News From Nigeria
President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed the Board and Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, in accordance with the power vested in him under Section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
Chairman of the Board is Senator Margret Chuba Okadigbo (South East), Mele Kolo Kyari, Chief Executive Officer, and Umar I. Ajiya, Chief Financial Officer.
Other Board Members are; Dr Tajudeen Umar (North East), Mrs Lami O. Ahmed (North Central), Mallam Mohammed Lawal (North West), Engr. Henry Obih (South East), Barrister Constance Harry Marshal (South South), and Chief Pius Akinyelure(South West).
The appointments take effect from the date of the incorporation of the NNPC Limited.
Also appointed are Executive Commissioners of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. They are: Dr Nuhu Habib (Kano), Executive Commissioner, Development and Production, Dr Kelechi Onyekachi Ofoegbu (Imo), Executive Commissioner, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning, Capt. Tonlagha Roland John (Delta), Executive Commissioner, Health, Safety, Environment and Community, and Jide Adeola (Kogi), Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services and Administration.
Earlier appointed are the Board Chairman, CEO, Executive Commissioner, Exploration and Acreage Management, and Executive Commissioner, Finance and Accounts.
New appointees at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority are Francis Alabo Ogaree (Rivers), Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing, Mustapha Lamorde (Adamawa), Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community, Mansur Kuliya (Kano), Executive Director, Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, Bashir Sadiq (Sokoto), Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration, and Dr Zainab Gobir (Kwara), Executive Director, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning.
They join the Board Chairman, Executive Director, Downstream Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, the CEO, and Executive Director, Finance and Accounts, who had earlier been appointed.
For Midstream and Downstream Infrastructure Fund, new Council Members are; Mr Effiong Abia (Akwa Ibom), Bobboi Ahmed (Adamawa), and Engr. Abdullahi Bukar (Katsina).
It will be recalled that President Buhari had last September written the Senate on the administrative structure amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act, which included appointment of Non-Executive Board Members, removal of the Ministries of Petroleum and Finance from the Board of the two new institutions, and appointment of Executive Directors.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
January 5, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU INTERVENES IN MAGODO LAND TUSSLE, ORDERS STAND DOWN
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday fully intervened in the Magodo Phase II land tussle by restoring peace to the estate.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who called on all the parties involved to stand down pending when the matter is completely resolved, invited affected families, residents and other stakeholders to a meeting in his office at Lagos House, Ikeja on Wednesday at 11 am for peaceful resolutions.
It would be recalled that armed policemen, who were acting on the instruction of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, a fortnight ago had laid a siege in Magodo Phase II Estate following the planned demolition of property in the estate based on a Supreme Court Order.
Some members of a family had come to execute the Supreme Court judgment on the ownership of the land where hundreds of properties were built. The properties were marked with red, brown, and blue inks to inscribe ‘ID/795/88 Possession Taken Today 21/12/21 by Court Order’.
The siege on Magodo II Estate was resisted by landlords and residents, who protested and trooped out en mass to prevent forceful takeover or demolition of their properties.
Speaking to journalists and estate residents during his visit to Magodo Phase II Estate on Tuesday to assess the situation of things himself, Governor Sanwo-Olu who was accompanied by his cabinet members and the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu, said the matter called for proper deliberation in the interest of peace and therefore implored all parties to stand down until the matter is completely resolved.
The Governor also assured residents of the estate that nobody would be harassed or any property be pulled down pending the outcome of his meeting with all the parties involved.
He said: “I have spoken extensively with the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney- General of the Federation, and we have resolved all of the issues. So what we would see is that there is going to be a total stand down. Tomorrow (Wednesday), we will be inviting the representatives of the judgement creditors.
“We have actually started a committee meeting, but I want to invite them (Judgement creditors) again officially to my office tomorrow by 11 a.m. to come over with two or three of their representatives. The State Government representatives will be there, the residents’ association will be there, and the police will also be there. So whatever it is that must have brought about all these troubles and heartaches will need to be brought there.
“We will all go through every line of it and we will come to an amicable resolution. So, I want everyone to please ensure that peace will be restored to the estate. I want all of our citizens to go about their lawful businesses knowing fully well that nobody will be harassed or any property will be trampled upon pending all of these conversations.
“We will have an extended conversation tomorrow so that we can bring this to final closure. So I want to ask the residents, the executives, don’t take the laws into your hands. Just go back home peacefully. The Policemen have been recalled back. They would be here and nothing would happen. And tomorrow, even the judgement creditors, would also come to meet with us. They claimed that the people that we met here were not their full representatives.”
Prior to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s address to journalists and residents of the estate, the Governor and his team visited the police station within the estate, he was addressed by one CSP Abimbola Oyewole, who told him that his team had been sent from Abuja to execute the Supreme Court judgement on Magodo Phase 2 properties.
After the police team leader could not provide the copy of the said judgement as demanded by the governor, Governor Sanwo-Olu ordered the armed policemen to deactivate their operation and leave Lagos in the interest of peace.
Governor Sanwo-Olu told the Police officers that the matter is between the Lagos State government and the judgement creditor.
“It is a case between the residents of Lagos and the supposed people, not the residents. They have nothing to do with the residents. Please, can you call your superior now in Abuja that the state governor is here standing in front of you and I am the Chief Security Officer and that I want you to leave now and that you have no business in my state, that I want you to disengage now?” Governor Sanwo-Olu declared.
Governor Sanwo-Olu later placed phone calls to the authorities in Abuja, on whose authority the armed policemen were said to have been acting and the stand off was resolved.
The visit of Governor Sanwo-Olu also facilitated the release of about 20 residents that were arrested earlier by the Police officers.
According to residents of the estate, those arrested were detained by the Police in what they described as an unlawful invasion of their properties, saying most of the property owners were locked up in the name of the enforcement of the Supreme Court verdict.
Some of the residents who spoke to journalists commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for coming to their rescue and showing leadership in the state by defending them in time of need as the Chief Security Officer of Lagos State.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
04 JANUARY 2022
PRESS RELEASE
ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY: SANWO-OLU LAUNCHES 2022 EMBLEM, DONATES N50M TO NIGERIAN LEGION
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday officially launched the emblem and appeal fund ahead of the January 15, 2022 commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who donated N50million to the State chapter of the Nigerian Legion during the Appeal Fund and launching of the Year 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem at Lagos House, Ikeja on Tuesday, expressed his administration’s commitment to empower widows of the fallen heroes.
He, therefore, directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) to work with the office of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Legion to identify persons the State can give empowerment and supports to within the first quarter of this year.
“Every year, we set out to remember our fallen heroes, men and women that served the country, especially on the war front. Those that paid the supreme price while serving the nation and it is customary that on January 15, we remember them. But before then, we usually have an emblem launch which we use to remind ourselves that we are together with them in fellowship and we are together throughout this period to offer prayers, wish them the very best and offer some succour, especially to the families of the fallen heroes; the widows and the widowers.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, we would donate the sum of N50million for the emblem. So you can see that we have done 10 fold of what we did the other time. That itself is a big lift for us. We will continue to support in other areas.
“We gave commitments around empowering some of the widows. I am using this opportunity to direct the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) to work with your office to identify beneficiaries and people that we can give empowerment and support to and that would be done within the first quarter of this year.
“I wish you the best as you go out to launch and further pass on the emblem and to say that the Lagos State Government will continue to identify with the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Legion and wish you the best in the preparation of this year activity,” the governor said.
Speaking earlier, the Commandant of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Legion, Col Fola Akande (rtd), commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for the welfare and concern of retired officers, saying “Mr. Governor is indeed a worthy Patriot of the Nigerian Legion.”
He urged the people and government to continue to support and identify with widows, children and families of the fallen heroes by donating generously, buying and wearing the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration emblem.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, alongside his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, some cabinet members and heads of security agencies in the State were decorated with the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
04 JANUARY 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH MARTINS OLOJA, FAMILY OVER PASSING OF FATHER, ELDER MICHAEL OLOJA LEMIKAN
President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, Mr Martins Oloja and entire family over the passing of their patriarch, Elder Michael Oloja Lemikan, 93.
The President joins the Baptist Church, government and people of Ondo State in mourning Elder Lemikan, whose sojourn on earth was a testimony of community leadership, devotion to worship, love for neighbours and strong advocate of peaceful co-existence.
President Buhari urges family, friends and associates of the devote Christian to find solace in the good works of their departed father and grandfather, and emulate his kind ways.
The President prays for the repose of his soul.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 5, 2022
AIRING OF PRESIDENTIAL INTERVIEWS
Channels Television will broadcast its exclusive interview with President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 7 pm.
Similarly, another interview session with the President by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) will be aired on the network service of the station on Thursday, January 6 at 8 pm.
Please watch.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 5, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI APPOINTS DR DOYIN SALAMI AS CHIEF ECONOMIC ADVISER
A Chief Economic Adviser to the President (CEAP) has been appointed.
He is Dr Doyin Salami, up till now Chairman of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC).
A 1989 doctorate degree graduate in Economics of Queen Mary College, University of London, Doyin Salami, 59, is Managing Director and Head Markets Practice at KAINOS Edge Consulting Limited, and member of the Adjunct Faculty at the Lagos Business School (LBS), Pan-Atlantic University, where he recently attained the rank of Senior Fellow/Associate Professor.
The Chief Economic Adviser to the President is expected to address all issues on the domestic economy and present views on them to the President; closely monitor national and international developments, trends and develop appropriate policy responses; develop and recommend to the President national economic policies to foster macro-economic stability, promote growth, create jobs, and eradicate poverty, among others.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
Trial of Corrupt officials: Niger Delta Youths back Buhari, laud Akpabio
Youth leaders in the Niger Delta on Sunday applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for vowing to rid the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of the moral and political rot that has plagued it for so long.
‘’We are continually inspired by Buhari’s dedication and vision to addressing development issues in the Niger Delta region’’
At a meeting in Warri, the youth leaders praised Buhari for his decision on the concluded forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
‘’We appreciate every sincere effort made to achieve development in the Niger Delta region’’
They commended Buhari for ordering the release of outstanding NDDC funds and trial of corrupt officials, noting that this creates the momentum which can accelerate progress in the region.
‘’The President’s directive on the completion of all viable projects, which have been abandoned by the NDDC, is a welcome development”.
Chairman of the Niger Delta Progressives Movement (NDPM), Mr. Julius Ita, told a news conference after the gathering in Warri that there was political will and good faith to guarantee the development of the region.
The youth leaders applauded Buhari for steps so far taken to prevent corruption in NDDC.
Specifically, the youths commended Senator Godswill Akpabio for breathing life into the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, revitalizing the region, instilling a renewed sense of faith and hope and creating a wonderful legacy for Niger Delta’s future.
‘’Chief Godswill Akpabio represents an extraordinary example of the spirit we honour in the region’’
The youths emphasized Akpabio’s depth of commitment and leadership in the country, integrity and honest work.
The youth leaders described the remarks of the National Chairman of Niger Delta People’s Forum (NDPF), Chief Boma Ebiakpo as “negative and divisive”.
‘’It won’t distract or deter the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio from his focus on developing the Niger Delta region’’ said the youth leaders.
The youth leaders said they expected Ebiakpo and his sponsors to cherish Akpabio’s contribution, wisdom and energy to the realization of the Niger Delta dream.
‘’An NDDC Board in the First Half-Year Period will be a distraction’’ the youth leaders pointed out.
PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI COMMISSIONS ORIENTAL ENERGY RESOURCES LTD.’S STATE-OF-THE-ART AIRCRAFT HANGER AND ANCILARY EXECUTIVE FACILITIES AT MAIDUGURI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
…as Oriental Energy Resources Chairman, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, OFR, extols Julius Berger’s Engineering construction quality.
Oriental Energy Resources Limited founded by renowned industrialist, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, OFR, scored a high mark on its infrastructural contribution to the country’s development last Thursday when President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the company’s new ultra-modern aircraft Hangar at the Maiduguri international airport in Borno State. The works also included the cast of an apron slab and a new taxiway constructed to connect the Hangar to the main runway of the Maiduguri International Airport
The Hangar materials, including beams, columns, and metal sheets, amongst other technical components were procured by Oriental Energy Resources Limited, while its precision integration and construction was awarded to the nation’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
In less than one year of commencement of the works, the ever-reliable Julius Berger has built the Hangar, which houses not only Aircraft but also offices and welfare spaces for the Client, its employees, pilots and executive guests. Ancillary facilities at the new state-of-the-art Hangar include two modern guesthouses designed and built to Julius Berger’s ISO certification quality standard. The respected industrialist, Alhaji Indimi commended Julius Berger for the excellent quality of works Julius Berger delivered for Oriental Energy Resources at the Maiduguri International Airport.
Other important dignitaries who accompanied President Muhammadu Buhari to the ceremony included the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagan Zulum, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Borno State Ali Modu-Sheriff, amongst others. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Irabor personally actively led the security and military contingent to the successful ceremony in Maiduguri.
Representing the Managing Director Engr. Dr Lars Richter and leading Julius Berger’s delegation to the commissioning ceremony in Maiduguri was the company’s Executive Director of Administration, Alhaji Zubairu Ibrahim Bayi. Engr. Goni Musa Sheikh, Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc was also at the ceremony.
….as Club Chairman hails engineering construction leader’s works as preferred top quality, good and durable
Julius Berger Facility Works in Lagos has signed a facility upgrade contract with Ikoyi Golf Club 1938. Captain of Ikoyi Golf Club 1938, Dr M.I Okoro lauded Julius Berger Nigeria PLC for its widely acknowledged professionalism in the discharge of its engineering construction and maintenance works, describing the company’s work quality as “the good, durable and preferred standard”. He spoke Tuesday in Lagos at the contract signing ceremony to kick off the comprehensive upgrade of the irrigation system for Ikoyi Golf Club 1938 just as he enjoined the country’s building and construction services sector leader to sustain and better their own record in service delivery on the job. Dr. Okoro proudly added that the partnership between the Club and Julius Berger has come a long way and that it can therefore be sincerely referred to as historical.
Dr. Okoro said, “…on the contract, even as it is for the comprehensive upgrade of the irrigation system in the Golf Course, we advise that there should be an ad-hoc maintenance of the Golf Course. This is because, as you can notice, the current harmattan weather is now affecting the green grass. However, we are confident that the course will be revived and well greened again with Julius Berger facility works ably coming to the rescue. Julius Berger has a great history of performance with us. They constructed our car park long time ago, and as you can all see, it is still there as strong and good as new. So we trust that the company will do a great job of the irrigation upgrade.”
Chairman of Ikoyi Golfers Community of Nigeria Association, IGCNA, Mr. Wahab Aminu-Sarumi did not mince words in re-echoing what the Captain said of Julius Berger even as he wished the Golf Course a rewarding partnership with Julius Berger on the current project.
Present at the contract signing ceremony and flag-off of the facility upgrade works were Lady Captain of the Golf Club, Mrs, Aworanti Oyenike and Course Officer and member of IGCNA, Mr. Peter Eben-Spiff.
Engr. Amina Dotti led the Julius Berger team at the contract-signing ceremony. She assured that the irreducible Julius Berger engineering standard will power the works. Amina was accompanied by the Project Manager, Engr. Rhoderick Picana amongst others to the event.
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is Nigeria’s leading engineering construction brand, which offers holistic integrated construction solutions and related services including Facility Management.
The Julius Berger Lagos Facility Works is the Lagos-based operational arm of the larger Julius Berger Facility Management Works, which also have an operational arm located at the company’s Region Central North with its hub in Abuja. The Julius Berger Facility Works operate on the impeccable and irreducible corporate core values of best quality, safety, integrity, compliance, partnership and innovation all of which have become definitive of the company’s matchless technical expertise and excellence in the implementation of state-of-the-art methods and technologies.
Julius Berger Facility Works says, “…we are committed to providing a conducive environment to enable our clients achieve their overall goals through the provision of excellent and sustainable facility management from one single source, using world-class innovations, technology, skilled personnel and global best practices to ensure the functionality, comfort, safety, durability, sustainability and efficiency of a property”.
With affirmative International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification as well with a proven record of accomplishment and delivery, Julius Berger Facility Works’ Quality Management Systems are well equipped to satisfy the customers’ needs. Julius Berger Facility Works focuses majorly on the provision of hard and soft Services for buildings and building systems, energy management models, refurbishment and upgrade of buildings and ancillary services, facility management consultancy services to corporate organizations and private clients with net worth real estate assets.
The qualitative and reliably professional Julius Berger badge of competence, technical edge and robustly integrated logistical systems assures high quality services delivery to all clients while ensuring minimum total life cycle cost and value retention of an asset to the owner
Julius Berger Abumet Shares Love at Christmas, Donates food and treated Mosquito Nets to the Less-Privileged in Abuja
In the spirit of the season, Abumet, Nigeria’s leading full-service aluminium and glass solutions company has donated food items and insecticidal treated nets to the less privileged in its host communities within the FCT.
Some of the communities that benefited from the company’s recent Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) gesture are Idu-Paipe, close to the Idu Railway Station, and Piwoyi Community along the Airport Road, in Abuja. At Idu-Paipe, the company reached 540 households through the distribution of Insecticidal Treated Nets (ITN) to students and staff of LEA Primary School, Idu Paipe.
Addressing pupils and staff of the school, the Human Resources Manager, Abumet Nigeria Limited, Mr. Chime Nnabugwu, explained that the company is optimistic that the ITNs will help to curb the spread of malaria within the community while reducing the number of school absenteeism caused by malaria infection. Each student also received an Abumet branded string bag.
The Head Teacher of the school Mr. Agyo Sabo expressed his happiness and noted that the gesture was the first of its kind since he began working at the school. “It is very obvious from the kind of joy you see the pupils express. It means a lot to them. This is the first time we are receiving something like this from anybody since I have been here. And it is also quite an honour to have the General Manager (Mr. Alexander Hausner) lead the delegation to our school. We thank Abumet and its entire management and we hope they will visit us again with more in the coming year”, Sabo said.
In Piwoyi Community, Bema Home for Orphans and the Less-Privileged received about a million naira worth of food items, toiletries, and educational materials.
The General Manager of Abumet Nigeria Limited, Mr. Alexander Hausner, personally handed over the educational items pack to each student and encouraged them to be studious and hopeful for a great future. Receiving the other items, the Director, Bema Homes, Mr. Benedict Dzreke described the day as a special day for the orphanage. “For you, as a company to come and put a smile on the faces of our precious children is a thing of joy. I believe that what you have done today is not a misplacement. For the gifts presented to us today, we are short of words.”
Benedict extoled the humility and simplicity of the General Manager of Abumet. He said, “We want to thank you Mr. Alexander Hausner for personally leading the delegation. You have come here without the large entourage or a retinue of security we are accustomed to when a high-profit person is visiting the home. Abumet is a big name in Nigeria and your superior quality aluminium works are known all over, so also is the quality of reception that you accord to your customers.
“On behalf of Bema Homes, I want to thank you for the kind gesture, and we pray that the good Lord who sees in secrete, reward your company in the open. We want to see your company expand across Africa because of the quality of work you do”, Benedict Dzreke concluded.
Some Abumet staff who accompanied the General Manager, Alexander Hausner on the CSR outing were the Human Resources Manager, Chime Nnabugwu, and the company’s Brand Marketing Coordinator, Esther Duruibe. Others are Michael Ashofor and Ayomide Sunmonu of the Corporate Communications Department of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Abumet is a member of the Julius Berger Group. It offers innovative, high-quality aluminium and glass products and services, making it available for delivery and installation across Nigeria and beyond. The company actively seeks the latest advances in aluminium and glass engineering and manufacturing, continuously upgrading its products and services for the benefit of its customers and clients.
In the spirit of the season, Abumet, Nigeria’s leading full-service aluminium and glass solutions company has donated food items and insecticidal treated nets to the less privileged in its host communities within the FCT.
Some of the communities that benefited from the company’s recent Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) gesture are Idu-Paipe, close to the Idu Railway Station, and Piwoyi Community along the Airport Road, in Abuja. At Idu-Paipe, the company reached 540 households through the distribution of Insecticidal Treated Nets (ITN) to students and staff of LEA Primary School, Idu Paipe.
Addressing pupils and staff of the school, the Human Resources Manager, Abumet Nigeria Limited, Mr. Chime Nnabugwu, explained that the company is optimistic that the ITNs will help to curb the spread of malaria within the community while reducing the number of school absenteeism caused by malaria infection. Each student also received an Abumet branded string bag.
The Head Teacher of the school Mr. Agyo Sabo expressed his happiness and noted that the gesture was the first of its kind since he began working at the school. “It is very obvious from the kind of joy you see the pupils express. It means a lot to them. This is the first time we are receiving something like this from anybody since I have been here. And it is also quite an honour to have the General Manager (Mr. Alexander Hausner) lead the delegation to our school. We thank Abumet and its entire management and we hope they will visit us again with more in the coming year”, Sabo said.
In Piwoyi Community, Bema Home for Orphans and the Less-Privileged received about a million naira worth of food items, toiletries, and educational materials.
The General Manager of Abumet Nigeria Limited, Mr. Alexander Hausner, personally handed over the educational items pack to each student and encouraged them to be studious and hopeful for a great future. Receiving the other items, the Director, Bema Homes, Mr. Benedict Dzreke described the day as a special day for the orphanage. “For you, as a company to come and put a smile on the faces of our precious children is a thing of joy. I believe that what you have done today is not a misplacement. For the gifts presented to us today, we are short of words.”
Benedict extoled the humility and simplicity of the General Manager of Abumet. He said, “We want to thank you Mr. Alexander Hausner for personally leading the delegation. You have come here without the large entourage or a retinue of security we are accustomed to when a high-profit person is visiting the home. Abumet is a big name in Nigeria and your superior quality aluminium works are known all over, so also is the quality of reception that you accord to your customers.
“On behalf of Bema Homes, I want to thank you for the kind gesture, and we pray that the good Lord who sees in secrete, reward your company in the open. We want to see your company expand across Africa because of the quality of work you do”, Benedict Dzreke concluded.
Some Abumet staff who accompanied the General Manager, Alexander Hausner on the CSR outing were the Human Resources Manager, Chime Nnabugwu, and the company’s Brand Marketing Coordinator, Esther Duruibe. Others are Michael Ashofor and Ayomide Sunmonu of the Corporate Communications Department of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Abumet is a member of the Julius Berger Group. It offers innovative, high-quality aluminium and glass products and services, making it available for delivery and installation across Nigeria and beyond. The company actively seeks the latest advances in aluminium and glass engineering and manufacturing, continuously upgrading its products and services for the benefit of its customers and clients
Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, most gender friendly governor in Nigeria – Media Professionals
Media professionals in Nigeria on Sunday commended the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq for inspiring the girl child, reducing inequalities and giving women in the state a fair space in the decision-making process.
They also applauded the governor for making accountability his watchword.
Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq recently signed into law a bill that makes it mandatory to have at least 35 per cent women appointees in the State Executive Council and other classes of political appointments.
In a statement in Lagos, the professionals advised other governors in the country to learn from the governor of Kwara State.
The professionals congratulated Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq for the credible efforts to justify the mandate given to him by the good people of Kwara State as represented in his gender policy, institutional setup and the many physical improvements that are visible in all the local government areas.
The statement signed by the Chairman of the Nigerian Media Professionals Group, Mr Daniel Okeme applauded Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq for promoting women in leadership roles in the state, gingering the public service, encouraging a private sector driven economy, eliminating wasteful spending, and ensuring strict adherence to budget provision.
They praised the governor for opening up rural areas through the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of roads.
The statement underscored electricity, infrastructure, human resources development, skill acquisition, healthcare and education.
The professionals listed a sound economic base, gender empowerment, wealth creation and poverty reduction as key areas where the governor performed creditably.
Specifically, the professionals applauded the governor for providing drinking water and electricity to rural areas, boosting agriculture and ensuring that peace and security prevail.
The statement also emphasised the good working relationship between the executive and the legislature, encouragement of foreign investments, women’s rights and gender equality.
PRESIDENT BUHARI: BISI AKANDE IS THE TYPE OF PERSON I CAN GO INTO THE JUNGLE WITH
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Lagos described Chief Bisi Akande, a former interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party, as a ‘‘perfect public officer,” and the type of person he could go into the jungle with.
Speaking at the public presentation of ‘‘My Participations,” the autobiography of Chief Bisi Akande, the President said the author has retained his ‘‘inflexible integrity,” in and out of public office, never accepting or offering bribes.
The President, who heaped praises on the former governor of Osun State, further described him as a decent, truthful, and friendly person as well as an administrator of the first order, whose leadership qualities made him the unanimous choice as the first Chairman of the APC.
President Buhari used the occasion to narrate his first meeting with Akande, his passion for Nigeria, achievements, and disappointment as governor of Osun State as well as his many battles to wrest power from the then ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party.
”My first personal contact with Chief Akande was, if I recall correctly, in 2006 when preliminary consultations were coming to fruition for a grand coalition to unseat the PDP Government.
”Those efforts eventually came to nothing.
”Neither he, nor I, nor many of our friends and associates gave up as, in Chief Akande’s words: “the country was going down and down under PDP” (p.396 of My Participations), ” he said.
The President also narrated how Akande had risen to prominence from his participation in the Constituent Assembly established by the Military Government of General Olusegun Obasanjo.
”He was always in the thick of things through the difficulties and political discontinuities of the 1980s and 90s.
‘‘He emerged as Governor of Osun State in 1999 when the military handed over to the civilians.
”Chief Akande had a horrendous baptism as Governor of Osun State with discord from his own party; his State Assembly (including an attempt to impeach him without any reason whatsoever); from the trade unions and from his own deputy Governor!
”On top of that, he inherited a deeply indebted Treasury, huge arrears of salary, allowances, and pensions. Enough challenges to overwhelm many aspiring leaders.
”Bisi Akande stood four square and faced all the challenges head-on and overcame most of them.
”His first action was to stop payment of “critical allowances” a euphemism for government money customarily shared by the big boys in Osun State.
”This set the tone of his Administration,” the President said.
Recounting the achievements of the former Governor of Osun State, President Buhari noted that it is on record that within one year, Akande had paid off all the salary and other arrears, showing his mettle as a competent and serious administrator.
”By 2003 Chief Akande had virtually sanitised governance in Osun State having cleared some of the troublemakers from his government and, though reluctant to serve a second term, he was persuaded to run again,” he said.
Reflecting on the political history of the author, particularly his bid to seek a second term as Governor of Osun, President Buhari declared:
” It is common knowledge that Akande was the victim – along with other AD Governors – of a diabolical double-cross which ended his gubernatorial career. Only the steadfast Asiwaju Bola Tinubu escaped the electoral massacre masterminded by President Obasanjo.
”Desperately disappointed though he was, and being a good Muslim, he accepted this setback as part of the trials of life. He looked to the future of service to the country.”
Reminiscing on APC’s ascent to governance at the Federal level in 2015, President Buhari said:
”Chief Akande was in the thick of further attempts in 2011 and 2014 to fuse together different groups and dislodge PDP from governance.
”The key to his thinking which coincides with mine is that Nigeria can only be successfully managed by alliances between major groups.
”Although we failed in 2011 but by persistence and knowledge that PDP was driving the country towards disaster, several major parties were able to finally coalesce into APC in 2014 .
”Chief Akande was unanimously chosen as the first Chairman of this great coalition.
”Throughout the difficult negotiations, I found Akande truthful, steady and always with an eye to the ultimate goal.
”In or out of office, he has retained his inflexible integrity. On p.400 of his book, he wrote: ‘I never gave to or demanded bribe from anyone all my life.’ A perfect gentleman. A perfect public officer, he said.
Quoting a famous Hausa saying, ”Labarin zucciya a tambayi fuska” (loosely translated -if you want to know what is in a man’s heart watch his face), President Buhari affirmed that Akande has a permanent smile on his face, saying ”He is the type I will go into the jungle with.”
On the book, President Buhari recommended it to students of Nigeria politics and the general public alike.
”This book is a historical document. Students will find this an invaluable source of Nigeria’s politics, notably between 1999 and 2020,” he said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 9, 2021
AT NAVAL DOCKYARD, PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISSIONS NNS OJI, ANOTHER MADE-IN-NIGERIA VESSEL
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Lagos commissioned a Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) III, built by the Nigerian Navy.
The indigenously constructed SDB, NNS Oji, is the third of its series to be locally built at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Lagos solely by Navy engineers after the successes of NNS Adoni, and NNS Karaduwa, commissioned in 2016 by President Buhari.
Speaking at the event, which also marked the inauguration of some recently acquired platforms and the keel-laying ceremony for the construction of Boat-IV and Boat-V, President Buhari said the new inductions to the Naval fleet would boost their capability in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He charged all naval personnel to maintain professionalism and ensure good use of the newly built and recently acquired platforms including NNS LANA, KANO, IKENNE, ABA, SOKOTO and OSUN.
‘‘We should note that we are in a critical period where our country is faced with a serious decline in our revenue and the security challenges we are facing.
‘‘The present realities, therefore, call for prudent resource management, innovativeness, accountability and careful maintenance.
‘‘I wish to reiterate that despite these challenges, our administration is very determined to ensure that the Navy is well supported to achieve its statutory responsibilities.
‘‘Let me assure you that the Government will continue to support the ideals of the Nigerian Navy in the performance of its constitutional duties. God bless the Nigerian Navy, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Onward Together,” he said.
The President commended the Nigerian Navy for maintaining a steady course in its drive for local content development which is in tandem with the philosophy of this administration.
He said the Federal Government’s commitment to properly equip the Navy with the right mix of platforms has seen the Service take delivery of NNS LANA in May this year from France.
‘‘I commend the business dependability of Messrs OCEA Shipyard – France, the builders of our Navy’s first-ever purpose-built Offshore Survey Vessel for a conclusive and successful execution of the contract.
‘‘Local partners should share in this commendation for their efforts at local facilitation as outlined in the Government’s local content policy,’’ he said.
President Buhari acknowledged that the Federal Government is aware of the Navy’s dedication towards ensuring the security of the vast oil and gas industry in the nation’s maritime environment as well as sea lanes of communications.
According to him, given the present high dependence on oil and gas revenues, the Navy is undeniably a major contributor to the economic well-being of Nigeria.
‘‘Arrests of those involved in illegalities have yielded results as some pirates, illegal bunkering syndicates, pipeline vandals and other miscreants have been convicted during this year.
‘‘Such successes were made possible through the enforcement of our new anti-piracy law on Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act 2019.
‘‘Furthermore, the provision of the new policy directives by the current administration of the Navy codified in such documents as the Nigerian Navy Strategic Plan 2021-2030; the Chief of the Naval Staff Strategic Directive 2021-5 and the Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy have given the Service credible guidelines and leverage for improved operational efficiency,’’ he said.
The Commander-in-Chief also used the occasion to laud the Navy’s efforts in the fight against maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea region, praising the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo and all the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the Navy for remarkable achievements.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 9, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS LT. GEN THEOPHILUS DANJUMA (RTD) ON 84TH BIRTHDAY
President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with former Chief of Army Staff, businessman and philanthropist, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma on his 84th birthday, December 9, 2021, joining family and friends to celebrate with the elder statesman.
President Buhari congratulates the career military officer, who served meritoriously with many decorations, and renowned philanthropist for his contributions to development of the country, both within and outside government, leaving historic marks in education, health and infrastructure, and supporting many families and communities with the TY Foundation.
As the octogenarian turns 84, the President notes his position in promoting democracy and good governance, and his encouragement to leaders.
President Buhari prays for his good health and strength.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 9, 2021
NO ONE INVOLVED IN THE OROMONI KILLING WILL BE SPARED, ASSURES PRESIDENT BUHARI
For several days now, the nation has been gripped by the news of the tragic incident at Dowen College, in Lagos with morbid details constantly emerging of how our young son, Sylvester Oromoni (Junior) met his death.
President Muhammadu Buhari condemns the killing of Sylvester, one of our bright youngsters doing excellently in school, bringing joy to the family and if this incident is truly arising from bullying or cultism, the President assures that it must act as a trigger leading to a permanent solution to this recurring problem.
“I share the anger and grief up and down the country following this incident. On behalf of my family and I, and the government of the federation, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the Oromoni family, the government and people of Lagos State and give the firm assurance that this incident will be thoroughly investigated and the appropriate punishment meted out to all those who are culpable.”
The President urges the Police to continue the ongoing investigation until they get to the root of the matter in order for the law to take its course, assuring that justice will be done, no matter who is involved.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 8, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS VICTIMS OF BANDITS IN SOKOTO
President Buhari has expressed sadness over the recent gruesome attack on innocent travellers in Sokoto State.
Reacting to the incident on Wednesday, President Buhari said, “I am very distressed at the manner of death visited on these hapless citizens who were undertaking a legitimate journey to another part of the country.
“It shows that the evil this administration is confronting is one that requires the support and involvement of all Nigerians.
“I extend deep condolences to the families of the victims as I assure that the security agencies will continue to give their all to bring to an end the operations of these despicable people.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 8, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI LEADS NATION TO A HEAVY-HEARTED FAREWELL TO GENERAL WUSHISHI
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday led the nation to a sorrowful funeral of former Chief of Army Staff, General Muhammadu Inuwa Wushishi who was buried in Kaduna after combined, well-attended, military and Muslim ceremonies.
The body of the deceased veteran, draped in the National Flag and ushered into the cemetery by a military honour guard by Generals was lowered into the grave at 2:00pm.
President Buhari who was represented by a delegation led by the Minister of Defence, Major-General Bashir Magashi (Rtd), expressed his condolences and that of the nation to the family of the late General and the Government and people of Niger State through the Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello.
The President joined several other leaders who paid tributes to the man who strengthened Nigerian Military’s support to civil authority under democracy, following many years of military rule as Chief of Army Staff, describing him as one of the country’s most respected citizens.
In a letter to Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, Governor of Niger State, personally signed by him, President Buhari said: “l wish to commiserate with you on the death of the former Chief of Army Staff, General Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi.
“General Wushishi was a thoroughbred professional soldier, an officer and a gentleman whose contributions to the fatherland are immeasurable.
“He had a distinguished military career and we are proud of his impressive service to the country. He was an epitome of discipline and dedication to service, and a role model for both the officers and the rank and file.
“I also extend my condolences to his family, the Nigerian Army, as well as the Government and people of Niger State.
“My Allah repose his soul.”
Speaking on behalf of the widow, Hajiya Kande and the rest of the family, a former Head of State, General AbdulSalam Abubakar said it mattered a lot to all of them that the President sent an important delegation to the burial.
Prayers were said for the well-being of the President and of the nation.
The delegation included the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya, the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity) Garba Shehu and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mohammad Nami.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 8, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH BORNO STATE GOVT, ELDERS OVER PASSING OF FORMER MINISTER, BUNU SHERIF MUSA
President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with Government and people of Borno State over the passing of former Minister of Mines, Power and Steel, Alhaji Bunu Sherif Musa, sharing the grief of family members over the loss.
The President condoles with Borno State Elders’ Forum, friends and associates of the former Minister, who served variously as Minister of Industries (1985), Mines, Power and Steel (1986-89), Aviation (1989), Water Resources (1990) and Employment, Labour and Productivity (1990-92).
President Buhari affirms that the former Minister contributed to the development of the country and his community, taking up many responsibilities, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to France.
The President prays for repose of his soul, urging the family to find solace in his investment in humanity.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 6, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES WITH PRESIDENT ADAMA BARROW OF THE GAMBIA ON RE-ELECTION
President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm felicitations to President Adama Barrow of The Gambia over his re-election for a second term of five years.
The President congratulates the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for dutifully handling the electoral process, while commending the Gambians for their high sense of civility, maturity and patriotism.
President Buhari assures President Barrow and all Gambians of Nigeria’s commitment and partnership as they collectively work on making the country better and stronger for posterity.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 6, 2021
December 6, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Affirms Expulsion of Erring Members In Kebbi Chapter
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed the expulsion of some of its members in Kebbi state, by the Kebbi state chapter of the party.
The expelled members are;
1.Garba Abubakar Besse
2.Ibrahim Usman Manzo
3.Muhd Ruwa R.K
4.Musa Ibrahim Manzo
5.Umar Yakubu Kamba
6.Abdulmalik Haliru Milton
7.Haruna Shayau
8.Isiyaku Daudu
9.Saleh Gambo
10.Bello Muhd Gulmare.
11 Junaidu Wasagu
12.Muhd Idris Afan
13.Abubakar Kurunkudu
14.Hajiya Yalli
Their expulsion is sequel to the decision of the state chapter and ratification by the NWC in line with the provision of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).
The PDP urges all members in Kebbi state to remain calm, united and focused, and not allow any agents of destabilization to derail our party in the collective quest to rescue the state as well as the nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
December 6, 2021
Press Statement
PDP NWC Schedules Conduct of 8 LGA Congresses in Niger State
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled the conduct of Congresses in the remaining eight local government areas of Niger State for tomorrow, Tuesday, December 7, 2021.
This is sequel to the unanimous decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) at its 541st meeting on Monday, December 6, 2021, in line with the provisions of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended).
All party leaders, critical stakeholders, aspirants for respective party positions and teeming members of our party in the affected eight local government areas are by this, guided accordingly.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
December 6, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Savours Governor Emmanuel’s Listing In Africa’s Inspiring Individuals
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, on his recognition as one of the 100 inspiring individuals in Africa in the 2021 African Regional Awards.
This recognition by the African Regional Journal is a well-deserved and resounding testament of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s unique leadership proficiencies and laudable achievements in all critical sectors, in line with the manifesto of the PDP and visions of our founding fathers.
Our party is very proud of Governor Emmanuel’s efforts in stabilizing Akwa-Ibom state to create the enabling peaceful atmosphere for enhanced productivity as well as harmonious living in a multifarious state.
The PDP celebrates Governor Emmanuel’s giant strides in human capital and infrastructural developments in critical sectors, including manufacturing, food production, aviation, maritime, real estate, commence, retailing, energy, education, heathcare, hospitality, among others.
Governor Emmanuel’s feat in the establishment and successful management of highly specialized ventures such as the Ibom Air, Ibom Deep Sea Port, Ibom Industrial Park/Jetty in addition to power, refinery and gas processing plants as well as state of the art health facilities in the state, shows that with the right type of leadership, our nation can indeed achieve success in such critical areas.
This award reinforces our counsel to the Federal Government to understudy Governor Emmanuel’s leadership template in Akwa-Ibom as a model for national cohesion, rapid economic recovery, job creation, infrastructural development, ventures in specialized sectors and prudent management of resources.
The PDP congratulates Governor Emmanuel on the award and urges him to see the recognition as the call to redouble his effort in the development of not only his state but the nation at large.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
PRESS RELEASE
DEATH OF DOWEN COLLEGE’S STUDENT HEARTBREAKING – SANWO-OLU’S WIFE
…Takes Advocacy Against Sexual And Gender-Based Violence To Schools
Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Monday commiserated with the parents of the 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lekki in Lagos, Sylvester Oromomi who died last week, describing it as heartbreaking.
Already, the state government has sealed off the college following the gruesome death of Oromomi, who was a boarding student of the college.
Speaking during an advocacy visit to some schools in furtherance of the ongoing 16 Days of activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the First Lady described the incident as unfortunate, saying never again should it reoccur in the state.
“I am aware that the Lagos State Government is at the moment investigating the incident and honestly it is something we are not very happy about. It’s a big slap on the face of the education sector, the community, and Lagos State as a whole.
“It is a case that is being investigated and for the parents and everybody involved, honestly, we commiserate with them and send our condolences.
“As I said, the case is being investigated and I will not be able to say much on it at the moment,” Sanwo-Olu said.
She said the advocacy visit to schools was aimed at catching the students young and enlightening them on the need to work against all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
“As we all know, the world is commemorating the 16 days of activism against SGBV. It commences on November 25 and it will end on December 10 which is Human Rights Day. The program is being championed globally by United Nations and our theme this year is “Orange The World: End Violence Against Women Now.”
“The advocacy is also being championed by the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum, NGOs and so many other private individuals and organizations to ensure that there is zero tolerance to gender-based violence all over Nigeria and Lagos in particular,” she said.
She explained that the visit to the respective schools was the third leg of the advocacy efforts, saying that a similar enlightenment program had been held for the community groups and religious leaders by her office.
“For the Office of the Lagos State First Lady, we decided that our advocacy is to do community sensitization at the grassroots level which we did on November 29 and then we followed it up with sensitization visit to our religious leaders in our communities. This is the third way of our advocacy, going into the schools.
“We realized that it is good to catch them young and so when we plant this seed in the children, it will gradually germinate and it helps us to ensure that our students have the correct mindset and understand why these vices exist and what the law says about the vices in the country.
“I am happy with the response we are getting. The students are interested in knowing about Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and joining the train to stamp it out in our state. We have distributed some resource materials that will help the teachers, the students, and the parents Associations in the respective schools to know more and work against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in our communities,” she said.
The schools visited include Dolphin Senior High School and Dolphin Junior High School, Tapa, Lagos Island under Education District Three; as well as Aje Comprehensive Junior High School and Aje Comprehensive Senior High School, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos under Education District Four.
The First Lady donated laptops, industrial cooking gas, and other educational materials to each of the schools, just as she assured that more schools and other critical organizations would be visited.
Responding on behalf of the students, Permanent Secretary, Education District III, Dr. Olufolayimika Abiose-Ayandele commended the First Lady for her interest and passion for the welfare and safety of students in the state.
She said the advocacy visit to schools on SGBV by the First Lady was another clear testament to her commitment to ending the menace of rape, defilement, and all forms of sexual abuse in the state.
The event was also attended by representatives of the Parents Forum, Old Students Associations, Community Leaders, and stakeholders in the be education sector, while there was a special SGBV Talk by Programme Manager of Youth Empowerment Foundation, Mrs. Morenike Omiagboje; and Programme Manager of Women Consortium of Nigeria (WOCON), Mrs Atinuke Ogunbayo.
SIGNED
OLUBUKONLA NWONAH
ASSIST DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY
DECEMBER 6, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
WINNER EMERGES IN MAIDEN SANWO-OLU YOUTH SOCCER FIESTA
The frills and thrills of the maiden Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (BOS) Youth Cup came to the pinnacle on Sunday, with the final round’s team jostled for the first prize – a gold cup.
Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena in Onikan, formerly Onikan Stadium, came alive for the final match played between Surulere and Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro teams.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu personally declared the event open with a kick-off of the ball.
Ex-international goalkeeper of the national team, Dosu Joseph, Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Austin Eguaveon, Coach of the National Under-17 team, Fatai Amoo, and members of the State Executive Council graced the final fixture.
Youths under the age of 21 across the State’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) took part in the soccer contest organised by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) to complement youth development programmes of the Sanwo-Olu administration and curb restiveness.
The participants were brought together under the BOS Academy platform on which they were screened and certified to take part in the tournament. Each council was represented by a team.
The final round started after the third place fixture won by Agege team against Lagos Island East side.
About 30 minutes into the first half, Surulere team led by Yusuf Lukman, destabilised the opponent’s team with a goal.
At 77 minutes, the Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro team led by Marvelous Ajayi, however, came back with an equaliser.
The match ended in a tie, resulting to penalty shootout at the end of which Surulere team coasted to victory with 5-4
The winning team went home with a cash prize of N1.5 million and golden trophy. Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, presented the trophy on behalf of the Governor.
A member of the Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro team, Timilehin Lawal, got the prize for the Most Valuable Player (MVP), while Abdulazeez Agbaje of the Surulere team went home with the Highest Goal Scorer prize.
Also, Akpan Oyena of Agege team was rewarded with Best Goal Keeper of the tournament.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Anthony Adeboye, said the soccer fiesta achieved its intended objectives of leaving positive impacts on the youths, families and communities across the State,
He said: “In the last three week, we have seen our young people coming to the field to display great football skills and pour out energy that could have been diverted to vices. Having participated in all activities that culminated into the final round, I have no doubt that the objectives of the tournament have been realised, as we witnessed excitement on the faces of all participants.
“Inclusion is part of the ‘Greater Lagos’ agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration and this football competition has further bridged the gap between the Government and the youth. We are highly elated that the maiden edition has been widely received by young people across the State. The subsequent edition promises to be bigger and more impactful.”
The first runner-up, Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro team, got N1 million cash prize and silver medals, while the second runner-up, Agege, got N750,000 cash prize and bronze medals.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
DECEMBER 5, 2021
Only God gives power, Okowa tells leaders
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged leaders to always acknowledge God as the source of their lifting in any position they occupy.
Okowa gave this charge on Sunday at the thanksgiving service in honour of the Chairman Isoko North Local Government Council, Hon. Christian Iteire at The Eagles Assembly, Asaba.
Represented by his Deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, the governor said it was good for leaders in positions of authority to always return all the glory to God as their source because only God could give true power to men.
He said man cannot achieve anything unless God approves of it.
He commended the Isoko North boss for recognising what God had done for him and his family, adding that God would continue to uplift him.
The governor lauded the Isoko political class for coming to celebrate with the Chairman and his family and charged them to remain united for the overall good of the people.
“My heart-felt congratulations to Hon. Christian Iteire and his family and the good people of Isoko North Local Government Area.
“Hon. Iteire is an integral part of us in the Delta Political family, so his celebration today is a celebration for all of us.
“I thank all of you for coming to join him in this thanksgiving,” the governor said.
In a sermon titled “Encountering the Never-Give-Up Grace” Pastor Uwem Offiong said with God the later end is always greater and better than the beginning.
He described the Council Chairman as a committed member of the Church, adding that he was always punctual and dedicated to work of God.
The cleric said God alone deserved all the glory for making Iteire the Council Chairman and prayed for a successful tenure and greater blessings ahead of him.
The celebrant in his remarks said he was grateful to God for remembering him after many years in politics.
Flanked by his wife, Gloria, Iteire gave thanks to God while appreciating Pastor Offiong and his wife for their support and prayers.
“We have every good reason to thank God because I have been in politics for a long time and it has not been an easy adventure until recently.
“I have had some appointments in the past but God made me Council Chairman when I was busy lobbying to be something else.
“I thank my leaders in Isoko North whom God used to make me Council Chairman.
“While thanking God for this awesome favour, I promise to lead the people of Isoko North to greater heights,” Iteire said.
The thanksgiving service was attended by top government functionaries including Senator James Manager, Deputy Speaker Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ochor Ochor, Chief Whip Delta State House of Assembly Hon Pat Ajudua, Hon. Charles Emetulu, Commissioner for Energy Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko, Commissioner for Project Implementation and Audit Engr. Ovie Oghoore, Special Adviser to the Governor on External Relations Prince Johnson Erijo, former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Ovuozourie Macaulay and DESOPADEC Commissioner Dr and Mrs Paul Oweh.
Others include Chairman Isoko North PDP, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, former Chairman of Isoko South Chief Itiako Ikpokpo. Dr Peter Emaziye, Comrade Nelson Egware, Mr Jonathan Umukoro, Chief Emmanuel Edevor, Vice Chairman Chief Frank Ozue, Richard Isagba, Sunny Governor, Chief Matthew Amudede, Members of Isoko North Legislative Arm led by Hon. Francia Udubra, Secretary to the Local Government Hon Ejoor Igbuduma, among others.
*Obaseki seeks int’l partners’ support to strengthen impact of agric programmes*
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has urged international donors to support the government in executing sustainable agricultural programmes to check food security.
The governor made the call during a courtesy visit by the Joint Mission of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) led by the IFAD Country Programme Manager, Dr. Patrick Habamenshi, at the Government House in Benin City.
While commending IFAD on its impactful role across Africa, Obaseki said the assistance provided by the Fund can help leapfrog systems and institutions in Nigeria and Edo State.
He noted, “We have failed to create the real market for agricultural produce, economic culture, subsidizing agricultural produce and mixed pricing of exchange rate. These are some of the fundamental macro economic issues, which is not taking us anywhere. Agricultural business is a serious business in the country. Some of the macro economic situations are changing.
“As a government, our focus is how to be serious and help address the challenges. 50 to 60 years ago, our communities, society, and the economy were driven by agriculture. Commodity boards, farm institutions were well-organized, and people had a culture, but not anymore.”
Obaseki said, “As a governor for five years, I have not really seen the impact as I try to measure the impact by asking what has really changed? Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Office carry a lot of signboards with all sorts of assisted programmes but yet no much impact or difference has been made in agricultural production and output. This is the major challenge, amongst other problems.
“Some assistance you are providing is to help us re-enact agriculture again because that is the only thing that can sustain us. Maybe the young ones don’t want to go into agriculture but technology has made things easy. Working together, we would like to deal with serious issues.”
“As you will not solve all our problems for us but help and assist us to accelerate our development and look at specific areas and be clear on the expectations and deliverables.
“Some of our institutions are so weak. That is why you can’t implement some of the programmes. We should look at how to strengthen some of these institutions to take advantage of what you are bringing to the table,” he added.
The IFAD Country Programme Manager in Nigeria, Dr. Patrick Habamenshi said the delegation are in Edo State to carry out an implementation support mission, focusing on the state as it has one of the most dynamic programmes in Nigeria.
He commended Governor Obaseki for the counterpart funding he made to the programme which contributed to the success of the programme, noting, “We understand that the programme needs to get aligned with the strategy of the state government and we can’t implement a programme in the state that is disconnected from what the state government is trying to achieve.
“We would work with your team to see how to remodel and make the programme have its developmental objectives aligned to yours.”
06 December, 2021
“We need to double down on our efforts to flatten the curve” – CACOVID
…urges Nigerians to get vaccinated and stay safe
The private sector-led coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID) has intensified its efforts in the fight against the deadly coronavirus and is urging Nigerians to do the same.
In a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Central Bank of Nigeria, Osita Nwasinobi, the coalition urged Nigerians to consciously take steps to remain safe.
“Nigeria has faced deadly viruses in the past and has surmounted them. In all of those incidents, one thing that was common was our unified front. The same is needed now if we are to combat the deadly new variant of the coronavirus – Omicron. We must maintain social distancing in public gatherings, wear our face masks, avoid poorly ventilated areas, wash and sanitize our hands regularly. Most importantly we must get vaccinated.”
“CACOVID is urging all Nigerians to get vaccinated and put an end to the spread of the coronavirus in Nigeria. Let’s work together to make Nigeria virus-free,” he stated.
So far, Omicron has been detected in more than 20 countries, a number that has been steadily ticking up as efforts to track the variant increase around the world. As of Wednesday, there were more than 261 million confirmed cases of the COVID-19 globally (5.2 million deaths), with the Delta variant continuing to dominate.
It has become expedient that we all adhere to the precautionary measures highlighted by the WHO whilst getting vaccinated. Contrary to many false reports the vaccines are effective and can reduce the risk of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
CACOVID further encourages Nigerians to take preventative measures to protect themselves from the virus, such as frequent handwashing, wearing a face mask in indoor and outdoor public places, and maintaining social distance.
###
PRESIDENT BUHARI: BISI AKANDE IS THE TYPE OF PERSON I CAN GO INTO THE JUNGLE WITH
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Lagos described Chief Bisi Akande, a former interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party, as a ‘‘perfect public officer,” and the type of person he could go into the jungle with.
Speaking at the public presentation of ‘‘My Participations,” the autobiography of Chief Bisi Akande, the President said the author has retained his ‘‘inflexible integrity,” in and out of public office, never accepting or offering bribes.
The President, who heaped praises on the former governor of Osun State, further described him as a decent, truthful, and friendly person as well as an administrator of the first order, whose leadership qualities made him the unanimous choice as the first Chairman of the APC.
President Buhari used the occasion to narrate his first meeting with Akande, his passion for Nigeria, achievements, and disappointment as governor of Osun State as well as his many battles to wrest power from the then ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party.
”My first personal contact with Chief Akande was, if I recall correctly, in 2006 when preliminary consultations were coming to fruition for a grand coalition to unseat the PDP Government.
”Those efforts eventually came to nothing.
”Neither he, nor I, nor many of our friends and associates gave up as, in Chief Akande’s words: “the country was going down and down under PDP” (p.396 of My Participations), ” he said.
The President also narrated how Akande had risen to prominence from his participation in the Constituent Assembly established by the Military Government of General Olusegun Obasanjo.
”He was always in the thick of things through the difficulties and political discontinuities of the 1980s and 90s.
‘‘He emerged as Governor of Osun State in 1999 when the military handed over to the civilians.
”Chief Akande had a horrendous baptism as Governor of Osun State with discord from his own party; his State Assembly (including an attempt to impeach him without any reason whatsoever); from the trade unions and from his own deputy Governor!
”On top of that, he inherited a deeply indebted Treasury, huge arrears of salary, allowances, and pensions. Enough challenges to overwhelm many aspiring leaders.
”Bisi Akande stood four square and faced all the challenges head-on and overcame most of them.
”His first action was to stop payment of “critical allowances” a euphemism for government money customarily shared by the big boys in Osun State.
”This set the tone of his Administration,” the President said.
Recounting the achievements of the former Governor of Osun State, President Buhari noted that it is on record that within one year, Akande had paid off all the salary and other arrears, showing his mettle as a competent and serious administrator.
”By 2003 Chief Akande had virtually sanitised governance in Osun State having cleared some of the troublemakers from his government and, though reluctant to serve a second term, he was persuaded to run again,” he said.
Reflecting on the political history of the author, particularly his bid to seek a second term as Governor of Osun, President Buhari declared:
” It is common knowledge that Akande was the victim – along with other AD Governors – of a diabolical double-cross which ended his gubernatorial career. Only the steadfast Asiwaju Bola Tinubu escaped the electoral massacre masterminded by President Obasanjo.
”Desperately disappointed though he was, and being a good Muslim, he accepted this setback as part of the trials of life. He looked to the future of service to the country.”
Reminiscing on APC’s ascent to governance at the Federal level in 2015, President Buhari said:
”Chief Akande was in the thick of further attempts in 2011 and 2014 to fuse together different groups and dislodge PDP from governance.
”The key to his thinking which coincides with mine is that Nigeria can only be successfully managed by alliances between major groups.
”Although we failed in 2011 but by persistence and knowledge that PDP was driving the country towards disaster, several major parties were able to finally coalesce into APC in 2014 .
”Chief Akande was unanimously chosen as the first Chairman of this great coalition.
”Throughout the difficult negotiations, I found Akande truthful, steady and always with an eye to the ultimate goal.
”In or out of office, he has retained his inflexible integrity. On p.400 of his book, he wrote: ‘I never gave to or demanded bribe from anyone all my life.’ A perfect gentleman. A perfect public officer, he said.
Quoting a famous Hausa saying, ”Labarin zucciya a tambayi fuska” (loosely translated -if you want to know what is in a man’s heart watch his face), President Buhari affirmed that Akande has a permanent smile on his face, saying ”He is the type I will go into the jungle with.”
On the book, President Buhari recommended it to students of Nigeria politics and the general public alike.
”This book is a historical document. Students will find this an invaluable source of Nigeria’s politics, notably between 1999 and 2020,” he said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 9, 2021
AT NAVAL DOCKYARD, PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISSIONS NNS OJI, ANOTHER MADE-IN-NIGERIA VESSEL
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Lagos commissioned a Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) III, built by the Nigerian Navy.
The indigenously constructed SDB, NNS Oji, is the third of its series to be locally built at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Lagos solely by Navy engineers after the successes of NNS Adoni, and NNS Karaduwa, commissioned in 2016 by President Buhari.
Speaking at the event, which also marked the inauguration of some recently acquired platforms and the keel-laying ceremony for the construction of Boat-IV and Boat-V, President Buhari said the new inductions to the Naval fleet would boost their capability in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He charged all naval personnel to maintain professionalism and ensure good use of the newly built and recently acquired platforms including NNS LANA, KANO, IKENNE, ABA, SOKOTO and OSUN.
‘‘We should note that we are in a critical period where our country is faced with a serious decline in our revenue and the security challenges we are facing.
‘‘The present realities, therefore, call for prudent resource management, innovativeness, accountability and careful maintenance.
‘‘I wish to reiterate that despite these challenges, our administration is very determined to ensure that the Navy is well supported to achieve its statutory responsibilities.
‘‘Let me assure you that the Government will continue to support the ideals of the Nigerian Navy in the performance of its constitutional duties. God bless the Nigerian Navy, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Onward Together,” he said.
The President commended the Nigerian Navy for maintaining a steady course in its drive for local content development which is in tandem with the philosophy of this administration.
He said the Federal Government’s commitment to properly equip the Navy with the right mix of platforms has seen the Service take delivery of NNS LANA in May this year from France.
‘‘I commend the business dependability of Messrs OCEA Shipyard – France, the builders of our Navy’s first-ever purpose-built Offshore Survey Vessel for a conclusive and successful execution of the contract.
‘‘Local partners should share in this commendation for their efforts at local facilitation as outlined in the Government’s local content policy,’’ he said.
President Buhari acknowledged that the Federal Government is aware of the Navy’s dedication towards ensuring the security of the vast oil and gas industry in the nation’s maritime environment as well as sea lanes of communications.
According to him, given the present high dependence on oil and gas revenues, the Navy is undeniably a major contributor to the economic well-being of Nigeria.
‘‘Arrests of those involved in illegalities have yielded results as some pirates, illegal bunkering syndicates, pipeline vandals and other miscreants have been convicted during this year.
‘‘Such successes were made possible through the enforcement of our new anti-piracy law on Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act 2019.
‘‘Furthermore, the provision of the new policy directives by the current administration of the Navy codified in such documents as the Nigerian Navy Strategic Plan 2021-2030; the Chief of the Naval Staff Strategic Directive 2021-5 and the Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy have given the Service credible guidelines and leverage for improved operational efficiency,’’ he said.
The Commander-in-Chief also used the occasion to laud the Navy’s efforts in the fight against maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea region, praising the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo and all the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the Navy for remarkable achievements.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 9, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS LT. GEN THEOPHILUS DANJUMA (RTD) ON 84TH BIRTHDAY
President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with former Chief of Army Staff, businessman and philanthropist, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma on his 84th birthday, December 9, 2021, joining family and friends to celebrate with the elder statesman.
President Buhari congratulates the career military officer, who served meritoriously with many decorations, and renowned philanthropist for his contributions to development of the country, both within and outside government, leaving historic marks in education, health and infrastructure, and supporting many families and communities with the TY Foundation.
As the octogenarian turns 84, the President notes his position in promoting democracy and good governance, and his encouragement to leaders.
President Buhari prays for his good health and strength.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 9, 2021
NO ONE INVOLVED IN THE OROMONI KILLING WILL BE SPARED, ASSURES PRESIDENT BUHARI
For several days now, the nation has been gripped by the news of the tragic incident at Dowen College, in Lagos with morbid details constantly emerging of how our young son, Sylvester Oromoni (Junior) met his death.
President Muhammadu Buhari condemns the killing of Sylvester, one of our bright youngsters doing excellently in school, bringing joy to the family and if this incident is truly arising from bullying or cultism, the President assures that it must act as a trigger leading to a permanent solution to this recurring problem.
“I share the anger and grief up and down the country following this incident. On behalf of my family and I, and the government of the federation, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the Oromoni family, the government and people of Lagos State and give the firm assurance that this incident will be thoroughly investigated and the appropriate punishment meted out to all those who are culpable.”
The President urges the Police to continue the ongoing investigation until they get to the root of the matter in order for the law to take its course, assuring that justice will be done, no matter who is involved.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 8, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS VICTIMS OF BANDITS IN SOKOTO
President Buhari has expressed sadness over the recent gruesome attack on innocent travellers in Sokoto State.
Reacting to the incident on Wednesday, President Buhari said, “I am very distressed at the manner of death visited on these hapless citizens who were undertaking a legitimate journey to another part of the country.
“It shows that the evil this administration is confronting is one that requires the support and involvement of all Nigerians.
“I extend deep condolences to the families of the victims as I assure that the security agencies will continue to give their all to bring to an end the operations of these despicable people.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 8, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI LEADS NATION TO A HEAVY-HEARTED FAREWELL TO GENERAL WUSHISHI
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday led the nation to a sorrowful funeral of former Chief of Army Staff, General Muhammadu Inuwa Wushishi who was buried in Kaduna after combined, well-attended, military and Muslim ceremonies.
The body of the deceased veteran, draped in the National Flag and ushered into the cemetery by a military honour guard by Generals was lowered into the grave at 2:00pm.
President Buhari who was represented by a delegation led by the Minister of Defence, Major-General Bashir Magashi (Rtd), expressed his condolences and that of the nation to the family of the late General and the Government and people of Niger State through the Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello.
The President joined several other leaders who paid tributes to the man who strengthened Nigerian Military’s support to civil authority under democracy, following many years of military rule as Chief of Army Staff, describing him as one of the country’s most respected citizens.
In a letter to Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, Governor of Niger State, personally signed by him, President Buhari said: “l wish to commiserate with you on the death of the former Chief of Army Staff, General Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi.
“General Wushishi was a thoroughbred professional soldier, an officer and a gentleman whose contributions to the fatherland are immeasurable.
“He had a distinguished military career and we are proud of his impressive service to the country. He was an epitome of discipline and dedication to service, and a role model for both the officers and the rank and file.
“I also extend my condolences to his family, the Nigerian Army, as well as the Government and people of Niger State.
“My Allah repose his soul.”
Speaking on behalf of the widow, Hajiya Kande and the rest of the family, a former Head of State, General AbdulSalam Abubakar said it mattered a lot to all of them that the President sent an important delegation to the burial.
Prayers were said for the well-being of the President and of the nation.
The delegation included the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya, the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity) Garba Shehu and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mohammad Nami.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 8, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH BORNO STATE GOVT, ELDERS OVER PASSING OF FORMER MINISTER, BUNU SHERIF MUSA
President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with Government and people of Borno State over the passing of former Minister of Mines, Power and Steel, Alhaji Bunu Sherif Musa, sharing the grief of family members over the loss.
The President condoles with Borno State Elders’ Forum, friends and associates of the former Minister, who served variously as Minister of Industries (1985), Mines, Power and Steel (1986-89), Aviation (1989), Water Resources (1990) and Employment, Labour and Productivity (1990-92).
President Buhari affirms that the former Minister contributed to the development of the country and his community, taking up many responsibilities, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to France.
The President prays for repose of his soul, urging the family to find solace in his investment in humanity.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 6, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES WITH PRESIDENT ADAMA BARROW OF THE GAMBIA ON RE-ELECTION
President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm felicitations to President Adama Barrow of The Gambia over his re-election for a second term of five years.
The President congratulates the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for dutifully handling the electoral process, while commending the Gambians for their high sense of civility, maturity and patriotism.
President Buhari assures President Barrow and all Gambians of Nigeria’s commitment and partnership as they collectively work on making the country better and stronger for posterity.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 6, 2021
December 6, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Affirms Expulsion of Erring Members In Kebbi Chapter
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed the expulsion of some of its members in Kebbi state, by the Kebbi state chapter of the party.
The expelled members are;
1.Garba Abubakar Besse
2.Ibrahim Usman Manzo
3.Muhd Ruwa R.K
4.Musa Ibrahim Manzo
5.Umar Yakubu Kamba
6.Abdulmalik Haliru Milton
7.Haruna Shayau
8.Isiyaku Daudu
9.Saleh Gambo
10.Bello Muhd Gulmare.
11 Junaidu Wasagu
12.Muhd Idris Afan
13.Abubakar Kurunkudu
14.Hajiya Yalli
Their expulsion is sequel to the decision of the state chapter and ratification by the NWC in line with the provision of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).
The PDP urges all members in Kebbi state to remain calm, united and focused, and not allow any agents of destabilization to derail our party in the collective quest to rescue the state as well as the nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
December 6, 2021
Press Statement
PDP NWC Schedules Conduct of 8 LGA Congresses in Niger State
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled the conduct of Congresses in the remaining eight local government areas of Niger State for tomorrow, Tuesday, December 7, 2021.
This is sequel to the unanimous decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) at its 541st meeting on Monday, December 6, 2021, in line with the provisions of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended).
All party leaders, critical stakeholders, aspirants for respective party positions and teeming members of our party in the affected eight local government areas are by this, guided accordingly.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
December 6, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Savours Governor Emmanuel’s Listing In Africa’s Inspiring Individuals
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, on his recognition as one of the 100 inspiring individuals in Africa in the 2021 African Regional Awards.
This recognition by the African Regional Journal is a well-deserved and resounding testament of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s unique leadership proficiencies and laudable achievements in all critical sectors, in line with the manifesto of the PDP and visions of our founding fathers.
Our party is very proud of Governor Emmanuel’s efforts in stabilizing Akwa-Ibom state to create the enabling peaceful atmosphere for enhanced productivity as well as harmonious living in a multifarious state.
The PDP celebrates Governor Emmanuel’s giant strides in human capital and infrastructural developments in critical sectors, including manufacturing, food production, aviation, maritime, real estate, commence, retailing, energy, education, heathcare, hospitality, among others.
Governor Emmanuel’s feat in the establishment and successful management of highly specialized ventures such as the Ibom Air, Ibom Deep Sea Port, Ibom Industrial Park/Jetty in addition to power, refinery and gas processing plants as well as state of the art health facilities in the state, shows that with the right type of leadership, our nation can indeed achieve success in such critical areas.
This award reinforces our counsel to the Federal Government to understudy Governor Emmanuel’s leadership template in Akwa-Ibom as a model for national cohesion, rapid economic recovery, job creation, infrastructural development, ventures in specialized sectors and prudent management of resources.
The PDP congratulates Governor Emmanuel on the award and urges him to see the recognition as the call to redouble his effort in the development of not only his state but the nation at large.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
PRESS RELEASE
DEATH OF DOWEN COLLEGE’S STUDENT HEARTBREAKING – SANWO-OLU’S WIFE
…Takes Advocacy Against Sexual And Gender-Based Violence To Schools
Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Monday commiserated with the parents of the 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lekki in Lagos, Sylvester Oromomi who died last week, describing it as heartbreaking.
Already, the state government has sealed off the college following the gruesome death of Oromomi, who was a boarding student of the college.
Speaking during an advocacy visit to some schools in furtherance of the ongoing 16 Days of activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the First Lady described the incident as unfortunate, saying never again should it reoccur in the state.
“I am aware that the Lagos State Government is at the moment investigating the incident and honestly it is something we are not very happy about. It’s a big slap on the face of the education sector, the community, and Lagos State as a whole.
“It is a case that is being investigated and for the parents and everybody involved, honestly, we commiserate with them and send our condolences.
“As I said, the case is being investigated and I will not be able to say much on it at the moment,” Sanwo-Olu said.
She said the advocacy visit to schools was aimed at catching the students young and enlightening them on the need to work against all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
“As we all know, the world is commemorating the 16 days of activism against SGBV. It commences on November 25 and it will end on December 10 which is Human Rights Day. The program is being championed globally by United Nations and our theme this year is “Orange The World: End Violence Against Women Now.”
“The advocacy is also being championed by the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum, NGOs and so many other private individuals and organizations to ensure that there is zero tolerance to gender-based violence all over Nigeria and Lagos in particular,” she said.
She explained that the visit to the respective schools was the third leg of the advocacy efforts, saying that a similar enlightenment program had been held for the community groups and religious leaders by her office.
“For the Office of the Lagos State First Lady, we decided that our advocacy is to do community sensitization at the grassroots level which we did on November 29 and then we followed it up with sensitization visit to our religious leaders in our communities. This is the third way of our advocacy, going into the schools.
“We realized that it is good to catch them young and so when we plant this seed in the children, it will gradually germinate and it helps us to ensure that our students have the correct mindset and understand why these vices exist and what the law says about the vices in the country.
“I am happy with the response we are getting. The students are interested in knowing about Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and joining the train to stamp it out in our state. We have distributed some resource materials that will help the teachers, the students, and the parents Associations in the respective schools to know more and work against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in our communities,” she said.
The schools visited include Dolphin Senior High School and Dolphin Junior High School, Tapa, Lagos Island under Education District Three; as well as Aje Comprehensive Junior High School and Aje Comprehensive Senior High School, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos under Education District Four.
The First Lady donated laptops, industrial cooking gas, and other educational materials to each of the schools, just as she assured that more schools and other critical organizations would be visited.
Responding on behalf of the students, Permanent Secretary, Education District III, Dr. Olufolayimika Abiose-Ayandele commended the First Lady for her interest and passion for the welfare and safety of students in the state.
She said the advocacy visit to schools on SGBV by the First Lady was another clear testament to her commitment to ending the menace of rape, defilement, and all forms of sexual abuse in the state.
The event was also attended by representatives of the Parents Forum, Old Students Associations, Community Leaders, and stakeholders in the be education sector, while there was a special SGBV Talk by Programme Manager of Youth Empowerment Foundation, Mrs. Morenike Omiagboje; and Programme Manager of Women Consortium of Nigeria (WOCON), Mrs Atinuke Ogunbayo.
SIGNED
OLUBUKONLA NWONAH
ASSIST DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY
DECEMBER 6, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
WINNER EMERGES IN MAIDEN SANWO-OLU YOUTH SOCCER FIESTA
The frills and thrills of the maiden Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (BOS) Youth Cup came to the pinnacle on Sunday, with the final round’s team jostled for the first prize – a gold cup.
Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena in Onikan, formerly Onikan Stadium, came alive for the final match played between Surulere and Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro teams.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu personally declared the event open with a kick-off of the ball.
Ex-international goalkeeper of the national team, Dosu Joseph, Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Austin Eguaveon, Coach of the National Under-17 team, Fatai Amoo, and members of the State Executive Council graced the final fixture.
Youths under the age of 21 across the State’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) took part in the soccer contest organised by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) to complement youth development programmes of the Sanwo-Olu administration and curb restiveness.
The participants were brought together under the BOS Academy platform on which they were screened and certified to take part in the tournament. Each council was represented by a team.
The final round started after the third place fixture won by Agege team against Lagos Island East side.
About 30 minutes into the first half, Surulere team led by Yusuf Lukman, destabilised the opponent’s team with a goal.
At 77 minutes, the Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro team led by Marvelous Ajayi, however, came back with an equaliser.
The match ended in a tie, resulting to penalty shootout at the end of which Surulere team coasted to victory with 5-4
The winning team went home with a cash prize of N1.5 million and golden trophy. Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, presented the trophy on behalf of the Governor.
A member of the Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro team, Timilehin Lawal, got the prize for the Most Valuable Player (MVP), while Abdulazeez Agbaje of the Surulere team went home with the Highest Goal Scorer prize.
Also, Akpan Oyena of Agege team was rewarded with Best Goal Keeper of the tournament.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Anthony Adeboye, said the soccer fiesta achieved its intended objectives of leaving positive impacts on the youths, families and communities across the State,
He said: “In the last three week, we have seen our young people coming to the field to display great football skills and pour out energy that could have been diverted to vices. Having participated in all activities that culminated into the final round, I have no doubt that the objectives of the tournament have been realised, as we witnessed excitement on the faces of all participants.
“Inclusion is part of the ‘Greater Lagos’ agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration and this football competition has further bridged the gap between the Government and the youth. We are highly elated that the maiden edition has been widely received by young people across the State. The subsequent edition promises to be bigger and more impactful.”
The first runner-up, Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro team, got N1 million cash prize and silver medals, while the second runner-up, Agege, got N750,000 cash prize and bronze medals.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
DECEMBER 5, 2021
Only God gives power, Okowa tells leaders
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged leaders to always acknowledge God as the source of their lifting in any position they occupy.
Okowa gave this charge on Sunday at the thanksgiving service in honour of the Chairman Isoko North Local Government Council, Hon. Christian Iteire at The Eagles Assembly, Asaba.
Represented by his Deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, the governor said it was good for leaders in positions of authority to always return all the glory to God as their source because only God could give true power to men.
He said man cannot achieve anything unless God approves of it.
He commended the Isoko North boss for recognising what God had done for him and his family, adding that God would continue to uplift him.
The governor lauded the Isoko political class for coming to celebrate with the Chairman and his family and charged them to remain united for the overall good of the people.
“My heart-felt congratulations to Hon. Christian Iteire and his family and the good people of Isoko North Local Government Area.
“Hon. Iteire is an integral part of us in the Delta Political family, so his celebration today is a celebration for all of us.
“I thank all of you for coming to join him in this thanksgiving,” the governor said.
In a sermon titled “Encountering the Never-Give-Up Grace” Pastor Uwem Offiong said with God the later end is always greater and better than the beginning.
He described the Council Chairman as a committed member of the Church, adding that he was always punctual and dedicated to work of God.
The cleric said God alone deserved all the glory for making Iteire the Council Chairman and prayed for a successful tenure and greater blessings ahead of him.
The celebrant in his remarks said he was grateful to God for remembering him after many years in politics.
Flanked by his wife, Gloria, Iteire gave thanks to God while appreciating Pastor Offiong and his wife for their support and prayers.
“We have every good reason to thank God because I have been in politics for a long time and it has not been an easy adventure until recently.
“I have had some appointments in the past but God made me Council Chairman when I was busy lobbying to be something else.
“I thank my leaders in Isoko North whom God used to make me Council Chairman.
“While thanking God for this awesome favour, I promise to lead the people of Isoko North to greater heights,” Iteire said.
The thanksgiving service was attended by top government functionaries including Senator James Manager, Deputy Speaker Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ochor Ochor, Chief Whip Delta State House of Assembly Hon Pat Ajudua, Hon. Charles Emetulu, Commissioner for Energy Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko, Commissioner for Project Implementation and Audit Engr. Ovie Oghoore, Special Adviser to the Governor on External Relations Prince Johnson Erijo, former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Ovuozourie Macaulay and DESOPADEC Commissioner Dr and Mrs Paul Oweh.
Others include Chairman Isoko North PDP, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, former Chairman of Isoko South Chief Itiako Ikpokpo. Dr Peter Emaziye, Comrade Nelson Egware, Mr Jonathan Umukoro, Chief Emmanuel Edevor, Vice Chairman Chief Frank Ozue, Richard Isagba, Sunny Governor, Chief Matthew Amudede, Members of Isoko North Legislative Arm led by Hon. Francia Udubra, Secretary to the Local Government Hon Ejoor Igbuduma, among others.
*Obaseki seeks int’l partners’ support to strengthen impact of agric programmes*
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has urged international donors to support the government in executing sustainable agricultural programmes to check food security.
The governor made the call during a courtesy visit by the Joint Mission of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) led by the IFAD Country Programme Manager, Dr. Patrick Habamenshi, at the Government House in Benin City.
While commending IFAD on its impactful role across Africa, Obaseki said the assistance provided by the Fund can help leapfrog systems and institutions in Nigeria and Edo State.
He noted, “We have failed to create the real market for agricultural produce, economic culture, subsidizing agricultural produce and mixed pricing of exchange rate. These are some of the fundamental macro economic issues, which is not taking us anywhere. Agricultural business is a serious business in the country. Some of the macro economic situations are changing.
“As a government, our focus is how to be serious and help address the challenges. 50 to 60 years ago, our communities, society, and the economy were driven by agriculture. Commodity boards, farm institutions were well-organized, and people had a culture, but not anymore.”
Obaseki said, “As a governor for five years, I have not really seen the impact as I try to measure the impact by asking what has really changed? Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Office carry a lot of signboards with all sorts of assisted programmes but yet no much impact or difference has been made in agricultural production and output. This is the major challenge, amongst other problems.
“Some assistance you are providing is to help us re-enact agriculture again because that is the only thing that can sustain us. Maybe the young ones don’t want to go into agriculture but technology has made things easy. Working together, we would like to deal with serious issues.”
“As you will not solve all our problems for us but help and assist us to accelerate our development and look at specific areas and be clear on the expectations and deliverables.
“Some of our institutions are so weak. That is why you can’t implement some of the programmes. We should look at how to strengthen some of these institutions to take advantage of what you are bringing to the table,” he added.
The IFAD Country Programme Manager in Nigeria, Dr. Patrick Habamenshi said the delegation are in Edo State to carry out an implementation support mission, focusing on the state as it has one of the most dynamic programmes in Nigeria.
He commended Governor Obaseki for the counterpart funding he made to the programme which contributed to the success of the programme, noting, “We understand that the programme needs to get aligned with the strategy of the state government and we can’t implement a programme in the state that is disconnected from what the state government is trying to achieve.
“We would work with your team to see how to remodel and make the programme have its developmental objectives aligned to yours.”
06 December, 2021
“We need to double down on our efforts to flatten the curve” – CACOVID
…urges Nigerians to get vaccinated and stay safe
The private sector-led coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID) has intensified its efforts in the fight against the deadly coronavirus and is urging Nigerians to do the same.
In a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Central Bank of Nigeria, Osita Nwasinobi, the coalition urged Nigerians to consciously take steps to remain safe.
“Nigeria has faced deadly viruses in the past and has surmounted them. In all of those incidents, one thing that was common was our unified front. The same is needed now if we are to combat the deadly new variant of the coronavirus – Omicron. We must maintain social distancing in public gatherings, wear our face masks, avoid poorly ventilated areas, wash and sanitize our hands regularly. Most importantly we must get vaccinated.”
“CACOVID is urging all Nigerians to get vaccinated and put an end to the spread of the coronavirus in Nigeria. Let’s work together to make Nigeria virus-free,” he stated.
So far, Omicron has been detected in more than 20 countries, a number that has been steadily ticking up as efforts to track the variant increase around the world. As of Wednesday, there were more than 261 million confirmed cases of the COVID-19 globally (5.2 million deaths), with the Delta variant continuing to dominate.
It has become expedient that we all adhere to the precautionary measures highlighted by the WHO whilst getting vaccinated. Contrary to many false reports the vaccines are effective and can reduce the risk of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
CACOVID further encourages Nigerians to take preventative measures to protect themselves from the virus, such as frequent handwashing, wearing a face mask in indoor and outdoor public places, and maintaining social distance.
PRESS RELEASE
NNEWE-ODUMA-UBURU COMMUNITIES CELEBRATE AS BUHARI TAKES SEASON OF COMPLETION, IMPACT TO SOUTHEAST
It was the turn of Nenwe, Oduma and Uburu communities in Enugu and Ebonyi States to roll out drums of celebration as President Muhammadu Buhari officially commissioned the 40.37 kilometre Nnewe – Oduma Road linking Enugu and Ebonyi States and bringing to three the number of roads commissioned across the country since the beginning of the Season of Completion and Impact barely two weeks ago.
The other two roads officially commissioned by the President include the 304 kilometre Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road, commissioned on Thursday, November 25, 2021 and the 24 kilometre Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road (Phases I and II) in Benue State officially flagged of on Monday, November 29, 2021.
In his remarks before the official flag-off at the Ezinike-Oduma Village, President Buhari, who was represented at the event by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said the Nnewe-Oduma Road and others being commissioned represented the manifestation of the commitment of his administration to improving road transport infrastructure, ease of doing business and job creation as well as prosperity to lift people out of poverty.
President Buhari, who described the roads already commissioned as “a critical component of our national road network”, observed that one element of change in those roads was “the travel experience on new and well-built roads” as opposed to the not-too-distant unpleasant experiences from the old and previously unmotorable roads.
Also describing the roads as “part of our many roads to prosperity”, the President noted that reduced journey times as a result of the improvement in the road network, meant reduced expense on travel, pointing out reduction in travel expense also meant more money in the pockets of travellers.
According to the President, the roads being commissioned also represent “a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business”. He explained that a situation where the previously travel time on a road, which averaged one hour 30 minutes before construction, was reduced to 30 minutes after the completion of the road, both money and time had been saved.
Other elements of change in the roads being turned out by the administration, Buhari said, included the restoration of the road furniture, such as the lane markings and Route Assurance signs, which he observed, “had all but disappeared on our highways”, adding, “but our commitment to change has restored them, with the markings helping drivers to achieve better lane management and control of their vehicles; while the Route Assurance signs provide information about how much further or longer, the drivers and commuters have to travel and the distance to the next village, town or state”.
Urging commuters not to abuse the road and obey traffic rules and regulations, Buhari, who reiterated that the roads have been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship, added that if they are well used and not abused, they should last for the designed service life pointing out that there are many forms in which commuters abuse the roads.
“Road abuse takes many forms such as overloading of vehicles and trucks which accelerates pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products, which dissolves all the components and allows water to penetrate, and converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, that brings the onset of road failure from the shoulder”, the President said, adding, “We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them”.
He commended Nigerians who have contributed and are still contributing, in one form or the other, to the construction of the roads saying the roads also represent a story of the capacity of patriotic Nigerians who were employed directly to build the road and the scores of suppliers employed indirectly who are responsible for providing the machines utilized in the construction. “These are not only nation builders to whom we offer our salutations, they are the heart of the Nigerian economy, the micro, small and medium enterprises that drive our economic growth”, he said.
In his own remarks, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, expressed joy that the Season of Completion and Impact, which began from the North West barely a fortnight ago, has revealed the Buhari administration’s investment commitments in road transportation and the impact on the citizenry adding that it has also brought to the fore the administration’s commitment to infrastructure as a driver for economic growth and prosperity.
According to Fashola, who was represented by the Director Highways, South East Zone, Engr. Bola Aganaba, “These projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity. They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings”.
Reiterating that the commissioning and handing over of Nnewe-Oduma Road was the third in the series of handovers in the Season of Completion and Impact, the Minister, who noted that it represented another example of what the country would experience in more days and weeks to come, listed the handovers that will follow to include the 142.2×2 (Dual) kilometres between Shuwarin and Azare connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States and Section III of the 106.3×2 kilometres between Azare and Potiskum connecting Bauchi and Yobe States.
Paying glowing tribute to investors in the first and second SUKUK, the Minister, who noted that the Fund has contributed immensely to the completion of many roads and currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria, said the impact had seen to the funding to completion, major road projects such as the Azare – Potiskum, Shuwarin – Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal- Kontagora Roads, among others.
He thanked the Ministry of Finance, and the members of the National Assembly, “especially the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works in the 8th and 9th Assembly for their support as well as the Debt Management Office for their role in previous SUKUKs which, according to him, have been most innovative and impactful nationwide, and for the SUKUK still being expected.
Fashola also thanked the Ministry’s staff and contractors who, he acknowledged, “have worked very hard to bring these projects to conclusion” as well as the host communities for their cooperation without which progress would have been impossible. “I hold them out as examples of what peace can achieve, and the investments that collaboration and some sacrifice can deliver if we embrace partnership with Government”, he said.
The Minister’s gratitude also went to the Federal Executive Council, which included all Ministers in the first term and the current term, for their support, the President and Vice President “who presided for long hours over the Council meetings” and the Governors of Bauchi, Jigawa, Benue, Cross Rivers, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Enugu and Ebonyi, who, according to him “bear witness to fruits and the evidence of change by the Buhari administration, adding, “And there is more to come.”
In his remarks, the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who was reporesented by the Commissioner for Works in the State, Engr. Greg Nnaji expressed appreciation to both the Federal Government, Prersident Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for the synegy which saw to thw completion of the project, which according to him began in 2013.
Describing road construction as the cradle of civilization, Ugwuanyi, who expressed joy at witnessing the handover of the road, recalled the harrowing experience on that commuters went through before the Buhari administration took the road to completion stage adding that with the completion, the people of Enugu and Ebonyi, who he said are farmers, would easily bring their farm produce to the various markets with ease.
He, however, urged the people to take ownership of the road adding that the protection of the road against abuse and other forms of abuse would ensure its long and full life span and would continue to provide for the communities the ease of doing business as well as boosting their economy.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers and members of the beneficiary communities, the Chairman of Oduma Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Daniel Njoku, Diji 1 of Ezinesi Oduma, also poured encomiums on President Buhari, the Minister of Works and Housing for seeing to the completion of the road which, according to him, was but abandoned until the coming of the present administration.
“Every Oduma indigene will recall that in the past we travelled by Okada to Nnewe with spare clothing as a result of the bad road”, he said, adding that the people also found it difficult to transport their agricultural produce to neighbouring markets, a situation which, according to him, had since changed with the completion of the road.
A bread maker, who plies the road constantly on business, Mr. Mkwachukwu Chinweba, commended the Federal Government, President Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for their consistency and commitment which saw to the completion of the work explaining that as a result of the condition of the road he relocated to Onitsha where he was doing his bread business but returned in 2016 when the road was rehabilitated by the present administration.
Explaining that the land of Oduma is called Alanni meaning land of food, Chinweba said the people, who, according to him, were farmers, suffered over the years as a result of lack of access to markets to sell their farm produce adding that with the road now completed, the people could now access the markets while people from other lands also come to Oduma to buy food leading to economic benefits for the farmers.
For Princess Adaeze Oje, a housewife, farmer and also native of Oduma, the completion of Nnewe-Oduma Road has brought economic development to the town and its people with prices of farm produce now competitive and the people of Oduma who had been forced to stay in other towns to do their businesses now coming home to carry on such businesses and bringing development to the town.
Rev. Father Titus Udeh, Parish Priest of Saint Nicholas Parish Oduma, in an interview, recalled the hardship encountered by the people of Oduma before the completion of the road, thanking God that he has used the present administration with President Buhari at the head and Fashola as the executor to build the Nnewe-Oduma Road, which according to him has enhanced the socio-economic affairs of the community.
Also thanking God for giving the community a gift in the person of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Father Udeh said the road has greatly changed the outlook of the community pointing out that the completion of the road has drawn many sons and daughters of the community, who he noted comprise of rich business people, back home leading to the erection of many beautiful houses.
Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Babangida Hussaini, who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Enugu State, Engr. Olufemi Oyekanmi, gave a brief introduction of the project saying the 40.27 kilometre road constructed by Messrs Reynolds Construction Company, was done in two sections with Section One starting from Nnewe Junction and terminating at Oduma Junction with Spur to Uburu Road and Section II starting from Umagu Village in Ishiagu and terminates at Mile 2 Roundabout in Ebonyi State.
The colourful event was marked with many traditional dances with several groups displaying before the very obviously jubilant members of the communities and visitors including top officials of the Construction Company. The different groups that made appearance included the Eribi Ogene Group, the Ogene Youngsters and the Omaba Masquerade, among others.
HAKEEM BELLO
SPECIAL ADVISER,
COMMUNICATIONS
TO THE HON. MINISTER
4th December, 2021
SERAP wants court to stop Buhari, others from shutting down telecoms
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit asking the court for “an order of perpetual injunction to restrain President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami from unlawfully shutting down telecommunication networks in any part of the country.”
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1323/2021 filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja SERAP is asking the court to “determine whether the shutdown of telecommunication networks in any part of Nigeria by the Buhari administration is unlawful, and a violation of the rights of access to correspondence, freedom of expression, information, and the press.”
SERAP is also asking the court to “determine whether the shutdown of telecommunication networks in any part of the country is inconsistent with the principles of legality, proportionality and necessity, and the rights of access to correspondence, freedom of expression, information, and the press.”
The suit, which has been assigned to Honourable Justice Ahmed Mohammed at Court 4, is fixed for hearing on 11th January, 2022.
Joined in the suit as Defendant is the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
SERAP is arguing that, “Large-scale shutdowns of communication networks are a form of collective punishment. Shutdowns exert significant chilling effects, with direct implications on participatory democracy, whose existence depends upon an active and informed citizenry capable of engaging with a range of ideas.”
According to SERAP, “The Buhari administration has constitutional and international legal obligations to enable access to the Internet for all, as access to the Internet is inextricably linked to the exercise of freedom of expression and information.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Access to information, the ability to exercise the right to freedom of expression and the participation that internet and telecommunication networks provide to all sectors of society is essential for a truly democratic society.”
SERAP said: “The rights to freedom of expression and information may be restricted only in specific circumstances. Restrictions on these rights must be provided by law, proportionate, and necessary for respect of the rights or reputations of others or for the protection of national security or of public order, or of public health and morals.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “While the authorities have a legal responsibility to protect, ensure and secure the rights to life and property, any such responsibility ought to be discharged in conformity with constitutional and international human rights standards.”
SERAP said: “The suspension of internet and telecommunication networks in Zamfara and Katsina states is particularly egregious, and suggests a disturbing trend, especially given the escalating repression and restriction of civic space in Nigeria. Shutdowns should never become an entrenched practice in the country.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Kehinde Oyewumi, read in part: “Internet and telecommunication shutdowns amount to inherently disproportionate interference with the rights to freedom of expression and information. Necessity requires a showing that shutdowns would achieve their stated purpose, which in fact they often jeopardize.”
“In their 2011 Joint Declaration on Freedom of Expression and the Internet, four special mandates on freedom of expression emphasised that ‘Cutting off access to the Internet, or parts of the Internet, for whole populations or segments of the public can never be justified, including on public order or national security grounds.’”
“The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has affirmed the principle of non-interference with access to internet and telecommunication networks and stressed that States including Nigeria ‘shall not engage in or condone any disruption of access to the internet and other digital technologies for segments of the public or an entire population.’”
“In June 2016, the UN Human Rights Council, condemned ‘measures to intentionally prevent or disrupt access to or dissemination of information online in violation of international human rights law.’ The Council called on all States, including Nigeria, to refrain from and cease such measures.”
“The rights to freedom of expression and access to information are protected by Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999 [as amended], Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights both of which Nigeria has ratified.”
“These rights must be protected online as they are protected offline. Access to the Internet is a fundamental right. Access to the internet is also a necessary precondition for the exercise and enjoyment of other human rights online and offline.”
“Shutdowns generate a wide variety of harms to human rights, economic activity, public safety and emergency services that outweigh the purported benefits. Any shutdown has the potential to affect millions of internet and telecommunication users, and those on the margins of society are most impacted by it.”
“The suspension of the internet and telecommunication networks in Zamfara and Katsina states, without any legal justification, is inconsistent with the principles of necessity and proportionality. The suspension is a form of collective punishment of Nigerians resident in these states.”
“The imposition of any restrictions should be guided by the objective of facilitating the right, rather than seeking unnecessary and disproportionate limitations on it. Restrictions must not be discriminatory, impair the essence of the right, or be aimed at causing a chilling effect. Internet and telecommunication shutdowns fail to meet all of these conditions.”
It would be recalled that the NCC recently ordered telecom operators to suspend all telecommunications networks in some states, including Zamfara State, and at least 13 local government areas of Katsina State purportedly to check “banditry”/terrorism.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
5/12/2021
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
Presentation of Certificate of Return and Inauguration of the Newly Elected National Officers of Our Party.
The National Convention Organizing Committee (NCOC), in collaboration with the National Working Committee (NWC), of our Great Party, the PDP, wishes to invite all our Former Presidents and Vice Presidents, Governors and Former Governors, Serving and Former Members of the BOT, Members of the National Assembly, all Members of NEC, Stakeholders of our Party, the International Communities, CSOs and Media to the very special and noble occasion of Presentation of Certificate of Return and Swearing-In Ceremony of the newly elected National Officers as follows:-
ALL MEMBERS OF NWC AND NEWLY ELECTED NATIONAL OFFICERS ARE KINDLY REQUESTED TO BE AVAILABLE AS FOLLOWS:
Date: Friday December 10, 2021
Venue: Abuja International Conference Center (AICC), Central Area, Abuja, FCT.
Time: 9:30Am
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
Secretary, Publicity Sub-Committee/National Publicity Secretary
December 4, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Releases NWC Transition Schedule of Events
…To Inaugurate NWC-Elect on Friday, December 10
Consequent upon the successful conduct of the October 30 and 31 2021 elective National Convention and in keeping with due process of internal democracy, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the schedule of events for smooth transition from the outgoing to incoming national officers of the party
Accordingly, the Valedictory Session of the outgoing National Working Committee (NWC) has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at the NEC Hall of the National Secretariat, Abuja at 11am.
Correspondingly, the presentation of Certificate of Return and Swearing-In Ceremony of the newly elected national officers has been scheduled for Friday, December 10, 2021 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, by 9:30am.
All party leaders, critical stakeholders and our teeming members nationwide should note this accordingly.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
December 3, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Mourns Former Senate President Joseph Wayas
…Says He Stood for Rule of Law, Equity, True Federalism
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) mourns the death of elder statesman and former President of the Senate, Senator Joseph Wayas, describing it as a monumental national loss.
Senator Wayas was a very courageous democrat, an exceptional statesman, who made personal sacrifices in standing for justice, equity, rule of law and true federalism in our country, both as a political leader and a private individual.
As a commissioner in the old southeastern state, member of the Constituent Assembly and later the President of the Senate, Senator Wayas exhibited uncommon patriotism towards the unity, stability and development of our dear country.
The PDP is sad that Senator Wayas left the scene at the time the nation needed his wealth of experience and stabilizing role the most.
Our party commiserates with the Wayas family, the people of South South and the institution of the Senate, and prays God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretar
…Commends Rep. Jimi Benson for attracting development to Ikorodu
The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Friday commissioned five roads facilitated by the chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson in the Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State.
The road projects, which involved the construction of link roads in the Sabo area of Ikorodu, linked Ayangbadejo street, Kaz Avenue, Ajeborigbon Street, Nike Olubodun Street and Ajoke Oduyebo Street.
At the event, which had in attendance traditional rulers led by the paramount ruler of the Ikorodu division, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, APC Lagos State Chairman-Elect, party leaders, officials of the Lagos state government and residents, the Speaker congratulated the people for being beneficiaries of the projects and commended Rep. Babajimi Benson for representing his constituents well.
He said: “I am here to support Rep. Babajimi Benson and the people of Ikorodu on the commissioning of these roads. I am happy when my members are doing well and Rep. Benson is doing well. He has proven himself as a good representative, even in Abuja.”
Before the commissioning ceremony, the Speaker visited the palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi on a courtesy visit.
The Oba, who had his chiefs in attendance, thanked the Speaker for the visit. He said even though the Speaker had visited him several times before, this was the Speaker’s first official visit.
Gbajabiamila thanked the traditional ruler for receiving him so warmly. He also thanked the Kabiyesi for always providing constant support and guidance.
Speaker Gbajabiamila also visited the constituency office of Rep. Benson and was shown around the office, including the office of the radio station, Ikorodu FM 106.1, which is located within the grounds of the constituency office. The Speaker was invited to say a few words to radio listeners and he enjoined them to be peaceful, praying that the new year will be a prosperous one for the country.
Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria
UPU at 90: Okowa lauds Urhobos’ contribution to Nigeria’s devt.
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday, commended the people of Urhobo for their immense support and contributions to the development of the state and country.
Okowa gave the commendation in his remarks at the 90th Anniversary of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) held at Urhobo Cultural Centre, Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
He said that UPU had, as a socio-cultural group and through its human resources, played remarkable role in the development of the state and Nigeria in the 90 years of its existence.
According to him, UPU has played a major role in the advancement of not just the Urhobo nation but the advancement of Delta and Nigeria.
The governor thanked the leadership of the union for using its relationship with the people to ensure peace and organise them for purposeful development and being of great assistance to any government in power in the state.
“I know the role the UPU has been playing in helping to build peace in Urhoboland and in trying also to extend hand of friendship to other ethnic groups across the state.
“By the time our people in Delta State relate as one, then you would have helped government to solve its problems because once you have been able to establish peace it becomes much easier to develop the state,” he said.
Okowa commended traditional rulers in the state for their support, saying “at every point in time I always thank traditional rulers for the role they have played individually and collectively to the growth and development of the state.
“They have always been a strong support behind all the governments of this state but particularly in my time, they have done a lot to help in stabilising government and to ensure that we have been able to live in unity as a people.
“Let me also thank the kings for their support to the UPU which had contributed in making it the oldest ethnic nationality group in Nigeria,” he stated.
He lauded UPU for the honour done to some illustrious sons and daughters, adding that it would help in encouraging others to put in their best in the growth and development of the nation.
He acknowledged the cordial relationship between the Urhobos and their neighbours, and said that a hand of friendship was very important “because he who extends hand of friendship wants to have a friend”.
“I don’t believe that we must fight everything through; sometimes a kind word or a conversation can help you to get to where you want to be,” he said.
He admonished governorship aspirants to exercise restraints in their consultations and campaigns.
“I want to appeal to our sons and daughters who seek to be governor. It is usually best when you approach it on the basis of friendship.
“It is usually best that we are choosy on the kind of words that we use in the public so that we don’t start any round of fights.
“No matter how provoked, any person aspiring to the position of leadership must learn to control his anger and speak peacefully to people because in so doing, he attracts friends to himself,” he said.
He called on Urhobo people to prune down the number of aspirants in the governorship race, advising that it was in their best interest to reduce the numbers.
“When there are too many sons and daughters in a race, it creates its own challenge and I believe that the elders have understood this.
“There is a need to trim down and I believe that the time is now.
“I thank you for the support you have given me as a people through the course of governance in the last six and half years.
“It is my prayer that Delta will remain peaceful and united and whoever is coming will recognise the fact that we are better off as united people and once this is done we will continue to be stakeholders in our own state,” Okowa added.
Earlier In his welcome address, President-General of UPU, Chief Moses Taiga, had said that UPU was celebrating 90 years, a decade short of a century, adding that the union was Nigeria’s oldest surviving socio-cultural organisation.
He said that UPU saw education as the light that would illuminate Urhoboland and liberate its people.
Taiga told the gathering that UPU was working on bequeathing an economic legacy to future generations with the proposed establishment of Okugbe Microfinance Bank which was awaiting operational license from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Taiga said that the Urhobos would build alliances with other ethnic nationalities in the South-South and beyond to proffer a new destiny for Nigeria as the nation tottered to a new beginning.
“While we do not support secessionist agitations, we align with the call for the restructuring of Nigeria in line with the tenets of federalism.
“We support the call for the relocation of the headquarters of all oil companies to the Niger Delta and the call for election results to be transmitted electronically.
“Urhobos are in support of states’ collection of Value Added Tax (VAT), the enactment of Anti-Open Grazing Laws, the establishment of State Police and other such progressive factors that will make Nigeria great again,” he stated.
The ceremony featured presentation of awards to deserving sons and daughters who distinguished themselves in various disciplines and made Urhobos proud in the past 90 years.
GOV AKEREDOLU: WE ARE DETERMINED TO PUSH OUR PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said his administration is determined to push the people of the state out of poverty and unemployment through entrepreneurship knowledge economy, innovation and technology.
The Governor disclosed his readiness to invest more in entrepreneurship development and provision of grants for startups and those badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Arakunrin Akeredolu spoke on Friday at the Inaugural Unemployment Summit held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (DOME).
Speakers at the summit include Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Apostle Folorunso Alakija and founder of Africa’s Leadership University, Fred Swaniker.
While declaring the summit open, Governor Akeredolu explained that the letter ‘D’ in his second term agenda which is simply encapsulated in the acronym ‘REDEEMED’ stands for Digital Revolution and Entrepreneurship.
The Governor noted that the digital revolution and Entrepreneurship is not just an agenda but his passion to see that the unemployment rate in the state is reduced.
“Unarguably, we have come to the point of deliberating extensively as a State to take actions to tackle this problem of unemployment once and for all. We have always been concerned that the only enduring solutions to the unemployment issues are for our youths to embrace entrepreneurial development.
“This type of Summit is not the first in Nigeria, but it is significant because of the peculiarity of the seasons we are in as a country and because we have decided to refer to it as ‘Unemployment Summit’ and not employment summit, as we would rather address the problem first before the solution.
“You will recall that our State had hitherto been known and referred to as a Civil Service State. The little Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) we get is recycled around the public service and our capacity to generate more IGR was limited.
“We observe that keeping the civil service culture, in no time, the state will be in chaos hence the birth of the Ondo State Entrepreneurship Development Agency (ONDEA) for Poverty Eradication, Job Creation and Economic Development,” Arakunrin Akeredolu said.
The Governor said ONDEA was birthed with the mandate to create a master plan for massive job creation in the State, foster economic growth and engender business knowledge transfer for indigenous based entrepreneurs, MSMEs and job seekers.
He added: “A lot of people might not know the importance now, the fact about entrepreneurship is that it is the engine that creates new jobs and it is a great panacea for economic development.
“We are building the right foundation and it might take some time. Many of these entrepreneurial initiatives have great benefits that are not just for now, but for long after our administration, because that is when the narrative of this State would have changed.
“Our people would be more self-driven and self-conscious, and we have started seeing the impact. This Agency, within just a year Of Creation has trained thousands of people and there has been various empowerment of young people to support them with interest-free loans and grants.”
In her Keynote Address, the Grand Matron, Africa Young Entrepreneurs Organization A.Y.E, Apostle Folorunso Alakija, commended the administration of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for opening up the state economy through entrepreneurship.
Apostle Alakija who presides over several entrepreneurial establishments said opening up the eyes and minds of the youth to employable potentials around them through the creation of Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency, ODEA, is highly salutary.
In her speech, a top rated business woman and motivational speaker, Mrs Ibukunoluwa Awosika said entrepreneurship is the panacea to the daily increasing growth of unemployment and poverty which has become a cankerworm affecting the fabric of Nigerian nation.
Mrs Awosika who noted with satisfaction the Ondo State example in poverty and unemployment management, said the prosperity of Nigeria depends largely on the intervention of the private sector through the productive engagement of the youth populace in entrepreneurship.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
December 3rd, 2021.
Be trustworthy, steadfast, Okowa urges politicians
Governor of Delta, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday, urged politicians in the country to be truthful and steadfast in order to remain relevant in the scheme of things.
Okowa gave the advice when he paid a condolence visit on the family of the late PDP Chairman in Ughelli North, Hon. Lawrence Agbatutu at his residence in Agbarho.
Governor Okowa said late Agbatutu was his genuine friend, a man that was bold, selfless and reliable, praying that God should grant his soul eternal rest.
He noted that the late Agbatutu was one man that supported him politically in 2019 and promised to remain a father to his children.
While condoling with the deceased family, the governor told the children not to feel that the world had come to an end as a result of their father’s death, stressing that God will be there for them at all times.
He thanked PDP leaders in Ughelli North for being there for the bereaved family and urged them to maintain the bond of unity between the Agbatutu family and the party.
“I want to condole with the family of Lawrence Agbatutu on this sad loss. He was a very bold man, bold politically and he was a man that will tell the truth all the time and l loved him for that.
“He was somebody who you could exactly say where he was. He never at any point in time, played the game of l am neither here or there.
“I think that is good for politics and that is what actually endeared him to me. He worked very hard for our party.
“He truly worked for the party, he believed in the party and he put in everything in him towards working with the rest of the leadership to get the party working.
“I want you to be rest assured that I will open up my line of communication to you and I will do my best to ensure that the role he would have played in your lives, l will play that role,” the governor assured the children.
Welcoming the governor and his entourage to their residence, the eldest daughter of the deceased, Dr. (Mrs.) Omonefe Moses thanked him for the condolence visit.
She disclosed that members of the family were not unaware of the enormous positive role the governor played in the life of their departed father.
While saying that she was a direct beneficiary of the governor’s magnanimous gesture, she thanked him for being a nice man to their family.
Dr. (Mrs.) Moses, therefore, appealed to Governor Okowa to see them as his adopted children as their backbone was no more.
“We are not unaware of the good role you played in the life of our father until his death. I am a direct beneficiary of your magnanimous gesture.
“On behalf of my siblings, l thank you immensely for being a nice man to our family. I plead with you to see us as your adopted children as our backbone is gone,” she added.
OAU TO HONOUR GOV AKEREDOLU WITH DISTINGUISHED GREAT IFE ALUMNUS AWARD
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi , SAN, will tomorrow, Saturday, December 4, 2021 be conferred with the Obafemi Awolowo University Distinguished Great Ife Alumnus Award.
The Governor is among the 60 graduates of the institution to be honoured with the award of excellence as part of the activities marking its 60th Anniversary.
A letter personally signed by the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, and addressed to Governor Akeredolu said “the award of excellence for very passionate, supportive and dedicated Great Ife ambassadors who have contributed over the past 60 years, is to further show the University management’s appreciation.
The Obafemi Awolowo University is Governor Akeredolu’s alma mater. The award ceremony holds in Lagos tomorrow.
Signed:
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
December 3rd, 2021.