Great Thomas of Africa

Today we felt like sharing something about one of greatest sons of Africa

Biography of Thomas Sankara.

Thomas Sankara was Burkina Faso’s president from August 1983 until his assassination on October 15, 1987. Perhaps, more than any other African president in living memory, Thomas Sankara, in four years, transformed Burkina Faso from a poor country, dependent on aid, to an economically independent and socially progressive nation.

Thomas Sankara began by purging the deeply entrenched bureaucratic and institutional corruption in Burkina Faso.

He slashed the salaries of ministers and sold off the fleet of exotic cars in the president’s convoy, opting instead for the cheapest brand of car available in Burkina Faso, Renault 5. His salary was $450 per month and he refused to use the air conditioning units in his office, saying that he felt guilty doing so, since very few of his country people could afford it.

Thomas Sankara would not let his portrait be hung in offices and government institutions in Burkina Faso, because every Burkinabe is a Thomas Sankara, he declared. Sankara changed the name of the country from the colonially imposed Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, which means land of upright men.

Thomas Sankara’s achievements are numerous and can only be summarized briefly; within the first year of his leadership, Sankara embarked on an unprecedented mass vaccination program that saw 2.5 million Burkinabe children vaccinated. From an alarming 280 deaths for every 1,000 births, infant mortality was immediately slashed to below 145 deaths per 1,000 live births. Sankara preached self-reliance, he banned the importation of several items into Burkina Faso, and encouraged the growth of the local industry. It was not long before Burkinabes were wearing 100% cotton sourced, woven and tailored in Burkina Faso. From being a net importer of food, Thomas Sankara began to aggressively promote agriculture in Burkina Faso, telling his country people to quit eating imported rice and grain from Europe, said, “let us consume what we ourselves control,” he emphasized.

In less than 4 years, Burkina Faso became self-sufficient in foods production through the redistribution of lands from the hands of corrupt chiefs and land owners to local farmers, and through massive irrigation and fertilizer distribution programs. Thomas Sankara utilized various policies and government assistance to encourage Burkinabes to get education. In less than two years as a president, school attendance jumped from about 10% to a little below 25%, thus overturning the 90% illiteracy rate he met upon assumption of office.

Living way ahead of his time, within 12 months of his leadership, Sankara vigorously pursued a reforestation program that saw over 10 million trees planted around the country in order to push back the encroachment of the Sahara Desert. Uncommon at the time he lived, Sankara stressed women empowerment and campaigned for the dignity of women in a traditional patriarchal society. He also employed women in several government positions and declared a day of solidarity with housewives by mandating their husbands to take on their roles for 24 hours.

A personal fitness enthusiast, Sankara encouraged Burkinabes to be fitted and was regularly seen jogging unaccompanied on the streets of Ouagadougou; his waistline remained the same throughout his tenure as president.

In 1987, during a meeting of African leaders under the auspices of the Organization of African Unity, Thomas Sankara tried to convince his peers to turn their backs on the debt owed western nations. According to him, “debt is a cleverly managed reconquest of Africa. It is a reconquest that turns each one of us into a financial slave.” He would not request for, nor accept aid from the west, noting that “…welfare and aid policies have only ended up disorganizing us, subjugating us, and robbing us of a sense of responsibility for our own economic, political, and cultural affairs. We chose to risk new paths to achieve greater well-being.”

Thomas Sankara was a pan-Africanist who spoke out against apartheid, telling French President Jacques Chirac, during his visit to Burkina Faso, that it was wrong for him to support the apartheid government and that he must be ready to bear the consequences of his actions. Sankara’s policies and his unapologetic anti-imperialist stand made him an enemy of France, Burkina Faso’s former colonial master. He spoke truth to power fearlessly and paid with his life. Upon his assassination, his most valuable possessions were a car, a refrigerator, three guitars, motorcycles, a broken down freezer and about $400 in cash.

Few young Africans have ever heard of Thomas Sankara. In reality, it is not the assassination of Thomas Sankara that has dealt a lethal blowed to Africa and Africans; it is the assassination of his memory, as manifested in the indifference to his legacy, in the lack of constant reference to his ideals and ideas by Africans, by those who know and those who should know. Among physical and mental dirt and debris lie Africa’s heroes while the younger generations search in vain for role models from among their kind. Africans have therefore, internalized self-abhorrence and the convictions of innate incapability to bring about transformation. Transformation must runs contrary to the African’s DNA, many Africans subconsciously believe.

Africans are not given to celebrating their own heroes, but this must change. It is a colonial legacy that was instituted to establish the inferiority of the colonized and justify colonialism. It was a strategic policy that ensured that Africans celebrated the heroes of their colonial masters, but not that of Africa. Fifty years and counting after colonialism ended, Africa’s curriculum must now be redrafted to reflect the numerous achievements of Africans.

The present generation of Africans is thirsty, searching for where to draw the moral, intellectual and spiritual courage to effect change. The waters to quench the thirst, as other continents have already established, lies fundamentally in history - in Africa’s forbears, men, women and children who experienced much of what most Africans currently experience, but who chose to toe a different path. The media, entertainment industry, civil society groups, writers, institutions and organizations must begin to search out and include African role models, case studies and examples in their contents.

For Africans, the strength desperately needed for the transformation of the continent cannot be drawn from World Bank and IMF policies, from aid and assistance obtained from China, India, the United States or Europe. The strength to transform Africa lies in the foundations laid by uncommon heroes like Thomas Sankara; a man who showed Africa and the world that with a single minded pursuit of purpose, the worst can be made the best, and in record time too.

PMB @1

As all Nigerian celebrate democracy day today and one year anniversary of PMB administration. The scintillating performance of this administration cannot be over emphasized. Here are the speech of President Mohammad Buhari on the celebration happy reading.

PRESIDENT BUHARI'S DEMOCRACY SPEECH.MAY 29,2016.

MY COMPATRIOTS,

IT IS ONE YEAR TODAY SINCE OUR ADMINISTRATION CAME INTO OFFICE. IT HAS BEEN A YEAR OF TRIUMPH, CONSOLIDATION, PAINS AND ACHIEVEMENTS. BY AGE, INSTINCT AND EXPERIENCE, MY PREFERENCE IS TO LOOK FORWARD, TO PREPARE FOR THE CHALLENGES THAT LIE AHEAD AND REDEDICATE THE ADMINISTRATION TO THE TASK OF FIXING NIGERIA. BUT I BELIEVE WE CAN ALSO LEARN FROM THE OBSTACLES WE HAVE OVERCOME AND THE PROGRESS WE MADE THUS FAR, TO HELP STRENGTHEN THE PLANS THAT WE HAVE IN PLACE TO PUT NIGERIA BACK ON THE PATH OF PROGRESS.
WE AFFIRM OUR BELIEF IN DEMOCRACY AS THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT THAT BEST ASSURES THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND ACTUAL BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE. DESPITE THE MANY YEARS OF HARDSHIP AND DISAPPOINTMENT THE PEOPLE OF THIS NATION HAVE PROVED INHERENTLY GOOD, INDUSTRIOUS TOLERANT, PATIENT AND GENEROUS.

THE PAST YEARS HAVE WITNESSED HUGE FLOWS OF OIL REVENUES. FROM 2010 AVERAGE OIL PRICES WERE $100 PER BARREL. BUT ECONOMIC AND SECURITY CONDITIONS WERE DETERIORATING. WE CAMPAIGNED AND WON THE ELECTION ON THE PLATFORM OF RESTORING SECURITY, TACKLING CORRUPTION AND RESTRUCTURING THE ECONOMY. ON OUR ARRIVAL, THE OIL PRICE HAD COLLAPSED TO AS LOW AS $30 PER BARREL AND WE FOUND NOTHING HAD BEEN KEPT FOR THE RAINY DAY. OIL PRICES HAVE BEEN DECLINING SINCE 2014 BUT DUE TO THE NEGLECT OF THE PAST, THE COUNTRY WAS NOT EQUIPPED TO HALT THE ECONOMY FROM DECLINING.

THE INFRASTRUCTURE, NOTABLY RAIL, POWER, ROADS WERE IN A DECREPIT STATE. ALL THE FOUR REFINERIES WERE IN A STATE OF DISREPAIR, THE PIPELINES AND DEPOTS NEGLECTED.

HUGE DEBTS OWED TO CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS HAD ACCUMULATED. TWENTY-SEVEN STATES COULD NOT PAY SALARIES FOR MONTHS. IN THE NORTH-EAST, BOKO HARAM HAD CAPTURED 14 LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, DRIVEN THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES OUT, HOISTED THEIR FLAGS. ELSEWHERE, INSECURITY WAS PALPABLE; CORRUPTION AND IMPUNITY WERE THE ORDER OF THE DAY. IN SHORT, WE INHERITED A STATE NEAR COLLAPSE.

ON THE ECONOMIC FRONT, ALL OIL DEPENDENT COUNTRIES, NIGERIA INCLUDED, HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING SINCE THE DROP IN PRICES. MANY OIL RICH STATES HAVE HAD TO TAKE TOUGH DECISIONS SIMILAR TO WHAT WE ARE DOING. THE WORLD, NIGERIA INCLUDED HAS BEEN DEALING WITH THE EFFECTS OF THREE SIGNIFICANT AND SIMULTANEOUS GLOBAL SHOCKS STARTING IN 2014:
A 70% DROP IN OIL PRICES.
GLOBAL GROWTH SLOWDOWN.
NORMALIZATION OF MONETARY POLICY BY THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL RESERVE.

OUR PROBLEMS AS A GOVERNMENT ARE LIKE THAT OF A FARMER WHO IN A GOOD SEASON HARVESTS TEN BAGS OF PRODUCE. THE PROCEEDS ENABLE HIM TO GET BY FOR REST OF THE YEAR. HOWEVER, THIS YEAR HE COULD ONLY MANAGE 3 BAGS FROM HIS FARM. HE MUST NOW THINK OF OTHER WAYS TO MAKE ENDS MEET.

FROM DAY ONE, WE PURPOSELY SET OUT TO CORRECT OUR CONDITION, TO CHANGE NIGERIA. WE REINFORCED AND GALVANIZED OUR ARMED FORCES WITH NEW LEADERSHIP AND RESOURCES. WE MARSHALED OUR NEIGHBOURS IN A JOINT TASK FORCE TO TACKLE AND DEFEAT BOKO HARAM. BY THE END OF DECEMBER 2015, ALL BUT POCKETS AND REMNANTS HAD BEEN ROUTED BY OUR GALLANT ARMED FORCES. OUR IMMEDIATE FOCUS IS FOR A GRADUAL AND SAFE RETURN OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN SAFETY AND DIGNITY AND FOR THE RESUMPTION OF NORMALCY IN THE LIVES OF PEOPLE LIVING IN THESE AREAS.

EFCC WAS GIVEN THE FREEDOM TO PURSUE CORRUPT OFFICIALS AND THE JUDICIARY WAS ALERTED ON WHAT NIGERIANS EXPECT OF THEM IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION. ON THE ECONOMY, IN PARTICULAR FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND FUEL SHORTAGES, OUR PLAN IS TO SAVE FOREIGN EXCHANGE BY FAST TRACKING REPAIR OF THE REFINERIES AND PRODUCING MOST OF OUR FUEL REQUIREMENTS AT HOME. AND BY GROWING MORE FOOD IN NIGERIA, MAINLY RICE, WHEAT AND SUGAR WE WILL SAVE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND DRASTICALLY REDUCE OUR FOOD IMPORT BILL.

WE RESOLVED TO KEEP THE NAIRA STEADY, AS IN THE PAST, DEVALUATION HAD DONE DREADFUL HARM TO THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY. FURTHERMORE, I SUPPORT THE MONETARY AUTHORITY’S DECISION TO ENSURE ALIGNMENT BETWEEN MONETARY POLICY AND FISCAL POLICY. WE SHALL KEEP A CLOSE LOOK ON HOW THE RECENT MEASURES AFFECT THE NAIRA AND THE ECONOMY. BUT WE CANNOT GET AWAY FROM THE FACT THAT A STRONG CURRENCY IS PREDICATED ON A STRONG ECONOMY. AND A STRONG ECONOMY PRE-SUPPOSES AN INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTIVE BASE AND A STEADY EXPORT MARKET. THE MEASURES WE MUST TAKE, MAY LEAD TO HARDSHIPS. THE PROBLEMS NIGERIANS HAVE FACED OVER THE LAST YEAR HAVE BEEN MANY AND VARIED. BUT THE REAL CHALLENGE FOR THIS GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN RECONSTRUCTING THE SPINE OF THE NIGERIAN STATE. THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS HAVE BEEN SPENT COLLABORATING WITH ALL ARMS OF GOVERNMENT TOREVIVE OUR INSTITUTIONS SO THAT THEY ARE MORE EFFICIENT AND FIT FOR PURPOSE:
THAT MEANS A BUREAUCRACY BETTER ABLE TO DEVELOP AND DELIVER POLICY
THAT MEANS AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY, ABOVE SUSPICION AND ABLE TO DEFEND CITIZEN’S RIGHTS AND DISPENSE JUSTICE EQUITABLY.
THAT MEANS A LEGISLATURE THAT ACTUALLY LEGISLATES EFFECTIVELY AND
ABOVE ALL; THAT MEANS POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICIANS COMMITTED TO SERVING THE NIGERIAN PEOPLE RATHER THAN THEMSELVES.

THESE ARE THE PILLARS OF THE STATE ON WHICH DEMOCRACY CAN TAKE ROOT AND THRIVE. BUT ONLY IF THEY ARE STRONG AND INCORRUPTIBLE. ACCORDINGLY, WE ARE WORKING VERY HARD TO INTRODUCE SOME VITAL STRUCTURAL REFORMS IN THE WAY WE CONDUCT GOVERNMENT BUSINESS AND LAY A SOLID FOUNDATION ON WHICH WE CAN BUILD ENDURING CHANGE.

AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP HAS BEEN TO GET OUR HOUSEKEEPING RIGHT. SO WE HAVE REDUCED THE EXTRAVAGANT SPENDING OF THE PAST. WE STARTED BOLDLY WITH THE TREASURY SINGLE ACCOUNT, STOPPING THE LEAKAGES IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.

WE THEN IDENTIFIED FORTY-THREE THOUSAND GHOST WORKERS THROUGH THE INTEGRATED PAYROLL AND PERSONAL INFORMATION SYSTEM. THAT REPRESENTS PAY PACKETS TOTALING N4.2 BILLION STOLEN EVERY MONTH.  IN ADDITION, WE WILL SAVE TWENTY-THREE BILLION PER ANNUM FROM OFFICIAL TRAVELLING AND SITTING ALLOWANCES ALONE.

FURTHERMORE, THE EFFICIENCY UNIT WILL CUT COSTS AND ELIMINATE DUPLICATIONS IN MINISTRIES AND DEPARTMENTS. EVERY LITTLE SAVING HELPS. THE REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF MINISTRIES AND WORK ON RESTRUCTURING AND RATIONALIZATION OF THE MDAS IS WELL UNDERWAY. WHEN THIS WORK IS COMPLETE WE WILL HAVE A LEANER, MORE EFFICIENT PUBLIC SERVICE THAT IS FIT FOR THE PURPOSE OF CHANGING NIGERIA FOR THE GOOD AND FOR GOOD.

AS WELL AS MAKING SAVINGS, WE HAVE CHANGED THE WAY PUBLIC MONEY IS SPENT. IN ALL MY YEARS AS A PUBLIC SERVANT, I HAVE NEVER COME ACROSS THE PRACTICE OF PADDING BUDGETS. I AM GLAD TO TELL YOU NOW WE NOT ONLY HAVE A BUDGET, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, WE HAVE A BUDGET PROCESS THAT IS MORE TRANSPARENT, MORE INCLUSIVE AND MORE CLOSELY TIED TO OUR DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES THAN IN THE RECENT PAST. 30% OF THE EXPENDITURE IN THIS BUDGET IS DEVOTED TO CAPITAL ITEMS. FURTHERMORE, WE ARE PROJECTING NON-OIL REVENUES TO SURPASS PROCEEDS FROM OIL. SOME CRITICS HAVE DESCRIBED THE BUDGET EXERCISE AS CLUMSY. PERHAPS. BUT IT WAS AN EXAMPLE OF CONSENSUS BUILDING, WHICH IS INTEGRAL TO DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT. IN THE END WE RESOLVED OUR DIFFERENCES.

WE HAVE, THEREFORE, DELIVERED SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES ON SECURITY, CORRUPTION AND THE ECONOMY. IN RESPECT OF THE ECONOMY, I WOULD LIKE TO DIRECTLY ADDRESS YOU ON THE VERY PAINFUL BUT INEVITABLE DECISIONS WE HAD TO MAKE IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS SPECIFICALLY ON THE PUMP PRICE OF FUEL AND THE MORE FLEXIBLE EXCHANGE RATE POLICY ANNOUNCED BY THE CENTRAL BANK. IT IS EVEN MORE PAINFUL FOR ME THAT A MAJOR PRODUCER OF CRUDE OIL WITH FOUR REFINERIES THAT ONCE EXPORTED REFINED PRODUCTS IS TODAY HAVING TO IMPORT ALL OF ITS DOMESTIC NEEDS. THIS IS WHAT CORRUPTION AND MISMANAGEMENT HAS DONE TO US AND THAT IS WHY WE MUST FIGHT THESE ILLS.

AS PART OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE NEW ECONOMY WE HAVE HAD TO REFORM HOW FUEL PRICES HAD TRADITIONALLY BEEN FIXED. THIS STEP WAS TAKEN ONLY AFTER PROTRACTED CONSIDERATION OF ITS PROS AND CONS. AFTER COMPREHENSIVE INVESTIGATION MY ADVISERS AND I CONCLUDED THAT THE MECHANISM WAS UNSUSTAINABLE.

WE ARE ALSO ENGAGED IN MAKING RECOVERIES OF STOLEN ASSETS SOME OF WHICH ARE IN DIFFERENT JURISDICTIONS. THE PROCESSES OF RECOVERY CAN BE TEDIOUS AND TIME CONSUMING, BUT TODAY I CAN CONFIRM THAT THUS FAR: SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF ASSETS HAVE BEEN RECOVERED. A CONSIDERABLE PORTION OF THESE ARE AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF RECOVERY. FULL DETAILS OF THE STATUS AND CATEGORIES OF THE ASSETS WILL NOW BE PUBLISHED BY THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND UPDATED PERIODICALLY. WHEN FORFEITURE FORMALITIES ARE COMPLETED THESE MONIES WILL BE CREDITED TO THE TREASURY AND BE OPENLY AND TRANSPARENTLY USED IN FUNDING DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS AND THE PUBLIC WILL BE INFORMED.

ON THE NIGER DELTA, WE ARE COMMITTED TO IMPLEMENTING THE UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME REPORT AND ARE ADVANCING CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS. I BELIEVE THE WAY FORWARD IS TO TAKE A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES THAT AFFECT THE DELTA COMMUNITIES. RE-ENGINEERING THE AMNESTY PROGRAMMES IS AN EXAMPLE OF THIS. THE RECENT SPATE OF ATTACKS BY MILITANTS DISRUPTING OIL AND POWER INSTALLATIONS WILL NOT DISTRACT US FROM ENGAGING LEADERS IN THE REGION IN ADDRESSING NIGER DELTA PROBLEMS. IF THE MILITANTS AND VANDALS ARE TESTING OUR RESOLVE, THEY ARE MUCH MISTAKEN. WE SHALL APPREHEND THE PERPETRATORS AND THEIR SPONSORS AND BRING THEM TO JUSTICE.

THE POLICY MEASURES AND ACTIONS TAKEN SO FAR ARE NOT TO BE SEEN AS SOME EXPERIMENT IN GOVERNANCE. WE ARE FULLY AWARE THAT THOSE VESTED INTERESTS WHO HAVE HELD NIGERIA BACK FOR SO LONG WILL NOT GIVE UP WITHOUT A FIGHT. THEY WILL SOW DIVISIONS, SPONSOR VILE PRESS CRITICISMS AT HOME AND ABROAD, INCITE THE PUBLIC IN AN EFFORT TO CREATE CHAOS RATHER THAN RELINQUISH THE VICE-LIKE GRIP THEY HAVE HELD ON NIGERIA.

THE ECONOMIC MISFORTUNE WE ARE EXPERIENCING IN THE SHAPE OF VERY LOW OIL PRICES HAS PROVIDED US WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESTRUCTURE OUR ECONOMY AND DIVERSIFY. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF PROMOTING AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCKS, EXPLOITING OUR SOLID MINERAL RESOURCES AND EXPANDING OUR INDUSTRIAL AND MANUFACTURING BASE. THAT WAY, WE WILL IMPORT LESS AND MAKE THE SOCIAL INVESTMENTS NECESSARY TO ALLOW US TO PRODUCE A LARGE AND SKILLED WORKFORCE.

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA WILL OFFER MORE FISCAL INCENTIVES FOR BUSINESS THAT PROVE CAPABLE OF MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS THAT ARE INTERNATIONALLY COMPETITIVE. WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO REFORMING THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK, FOR INVESTORS BY IMPROVING THE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS IN NIGERIA.

MEANWHILE, THE FIRST STEPS ALONG THE PATH OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN RICE, WHEAT AND SUGAR – BIG USERS OF OUR SCARCE FOREIGN EXCHANGE – HAVE BEEN TAKEN. THE LABOUR INTENSIVE FARMING ENTERPRISE (LIFE), WILL BOOST THE ECONOMY AND ENSURE INCLUSIVE GROWTH IN LONG NEGLECTED COMMUNITIES. SPECIAL INTERVENTION FUNDS THROUGH THE BANK OF AGRICULTURE WILL PROVIDE TARGETED SUPPORT. CONCERNS REMAIN ABOUT RISING COST OF FOODS SUCH AS MAIZE, RICE, MILLET, BEANS AND GARI. FARMERS TELL ME THAT THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE COST OF FERTILIZERS, PESTICIDES AND THE ABSENCE OF EXTENSION SERVICES. THE FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS ARE ON THE SAME PAGE IN TACKLING THESE HURDLES IN OUR EFFORTS AT INCREASED FOOD PRODUCTION AND ULTIMATELY FOOD SECURITY.

I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS MY APPRECIATION FOR THE INCREASING ROLE THAT OUR WOMEN ARE PLAYING IN REVITALIZING THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR. MODERN FARMING IS STILL HARD AND HEAVY WORK AND I SALUTE OUR NIGERIAN WOMEN IN SHARING THIS BURDEN. IN THIS RESPECT I AM VERY PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL SHORTLY BE LAUNCHING THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT FUND, WHICH I HAVE APPROVED TO PROVIDE N1.6 BILLION IN MICRO-FINANCE LOANS TO WOMEN ACROSS THE NATION TO ASSIST IN REHABILITATING THE ECONOMIES OF RURAL COMMUNITIES, PARTICULARLY THOSE IMPACTED BY THE INSURGENCY AND CONFLICT.

WITH RESPECT TO SOLID MINERALS, THE MINISTER HAS PRODUCED A ROADMAP WHERE WE WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH THE WORLD BANK AND MAJOR INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS TO ENSURE THROUGH BEST PRACTICES AND DUE DILIGENCE THAT WE CHOOSE THE RIGHT PARTNERS. ILLEGAL MINING REMAINS A PROBLEM AND WE HAVE SET UP A SPECIAL SECURITY TEAM TO PROTECT OUR ASSETS. SPECIAL MEASURES WILL BE IN PLACE TO PROTECT MINERS IN THEIR WORK ENVIRONMENT.

FOR TOO LONG, OURS HAS BEEN A SOCIETY THAT NEGLECTS THE POOR AND VICTIMIZES THE WEAK. A SOCIETY THAT PROMOTES PROFIT AND GROWTH OVER DEVELOPMENT AND FREEDOM. A SOCIETY THAT FAILS TO RECOGNIZE THAT, TO QUOTE THE DISTINGUISHED ECONOMIST AMARTYA SEN “ POVERTY IS NOT JUST LACK OF MONEY. IT IS NOT HAVING THE CAPABILITY TO REALIZE ONE’S FULL POTENTIAL AS A HUMAN BEING.”

SO, TODAY, I AM HAPPY TO FORMALLY  LAUNCH, BY FAR THE MOST AMBITIOUS SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMME IN OUR HISTORY. A PROGRAMME THAT BOTH SEEKS TO START THE PROCESS OF LIFTING MANY FROM POVERTY, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME CREATING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES. IN THIS REGARD, FIVE HUNDRED BILLION NAIRA HAS BEEN APPROPRIATED IN THE 2016 BUDGET FOR SOCIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAMMES IN FIVE KEY AREAS. WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING JOB CREATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND TEACHERS AND ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND ARTISANS ACROSS THE NATION. 5.5 MILLION CHILDREN ARE TO BE PROVIDED WITH NUTRITIOUS MEALS THROUGH OUR SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE LEARNING OUTCOMES, AS WELL AS ENROLMENT AND COMPLETION RATES. THE CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFER SCHEME WILL PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR UP TO 1 MILLION VULNERABLE BENEFICIARIES, AND COMPLEMENT THE ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME – WHICH WILL TARGET UP TO 1 MILLION MARKET WOMEN; FOUR HUNDRED AND SIXTY THOUSAND ARTISANS; AND TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND AGRICULTURAL WORKERS, NATIONWIDE. FINALLY, THROUGH THE EDUCATION GRANT SCHEME, WE WILL ENCOURAGE STUDENTS STUDYING SCIENCES, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHS, AND LAY A FOUNDATION FOR HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

I WOULD LIKE TO PAY A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO OUR GALLANT MEN AND WOMEN OF THE ARMED FORCES WHO ARE IN HARM’S WAY SO THAT THE REST OF US CAN LIVE AND GO ABOUT OUR BUSINESS IN SAFETY. THEIR WORK IS ALMOST DONE. THE NATION OWES THEM A DEBT OF GRATITUDE.

ABROAD, WE WANT TO ASSURE OUR NEIGHBOURS, FRIENDS AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS THAT NIGERIA IS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES. WE ARE READY PARTNERS IN COMBATING TERRORISM, CYBER CRIMES, CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT. FOLLOWING ON THE PARIS AGREEMENT, COP 21, WE ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO HALTING AND REVERSING DESERTIFICATION. ELSEWHERE, WE WILL INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO TACKLE EROSION, OCEAN SURGE, FLOODING AND OIL SPILLAGE WHICH I REFERRED TO EARLIER BY IMPLEMENTING THE UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (UNEP) REPORT.

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NOTABLY FRANCE, THE US, UK AND CHINA FOR THEIR QUICK RESPONSE IN HELPING TO TACKLE THE RECENT EBOLA OUTBREAK IN OUR SUB-REGION. WE ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THE HUMANITY SHOWN BY THE ITALIAN AND GERMAN GOVERNMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF BOAT PEOPLE, MANY FLEEING FROM OUR SUB-REGION BECAUSE OF LACK OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. WE THANK ALL OUR PARTNERS ESPECIALLY SEVERAL COUNTRIES IN THE EU.

WE APPRECIATE THE VALUABLE WORK THAT THE UN AGENCIES, PARTICULARLY UNICEF, ICRC, THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAM HAVE BEEN DOING. WE MUST ALSO APPRECIATE THE WORLD BANK, THE GATES FOUNDATION, THE GLOBAL FUND AND EDUCATE A CHILD OF QATAR ARE FOR THE EXCELLENT WORK IN OUR HEALTH, EDUCATION AND OTHER SECTORS.

FELLOW CITIZENS LET ME END ON A HAPPY NOTE. TO THE DELIGHT OF ALL, TWO OF THE ABDUCTED CHIBOK GIRLS HAVE REGAINED THEIR FREEDOM. DURING THE LAST ONE YEAR, NOT A SINGLE DAY PASSED WITHOUT MY AGONIZING ABOUT THESE GIRLS. OUR EFFORTS HAVE CENTRED AROUND NEGOTIATIONS TO FREE THEM SAFELY FROM THEIR, MINDLESS, CAPTORS. WE ARE STILL PURSUING THAT COURSE. THEIR SAFETY IS OF PARAMOUNT CONCERN TO ME AND I AM SURE TO MOST NIGERIANS. I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT THE CONDITIONS THOSE STILL CAPTURED MIGHT BE IN. TODAY I RE-AFFIRM OUR COMMITMENT TO RESCUING OUR GIRLS. WE WILL NEVER STOP UNTIL WE BRING THEM HOME SAFELY. AS I SAID BEFORE, NO GIRL SHOULD BE PUT THROUGH THE BRUTALITY OF FORCED MARRIAGE AND EVERY NIGERIAN GIRL HAS THE RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION AND A LIFE CHOICE.

I THANK YOU AND APPEAL TO YOU TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO FIX NIGERIA.

Highlights of 2016 budget of change

At last 2016 appropriation signed

President Buhari signed 2016 Budget into Law in Statehouse on 6th May 2016.

#Budget2016: "We are working night and day to diversify the economy so that we never again have to rely on one commodity to survive as a country." - Buhari

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI AT THE SIGNING OF THE 2016 APPROPRIATION BILL INTO LAW ON FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016, ABUJA

1.     It gives me great pleasure today to sign the first full-year budget of this administration into law.  I thank the leadership of the National Assembly, in particular, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and indeed all members of the National Assembly for their cooperation in making this a reality.

2.   The budget is intended to signpost a renewal of our commitment to restoring the budget as a serious article of faith with the Nigerian people. This Administration is committed to ensuring that henceforth the annual appropriation bill is presented to the National Assembly in time for the passage of the Act before the beginning of the fiscal year.

3.   Through the 2016 budget, aptly titled "Budget of Change’’, the government seeks to fulfill its own side of the social contract. The Budget I have signed into law provides for aggregate expenditures of N6.06trn. Further details of the approved budget, as well as our Strategic Implementation Plan for the 2016 budget, will be provided by the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning.

4.   I shall be speaking in more details about the Budget, its implementation and the over-all national economic and social policies of the Government in my address on May 29th, God willing.

5.    In designing the 2016 budget, we made a deliberate choice to pursue an expansionary fiscal policy despite the huge decline in government revenues from crude oil exports. This is why we decided to enlarge the budget deficit at this time, to be financed principally through foreign and domestic borrowings.  All borrowings will however be applied towards growth-enhancing capital expenditures.  

6.   The signing of the budget today will trigger concerted efforts to reflate the Nigerian economy, a key element of which is an immediate injection of N350bn into the economy by way of capital projects. To illustrate our renewed commitment to infrastructural development, the 2016 budget allocates over N200bn to road construction as against a paltry N18bn allocated for same purpose in the 2015 budget.

7.    Despite the current difficulties we will work extra-hard to achieve our revenue projections. Our revenue generating agencies are coming under better management and are being re-oriented. The implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) is expected to contribute significantly to improving transparency over government revenues.

8.   Our determined fight against corruption is resulting in improvements in the quality of public expenditure. The work of the Efficiency Unit, as well as other public financial management initiatives, are also contributing in this regard. The continuing efforts to reduce recurrent expenditures should hopefully free up more funds for capital expenditure in 2017 and beyond.

9.   As I said in my New Year message, living in State House does not in any way alienate me from your daily struggles. I read the newspapers and listen to the TV and radio news. I hear your cries. I share your pains.

10.                      We are experiencing probably the toughest economic times in the history of our Nation. I want to commend the sacrifice, resilience and toughness of all Nigerians young and old who have despite the hardships continued to have hope and confidence of a great future for Nigerians. But permit me to say that this government is also like none other. We are absolutely committed to changing the structure of the Nigerian economy once and for all.

11.We are working  night and day to diversify the economy so that we never again have to rely on one commodity to survive as a country. So that we can produce the food we eat, make our own textiles, produce most of the things we use. We intend to create the environment for our young peoples to be able to innovate and create jobs through technology.

12.                       I cannot promise you that this will be an easy journey, but in the interest of so much and so many we must tread this difficult path.  I can assure you that this government you have freely elected will work with honesty and dedication, day and night to ensure that our country prospers and that the prosperity benefits all Nigerians. God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Speaking after signing the budget the President said, ''Living in the State House does not alienate me from your daily struggles. I hear your cries, I share your pains. I commend the sacrifice, resilience, toughness of all Nigerians, who have continued to have hope and confidence of a great future''.

''This government is like no other. We are absolutely committed to changing the structure of the Nigerian economy once and for all. I can't promise that it will be an easy journey, but can assure this govt you have freely elected will work with honesty and dedication''. 

''I shall speak in more details about the overall economic and social policies of the govt in my address on May 29, God willing''.

Dieziani syndrome part 1

Since the inception of the PMB administration serious blow has been dealt with corruption and corrupt invested individuals. The revelations coming out of Jonathan administration with mind bungling corruption that was highly entreshed into the fabrics of government political appointees are unqualifiable. Indeed a social disgrace and showing that GEJ indeed is a buffoon.

BREAKING: Panicky Diezani Begs Buhari, Offers to refund $2bn

In the wake of new revelations of graft against her, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s disgraced former Minister of Petroleum, has continued to send emissaries to beg President Muhammadu Buhari for a reprieve over allegations of embezzlement for which she is being investigated. Over the weekend, reliable presidency sources told The Abuja Inquirer, that the former minister has reached out to “some close, personal friends” of the President to beg him to reign in the security agencies and give her a soft landing.

In return, the Minister is offering to refund Two Billion US Dollars and to cooperate with federal officials in tracing looted funds that have been siphoned abroad by her various cronies. We gathered that the President would hear none of that and is insisting that justice must take its course.

Last week, the Nation newspaper reported that The Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions (EFCC) has seized properties and very expensive jewelry belonging to Diezani Alison-Madueke. The report says the EFFCC confiscated several posh houses in choice parts of Nigeria and a very expensive wrist watch worth £600, 000 and other gold and diamonds from the shamed minister and the wife of one of her business partners, Mr Jide Omokore.

The Nation, quoting an unnamed EFCC source, said: “We have seized many houses belonging to Diezani and Omokore on Banana Island and other places. Also, a wristwatch of about £1.4million was seized from Omokore’s wife. From the former minister, we have retrieved a choice wrist watch worth £600,000 and jewelry in gold and diamond. We will soon show Nigerians all these items for them to appreciate what we have done and to learn some lessons.”

Mrs. Diezani is being tried for money laundering in a London court. Her son is also reported to be wanted by EFCC.
Diezani Alison-Madueke was one of the closest ministers to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, both of whom are from Bayelsa state. She has been fingered in many dubious deals, particularly in the oil industry.


This is not the first time Diezani is offering to refund money to the Federal government. Premium Times reported a while ago that when President Buhari was to meet with US officials including the US Attorney General, Ms Loretta Lynch, to discuss how the US government can facilitate the investigation, arrest and prosecution of some officials of the Jonathan administration implicated in the theft of billions of dollars, she reportedly spoke to the Kaduna state governor, MALLAM Nasir el-Rufai to intercede on her behalf with the President but was rebuffed by the Governor.

(C) The Abuja Inquire

Yusuf Olatunji a great musical icon

The late great Samara maestro Yusuf Olatunji is great both at death and life 38yrs after the music still plays on let celebrate one of our Own.

Yusuf Olatunji, also known as Baba Legba or Baba L’Egbaa (1909-1978),[1] was a Nigerian Sakara drum player, who popularized the sakara music style.[2] He was purportedly born in 1909 in a village called Gbegbinlawo in Ogun State in south-western Nigeria, although there are still doubts about the location of his birth. His mid-life conversion to Islam boosted his career in Yoruba music. He was born a Christian and he hailed from Iseyin in Oyo State. He was formerly known as Joseph Olatunji.

He died in December 1978.

.....1969 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action Vol. 1 (Philips PL 13411)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 007
[as Vol. 1 Bolowo Bate]) [A] Surakaty Eki / Jioh Gbensola / Raufu Adegbite / Egbe Ifenirepo [B] Bolowo Bate / Ganiyu Ladeyinde / Yekini Akintoye / Egbe Iwajowa Ijebu-Ode

? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Plays Sakara Volume 2 (Philips West African PL 13413)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 002
[as Vol. 2 O Wole Ologo Keri])(CD; Zareco [Lagos] Z.O.N13413 [as Vol. 2 O'wole Olongo]) [A] Ajala Jinadu / Alhaji Mustafa Dabiri / Late Ramoni Alao / Yekinni Aridegbe / Egbe Irepolodun (Ibadan) [B] Salawu Adejola / Mutairu Lemboye / Alhaji Badiru Sodunke / Badiru Amole Ajisegiri / Egbe Oredegbe (Egba)

? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Plays Sakara Volume 3 (Philips West African PL 13414)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 008
[as Vol. 3 Amode Maja])(CD; Zareco [Lagos] Z.O.N13414 [as Vol. 3 Atori Kio Ma Se Weleje]) [A] Tijani Akinyele / Alimi Okerayi / Yusufu Olatunji / Sule Apena / Alhaja Raliatu Adeyemi [B] Busari Salami (Baba-Jebba) / Abudu Amodemaja / Rafiu Amoo (Nijaiye) / Alafia Boys (Eko) / Muniratu Laro

? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action No. 1 (Philips / Phonogram 6361054)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 016
[as Majejo Mi O Bun Mi])(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number [as Mejejo Nio Bunmi Oba Oluwa]) [A] Sunmora Folarin / Yekinni Ajala / Tijani Aiyelokun / Orokeloni / Surakatu Amodu / Joseph Balogun [B] A. K. Yusufu / Salu Ojelade / Lasisi Abiola / Raufu Adisa / Ayisatu Agbeke / Egbe Ajisafe

Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action Vol. 4 (10" LP, Philips PL 13422)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 003
[as Vol.4 Asa Mba Eiyele Sere]) [A] Kuye Dada / Alhaji Rasaki Sanusi / Busura Babaosa / Alhaji Ramoni Salami / Lamidi Durowoju [B] Asa Mba Eiyele Sere / Shewu / Alhaji Raufu Adeola / Liadi Shomuyiwa / Egbe Ifelodun Adeoyo (Ibadan)

? Yusuf Olatunji and His Sakara Group Vol. 5 Beriwa Ekiwa (LP; unknown)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] ORSL 1302
[as Vol.5 Ilu T'ao Moba])(CD; Olatunji [Lagos] no number) Alhaji Raufu Salawu / Alhaji Ayinde Adenekan / Beriwa Ekiwa / Boti Sefun Mi / Late Shittu Olasimbo / Late J.F. Olasimbo / Abimbola Gbolade / Alhaji Adeleke Dada / Idayatu Sowami / Egbe Oredegbe (Agege)

1970 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action Vol. 6 (Philips PL 6386007)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 009
[as Vol. 6 Oye Kani Fura]) [A] Nofiu Lashoju / Datemi Lare / O Ye Kani Fura / Egbe Fourteen Members / Egbe Ifelodun Kenta [B] Itoko Area / Chief Waidi Awoleshu / Adegoke Ajao / Egba Boys Society / R. Ayandeyi Akangbe

? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Kasumu Sanni b/w Raimi Asuni (45; Badejo's Sound Studios BBAF 1022)

? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 7 (Zareco ORSL 1301)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] ORSL 1301 [as Vol.7 E Ma F'ojowu Meji Dele])(CD; Olatunji [Lagos] no number
[as Vol.7 Late Alimi Orerayi]) [A] Memudu Amoo Abolade / Alhaji Olanrewaju Oseni / Oremeji (Ijebu-Ode) / Late Alimi Orerayi / R. P. Salami [B] Lasisi Adelanwa / Falila Abeke / Nbamodi Ese (Lasisi Omolayemi) / Egbe Social (Eko) / Egbe Oba Idimu

? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group
Vol. 8 Toba Oluwa Ni Yio Se (Zareco ORSL ??)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 024) Alhaji M. Tolani / Sufianu Ishola Aregbe / Egbe Irawo Egba (Eko) / Moshudi Bello / Tijani Alalubarika / Ganiyu Ajimobi (Alhaji) / Kubura Abike Adebisi (Cash Woman) / Alhaji Bello Agunbiade / Alhaji Y. Ashiyenbi / Egbe Ifenirepo (Odi-Olowo)

1971 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action
Vol. 9 (10" LP, Badejo's Sound Studio BBA 3004R; Zareco ORSR1303) [A] T. Ayinde Shonibare / Shittu Olafuyi / Busari Akiyo / Buraimoh Ogunmefun / Soredegbe(Iffo) [B] Lamide Adedibu / Buraimoh Oyedele / Comfort Seriki / Alhaji Raufu Akiode / Egbe Oredegbe (Saro)

? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action Vol. 10 (Philips / Phonogram PL 6386022)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 021[as Vol.10 Otegbola])(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number
[as Vol.10 Ka Tun 'Ra Mu]) [A] Mudasiru Otegbola / Titilayo Ejire / Raimi Balogun / Sikiru Balogun / Alafia Boys [B] Wahabi Shekoni / Nurudeen Adedeji / Abudu Okedara / Late Ramoni Sanni / Egbe Ifelodun Ikereku

? Yusuf Olatunji (Baba Legba) & His Sakara Group
Vol. 12 Iranse Lowo Je (LP; unknown)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number) Raimi Ayinla Mogaji / Lamina Alabede / James Soyoye / Alaru Durowoju / Alaru Durowoju / Egbe Osupa (Egba) / Amidu Ojedara / Alhaji Lamidi Shoge / Ilupeju Adatan / Alhaji Raji Akanji / Oredegbe Mushin

? Yusuf Olatunji (Baba Legba) & His Sakara Group
Vol. 13 Asiko Wa Ni (LP; unknown)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number) Alimi Sanusi / Chief Olorun Tele / Alhaji Sufianu Akande / Egbe Yusuf Olatunji / Bakare Shonde / Alade Okewole / Wosilatu Ologundudu / Alhaji Mustafa Bakare / Tijani Lemomu / Egbe Fowosere.

Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 14 (Zareco ORSL 1701)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number
[as Vol.14 Late Badejo Okusanya]) [A] Late Badejo Okusanya / Lasisi Karaole [B] Oba Alake of Egba Land / Yusufu Olatunji / Amuda Obelawo / Egbe Onifaji Eko

1973 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 15 (Philips / Phonogram PL 6361031)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 018
[as Vol.15 Onitire])(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number [as Vol.15 Oni 'Tire]) [A] Jimoh Olojo (Itire) / Sunmonu Akanbi Olori / Karimu Olota / Nuru Alowonle / Egbe Ifelajulo (Ijemo) [B] Wahabi Ayinla Adetoun / Aminu Alamu Bello / Jimoh Ishola Amodu / Alhaji Ganiyu Elekuro / Egbe Obaniba Siri

1973 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 16 (Zareco ORSL 1703)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number
[as Vol.16 Ojise Nla]) [A] Late Lasisi omo Layemi / Muraina Clundegun / Orin Faji / Jarinatu Seriki / Egbe Ifelodun (Ilupeju) [B] Oloye Egba / Alhaji Amuda Balogun / Alhaji Ganiyu Latunde / J. K. O. T. / Egbe Ajigbotoluwa (Ibadan)

? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 17 (Philips / Phonogram PL 6361050)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 010
[as Vol.17 Yegede]) [A] Orin Yusufu Olatunji / Kuburatu Adebisi Edioseri / Egba Ilupeju (Kemta) [B] Sule Esinlokun / Awon Oba Eko / Sherifatu Asake / Basiratu Salawe Akanni / Late Sidi Ereko

1974 Yusufu Olatunji and His Sakara Group
Vol. 18 (Zareco ORSL 1706) [A] Alhaji Akanbi Awolesu / S. A. Sunmonu / Late Suara (Abusi Ibadan) / Oti Oyinbo [B] Governor Rotimi / Abudu Sanni Omo-Aje / Salawu Amoo Arikuyeri / Alhaja Sariatu Jaiyeoba / Egbe Olowolagba (Gbagura)

? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action Vol. 19 (Philips / Phonogram PL 6361066)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 005
[as Vol.19 Se Eni Kosi, Omo Yin Nyo]) [A] Ayinde S. Kenkenke / Jinadu Esho (Ifo) / Raufu Are Atan Nagbowo / Salaru Adeywmi / Egbe Liberty (Eko) [B] Amusa Adenekan / Rashidi Adogbonjeun / Yusufu And His Group / Eji Gbadero / Egbe Fesojaiye

? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 20 (Zareco ORSL 1708)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] ORSL 1708
[as Vol.20 Omo T'i O Gba Eko Ile]) [A] Chief Lasisi Oseni / Alhaji Salisu Majek / Rasaki Keshiro / Ramoni Alabi Olayiwola / Ero Wo O Ero Wo / Egbe Ifelodun [B] A Se'ba K'A To Sere / Eje Ka Sere Han Won / Alhaji Rafiu Ajakaku (Ibadan) / Egbe Irepolodun (Egba)

? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group (Sakara) Vol. 21 (Philips / Phonogram PL 6361089)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 001 [as Vol.21 Ijimere Sogigun])(CD; Zareco [Lagos] Z.O.N 6361089
[as Vol.21 Ijimere Sogigun]) [A] Lamidi Akinola / Asani Komolafe / Falilatu Shoga / Alhaja Nofisatu Agbeke / Egbe Ifelodun (Egba) [B] Sogigun / Jimoh Oni / Alhaji Raufu Adisa / Egbe Owoseni (Imo)

1975 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 22 (Zareco ORSL 1711)(CD; Olatunji [Lagos] CMP008
[as Vol.22 Iwa]) [A] IWA / Shewu Bakare / Alhaja Musili Ashake / Egbe Ajisafe Oshogbo [B] Lamina Ojugbele / Alhaji Abasi Olisa / Fatai Are-Ago / Ailara Amodemaja / Egbe Ifelodun (Oke-Bode)

? Yusuf Olatunji & His Sakara Group Vol. 23 Olowo Lagba (LP; unknown)(CD; Premier Music PLCD 004)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number) Olowo Lagba / Fasasi Olowobuso / Alhaji Salimonu Lawal / Egbe Osupa Egba / Alhaji Ishatu Korodo / Olufunmilayo Abiodun / Omo Ogun Oloko (Oshodi) / Egbe Olo Member (Ibadan) / Buraimo Dan Boy (Ilorin)

1976 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 24 (Zareco ORSL 1717)(CD; Olatunji [Lagos] no number
[as Vol.24 Oba Oluwa Loni Dede]) [A] Olorun Oba L'o Ni Dede / Mo Ranti Baba Kan / Lati Olasimbo / Egbe Iwajowa (Ijebu-Ode) / Alhaji Kasumu Ajibola [B] S. Abeni / Ambali Akanni Salawu / Egbe Oredegbe (Isale Offin)

1976 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 25 (Philips / Phonogram PL 6361160)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 019[as Vol.25 Kafi Ara Wa Sokan])(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number
[as Vol.25 Oku Ano Konira]) [A] Adeleke Ashata / Mukadasi Aregbe / Salamotu Abiosoye Oliyide [B] Alhaji Isiaka Kaka / Rafiu Adigun / Alhaji Bakare Adenle / Egbe Ifelodun Olatunji (Egba)

1977 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 26 (Zareco ORSL 1721)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] ORSL 1721
[as Vol.26 Ogun State]) [A] Ogun State / Late Murtala Muhammed / Alhaji Oloruntele Olukoya / Egbe Irepolodun (Ibadan) [B] Igba Ta Ba Fi Winka / Akanju Wowo / Fasasi Kasumu / Raufu Arogundade / Egbe Oredegbe (Eko)

1977 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 27 (Philips / Phonogram PL 6361256)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 006
[as Vol.27 Orin Tokotaya])(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number [as Vol.27 Oro Loko Laya]) [A] Alhaji Adetunji Adenekan / Alhaja Lati Ladejobi / Sinotu Abeke / Egbe Egba Parapo (Oshodi) [B] Orin Tokotaya / Orin Asiko / Rasaki Adelakun / Egbe Faripo (Egba) / Egbe Irepolodun (Egba)

? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action Vol. 28 (Zareco ORSL 1725)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number [as Vol.27 Ef' Omo Fun Alapata]) [A] Alhaji Rasidi Shoyoye / Alhaji Lasisi Akinshola / Ramoni Shanusi / Wosilatu Ologundudu [B] Alhaji Yinusa Akanbi (Otta) / Kilani - Babanla / Alhaja - Wosilatu - Oguntade

1978 Yusufu Olatunji and His Sakara Group Vol. 29 (Philips / Phonogram PL 6361335)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number
[as Vol.29 Ilu Osugbo]) [A] Surakatu Akinbola / Alhaji Yekini Ajala / Egbe Owo Otta [B] Lawrence Aina / Aileru Sodimu / Rasy Musitafa / Egbe Obanibashiri Kemta

1978 Yusufu Olatunji and His Sakara Group
Vol. 30 (Zareco ORSL 1729) [A] Alhaji Samusi Ayorinde / Alhaji Musitafa Oyeleke / Sufianu Ogunwolu / Raufu Ajani Raji [B] Alhaji Muraina Ajadi / Jimo Ishola Amodu / Nofisatu Iya Iebeji / Egbe Irepudun Ibadan

? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 32 (Zareco ORSL 1731) [A] Iba Abibu - Oluwa / Alhaji Akinpelu / Alhaji Salabiu Ladejobi / Egbe Binukonu Iwo [B] Ibi Agbagbe Fowo - Tisi / Sidikatu - Sogbamu / Alhaji Sule - Shittu / Egbe Alafia Boys Egba

1980 Yusufu Olatunji and His Sakara Group Vol. 33 (Zareco/Fontana FTLP 107)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 024
[as Vol.33 Adegbenro]) [A] Late Akhaji Adegbenro / Bakare Ajani Olagunju / Egbe Fesojaiye (Adatani) [B] Kasunmu Isola Sanni / Sabitiyu Adunni / Egbe Anjuwon (Itoko)

1981 Late Yusufu Olatunji and His Sakara Group Vol. 35 (Zareco ORSL 1737)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] ORSL 1737 [as Vol.35 Oloye Faji]) [A] Alhaji Raufu Kube-Kube / Alhaji Jimo Idowu / Rabiatu Ayoka (Oloye Faji of Lagos) / Mukaila Balogun / Egbe Ifelodun-Fiditi [B] Lasisi Ishola Fajebe / Mutalubi Dami / Alhaji Onilegbale / Egbe Ifelodun Odi - Olowo

? Late Yusufu Olatunji (Baba L'egba) and His Sakara Group
Vol. 36 Ore Marun (Zareco ORSL ??)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 025) Alhaji Olatinwa Adeyemi / Alhaji Akande Falahan / Alhaji Ishau Lawal / Alhaji Shittu Adeyemi / Alhaji Busari Akano / Oredegbe Ita-Faji (Eko) / Alhaji Badiru Alubarikaloju / Emide Bello / Egbe Ifelodun Fowosere (Egba)

1981-2 Yusufu Olatunji and His Sakara Group Vol. 37 (Zareco ORSL 1739)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] ORSL 1737 [as Vol.37 Mapada Leyin Mi Oba Oluwa]) [A] Chief Adeniyi Idowu / Jinadu Ogunbayo / Awon Omo Lefude / Egbe Osupa Egba Obinrin [B] Mapada Lehin Mi Oluwa / Alhaji Ashiru Olona / Alhaji R. P. Salami / Egbe Ajisafe (Eko) Mushin

1987 Yusufu Olatunji and His Sakara Group Baba O 5 (Zareco ORSL 1742) [A] Waidi Orelope / Larimu Seriki / Rabiu Shodunke / Shitu Dokunmu [B] K. Dawodu / Jimoh Asuni / Jimo Subulade / Alhaji Lemboye / James Kodaolu / Oredegbe Kaduna

? Yusufu Olatunji (Baba Legba) & His Sakara Group Alara Morire (LP; unknown)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number) Alara Morire / Busari Salami / Rasidi Ayandeyi / Chief Kosebinu (Sagua Of Ilugun) / S.B. Bakare / Raji Asindemade / Alhaji Aremu Kolapo / Surakatu Rosiji / Fasasi Bakare / Abadatu L.L.B

? Yusufu Olatunji (Baba Legba) & His Sakara Group Agbalagba To'nta Roba F'eye (LP; unknown)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number) Waidi Orelope / Karimu Seriki / Rabiu Shodunke / Shitu Dokunmu / Egbe Unity / K. Dawodu / Jimoh Asuni / Jimoh Subulade / Alhaji Lemboye / James kodaolu / Oredegbe Kaduna

1993 Yusufu Olatunji Legend Vol. 2 (Premier Music PLMC 002 ) [A] Yusuf Oyokun / Sikiratu Shobayo / Asani Oloriebi / Alhaji Tijani Ariledesi / Egbe Binukonu / Rasaki Sanusi [B] Surakatu Amodu / Egbe Ajisafe / Lamidi Shoge / Oroke Loni Niyen / Jimoh Olori Ebi / Abadatu Amoke / Joseph Balogun

2001 Yusuf Olatunji Baba L'egba and His Sakara Group The Living Songs Of The Legend Series 1 (CD; no label AG 002) Asa Mba Eiyele Sere / Ajagbe Ejo / Orin Toko Taya / Baba In The 60's

2001 Yusuf Olatunji Baba L'egba and His Sakara Group The Living Songs Of The Legend Series 3 (CD; no label AG 003) Orin Yusuf Olatunji / Awon Oba Eko / Alhaji Adetunji Adenekan

? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Premier Legend (Premier Music PLMC 004 ) [A] Jimoh Olojo (Itire) / Sunmonu Akanbi Olori / Karimu Olota / Nuru Alowonie / Egbe Ifelajulo (Ijemo) [B] Wabi Ayinla Adeotun / Aminu Alamu Bello / Jimoh Ishola Amodu / Alhaji Ganiyu Elekuro / Egbe Obanibasiri Eko

? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Premier Legend (Premier Music PLMC 006 ) [A] Tijani Akinyele / Alimi Okerayi / Yusufu Olatunji / Sule Apena / Lahaja Raliatu Adeyemi [B] Busari Salami (Baba Jebba) / Abudu Amodemaja / Rafiu Amoo (Nijaiye) / Alafia Boys (Eko) / Muniratu Laro

? Late Pa Yusufu Olatunji (Baba L'egba) The Evergreen Sakara Hit Collections Series 1 (CD; Premier Music no number) Fasasi Bakare / Egbe Unity/ Adeniran Adegboyega / Mojisola Ologunebi / Rabiu Sodunke / Shittu Dokunmi / Surukatu Fadipe / Oredegbe Kaduna / Yusufu Oyekun / Sikiratu Shobayo / Asani Oloriebi / Alhaji Tijani Ariledesi / Waidi Orelope / Karimu Seriki / Raji Mustafa / Ramoni Ogunyomi / Lasisi Abiola / Jimoh Seriki

? Late Pa Yusufu Olatunji (Baba L'egba) The Evergreen Sakara Hit Collections Series 2 (CD; Premier Music no number) Bolowo Bate / Ganiyu Ladeyinde / Yekini Akintoye / Egbe Iwajowa (Ijebu Ode) / Surukatu Eki / Jimoh Gbensola / Raufu Adegbite / Ajagbe Imenirepo / Nofiu Lashoju / Da Temi Lare / O Ye Kani Fura / Egbe Fourteen Members / Egbe Ifelodun Kenta / Ijoko Area / Chief Waidi Awoleshu / Adegoke Ajao / Egbe Boys Society / R. Ayandeji Akangbe / Alhaja Muniratu Abeo / Samsudeen Bankole / Abraham Idowu

? Late Yusufu Olatunji (Baba L'egba) and His Sakara Group Orin Faaji (CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 017) Faji Song / Jimoh Seriki / Tesimili Kushimo / Lamidi Shoge / George Bammeke / Egbe Obanibashiri / Rasaki Sanusi / Shitu Arowokoko / Chief Lamidi Ashiwaju / Raufu Adeola / Jimo Ologun Ebi / Abadatu Amoke