Thursday 29 November 2012

VC URGES NEW STUDENTS TO SHUN SOCIAL VICES

VC URGES NEW STUDENTS TO SHUN SOCIAL VICES
…As 2,698 Takes Matric. Oath

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Muhammed Salihu Audu, FMAN, has urged the newly admitted students of the institution to shun all forms of social vices on campus such as examination malpractice, admission fraud, cultism, fighting, theft, assault, rumour mongering and illicit drug use.
Cross section of Matriculating Students
Prof. Audu stated this yesterday during the 26th Matriculation Ceremony of the institution held at the University Auditorium, Main Campus, Gidan Kwano. “I admonish you not to associate with bad gangs or cult-related groups as the University only awards degrees to students who excelled both in character and learning,” Prof. Audu stated. He urged the students to make use of the libraries, laboratories, workshops and Information Technology Service Centre (ITS) in order to enhance learning and research. Registrar, Mrs. Victoria Kolo administered the matriculation oath to the students at the ceremony. Two thousand six hundred and ninety eight students took the matriculation oath at the ceremony. The breakdown of students that took the matriculation oath is as follows: School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT) 349, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SEET) 527, School of Environmental Technology (SET) 417, School of Applied and

Natural Science (SANS) 703, School of Technology Education (STE) 150, School of Information and Communication Technology (SICT) 273 while School of Entrepreneurship and Management Technology (SEMT) had 279.

CLOSURE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE 2012/2013 ACADEMIC SESSION



This is to inform all Fresh and Returning students that normal registration exercise for 2012/2013 session close at 12 midnight on Thursday, November 22, 2012 while late registration commences on Friday, November 23, to Friday, December 14, 2012.
Also, all returning students are to note that late registration attracts additional N10, 000.00(ten thousand naira) only in addition to the normal fees and charges. During this period, all registration must be completed as there would be no further extension.
However, Matriculation ceremony for the 2012/2013 session is slated for Thursday, November 22, 2012 by 9:00 a.m. at the University Auditorium, Main Campus, Gidan Kwano.
It is mandatory for all fresh students to be in attendance and robe (academic Gown) for the ceremony, as any student found wanting in this respect shall not be included among registered students.

FUT MINNA, APPOINTS NEW VC

FUT MINNA, APPOINTS NEW VC
The University Governing Council has approved the appointment of Professor Musbau Adewumi Akanji, FNSBMB, Faculty of Science, University of Ilorin as the 6th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University. He is to take over from the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. M. S. Audu, FMAN, whose tenure expires on Monday, November 26, 2012.
Prof. Musbau A. Akanji, new VC, FUT, Minna
Council approved the appointment at its 97th Special Meeting held on Tuesday, November 20, 2012. Prof. Akanji, who hails from Essa Ward, Offa, Kwara State was born on January 4, 1953. He attended Offa Grammer School and the famous Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo before proceeding to University of Ibadan from 1972 – 1975 for his B.Sc (Hons), Biochemistry.
Between 1979 and 1986 he was in the University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) for his M.Sc and Ph.D (Biochemistry) respectively.
He worked as a Research Biochemist with the Nigerian Institute of Tryposomiasis Research, Vom, Plateau State and joined the services of University of Ilorin as Lecturer I in 1986, where he rose to the rank of a Professor of Biochemistry in 1993. He has held various positions and served in virtually all the University Committees in the University of Ilorin. Between November 2005 and January 2008, he was the pioneer Vice-Chancellor and member, Board of Trustee, Al – Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State.
The Professor of Biochemistry who during the 1991/1992 academic session was a parttime lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry, FUT, Minna has supervised 20 Master’s and 16 Doctoral theses out of which 7 are now Professors in various Universities. He is a Fellow, Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and belongs to several other Professional bodies among which are Member, Science Association of Nigeria and Nigerian Society for Experimental Biology.
The new Vice-Chancellor has over 150 Scholarly Publications in reputable books and journals. His hobbies are reading, current affairs, trekking and watching football matches live on television. He is married and blessed with three children.
In the appointment letter, signed by the Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, the appointment is for a single term of five years with effect from Tuesday, November 27, 2012. This appointment supersedes the earlier appointment of an acting Vice-Chancellor made at the 96th Special Meeting of the Council held on Tuesday, November 13, 2012.

Friday 23 November 2012

MATRICULATION DAY 2012/13 ACADEMIC SESSION
















Federal University of Technology Minna has set aside the 22nd of November, 2012 to mark the annual Matriculation Day for the students that just gained admission into various departments of the school.
All thanks to Almighty God for making this day come true many have dreamt about this day, and cannot witness it. On behave of my Colleagues and I, welcome the newly admitted students into the University.
There are lots and lots of programmes that has been schedule for the new session, but without our joint efforts this programmes cannot take place.
All thanks to my colleagues AYINLA ORIYOMI AKEEM (IMT), OMOWUMI (ARC), BOLU (IMT), ADEDIRE TEMITOPE (CIVIL ENGR.), YINUSA (EST), DAMI NIMAT (EBS) And ANIMASHAUN MUTIU (CPE)


OUR MISSION






















1.      Ensure attainment of academic excellence
2.      Provide serene, beautiful and enabling environment for good upbringing of Nigeria Youth.
3.      Teach peaceful co-existence and acts of kindness.
4.      Raise outstandingly patriotic citizens and “builders of bridges”.
5.      Nurture and groom global citizens.


There will be a pool party at Golden Palace near Bosso Campus on the 23rd of  November, which is the second day of matric



Written and posted by
  IBRAHIM MOHAMMED SHOLA
   COMPUTER ENGINEERING
                                                                                                         100LEVEL

Friday 16 November 2012

Visiting FUTMINNA

Nicknamed the power state, Niger is a state in the western part of Nigeria and the largest state in the country. The state capital is Minna. Other major and popular cities include Bida, Kontagora, and Suleja. It began to exist was in 1976 when the then North-Western State was split into Niger State and Sokoto State. The state derives its name from the historic River Niger.
From the Capital territory of Nigeria, Abuja, Minna, the state capital of Niger is 150km by road. The  University is located on the western axis of the state in a serene town called Gidan Kwano, about 10km from Minna.
By natural and intellectual design, Niger provides exciting landmarks which undoubtedly delivers an alluring atmosphere for the prospective student who wishes to study in FUTMINNA. Nigeria's major hydroelectric power stations, the Kainji Dam and the Shiroro Dam, are located in Niger State; also situated there is Kainji National Park, the largest National Park of Nigeria, which contains Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve and the Zugurma Game Reserve. What is more! The must-see Gurara falls opens a world of breathtaking nature's beauty that is hugely inspirational as well as informative. Studying here at FUTMINNA will sure be a rewarding experience for you. Come let's empower you with Technology while you savour one of the most peaceful places in Nigeria.
Some of the attractions around  our University
Gurara falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Central Nigeria.
Zuma Rock is a candidate for the 7 natural wonders of Africa. Seven Natural Wonders is collecting votes for Zuma Rock.
The Kainji dam is one of the longest dams in the world. The cost of building it in 1968 was put at $209 Million
Captivating beauty of the Wild like no other. The Zangeru Game Reserve is still one of the biggest attractions in North central Nigeria

History of F.U.T minna


The Federal University of Technology, Minna is a Federal Government owned University in Nigeria.  It was established on 1st February, 1983.  The objective for its establishment is to give effect to the Nation’s drive for the much-needed self-reliance in Science, Engineering and especially Technology.  It is a specialized University of Technology.
The pioneer Vice-Chancellor was Professor J.O. Ndagi who served from 1983 to 1990. He was succeeded by Professor S.O. Adeyemi from 1990 and 1994. Between 1994 and 1997 Professor I.H. Umar served as Sole Administrator. Professor S.A. Garba was briefly acting Vice-Chancellor between 26 th June and 6th August, 1997. On 7th August, 1997 Prof. M.A. Daniyan became the third substantive Vice Chancellor of the University till 6th August, 2002. Prof. J.O. Adeniyi served from 7th August to 2nd October, 2002 as acting Vice Chancellor. Prof. H. Tukur Sa’ad was appointed Vice-Chancellor on 3rd October, 2002 and he served till 27th October, 2007. The current Vice Chancellor, Prof. M.S. Audu was appointed on 26th November, 2007.
The pioneer Registrar was late Dr. B.P. Sawa who served from 1983 to 1986. Dr Bawa Salka was acting Registrar between 1986 and 1988. Then Mrs. L.S.J. Ahmed became the Registrar of the University between 1988 and 1993. She was succeeded by Alhaji U.A. Sadiq who served as the Registrar from October, 1998 - 2003, having acted in that position since 1993. The current Registrar Mallam M.D. Usman was appointed on 1st October, 2007. Having acted in that capacity since 2003.
At inception, the University acquired on a permanent basis, the facilities of the former Government Teachers' College Bosso which now serves as the Bosso Campus of the University. It has undergone a tremendous. face-lift and wears a beautiful outlook befitting a modern University. The University acquired 10,650 hectares of land at Gidan-Kwano along the Minna - Kataeregi - Bida Road as its permanent site, to carter for the  necessary inevitable expansion envisaged.
On Tuesday, June, 2nd 1992 the former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida GCFR, fss, mni (rtd), performed the Sod Turning Ceremony to mark the commencement of projects on the main campus site.  And since then work had started in earnest for the physical development of the Main Campus which in phase I consists of the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT), School of Environmental Technology (SET), School of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SEET) Buildings, Students Hostels, Students Center, University Library, Senate Building, Staff houses, Computer Centre as well as the Industrial Development Centre.
The completion of students’ hostels, some staff houses, SET and SEET buildings facilitated the commencement of full academic activities in the Main Campus at the beginning of the 2004/2005 academic session. Meanwhile, SAAT which was temporarily occupying a part of the SEET Complex has been successfully completed and moved in 2009.
Since its inception, the University has graduated students, whose market value is being adjudged very satisfactory and are in high demand both in government and industry, servicing the technological needs of the nation.  The figure showed a remarkable growth rate from 22 graduates in 1990, to 662 in 1998 and total students enrolments are now  over 13,000 with academic staff strength of 698 as at 1st January, 2009.
The University has recorded quite a number of academic achievements which, include the design and fabrication of a number of highly valuable items of socio-economic importance such as the Solar air heater, Motor-car crankshaft, Gearing system for crane hoist drives, Rice de-stoning machine, Maize sheller, Multi-purpose grinder, Irrigation models, Poultry feeder amongst a host of other creative innovations.  It is equally gratifying to note that the University has gained recognition nationwide as a Centre for Excellence in Computer Science having been so designated by the National Universities Commission.  In pursuit of this, the University obtained Internet connectivity towards the end of 1998, acquired its VSAT facility in 2003, and by 2005/2006 academic session students’ registration was conducted on-line.  Now the members of the University Community can easily access information the World over on the super highway.
In pursuance of academic excellence in solving human problems, Professor S.A. Garba of the Department of Microbiology led a team of researchers in the development and production of typhoid fever vaccines.  This project is sponsored by the Unipetrol Nigeria Plc.  The team has been able to develop and produce typhoid fever vaccines.  And having completed the testing on mice, guinea pigs, rabbits and monkeys, the Vaccine was tested on humans with amazing success.  The new vaccine would soon b e made available to the global market after further due process.
For the purpose of generating internal revenue to supplement government funds the University established the FUTMIN CONSULT, a consultancy outfit. The outfit has continued to make some positive impact to justify its establishment.  In this regard, it has undertaken the following consultancy services among others: Gurara Inter Basin Water Transfer. NNDC/UNIDO Project. EEC/FGN Middle-Belt Project, Niger State Ecological Mapping for wheat growing, ADB/ONDO State Ecological Zone Mapping, Mando Fish Farm and TRANSCORP-HILTON Hotel Sewage Design, Environmental Impact assessment of Kagara Dam for the Upper Niger River Basin and Rural Development Authority (UNRBDA). FUTMIN CONSULT is also a consultant to INEC on its Computerization and Telecommunication Programme, and to UBE on its programmes in Niger and Kogi States. Other consultancy services recently carried out by the FUTMIN CONSULT include the Second National Fadama Development Project (Fadama II) in Niger State and the Niger State Agroclimatological zones and Land use mapping into crop zones.
In August 2003 the University Council formalized the Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources (CCCFR) as one of three newly established Centres. The others are Centre for Human Settlements and Urban Development (CHSUD) and Centre for Remedial and Extra-mural Studies (CRES).  The CCCFR in collaboration with environmentalists in the six Geopolitical Zones of Nigeria have just concluded a N105 million National Agro-Climatic Atlas Project to combat effects of climate change-induced natural disaster in Nigeria sponsored by the Ecological Fund Office of the Presidency. The second phase of the project is awaiting Federal Executive Council’s approval. Aart from this project, the Centre is now into collaborative climate change studies with University of Cape Town, South Africa, while its scientists continue as consulting experts with United Nations Agencies like UNFCCC, WMO, UNEP, UNDP, FAO, UNESCO etc. The Centre is also involved in the university’s Sustainable Livelihood initiative in the context of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2015) and is about to commence a new professional programme in Climate Change Disaster Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction as a prelude to a programme in Disaster Early Warning.
The Centre for Human Settlements and Urban Development (CHSUD) which was established by the University in collaboration with the UN-Habitat is to assist in settlements, Urban Governance and Urban Development. Since then, CHSUD has focused attention on building capacity at all levels of government, for effective Urban Environmental Management such as establishment of Environmental Management Information System, Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma Programmes in Public-Private Partnership for Urban Environment. With the support of the Collaborative Learning Course established by a partnership of UNDP and Yale University, U.S.A. CHSUD is currently carrying out consultancy service for UN-Habitat, in four Nigerian cities (Ibadan, Enugu, Kano and Karu) on the use of implementation instruments for sustainable cities programme. In its effort to contribute to the development of manpower for urban environmental management in Nigeria, CHSUD is in the process of designing post-graduate courses (M.Sc. and Ph.D) in City Planning and Urban Design, with the support of UN-Habitat.
The Centre for Remedial and Extra-Mural Studies (CRES) is responsible for coordination of all academic programmes not funded by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Remedial course is a one-year terminal programme specifically designed to equip candidates from catchment areas with emphasis on Niger State, who are deficient in some basic science subjects and are unable to meet UME admission requirements. Admission into this programme is also extended to other thirty-six states of the federation and FCT. On successful completion of Remedial programme, students secure admission into the various degree programmes run by the University. Approval has also been given to the Centre to commence Diploma and Certificate programmes.
More recently in August 2006, the Centre for Research and Development in Information Technology (CREDIT) was established. This latest Centre is not only to make Federal University of Technology, Minna, ICT compliant but also to launch the University into the global market of certified software development.
In the area of domestic and foreign linkages and collaboration, the Management of the University recently created two new directorates to cater for this important function of networking. These are the Directorate of Affiliation and Local Linkages (ALL) and the Directorate of Collaboration and External Linkages  (CEL).
The University has established a linkage programme with the University of Namibia and the University of Scienec and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. The Unversity has also signed a memorandum of understanding with The German Agency for Technical Coorperation (GTZ) and the National Poverty Eradication Programme  (NAPEP).Nigeria. It is also a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the Association of African Universities. It has also honoured some Distinguished Gentlemen and Achievers namely: Alhaji (Dr) Shehu Idris, CFR, the Emir of Zazzau; Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Dasuki. CFR, the former Sultan of Sokoto, late Alhaji (Dr) Abdulrahman Mora and Dr. Sam Nujoma, the former President of the Republic of Namibia, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babaginda (rtd), the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings (rtd), the former President of the Republic of Ghana, Prof. Jonathan Othman Ndagi, pioneer Vice Chancellor, of the University and Mr. Raphael O.A. Shonekan, the pioneer Principal, Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom. Others include, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the Executive Governor of Osun State, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, the Waziri of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu  the Sadauna Minna and Mr Alioune Badiane of the UN Habitat, Nairobi – Kenya.
In recognition of excellence in areas of Science and Technology, the University has been attracting high calibre and eminent scholars to its fold. In addition, most of its academic programmes have full accreditation and the rest interim accreditation by the recent exercises conducted by relevant professional bodies and the NUC.  The only programme that was denied accreditation during the recent (November, 2005) NUC accreditation exercise was a new programme started in 2002 which is yet to mature for accreditation.

60 Nigerians Deported From UK Over Visa & Marriage Scam


nigerians deported from uk 2012 60 Nigerians Deported From UK Over Visa & Marriage Scam
Nov 15, 2012 - 60 Nigerians Deported From UK Over Visa & Marriage Scam In 2012

At least 60 Nigerians resident in the United Kingdom have been deported because of various criminal offences
We learnt that some of the deportees had contravened immigration offences.
While some were deported for their involvement in crimes such as rape, stealing, smoking and selling of hard drugs, others used fake visa or engaged in fake marriages.
Some of the deportees told PM at the airport that they had lived in the UK for long but could not get residence permit.
Narrating his experience, one of the deportees, Bathlomew Sunday, an indigene of Anambra State, southeast Nigeria, told our reporter that he lived in UK for nine years but could not get residence permit.
Sunday said he had to engage in a contract marriage to get the permit but was later caught by the British immigration, who deported him to Nigeria
He said he was not allowed to take any of his possessions before they deported him, adding that it was at the airport that he discovered other Nigerians were also deported.
Sunday explained that the British government made it difficult for immigrants, especially Nigerians, to get residence permit, saying that they didn’t plan to stay there illegally.
Another deportee, Daniel Uche, who hails from Enugu State, told PMNEWS that the global economic melt down has made it difficult to get jobs in the UK, thus many Nigerians are struggling to survive.
Uche said there are no jobs for foreigners in UK, and to survive, many engage in shady businesses.
Also, Peter Nkwocha from Delta State said he travelled to UK about seven years ago, but he was arrested and later deported because he was wrongly accused of rape.
Though he said he denied the allegation, he was arrested and later deported when the British authorities discovered he had a ‘contract’ marriage during investigation.
Sources at the immigration office confirmed the deportation and told our correspondent that the deportees are sorting themselves out in order to go back to their families. (Source:PM)

Thursday 8 November 2012

President Obama's re-election speech (must read!)



November 7, 2012 at 11:55 AM
President Obama is definitely one of the best orators the world has even seen. Incredible speech. See it below...
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. Tonight, more than 200 years after a former colony won the right to determine its own destiny, the task of perfecting our union moves forward. It moves forward because of you. It moves forward because you reaffirmed the spirit that has triumphed over war and depression, the spirit that has lifted this country from the depths of despair to the great heights of hope, the belief that while each of us will pursue our own individual dreams, we are an American family and we rise or fall together as one nation and as one people.


(APPLAUSE) Tonight, in this election, you, the American people, reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America the best is yet to come. I want to thank every American who participated in this election...

 (APPLAUSE) ... whether you voted for the very first time or waited in line for a very long time.

(APPLAUSE) By the way, we have to fix that. (APPLAUSE) Whether you pounded the pavement or picked up the phone... (APPLAUSE) ... whether you held an Obama sign or a Romney sign, you made your voice heard and you made a difference. I just spoke with Governor Romney and I congratulated him and Paul Ryan on a hard-fought campaign.

(APPLAUSE) We may have battled fiercely, but it's only because we love this country deeply and we care so strongly about its future. From George to Lenore to their son Mitt, the Romney family has chosen to give back to America through public service and that is the legacy that we honor and applaud tonight.

(APPLAUSE) In the weeks ahead, I also look forward to sitting down with Governor Romney to talk about where we can work together to move this country forward.

(APPLAUSE) I want to thank my friend and partner of the last four years, America's happy warrior, the best vice president anybody could ever hope for, Joe Biden. And I wouldn't be the man I am today without the woman who agreed to marry me 20 years ago.

(APPLAUSE) Let me say this publicly: Michelle, I have never loved you more. I have never been prouder to watch the rest of America fall in love with you, too, as our nation's first lady.

(APPLAUSE) Sasha and Malia, before our very eyes you're going up to become two strong, smart beautiful young women, just like your mom. And I'm so proud of you guys. But I will say that for now one dog's probably enough.

(LAUGHTER) To the best campaign team and volunteers in the history of politics...

(APPLAUSE) The best. The best ever. Some of you were new this time around, and some of you have been at my side since the very beginning.

 (APPLAUSE) But all of you are family. No matter what you do or where you go from here, you will carry the memory of the history we made together and you will have the life-long appreciation of a grateful president. Thank you for believing all the way, through every hill, through every valley.

(APPLAUSE) You lifted me up the whole way and I will always be grateful for everything that you've done and all the incredible work that you put in.

(APPLAUSE) I know that political campaigns can sometimes seem small, even silly. And that provides plenty of fodder for the cynics that tell us that politics is nothing more than a contest of egos or the domain of special interests. But if you ever get the chance to talk to folks who turned out at our rallies and crowded along a rope line in a high school gym, or saw folks working late in a campaign office in some tiny county far away from home, you'll discover something else. You'll hear the determination in the voice of a young field organizer who's working his way through college and wants to make sure every child has that same opportunity.

(APPLAUSE) You'll hear the pride in the voice of a volunteer who's going door to door because her brother was finally hired when the local auto plant added another shift.

(APPLAUSE) You'll hear the deep patriotism in the voice of a military spouse whose working the phones late at night to make sure that no one who fights for this country ever has to fight for a job or a roof over their head when they come home.

(APPLAUSE) That's why we do this. That's what politics can be. That's why elections matter. It's not small, it's big. It's important. Democracy in a nation of 300 million can be noisy and messy and complicated. We have our own opinions. Each of us has deeply held beliefs. And when we go through tough times, when we make big decisions as a country, it necessarily stirs passions, stirs up controversy. That won't change after tonight, and it shouldn't. These arguments we have are a mark of our liberty. We can never forget that as we speak people in distant nations are risking their lives right now just for a chance to argue about the issues that matter, the chance to cast their ballots like we did today.

(APPLAUSE) But despite all our differences, most of us share certain hopes for America's future. We want our kids to grow up in a country where they have access to the best schools and the best teachers.

(APPLAUSE) A country that lives up to its legacy as the global leader in technology and discovery and innovation, with all the good jobs and new businesses that follow. We want our children to live in an America that isn't burdened by debt, that isn't weakened by inequality, that isn't threatened by the destructive power of a warming planet.

(APPLAUSE) We want to pass on a country that's safe and respected and admired around the world, a nation that is defended by the strongest military on earth and the best troops this - this world has ever known.

(APPLAUSE) But also a country that moves with confidence beyond this time of war, to shape a peace that is built on the promise of freedom and dignity for every human being. We believe in a generous America, in a compassionate America, in a tolerant America, open to the dreams of an immigrant's daughter who studies in our schools and pledges to our flag.

(APPLAUSE) To the young boy on the south side of Chicago who sees a life beyond the nearest street corner.

(APPLAUSE) To the furniture worker's child in North Carolina who wants to become a doctor or a scientist, an engineer or an entrepreneur, a diplomat or even a president - that's the future we hope for. That's the vision we share. That's where we need to go: forward.

(APPLAUSE) That's where we need to go. Now, we will disagree, sometimes fiercely, about how to get there. As it has for more than two centuries, progress will come in fits and starts. It's not always a straight line. It's not always a smooth path. By itself, the recognition that we have common hopes and dreams won't end all the gridlock or solve all our problems or substitute for the painstaking work of building consensus and making the difficult compromises needed to move this country forward. But that common bond is where we must begin. Our economy is recovering. A decade of war is ending. A long campaign is now over.

 (APPLAUSE) And whether I earned your vote or not, I have listened to you, I have learned from you, and you've made me a better president. And with your stories and your struggles, I return to the White House more determined and more inspired than ever about the work there is to do and the future that lies ahead.

(APPLAUSE) Tonight you voted for action, not politics as usual. (APPLAUSE) You elected us to focus on your jobs, not ours. And in the coming weeks and months, I am looking forward to reaching out and working with leaders of both parties to meet the challenges we can only solve together: reducing our deficit, reforming our tax code, fixing our immigration system, freeing ourselves from foreign oil. We've got more work to do.

(APPLAUSE) OBAMA: But that doesn't mean your work is done. The role of citizen in our democracy does not end with your vote. America's never been about what can be done for us. It's about what can be done by us together through the hard and frustrating, but necessary work of self- government. That's the principle we were founded on.

(APPLAUSE) This country has more wealth than any nation, but that's not what makes us rich. We have the most powerful military in history, but that's not what makes us strong. Our university, our culture are all the envy of the world, but that's not what keeps the world coming to our shores. What makes America exceptional are the bonds that hold together the most diverse nation on Earth. The belief that our destiny is shared, that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations. The freedom which so many Americans have fought for and died for come with responsibilities as well as rights. And among those are love and charity and duty and patriotism. That's what makes America great.

(APPLAUSE) I am hopeful tonight because I've seen the spirit at work in America. I've seen it in the family business whose owners would rather cut their own pay than lay off their neighbors, and in the workers who would rather cut back their hours than see a friend lose a job. I've seen it in the soldiers who reenlist after losing a limb and in those SEALs who charged up the stairs into darkness and danger because they knew there was a buddy behind them watching their back.

(APPLAUSE) I've seen it on the shores of New Jersey and New York, where leaders from every party and level of government have swept aside their differences to help a community rebuild from the wreckage of a terrible storm.

(APPLAUSE) And I saw just the other day, in Mentor, Ohio, where a father told the story of his 8-year-old daughter, whose long battle with leukemia nearly cost their family everything had it not been for health care reform passing just a few months before the insurance company was about to stop paying for her care.

(APPLAUSE) I had an opportunity to not just talk to the father, but meet this incredible daughter of his. And when he spoke to the crowd listening to that father's story, every parent in that room had tears in their eyes, because we knew that little girl could be our own. And I know that every American wants her future to be just as bright. That's who we are. That's the country I'm so proud to lead as your president.

(APPLAUSE) And tonight, despite all the hardship we've been through, despite all the frustrations of Washington, I've never been more hopeful about our future.

(APPLAUSE) I have never been more hopeful about America. And I ask you to sustain that hope. I'm not talking about blind optimism, the kind of hope that just ignores the enormity of the tasks ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path. I'm not talking about the wishful idealism that allows us to just sit on the sidelines or shirk from a fight. I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting.

(APPLAUSE) America, I believe we can build on the progress we've made and continue to fight for new jobs and new opportunity and new security for the middle class. I believe we can keep the promise of our founders, the idea that if you're willing to work hard, it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from or what you look like or where you love. It doesn't matter whether you're black or white or Hispanic or Asian or Native American or young or old or rich or poor, able, disabled, gay or straight, you can make it here in America if you're willing to try.

(APPLAUSE) I believe we can seize this future together because we are not as divided as our politics suggests. We're not as cynical as the pundits believe. We are greater than the sum of our individual ambitions, and we remain more than a collection of red states and blue states. We are and forever will be the United States of America.

(APPLAUSE) And together with your help and God's grace we will continue our journey forward and remind the world just why it is that we live in the greatest nation on Earth. Thank you, America. God bless you. God bless these United States.
-President Barack Obama