU have all walked away from Mr. Biya whose penchant for brutality has made him look like a monster in the international political arena.

1, June 2019

Southern Cameroons War: How to Help Ambazonia Refugees ⁰

Nearly half a million Southern Cameroonians have been displaced from their homes because of the war currently being waged by French Cameroun government forces in the Federal Republic of Ambazonia. Even the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees maintains that it has been hard to process numbers that have fled the conflict to many parts of Nigeria and into French Cameroun, and the many tragic stories behind them. But a video of a 4-months old Southern Cameroons baby killed by Francophone soldiers has now humanized the refugee crisis for many Ambazonians around the world.

After more than three years of the Southern Cameroons war, Ambazonians on Ground Zero face a plight that is far from over. Consequently, Vice President Dabney Yerima is appealing to many charitable Ambazonians to find the most effective ways to help Southern Cameroonians on Ground Zero.

Southern Cameroonians who want to help face tough questions brought about by the failed and corrupt leadership under Samuel Ikome Sako: How does one most effectively deploy limited sums of money to help Ground Zero? Where is the need most dire?

While many Southern Cameroons refugees are trying to migrate to neighboring Nigeria, French Cameroun regions particularly the Littoral and the West are under the greatest strain since they are hosting the largest numbers of Ambazonian refugees.

During a telephone conversation with the Cameroon Concord News Group recently, Vice President Dabney Yerima observed that “To help the greatest number of Ambazonia refugees, you need first to understand where those refugees are located, and second, to support the Interim Government’s Amba Massive Relief for the Ground Zero wounded and injured, detainees, IDPs and refugees.”

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

1, June 2019

In Nigeria’s Lagos, aquatic weed plagues waterways ⁰

Traffic jams on the snarled up roads of Nigeria’s megacity of Lagos are legendary, but a growing problem is also clogging up the waterways of Africa’s biggest city — water hyacinths.

The spread of the invasive species of fast-growing plant is not only damaging transport links in Nigeria’s economic capital, built on a lagoon dotted with islands.

With waterways covered and silting up, the aquatic weed is also threatening fishing jobs and a vital food source.

“This is all I can get since morning,” said fisherman Solomon Omoyajowo, showing a handful of fish in a bowl in his wooden canoe.

The 45-year-old fisherman has already been forced to move his nets from one part of the Ogun river too thick with weeds, to a new area nearer the sea.

“Many fishermen have abandoned their boats, while some of us who still want to continue, now try our luck here,” he told AFP, using his palms to wipe a stream of sweat from his face.

“Water hyacinths are killing the fish in the river,” said another nearby fisherman, Adisa, as he cast his net into the river.

When he hauled it up, he had caught only four small fish.

“I don’t think I can do any other job apart from fishing,” Adisa said. “I will continue to manage until the government comes to our aid to clear the weeds.”

– Jobs at risk –

Originally from South America, the plant has caused chaos across several countries in Africa. Earlier this year, a thick green carpet of the weed choked up Kenya’s main entry to Lake Victoria, the largest body of water in Africa.

It was first noted in Nigeria in the early 1980s, in the Badagry creeks west of Lagos, reportedly spreading from neighbouring Benin.

Since then, mats of weeds have spread to rivers across the country, including Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger delta.

Fishermen say the weed is so thick it creates a dense cover that makes it difficult for fishing boats to navigate the river.

It is having a damaging impact.

One study, from Nigeria’s Obafemi Awolowo University, estimated it put at risk one-third of Nigeria’s local fish supply, a cheap source of food millions rely on.

That threatens to put thousands of fishermen out of a job.

“It has become a menace to the marine ecosystems of Lagos,” said Nkechi Ajayi, spokeswoman from Lagos State Waterways Authority, adding that it impacted “the socio-economic activities” of river communities.

– Propeller problems –

Water transportation is also at risk. Operators complain of damaged boats and risk of accidents.

“We often find it difficult to navigate whenever the weeds clog the river,” said boat driver John Ibikunle, as he waited to pick passengers on Lagos Island.

He said many commuters, who once preferred water transport to beat the perennial Lagos traffic gridlock, are returning to the roads, tired of being stuck on water with weeds snagging the propeller.

“They cause mechanical problems to the propulsion system of boats,” added Ajayi, from the waterways authority.

The plant doesn’t grow well in salt water, and environmental experts say the plant expands during the rainy season when the level of fresh water rises in Lagos lagoon.

“It is a seasonal plant,” said Noah Shemede, an environmental activist, from the vast area of wooden homes on stilts built into the water, a fishing settlement called Makoko.

“In the Makoko community for instance, its impact is felt when the rain is heavy and the salt level is lower,” Shemede said.

– ‘Underwater lawn mower’ –

Lagos State Waterways Authority chief Abisola Kamson said they have brought in two water hyacinth removal machines to clear the weeds.

“The machines act like an underwater lawn mower,” Kamson said. “It cuts the vegetation, collecting and storing the weeds and debris on board.”

But while fishermen and boat operators struggle with the weed, one local entrepreneur sees a business opportunity.

Achenyo Idachaba set up a firm that processes the weed into handwoven products including baskets and bags.

“The weeds are harvested from water channels and spread out in the sun to dry,” Idachaba said. “They are processed into small ropes, required to weave the products together.”

Some see a brighter future.

Scientists at the University of Lagos say the plant could also be converted into energy as biomass production, to help solve part of Nigeria’s chronic electricity shortages.

AFP

31, May 2019

Southern Cameroons Crisis: SONARA under attack ⁰

A series of explosions have occurred at the national oil refinery (SONARA)in the Southwest port city of Limbe with separatist claiming that they are responsible for the fire. Mark Bareta, one of the separatist spokespersons has published on his Facebook page that separatists are at work and they are responsible for the disaster that is unfolding in the oil refinery.

A source in Limbe has also indicated that government officials are suspecting separatists for the explosions, though some reports hold that the fire is a pure accident in one of the extension tankers. The source adds that government security officials are already on the ground to contain the fire, but they are scared separatists might be implementing their agenda of sabotaging government facilities. He stressed that separatist fighters have infiltrated all government organizations and institutions and government officials are really concerned as these fighters have the intention of bringing down the economy to its knees.

Southern Cameroons separatists have been targeting the oil refinery for years as part of their scheme to rob the Yaounde government of vital oil resources. Many Southern Cameroonians hold that the oil refinery has not brought them any good and that it could as well just been brought down. Since the discovery of oil in the Rio Del Estuary in the Southwest region, the region has been impoverished and locals are not being employed in the refinery. This has caused a lot of angst among the English-speaking minority, especially as SONARA workers, most of whom live in soecial neighborhoods are Francophones.

Image may contain: night, fire and outdoor

31, May 2019

Southern Cameroons bloodshed escalates as world turns blind eye ⁰

Human rights groups are demanding investigations into the killing of hundreds of people during demands for independence by English-speaking Cameroonians. An estimated 650 civilians, 235 members of the security forces and nearly 1 000 alleged separatists have been killed as a result of the ongoing conflict northwest of the country.

More than 530 000 people have been displaced in the English-speaking regions. In the most recent violence, On May 15, soldiers from Cameroon’s Air Force and Rapid Intervention Battalion attacked the city of Bamenda, the capital of the Anglophone northwest region, reportedly burning down approximately 70 homes and shops as well as executing at least one person in the street.

Satellite imagery acquired by Human Rights Watch, as well as eyewitness reports and other evidence – appears to show dozens of burned buildings and extensive property damage in the Mankon area.

The attack was reportedly in reprisal for English-speaking separatists killing two Cameroonian soldiers earlier that day.

Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect expressed concern the United Nations (UN) had failed to address the armed conflict, despite it having already lasted more than 18 months.

However, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, warned that the conflict in Cameroon risked spiraling completely out of control if timely preventive action was not taken.

“There is a clear – if possibly short – window of opportunity to arrest the crisis,” she said.

Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect called on UN member states and regional organisations to suspend military aid to Cameroon until the country made progress towards ending the conflict in the Anglophone regions.

Source: CAJ News

31, May 2019

Cameroon: Graduation of Students under the Decent Rural Jobs Project ⁰

On 28 May, 92 students under the AUDA-NEPAD Decent Rural Jobs project graduated in Yaoundé, Cameroon, after receiving training and mentorship in agribusiness and entrepreneurship. It was the second cohort of students to graduate under the project in Cameroon, which aims at equipping rural youths with skills to engage in entrepreneurship along agriculture and agribusiness value chains.

The project, supported by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is currently implemented in Benin, Cameroon, Malawi and Niger. In Cameroon, the participating training centres include the Practical School for Agriculture Binguela, the Rural Training Centre, Mbanga and the Multi-Purpose Regional Youth Centre in Buea.

Before the students were presented with their certificates, Mrs Estherine Fotabong, the AUDA- NEPAD Director of Programmes, expressed joy at the successful outcomes of the project in the four countries. She commended FAO for its partnership and support in improving the lives of the young men and women in the four countries. With 2019 dedicated by the African Union to strengthen action towards refugees and displaced persons in order to develop durable solutions, the project contributes to the AU objectives to bring stability amongst its youths.

Graduation of Students under the Decent Jobs Project in Cameroon

Mrs Fotabong underscored the value addition of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Cameroon to the project. According to the Director, “The coordination role of the Ministry ensured increased participation of the private sector in agriculture and agribusiness activities. We need to continue to build synergies between public and private sectors for transformative growth through integrated programmatic approach”.

In congratulating the graduating students, Mrs Fotabong made reference to the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA), which commits African countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, progressively liberalise trade in services, and address a host of other non-tariff barriers. Accordingly, the AfCFTA will facilitate market access to the students as they embark on their rural enterprises.

The ceremony was graced by H.E Mr Gabriel Mbairobe, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Cameroon. The Minister was appreciative of the efforts and commitments of FAO and AUDA-NEPAD, to provide decent rural jobs for the Cameroonian youths. Mr Mbairobe stressed that the project on promoting Decent Rural Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Agriculture and Agribusiness has motivated the government to build more partnerships within the youth populace. According to the Minister, Cameroon has rolled out youth-centred projects to support the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors.

Other Ministers in attendance included: H.E Mr Issa Thiroma, Minister of Employment and Vocational Training; H.E Dr Taiga, Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, and; H.E Mr Mounouna Foutson, Minister of Youth and Civic Education. The success of the project is a result of the collaborative and integrated approach, which is reflected by the presence of the Ministers concerned with skills development for youth employment.

Other attendees include government officials, development partners, civil society organisations and members of the media. The event was concluded with an exhibition that showcased products manufactured by the students.

Culled from NEPAD

31, May 2019

Nigerians shocked by speech-less start to Buhari’s second term ⁰

Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari surprised many when he did not deliver a speech at his inauguration on Wednesday.

The 76-year-old former military leader faces a long list of challenges, including combating a sluggish economy, high unemployment and a decade-old Islamic insurgency.

Buhari will need to create jobs if he is to turn around the country’s fortunes over the next four years. Nearly a quarter of the workforce is unemployed and most of its 190 million people live on less than $2 a day.

“Our expectation is that Mr President will now focus more on the issue of security, employment and agriculture because these are the core areas,” said Basil Ejidike, who chairs the APC in southern Anambra state.

Reactions to inauguration

Some social media users were critical of the absence of a speech. Software developer Tosin Olugbenga called it was a “missed opportunity”.

“It is an opportunity for the president to speak to Nigerians and give further assurance of his commitment to a better Nigeria,” he said in a tweet.

A nation in trance

Buhari now has a second chance to turn campaign promises into policies aimed at stimulating economic growth.

Nigeria’s economy grew by 1.93% last year, its fastest pace since the recession. Growth of 2.1% is forecast by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for this year, though that would be among the slowest rates in Africa.

Tackling insecurity across much of the country is already a priority. The military is fighting jihadist group Boko Haram and an offshoot linked to Islamic State in the northeast, while contending with communal violence over grazing land in central states.

A separate surge of bandit attacks and other violence in the northwest has forced 20,000 to flee to neighbouring Niger since April, the U.N. refugee agency said on Tuesday.

REUTERS