News From Nigeria
PRESIDENT BUHARI APPROVES CABINET RESHUFFLE
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a reshuffle in the cabinet formed on August 21, 2019.
In a statement to cabinet members during the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday 1st September, President Buhari announced that Mohammed Sabo Nanono, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Engr. Sale Mamman, Minister of Power were leaving the cabinet.
In the same vein, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, Minister of Environment, was redeployed to assume office as the Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development, while Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, Minister of State, Works & Housing will now be the Minister of Power.
The President said the changes were sequel to the “tradition of subjecting our projects and programs implementation to independent and critical self-review” through sector reporting during Cabinet meetings and at retreats.
He added that “these significant review steps have helped to identify and strengthen weak areas, close gaps, build cohesion and synergy in governance, manage the economy and improve the delivery of public good to Nigerians.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 01, 2021
September 1, 2021
Press Statement
PDP To Buhari: Don’t Use Nanono and Mamman to Cover Your Failures
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) describes President Muhammadu Buhari resort to sacking the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammed Nanono and his Power counterpart, Saleh Mamman, as a ludicrous and infective attempt to cover for his failures in office.
Our party is also investigating the real reason behind their sack given Mr. President’s public approach to fighting corruption by “easing out” the culprits.
The party however asserts that the manifest inefficiency of the Buhari administration is a product of President Buhari’s myopic and divisive approach to governance as well as the impunity and corruption deeply embedded in his administration and party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP posits that even if the best hands are recruited, they will be contaminated by incompetence, impunity, disregard to rules, divisiveness and corruption that have become the hallmark of the APC and its administration.
The party calls on President Buhari and the APC to note that Nigerians are not swayed by the sack of the ministers but are eagerly awaiting the exit of the Buhari Presidency and the APC come May 29, 2023, as there is no hope in sight under their purview.
Signed:
National Publicity Secretary
The full text of the statement is reproduced below:
On Wednesday 21st August, 2019 the current Federal Executive Council was sworn-in after a rigorous retreat to bring returning and new members up to speed on the accomplishments, challenges and lessons drawn from my first term in Office and to emphasise the 9 priority areas of government for the second term.
Ministers Leaving the Cabinet:
Redeployment:
September 1, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Extends Sale of Forms for Congresses
Sequel to enquiries from teeming members and supporters of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) informs that the closing date of the sale of nomination forms for its forthcoming ward, local government and state congresses has been extended from the earlier date of Friday, August 27, 2021 to September 09, 2021.
The decision of the National Working Committee, in that regard, is in pursuant to its powers under the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended)
The affected states include Adamawa, Borno, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, Kogi (wards and local governments only) and Osun (some wards).
Critical stakeholders and all members of the party are also, by this, guided accordingly.
Signed:
National Publicity Secretary
MAKE MORE INVESTMENTS TO BOOST ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, PRESIDENT BUHARI TASKS NEW NSIA BOARD
President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in Abuja charged the new board of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to make more investments that support economic diversification, as global oil prices are projected to drop to around $40 per barrel by 2030.
Inaugurating the third Board of the NSIA, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing long term projects and programmes that create jobs for Nigerians.
He noted that the full impact of most of the strategic projects started under his watch will only be felt long after he had left office.
He described the appointment of the 9-man board as a call to duty, action and performance, adding that they were eminently qualified for the job.
‘‘This Government operates on the agenda for long term change which we all agree is inevitable. Change happens whether you are ready for it or not.
‘‘As representatives of the Federation, you are required to continue to drive the performance of the Authority to deliver benefits to all Nigerians.
‘‘You must bear in mind that the National Economic Council, your Governing Council and Nigerians as a whole will hold you accountable for this mandate.
‘‘Periodically, you will be required to provide evidence of your stewardship at the Governing Council Meetings where your performance will be assessed.
‘‘The bar before you is very high and all of us are counting on you to deliver. If you do, I assure you that Government and indeed all Nigerians will be unflinching in their support for you,’’ the President said.
The President recounted that NSIA, which is one of Nigeria’s premier economic institutions, was conceived to be a store of wealth which may be drawn upon at times of economic challenges thereby encouraging external investors and lenders.
He expressed delight that so far the institution has discharged its mandate dutifully.
‘‘This is why we prioritized the appointment of a new Board to ensure that the Authority does not lose steam and can continue to benefit from the oversight it needs to deliver on its mandate.
‘‘The new Board we assembled has a crop of seasoned, eminently qualified, and experienced professionals.
‘‘We expect these individuals to bring their wealth of experience to bear, in the next phase of NSIA’s journey,’’ he said.
The President also used the occasion to thank the last Board of Directors whose tenure ended in May 2021.
Acknowledging their commitment, dedication and contributions to the implementation of the objectives of the Authority, the President said:
‘‘This distinguished group of patriotic Nigerians heeded the call to serve and deployed the best of their abilities to oversee the affairs of the Authority on behalf of the nation over the last four years.
Notably, the President said the immediate past Board ‘‘guided the organisation through a critical stage of its existence and have left it standing as a credible world class institution that turns out consistently good results.’’
‘‘This Administration took the very difficult decision to invest for the long term. We avoided taking short cuts knowing very well that the full impact of most of the projects we started will only be felt long after we have left office.
‘‘Accordingly, in the past four years, both the public and private sectors in Nigeria have partnered on strategic projects with the NSIA.
‘‘On the public sector partnership, we are working with the NSIA on strategic infrastructure projects such as the Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos – Ibadan Express Way and the Abuja – Kano Road, to mention a few.
‘‘On the private sector collaborations, we have projects such as the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative and the NSIA Healthcare Development and Investment Company amongst many.
‘‘Although these projects and programs have immediately created jobs from a development standpoint, the wider impact on society will only be felt in years to come,’’ he said.
The new Board members are Farouk Mohammed Gumel (North West) as Non-Executive Chairman; Sir Babatunde Sobamowo (South West), Non-Executive Director; Isiekwena Ikemefuna Louis (South South), Non-Executive Director; Ali Goni Kadugum (North East), Non-Executive Director; Oniyangi Kabir Sulaiman (North Central), Non-Executive Director; and Ike Chioke (South East), Non-Executive Director.
In her remarks, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said from the base position of US$1billion when the Administration assumed office in 2015, NSIA now has around US$3.5billion in assets under management.
She explained that the Board will, on behalf of the Nigerian people, guide and oversee the NSIA Management’s activities towards delivering outcomes to transform the fortunes of the country.
‘‘Using the NSIA Act as its guide, the Board will be required to superintend initiatives that meet the current and future needs of Nigerians.
‘‘On our part as Government, we will continue to support the Authority with the necessary policies and framework to ensure that the mission of the institution is delivered in a transparent, sustainable and inclusive manner,’’ she said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 1, 2021
August 31, 2021
Press Statement
Benue Killings: PDP Charges DSS To Investigate Akume
…Asks Akume to Explain Roles in Benue Violence
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Govermental Affairs, former Governor of Benue state, Senator George Akume, for questioning over the escalated acts of terrorism and mass killings in Benue state.
The PDP also asked Akume to come clean on his alleged roles in the violence ravaging the state.
In the same vein, the party is asking the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately commence investigation into the alleged siphoning of billions of naira under Akume’s watch as governor, especially, given public apprehensions on the source of funds being used by terrorist elements to prosecute their assault on Benue state.
PDP’s position is predicated on heightened public anxiety over his recent attempt at rationalizing the killings and acts of violence in Benue, in his unwarranted attack on the governor of Benue state, Dr. Samuel Ortom.
This attack on Governor Ortom is an unpardonable assault on the generality of Benue people, particularly, the victims of the bloody attacks in the state.
The PDP describes Senator Akume’s call for a state of emergency in Benue as thoughtless, reckless and absolutely reprehensible.
The party notes that the call exposes Akume’s desperation to destabilize the state having become frustrated that despite the travails they face, the people of Benue had remained united and refused to break their ranks under Governor Ortom.
Indeed, such sinister call can only come from an individual who is desperate to perpetuate and draw political capital from the bloodletting in the state, as a means to further subjugate and erode the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the Benue people.
The PDP invites Nigerians to note that despite the killings, bloodletting and wanton destruction of property, in which eminent citizens of the state have lost their lives, Senator Akume, a former governor of the state, elected Senator and now a minister of the Federal Republic, has never condemned the killings or sought any form of redress or succour for the people.
Instead, he is seeking ways to further subjugate the people and foist a siege mentality on them with his call for a state of emergency, at the time other leaders in the state and across Nigerians are seeking for solutions.
By his action, Senator Akume has spat on the graves of the victims of the killings as well as dealt a huge slap on the sensibilities of the Benue people and history will always remember him on this score.
Our party, standing with the people of Benue State, demands that Senator Akume should be made to come clean as his schemes have been further validated by his unwarranted vicious attack on Governor Ortom.
If Akume meant well for Benue state, he would have been on the side of Governor Ortom and the people of the state in asking President Muhammadu Buhari to address the pall of insecurity and put an end to the killings and acts of violence instead of seeking to further trample on the rights of the people.
Our party however charges Governor Ortom not to be deterred but remain focused in standing for his people at this critical time.
Signed:
National Publicity Secretary
I’M ANXIOUS FOR YOUR SUCCESS, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS ANDY UBA, ANAMBRA APC GUBER CANDIDATE
“I am happy to formally welcome you. I certainly wish you the best of luck. I’m anxious for your success, and will closely follow.”
Those were the words of President Muhammadu Buhari as he, Tuesday at State House, Abuja, formally received Senator Andy Uba, the Anambra State gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 6 election.
The candidate was accompanied to the event by the Chairman, Caretaker and Convention Planning Committee of the party and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, Governors Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, who is also Chairman, Campaign Council, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and George Akume, Minister for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Governor Mai Mala Buni said APC daily receives new entrants from Anambra State, citing the recent decamping of Senators Stella Oduah and Joy Emodi, adding that “Anambra is ripe for us, and we will work together for victory.”
In his remarks, Gov Uzodinma, as Chairman of the Campaign Council, assured the President that the message of the Party would be taken to the people of Anambra, “which will translate to victory for us in November.”
He also thanked the President for making the job easier, “because of the integrity and honour you have in Nigeria. Your name opens doors for us, and lots of people come into our party today because of it.”
“By the grace of God, we will be successful,” Gov Uzodinma concluded.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 31, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU, U.S. CONSULAR-GENERAL TO SPEAK AT USGEAA 4TH ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will on Friday, deliver the main address, at the fourth anniversary of the United States Government Exchanges Alumni Association (USGEAA).
The governor will also feature, as the special guest of honour, while the Acting Consular General of the US Consulate, Lagos, Mr Stephen Ibelli, will be the keynote speaker.
The anniversary webinar, which is the sixth edition of the USGEAA Leadership Empowerment Series, is billed for Friday, September 3, 2021 by 11 am.
The theme of the special virtual meeting is ‘Creating Opportunities for Youth Participation in Social and Economic Activities in Lagos State.’
President of the association, Dr Jude Ememe, said the anniversary webinar was specifically designed ‘to address issues, affecting Nigerian youths, because they represent the strength and future of society.’
‘The youths represent the energy and aspirations of the nation. Therefore it is imperative for leaders at all levels to harness and manage the potentials and resources of young citizens, for the social and economic advancement of the society.’
According to Ememe, an eminent financial consultant, challenges facing youths will continue to attract public and media attention, because they represent over 60 percent of the Nigerian population, with serious implications for Lagos State, as the social and commercial epicentre of the country.
This was contained in a statement issued by Mrs Adeze Ojukwu, the Head of USGEAA Media Committee and Fellow of the prestigious Hubert Humphrey Fellowship.
‘The webinar would provide the opportunity for the governor to share perspectives on programmes and opportunities being provided by the Lagos State Government to promote youth participation in social and economic activities in his administration.’
‘The programme will be moderated by foremost broadcaster and Fellow of International Visitors’ Leadership Program(IVLP), Mr. Soni Irabor.’
‘The webinar promises to be highly engaging, stimulating and resourceful, with a wide array of distinguished participants from Nigeria, US and other parts of the world.’
The association, according to Ojukwu, is an umbrella group comprising over 20 programmes, sponsored by the US government to promote educational and cultural co-operation of both countries.
‘The webinar is a public service enlightenment programme, established to boost the social transformation agenda of the association,’ Ojukwu added.
Prominent Nigerians, who had featured as special guests at past previous lectures, include Chairman of Nigeria Diaspora Commission(NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman Channels Television, Chief John Momoh and business consultant, Mr Fela Durotoye.’
Okowa mourns legendary musician, Victor Uwaifo
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has commiserated with the Uwaifo family, Bini kingdom and music buffs over the passing of legendary musician, Professor Victor Uwaifo.
He also condoled with the Government and people of Edo on the demise of the renowned musician, a native of Benin, who reportedly died on Saturday after a brief illness. He was 80.
In a statement in Asaba on Sunday by Mr Olisa Ifeajika, his Chief Press Secretary, Okowa expressed shock and sadness at the passing of Uwaifo, saying that he was a star whose demise was a huge loss to lovers of his genre of music.
He noted that the deceased contributed immensely to the entertainment industry and academia, excelling enviably in both.
According to Okowa, Uwaifo was a unique personality who to the astonishment of many, effectively combined his music career and teaching at the high level, and rose to the pinnacle of both.
He remarked that the deceased was a great musician, writer, sculptor and inventor of musical instrument.
The governor stressed that the history of Nigeria’s hall of fame would not be complete without Victor Uwaifo’s name.
He recalled that in recognition of Uwaifo’s versatility, former governor of Edo, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, appointed as commissioner in charge of Arts, Tourism and Culture between 2001 and 2003.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I offer my deepest condolences to Uwaifo family and friends, including the entertainment industry where the late veteran musician featured prominently as a forebear.
“The late Sir Victor Uwaifo was one of the country’s iconic musicians and was reputed to have had an illustrious musical career spanning over 55 years.
“He was indeed, a household name with hit-songs like “Joromi”, “Guitar Boy” and “Mamiwater’ and will be greatly missed by lovers of highlife music.
“It is my belief that the late Sir Victor Uwaifo will be long remembered and honoured for his huge impact not just in entertainment but in the academia,” he said.
Okowa prayed that God would grant eternal rest to the soul of the departed Uwaifo and comfort his family and all who mourn him.
PRESIDENT BUHARI BIDS TUNISIAN AMBASSADOR WHO LOVES NIGERIA GOODBYE
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday thanked the outgoing Ambassador of Tunisia to Nigeria, His Excellency Jalel Trabelsi, for the deep love he has shown for the country, leading him to serve for ten years, at two different times.
Trabelsi first served in the past for five years as an officer, came back later to serve as Ambassador for another five years, and now describes himself as “a lover of Nigeria and her people.”
“Thank you very much for your love for our country, and the people,” President Buhari said. “You have identified with us so much, and I wish you a successful tour wherever you are posted to next. You can count on our goodwill for your country, yourself and family.”
Ambassador Trabelsi said he insisted on waiting till he had an audience with President Buhari before leaving, so that he could personally express gratitude to a man he admired, and to a people he loved.
“I’ve spent ten years in total here, and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it,” he said. “Our brotherly countries have excellent relations which date back in history, and this has been further strengthened in the past five years. We have signed many agreements, organized business forum attended by 400 groups across sectors, and generally collaborated for mutual interest. We will always support and promote Nigeria. I express deep thanks and gratitude for the support extended to me here.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 31, 2021
Delta engages citizens on 2022 budget
Delta Government on Monday reiterated readiness to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in harnessing the abundant human and natural resources to transform the state into one of the most developed in the country.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Dr Barry Pere-Gbe, disclosed this at the 2022 Citizens Budget Engagement Forum at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
He said that the state aimed to achieve the expectation through strategic implementation of projects and programmes in the state, adding that submissions from the summit would be incorporated into the budget for a proactive, efficient and more effectiveness in planning.
He explained that it was in continuation of the steps by the Okowa-led administration to make the state great that necessitated strategic consultative engagement process with relevant organizations and groups for the preparation of the budget.
According to Pere-Gbe, since the State Government signed up with the open government partnership domiciled with the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, it remains committed to transparency in the execution of its budgets.
He said that the interaction would enable the government to be effective and efficient in governance, while serving as expenditure control and creating platform for information dissemination, among others.
The commissioner noted that the 2021 half year budget had suffered N40 billion revenue shortfall as a result of insufficient funds from the Federation Account.
He, however, reiterated the unalloyed commitment of the Okowa administration to always make the well-being of citizens the central focus of government activities.
On his part, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, thanked the stakeholders for the engagement and reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to providing dividends of democracy and encourage citizens’ participation in governance.
Aniagwu noted that their contributions would significantly help the state government in deepening its budgeting processes, adding that their comments, remarks and observations would be channelled to the governor for evaluation and consideration.
He reminded participants at the ceremony that they have unique roles to play in monitoring government projects in their respective communities to ensure that government’s projects were executed in line with contractual agreement.
“We are committed to allowing our people enjoy the dividends of democracy by allowing them to participate in the governance process.
“Our definition of democracy is about the people and how they participate because there is nothing like governance without budgeting.
“This is imperative because anything and everything about governance depends on how you are going to dispense the little resources you have to address the challenges of the people.
“This time we don’t just want to give it to them; we want them to tell us what they need. You will recall last year the same thing was done and to a very large extent we were able to address a whole lot of issues in our different communities.
“We are happy with the participation today and we must appreciate the Ministry of Economic Planning for being able to bring in the array of persons to the discussion today,” he stated.
Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor, Professor Sylvester Monye, said that the Koka flyover bridge in Asaba had been awarded, adding that the contractor would soon mobilise to site.
Earlier, President of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, Pastor Edewor Ogedegbe, said that the citizens’ engagement would enhance transparency and accountability in the budget preparation process of the state.
He called on the various organisations and groups to come up with their priorities and contributions to achieve an all-inclusive budget that would develop the state and improve the living standard of the people.
Representatives of groups present at the event lauded the state government for the various infrastructure developments across the state and called for economic empowerment of citizens.
The forum was attended by Commissioner for Youths, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr Kingsley Emu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural and Community Development Dr Emmanuel Okoro.
Others included Director-General Bureau for Job Creation, Professor Eric Eboh, Director-General, Delta Investment and Development Agency (DIDA) Chief Lucky Omoru, traditional rulers, Presidents-General of communities, civil societies and artisans.
HOW WE RECORDED BIGGEST ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SIX YEARS – PRESIDENT BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja said focus on job creation, consistency in policy and innovation stimulated a 5 per cent growth of the economy in the second quarter, 2021, which is the highest in six years, assuring that Jubilee Fellows Programme will further consolidate on the success recorded.
The President, speaking at launch of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, State House, listed some of the key drivers of economic growth and diversification in the second quarter to include telecommunications, transportation, electricity, agriculture and manufacturing.
“Tuesday, 22nd June, 2021, I set-up the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) steering committee to coordinate our work to fulfil my promise to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in ten years. This is building on the positive results from the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and the targeted response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with the Economic Sustainability Plan.
“These efforts have yielded results with Nigeria recording its biggest economic growth in six years with a GDP growth of 5 per cent in the second quarter of 2021. The sectors that drove this growth are trade, telecommunications, transportation, electricity, agriculture and manufacturing. Each of these sectors showed significant improvement and thus created more jobs for our populace.
“An important part of our policies and strategies is the focus on employment and creating opportunities for our people. When this government was elected in 2015, we committed to increasing job opportunities for Nigerians and as part of our social investments programme we recruited 500,000 graduates into our N-power programme,’’ he noted.
In 2019, the President said he directed that the number of graduates be increased to 1 million.
“These graduates are recruited to work in agricultural, health and education institutions across the country. The N-power programme also has a non-graduate component that provides skills to tens of thousands of Nigerians in areas such as technology, masonry, auto repairs, and carpentry.
“We estimate that about 2 million people join our labour force annually. We continue to work with our partners to provide more opportunities to create jobs and the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme in partnership with the United Nation’s Development Programme being one of such opportunities,’’ he added.
The President said, “The jubilee programme will provide a pathway for young Nigerians to gain work experience in top tier organisations, gaining relevant skills and building the right networks for the future in various sectors including information and communications technology, financial services, trade, manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing.
“Other sectors include mining, telecommunications, creative industries and technology, education, health, research and development, and public sector institutions. We believe that building the right skills and experiences across these sectors are important to sustain the economic growth we are experiencing.’’
He said the programme will build on other efforts of the government to support young Nigerians such as the N75 billion youth fund in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, which was created to support young Nigerians in business or with business ideas, with N25 billion released annually for three years.
“The Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) was our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have set-up a survival fund which has helped many businesses stay afloat in the worst economic periods of the last 5 years, more than one million Nigerians have benefitted from the fund, with more than 500,000 benefitting from the MSMEs Payroll support track, approximately 270,000 beneficiaries of the artisan support track, and about 50,000 beneficiaries of the MSME grant scheme,’’ the President added.
According to him, the International Labour Organisation estimated equivalent of an unprecedented 255 million jobs being lost around the world as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Buhari noted that the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, being a fully paid post-NYSC work placement programme would provide an opportunity for mentors who were already engaged in various industries, gained relevant experience and built capacity over the years to provide mentorship and support for young Nigerians.
“Beyond the skills and work experience, we will be building a new culture of mentorship and guidance that can chart a new course for skills development and work experience in our country.
“We believe that as this programme creates new opportunities for 20,000 recent graduates annually, the beneficiaries will use the opportunities presented to them and maximize their 12 months of engagement,’’ he said.
The President encouraged all eligible Nigerians to apply for the jubilee programme, while urging private sector organizations to join by providing work placement opportunities, mentors and funding.
“I would like to say thank you to the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union for their support on this vital initiative. And I hereby declare the program open,’’ he said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo said the government remains appreciative of the role of private sector in transforming economies by creating employment and employment opportunities and investments.
He said start-ups, largely driven by young Nigerians, attracted 170 million dollars in the past year, which was the highest on the African continent, explaining that the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme was to celebrate the nation’s 60th anniversary.
Adebayo noted the role of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in driving the initiative to fruition and support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Resident Representative of UNDP, Mohammed Yahya assured that the UN will continually support Nigeria to move human potentials across the country to capacities and skills that will place the country on a better pedestal.
“Each day, young Nigerians continue to break barriers with their capacity and ingenuity,’’ he said, “Young Nigerians have produced outstanding innovations. There is no shortage of talents in Nigeria.’’
EU Deputy Head of Delegation, Alexandre Borges Gomes and UN Resident Coordinator, Edward Kallon, commended the initiative, saying the programme benefitted from wide consultations.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 31, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDEMNS KILLING OF SEN. BALA NA’ALLAH’S SON, AGAIN SEEKS PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR SECURITY AGENCIES
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed “deep sorrow” following the killing of Captain Abdulkareem, the first son of Senator Bala Na’Allah in Kaduna.
“The death of Abdulkareem is another tragic chapter in our current security challenges, but I reassure Nigerians that my commitment to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians remains unwavering,” the President stated.
“I’m saddened by the tragic loss of Abdulkareem and other victims of violence and I wish to appeal to Nigerians to help our security agencies with intelligence in order to track down and bring these terrorist gangs to justice,” he further stressed.
According to President Buhari, “human intelligence is essential to the efforts to defeat these criminals; those who work as informants for criminals are destroying their own communities for the sake of pitiful financial gratification.”
The President prayed to Almighty Allah to repose the soul of the late Abdulkareem and give Senator Bala Na’Allah and his family as well as their friends the strength to bear the “very painful loss.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 30, 2021
GIVE PEACE A CHANCE, PRESIDENT BUHARI PLEADS WITH JOS, OTHER WARRING COMMUNITIES
The Presidency wishes to assure all citizens that as a government, the administration is on top of events and is moving ahead with force to crush the perpetrators of the recent incidents of unrest in Plateau State.
But to achieve success, our communities must unite against these horrific attacks. Retributive violence is not the answer.
While these troubled communities are being reinforced with security personnel, our religious, traditional and other community leaders must not allow the use of their spaces for the propagation of violence and incitement to violence.
Attempts to simplify the reasons into a basic narrative may help raise donor-dollars for international NGOs, fill pages of overseas newspapers, and burnish foreign politicians’ faith credentials; but this does not increase understanding, nor offer solutions. If anything, simplistic theorizing and finger-pointing make the situation worse.
It is important both for Nigerians and the international community to appreciate that there are a multitude of factors attendant to these troubles.
There is the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorism, as well as the spate of kidnappings for ransom, transformed by some misinformed global media into a Muslim-on-Christian threat. Yet, in reality, there are no religious connotations at all when the primary purpose of these acts is to extract money.
Then the herder-farmer clashes. While international voices and some Nigerian politicians who seek personal gain from division declare this a matter of religion, for those involved, it is almost entirely a matter of access to water and land. Herders have moved their cattle into contact with farmers for millennia. But, increasingly, due to population pressure, escalating aridity of northern states, and climate change, they are forced to travel further south to find grazing lands.
Then, further afield in the South-east, IPOB are not struggling for freedom when they attack police stations and property, but rather committing acts of terrorism in order to steal money. IPOB is not defending Christians – as their highly-paid foreign lobbyists claim – when almost every citizen of those states they terrorize is uniformly Christian. Yet mistakenly, and because the lobbyists for IPOB have duped them, some misguided foreign media and politicians believe so.
As for Nigerians, what we need is to come together. And we must do this firstly and for the most part by our own hands, by casting asunder those who seek to divide us for their own nefarious financial and political gain.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 29, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
FIRST LADY PRESENTS BANK DRAFTS TO BENEFICIARIES OF 2021 LAGOS EXAMS SUPPORT
…Charges Students To Study Hard To Guarantee Educational Excellence
Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Monday presented bank drafts to beneficiaries of the 2021 edition of annual Lagos Exams Support which is an initiative of her office targeted at helping candidates of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to pay outstanding school fees.
The initiative, according to the First Lady, is designed to support students especially in low-cost schools from the five administrative divisions of the state namely Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe, with payment of outstanding fees that may prevent them from writing the ongoing Senior Secondary School WAEC examinations.
Five students out of the beneficiaries were selected for symbolic presentation of bank drafts. They are Ogun Medese Oluwayigamika (Badagry Grammar School – female); Adelekan Temiloluwa (Badagry Grammar School – female); Sulaimon Quadri (Lagos State Model College Igbokuta – male); Oyenuga Elijah (Command Day Secondary School Oshodi – male); and Sulaiman Faizat Toyosi (Government Senior Model College Owutu, Ikorodu – female).
According to the First Lady, “This initiative is in line with the THEMES Agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration especially the pillar E that speaks to Education and Technology. It is also in furtherance of the vision of the Office of the First Lady which is to impact lives and build legacies.
“We are basically embarking on the Lagos Exams Support Scheme to increase the quota of students who have successfully completed WASSCE or JSCE in order to attain the goal of free education till Secondary School, as well as ensure that the social capital in our dear state is not depleted bearing in mind that SSCE is the constitutional requirement for leadership in Nigeria.
“We also, believe that we can share in the responsibility of mitigating the economic hardships that most residents whose children or wards attend private schools face due to the unexpected hardships brought by COVID-19 pandemic and also ensure that the vulnerable children benefit from this sort of initiative without taking over the responsibility of parental duties from parents.
“We don’t want to play the role of the parents. We understand that the parents have a role to play. We just don’t want to leave any child behind. We want all the children to sit for their examinations and become successful people in future.
“For us, we believe that this initiative will also help to provide statistics for the state to further plan service delivery and also reduce the number of idle adolescents both boys and girls by engaging them to prepare for their bright future.”
Besides, the First Lady admonished the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture of her office by studying hard and coming through with flying colors in the exams, adding: “This is important to guarantee success and move to the next level in your academic pursuits.”
Responding, the beneficiaries and their parents commended the First Lady for the gesture, saying it would go a long way to alleviate their plights with regards to the outstanding schools fees to be able to participate in the WAEC exams.
It would be recalled that the application process was done online after which the application went through rigorous sorting, verification, and payments by the LES 2021 Ad-hoc Implementation Team before the successful candidates emerged.
The beneficiaries were selected from over 70 secondary schools across the state, while the criteria used in selecting them include that they must be students who live and school in any private or public school in Lagos and had registered for WASSCE or JSCE but have outstanding fees.
In the first edition last year, a total of 48 students benefited from 46 schools across the state.
SIGNED
OLUBUKONLA NWONAH
ASST DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY
AUGUST 31, 2021
‘Ada Owere Honour Results from My Modest Achievements’ – Ondo First Lady
Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has attributed her installation as Ada Owere I to her modest accomplishments.
The First Lady said this in her address during the Ada Owere Chieftaincy conferment at Graceland Event Arena, Owerri, Imo state.
“The honour bestowed on me today is in recognition of the modest achievements that I have recorded in my ancestral home of Emeabiam in Owerri West Local government Area, Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
“The achievements include but not limited to founding of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) which is a leading NGO that galvanizes actions against breast cancer through public education, patients support, advocacy and Research for which I was nominated in 2014 as a scholar of the American Cancer Society, alongside award of recognition in 2018 by Harvard University,USA and a recognition in 2019 by the University of Heildelberg, Germany.”
Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu was installed as Ada Owere I by Ndi-Eze Owerri Federal Constituency, comprising of forty-three communities in Owerri West, Owerri North and Owerri Municipal Local Government Areas of Imo State.
Mrs Akeredolu who described the occasion as historic in many respects, said her achievements include the deployment of the instrumentality of Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF) as a platform to advance family values, societal and educational development by promotion of literacy in children through programmes such as ‘Reading is Fun’, Essay and Spelling Bee Competitions.
Other achievements, in the words of the First Lady, include constructive engagements with the government with the goal to ensure that the people of Owerri Zone are not marginalized in appointments and development projects.
The First Lady also attributed her successes to the quality of training she was given by her parents, saying: ‘my parents gave her wings to fly.’ She pledged to multiply the reason for which she was honoured.
“I am receiving this honour in loving memory of my parents, Chief BUB Anyanwu and Nneoma Dora Anyanwu, gave her wings to fly. I will, with the help of my husband and well-meaning Nigerians, ensure that the reason that informed your decision to honour me today will multiply in no distant time.”
Dignitaries at the event include the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, the Deputy, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and Wife, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Catherine Oladunni Odu, Chief of Staff to Governor Akeredolu, Mr Olugbenga Ale, Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR, Barrister Olusola Oke, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin, and Mr Jimmy Odimayo.
Others are Prince Eze Madumere, Former Deputy Governor of Imo State, HRM, Eze David Akujobi Osuagwu, Chairman, Imo Traditional Institutions of Owerri Zone, Rt. Rev’d Chukwuma C. Oparah, Anglican Bishop of Owerri Diocese, among other dignitaries.
PRESIDENCY STRONGLY CONDEMNS HOODLUM ATTACKS ON TRAVELLERS
The Presidency condemns the attack earlier Saturday on travellers from a religious event in Bauchi, passing through Jos, the Plateau State Capital and regrets the reported deaths of at least twenty-two persons with several others injured in that ambush on their travelling party.
It is widely known that Plateau State has been one of the states affected by herder-farmer clashes, which have, in a significant way, been curtailed following the intense peace-building efforts of the administration of Governor Simon Lalong.
However, to be clear, this is not an agriculturalist-on-pastoralist confrontation – but rather a direct, brazen and wickedly motivated attack on members of a community exercising their rights to travel freely and to follow the faith of their choosing.
With the evident preparedness of their attackers, it is clear this was a well-conceived and prearranged assault on a known target, location and religious persuasion of the travellers not an opportunist ambush.
The Presidency offers condolences to the families of the victims and continues to liaise closely with the local authorities – including security, the police, and governmental agencies.
These kinds of attacks on our country’s citizens are unacceptable, heinous, and stand in complete contradiction to the teachings of the great religions of our nation.
The Presidency stands steadfast with both Christians and Muslims at this time in condemnation of this latest attack and expects and insists that justice is swiftly – but fairly – delivered to the perpetrators.
“Make no mistake about it: in line with my commitment to protect all Nigerians, I have ordered our security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of this gruesome massacre of innocent travellers and bring them to justice,” President Buhari said.
As the facts of the sad incident continue to unfold, the Presidency commends the ongoing efforts by the Governors of Plateau, Bauchi, and Ondo; the Sultan of Sokoto His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar III and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as well as a number of notable Christian and Muslim leaders as they intensify efforts to calm down the situation.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 14, 2021
Redirect N4.8bn to monitor WhatsApp calls to pay doctors’ salaries, SERAP tells Buhari
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari “to urgently redirect the proposed spending of N4.8bn of public money to monitor WhatsApp messages, phone calls, and text messages of Nigerians and other people, to pay some of the salaries of striking resident doctors, improve their benefits, as well as improve public healthcare facilities for the sake of poor Nigerians who rely on those facilities, and have nowhere else to turn.”
SERAP said: “We also urge you to send to the National Assembly a fresh supplementary appropriation bill, which reflects the redirected budget, for its approval.”
In the open letter dated 14 August, 2021, and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: “Redirecting the proposed spending of N4.8bn would be entirely consistent with your constitutional oath of office, and the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended], as it would promote efficient, honest, and legal spending of public money.”
According to SERAP, “Redirecting the proposed spending of N4.8bn would also remove the threats to fundamental human rights of Nigerians, and ensure access to quality healthcare for the socially and economically vulnerable people who rely on public hospitals, and have no opportunity for medical treatment elsewhere.”
The letter, read in part: “Any appropriation law ought to comply with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations and commitments.”
“The constitutional oath of office implicitly provides some safeguards on the appropriation and spending of public funds, and imposes a legally binding obligation on public officers to preserve the public money, and not to disburse it except conformably to the Constitution.”
“SERAP believes that any proposed spending of public funds should stay within the limits of constitutional responsibilities, and oath of office by public officers, as well as comply with Chapter 2 of the Nigerian Constitution relating to fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy.”
“The mere threat of mass surveillance, even when secret, coupled with the lack of remedy, can constitute an interference with human rights, including the rights to privacy, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.”
“The proposed spending of N4.8bn of public funds as contained in the Supplementary Appropriation Act, which you signed last month would give rise to serious violations of the human rights of Nigerians and other people, as it would grant free rein to government agencies to conduct mass surveillance of communications of people.”
“The proposed spending also fails to meet the requirements of public interests, legality, necessity, and proportionality. Additionally, the lack of any safeguards against discriminatory decision-making, and access to an effective remedy shows the grave threats it poses to constitutionally and internationally recognized human rights.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“SERAP is concerned that the proposed spending to monitor WhatsApp messages, phone calls, and text messages of Nigerians and other people is inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations.”
“Specifically, Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution, and Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the country is a state party provide for the right to freedom from arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy and correspondence, communications and private data.”
“Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 19 of the Covenant also protect everyone’s right to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers and through any media.”
“SERAP wishes to stress your government’s obligations under article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and article 13 of the UN Convention against Corruption both of which Nigeria has ratified.”
“Similarly, the UN General Assembly has condemned unlawful or arbitrary surveillance and interception of communications as ‘highly intrusive acts’ that interfere with fundamental human rights (see General Assembly resolutions 68/167 and 71/199).”
“SERAP is concerned that the powers to conduct arbitrary, abusive or unlawful surveillance of communications may also be used to target political figures and activists, journalists and others in the discharge of their lawful activities, especially given the growing repression of civic space, suspension of Twitter, and attacks on freedom of expression and media freedom in the country.”
“Privacy and expression are intertwined in the digital age, with online privacy serving as a gateway to secure exercise of the freedom of opinion and expression. Therefore, targets of surveillance would suffer interference with their rights to privacy and freedom of opinion and expression whether the effort to monitor is successful or not.”
“Interference with privacy through targeted surveillance is designed to repress the exercise of the right to freedom of expression.”
“Surveillance of journalists, activists, opposition figures, critics and others simply exercising their right to freedom of expression – would lead to violations of other human rights such as the rights to liberty and freedom from torture and other ill-treatment.”
“Targeted surveillance creates incentives for self-censorship and directly undermines the ability of journalists and human rights defenders to conduct investigations and build and maintain relationships with sources of information.”
“SERAP is concerned about the failure by your government to resolve the strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) over pay, insurance benefits and poor facilities, and its effects on poor Nigerians, especially as the country faces a third wave of coronavirus.”
“According to our information, in July, 2021, you reportedly signed the 2021 supplementary appropriation bill of N983 billion into law. Of the amount, N4.8bn (N4,870,350,000) was allocated to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to monitor WhatsApp messages, phone calls, and text messages of Nigerians and other people.”
“Of the figure, N1.93 billion was earmarked for ‘WhatsApp Intercept Solution’ and N2.93 billion for ‘Thuraya Interception Solution’ – a communications system used for monitoring voice calls or call-related information, SMS, data traffic, among others.”
The letter was copied to Mr Abukabar Malami, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; and Mrs Zainab Ahmed Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
15/8/2021
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
Dr. Abiola Oshodi Wishes Tinubu Quick Recovery
The Canada-based medical practitioner and philanthropist, Dr. Abiola Oshodi has sent a get-well message to the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The founder of Dr Abiola Oshodi Foundation, who is one of the ardent diaspora supporter of Tinubu’s presidential ambition, said in a statement that special prayer was organised for the political leader in Canada amongst the BAT faithfuls , as Tinubu travelled to London for medical check up.
Dr Abiola Oshodi said the former Governor of Lagos State is an invaluable asset to the nation and that Nigerians were looking up to him to fix the nation’s socio-economic and political challenges being currently faced by the country.
He noted that the meteoric developments taking place in Lagos State was the brain child of the APC national leader.
According to him, “We in the diaspora are supporting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be the next president of Nigeria because of his wealth of experience in governance , capacity, eagle eye ability to spot and develop young talents and his legendary political management skills .
“A cursory look at what is happening in Lagos State would give anyone who knew what the state was before Tinubu became the governor of the state.
“He indentified and assembled like minds to redesign the state and came up with first-class economic plan for the state which has turned around the state’s fortune.
“It is the template he designed that subsequent governors have been implementing.
“So, we want him to bring to bear that same strategy in the management of the federation’s affairs.
“This would bring an end to the Insecurity, economic downturn amd other social ill being experienced in the country and in addition to reuniting all the ethnic nationals in the country.
“I wish him quick recovery.”
Dr. Oshodi has empowered different underprivileged including women and youths through presentation of cash gifts and working tools, and various forms of empowerment.
CVR: Delta Govt charges appointees to relocate to constituencies
August 10, 2021
Delta Government on Monday charged all its political appointees to relocate to their constituencies to mobilise and sensitize eligible voters to register in the ongoing voters registration exercise.
The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, who briefed newsmen on the position of the government, had earlier met with the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in his office in Asaba.
Aniagwu said that the action would enable a political millage in the state chapter of the party to entrench electoral integrity and capture eligible voters who had crossed 18 years.
He also said that the state-owned media outfits had been directed to grant free-to-air on the ongoing voters registration.
He said that the state with a population figure of over five million people had not availed themselves of the opportune speed of the exercise.
“It is our duty as a government to mobilise our people for registration for future elections in the state.
“INEC alone may not have what it takes. We have directed all political aides to return to the local government areas, and our media establishment, including the Directorate of Orientation, to offer free publicity to INEC for the registration exercise,” he said.
The commissioner, however, berated the Senators and members of the House of Representatives who voted against the controversial electronic transmission of election results.
“INEC is all about Nigeria and not PDP, All Progressive Congress (APC) or any other political party, transmission of election results should be based on integrity of the body polity.
“Electronic transmission of election results should be a Nigerian thing, aimed at entrenching transparency.
“Anybody who is using GSM, listening to radio and watching Television, to transmit information and he is against electoral transmission is an enemy of the country; He or she has something to hide,” Aniagwu said.
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed sadness on the passing of Chief Dennis Omovie, a former member of the state’s House of Assembly.
Omovie, who is the Unuevworo (Traditional Prime Minister of Ugboroke), reportedly died on Tuesday night at a hospital in Warri, after a brief illness.
Until his death, the four-time member of the Parliament was the Director-General, Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Agency.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Wednesday in Asaba, Okowa commiserated with the people of Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas and Ugboroke community in particular, over the demise of the grassroots politician and community leader.
According to the governor, the deceased was a thoroughbred politician, who was very popular among his people, accounting for the reason he contested and won elections to represent them in the state assembly for four consecutive terms.
He said, “on behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a gentleman and grassroots politician, Hon. Dennis Omovie, who passed on in Warri on Tuesday.
“The news of his passing was a terrible shock to me and the entire state. He was a gentleman-politician, and he distinguished himself in the service of his people and the state.
“As a member of the State Assembly, he chaired the Committees on Public Petition, Legal and Judicial Matters as well as Public Accounts, and he served diligently.
“My condolences go to the family, especially his wife, Justice Mabel Omovie of the State High Court, Asaba.”
Okowa prayed God to grant fortitude to those who mourn his demise and grant the deceased’s soul eternal rest.
Delta expands Warri-Uvwie storm drainage project
The Delta State Executive Council on Thursday, approved the extension of Warri-Uvwie Storm Drainage project to ensure proper and enduring control of flood in the area when completed.
The extension, according to the Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, consists of flood control works in Ugbuwangue community in Warri South Local Government Area and additional 15 work sites in phases I and II of the drainage project, bringing the sites to 76.
Aniagwu, who briefed newsmen on the outcome of the council meeting presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in Asaba, said that decisions reached on project and other issues at the meeting, were targeted at measures that would entrench and deepen the Stronger Delta agenda of the administration.
The commissioner, in company with the Director-General, Warri-Uvwie and Environs Development Agency, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, said other projects, including the Advanced Diagnostic Centre and the Mother and Child Medical Centre, Owa-Alero, had been earmarked for immediate completion.
He said that the council approved additional works and procurement that would make the medical centre a world-class facility, adding that the Ministry of Health had been directed to ensure that work on the facility was fast-tracked.
He disclosed that the government also approved the appointment of Isaac Ajawhobu as the Odiologbo of Onogbokor Kingdom in Ndokwa East Local Government Area.
Aniagwu further stated that adjustments for the state’s participation in Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers Programme to get more Deltans to key into the agricultural programmes were also approved by the council.
On his part, Macaulay recalled that the initial contract for the Warri and Uvwie flood control projects was awarded in January. 2020, but that progress of work was stalled by COVID-19 pandemic which set in and caused a lockdown.
“I am happy to report that CCECC, the contractor, has achieved 50 per cent of the initial contract while Levante has achieved a little over 40 per cent on its part, and the people of the areas are happy.
“I can tell you that if you go to Warri now, there are lots of the areas where we have already worked on and the people are very happy because there is no more flooding.
“The flooding in Enerhen Road and Enerhen Junction is now a thing of the past because the whole area has been taken care of,” he said.
Macaulay disclosed that with the increase of work sites on the storm drainage projects from initial 61 to 76 caused a corresponding increase of the contract value by N4.5 billion from the original sum of N9.5 billion, explaining that the increase was necessitated by some developments in the area.
“The whole of Ugbuwangue community is under water and the government at today’s meeting has also approved that the area should be taken care of,” he added.
Stronger Delta: Okowa seeks patience, cooperation of Deltans
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday commended Deltans for their cooperation with his administration, especially with the prevailing insecurity and economic challenges confronting families across the country.
Okowa gave the commendation in Asaba while swearing-in Professor Sylvester Monye as Senior Policy Adviser.
He said that Monye, who had served as his adviser since 2015, had made remarkable contributions to the success of his administration’s programmes and policies and urged him to see his re-appointment as a challenge for greater service.
The governor said that with the cooperation of the people, his administration would continue to improve on its programmes, particularly the entrepreneurial development schemes.
“I congratulate you on your reappointment and I am glad that you truly understand the programmes of this administration. Returning to your former office shows that you already know what to do.
“You have done quite a lot for this administration and it is my hope that you continue to strengthen our work both in the office and externally so that together we will be able to finish strong in the promises that we have made to our people,” he said.
Okowa remarked that there were lots of challenges facing the country, which needed superior thinking to navigate through.
According to him, there is quite a lot to be done but the finances are dwindling and there are lots of challenges of insecurity out there which threaten a whole lot of projects and even programmes that we have.
“In spite of these challenges, with superior thinking we should be able to navigate through and to come out strong.
“So, definitely we will be relying strongly on your experiences and your inputs to do well out there to meet the needs of our people,” he said.
The governor urged Deltans to be patient and to continue to pray for his administration to enable it to provide solution to the challenges facing them.
“The times are obviously challenging and our people are in very difficult times because of the insecurity in the land and the COVID-19 pandemic and many other issues that have created a lot of challenges to our people.
“I want to reassure Deltans that we identify with their challenges and we will continue to work hard to proffer solutions to the challenges.
“With their cooperation we will do well and continue to improve on the programmes of this administration.
“We will continue to stay focused on the goals that we have set for ourselves and we believe that in working together, we will be able to finish stronger,’’ he said.
He also commended the media for the fair and adequate reportage of his administration’s programmes and policies.
Responding, Prof. Monye thanked the governor for finding him worthy to be reappointed and assured him of his total commitment, loyalty and utmost dedication in the discharge of his duties.
He recalled that the Asaba Airport concessioning was successful because of the role the governor played in ensuring that integrity and transparency characterized of the process.
He disclosed that the Federal Government was adopting the Asaba Airport model in the concessioning of four airports in country because of the transparency and integrity of the Asaba example.
2023: Muhammadu Buhari not supporting Bola Tinubu – Presidency
The Presidency on Friday said President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC) in the United Kingdom (UK) was just on account of goodwill and not to show support for his presidential ambition in 2023.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television programme, Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said given the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not given the green light for campaigns to start, the president will never break the rules by campaigning.
He, however, said the President may campaign after the presidential candidate has emerged in the APC.
“The President still has two years, less three months in his tenure of office. So for him to start supporting somebody now will just be jumping the gun. And you know that President Buhari will never do that. Before the 2019 election, people started to campaign for him before INEC blew the whistle of the campaign to start. He was the one, who came out to say No, don’t do it. Don’t jump the gun.
“So the President himself will dare not jump the gun in terms of supporting one candidate or the other.
“Also recall that he has said that anybody who wants to be President after him should go out and work. That means the president may not be supporting anybody until maybe when the candidate of the party emerges. Knowing President Buhari, he will never jump the gun,” Adesina stated.
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS LOSSES TO FLOODS IN NIGER REPUBLIC, STATES IN NIGERIA
President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with President Mohammed Bazoum, government and people of Niger Republic over devastating floods that have left many dead and affected homes.
President Buhari says losses reported from Niger Republic in the last two days were very vast and disturbing, while also taking note of flooding in many parts of the world, including some states in Nigeria.
The President affirms that natural disasters are symptoms of climate change which all countries, including Nigeria, have committed to taking measures to prevent the adverse effects.
President Buhari prays for all the departed souls and affected families.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 13, 2021
One of the most profound sayings in the southeast region of Nigeria, is an adage that says, “The world is a marketplace”. When put in clearer context, this adage carries two meanings, the first, which seems to be the most obvious is that the Igbo ethnic nationality, fondly called Ndigbo, spread across the southeast and parts of the South-South, are majorly traders and business-minded people. The second, which carries a deeper connotation, is that the marketplace is the core of social, community and business interaction.
Prominent in this region is the city of Onitsha, a town located on the eastern bank of the Niger River. Onitsha is the economic hub of commerce and industry in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It hosts the largest market in Africa in terms of geographical size and volume of goods and is strategically positioned as a regional hub for trade, business, and logistics in the region. Regardless of the several business ventures and investments that people from the South-East have scattered around the country, every end of year, during the festive season, almost everyone from the region comes back home to meet with their kinsmen, celebrate their achievements and engage in cultural activities.
Homecoming is everything. It offers the most valuable opportunity for integration. This integration alongside an impressive ingenuity for business and trade across the region has fostered an inspiring degree of social mobility that continues to drive economic growth and development in the region and across the country. In the middle of this all, stands, the Niger bridge, a symbol of hope, commerce, culture, and progress.
After over 50 years of connecting people both within and to the region, regular traffic, imposing heavy static loads on the bridge is taking a toll on the first Niger Bridge, giving rise to the urgent need for a second bridge crossing – The Second River Niger Bridge. For many stakeholders in the region, the completion of the Second River Niger Bridge will be a dream come true, as many have spent an important part of their lives looking forward to the impact and immense benefits that the bridge will bring to their personal lives, social engagements, and businesses.
A project of the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works and Housing, in collaboration with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, the Second River Niger Bridge is expected to, among other things, minimize traffic congestion affecting the current bridge and ensure a safe and sufficient river crossing.
The Second River Niger Bridge is not just another regional amenity; it is a key national infrastructure that will play a major role in enhancing everyday life and social integration for dwellers while also driving trade and economic activities. As a significant bridge in the region and the nation, the Second River Niger Bridge will contribute immensely to the expansion of a well-developed road transportation network, providing ease for commuters and enhancing regional connectivity. It will make homecoming even sweeter.
Handling the construction of this bridge is Julius Berger, the company known for its quality and reliability, which has delivered some of Nigeria’s most important buildings and infrastructure and demanding engineering feats, such as the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge in Lagos.
For the average resident in the South-East and environs, the drive for progress is an everyday activity. From making large supplies and sales on a regular basis, to expanding chain stores, or even successfully climbing the ladder of the apprenticeship system, to become a proud business owner. These amongst other stories of advancement, are the kind of progress, the Second River Niger Bridge will enable once completed. With the Second River Niger Bridge, inter-state travel within the region becomes more convenient. Social and economic integration also becomes more enhanced. It would also foster trade activities and other commercial engagements, like transporting raw materials and finished goods to factories, warehouses, suppliers, distributors, stores, and the end-consumers.
As shown on the project microsite where progress on the bridge is made transparent to the public, so far, reports around the ongoing construction, show good progress on the Second River Niger Bridge Project since commencement. For example, the superstructure is in progress, the geotechnical design and In-construction service are recording good and steady developments; the culverts have been completed, while work is in progress on both the Owerri Interchange and the Toll Station.
The project has started to deliver value for the community and this progress we can hope to continue till the full completion of the Second River Niger Bridge project.
– By Nnamdi Ogbo, Asaba