Nass library to build capacity of legislators, research on policies –Gbajabiamila
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that the National Assembly Library project’s primary aim is to deepen the legislative competence of lawmakers and by extension, strengthen research on policy formulation for the whole country.
Gbajabiamila said the 9th Assembly viewed the project as one of its most cherished initiatives, envisaged to serve several functions, including a resource centre, a national museum and a digital archive for Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He spoke in Abuja on Wednesday while declaring open a public hearing on a “Bill for an Act to Establish the National Assembly Library Trust Fund”, organised by the House Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation.
He noted that it was saddening that Nigeria, which prided itself as having the largest legislature in Africa, had no legislative library, adding that it was the reason the 9th Assembly took up the challenge to initiate the “ambitious” project.
The speaker gave details of the services the library will render, “We have set out to build a legislative library, archive and research centre comparable to any that exists anywhere else in the world.
“It is our vision that when this library is complete, it will dramatically improve the legislative capacity of the National Assembly by providing legislators and their aides with the resources they need to conduct thorough research and advance policies that serve to make our world better.
“The National Assembly Library will host professional development programmes that attract some of the best thinkers and experts from across the world. Public dialogues and other civic engagement programmes organised through the National Assembly Library will help improve the public’s understanding of the legislature’s role in our democracy.
“In addition, the National Assembly library will house the National Assembly Museum and a digital archive of our nation’s democratic journey thus far. ”
He described the ambitions as “enormous”, requiring the sacrifice of time, resources, collaboration amongst stakeholders and partnerships with those “who share the vision of what we hope to achieve.”
Besides seeing to the early completion of the project, Speaker Gbajabiamila informed the session that the legislature must also articulate a statutory framework for sustaining the future of the library.
He explained, “For that purpose, we have convened here today to consider the Bill to Establish the National Assembly Library Trust Fund.
“This bill seeks to define the funding sources, administrative operations and management of the National Assembly Library and to ensure thereby that the library, from inception and through the years, will remain a centre of excellence according to the vision we have for it.”
He urged participants to thoroughly examine the bill and make contributions that would help the legislature to achieve the vision of the project.
“The bill, as it is, is a proposal, a statement of our intent. As it makes its way through the legislative process, it will change in substantive ways, and it will improve substantially.
“By the time we arrive at the final version, I fully expect that we will have a bill that is clear in its intent, confident in its mandates and innovative in the solutions it proposes.
“This goal is only possible if all those who share the vision of what we hope to achieve with this project work to critically examine this legislation and make well-thought-out recommendations based on considerations of our national best interests”, the speaker stated.
Delivering his welcome address earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, stressed the urgency to complete the library project.
He cited the case of the United States of America, which he said started its own legislative library as far back as 1925, an indication that Nigeria was almost a century behind the US in having such a project.
He called on participants to be open and free to make inputs to help realise the goals of the National Assembly Library.
Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
We’ll use legislative tools for Nigeria’s perfect union – Gbajabiamila
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that the 9th House was committed to using the tools of legislative authority to advance solutions and implement policies that will help achieve the promise of a more perfect union in the country.
The Speaker said everything that needed to be done should be carried out by all the stakeholders to achieve the best visions for Nigeria and the welfare of the citizens.
Gbajabiamila spoke when he declared open the 2021 Roundtable on Social Protection Cover organised by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja on Wednesday, with the theme ‘Expanding Social Protection Cover and Ensuring Effective Implementation in Nigeria.’
The Speaker, who said he has the “greatest respect and love” for the Nigerian workers, called on well-meaning Nigerians, including politicians, to always have the interest of the workers at heart.
He noted that social protection is one of the most important responsibilities of government, saying it “legitimises the state in the eyes of citizens and bestows on government the moral authority to demand fidelity to the laws of the land and to take punitive action against those who choose to act in ways inimical to the collective good.
“So, when we gather as we have done this morning to think together about the ways to improve social protection cover in our country, we are engaged in a fundamental act of nation-building.
“We are making sure that there is a collective agreement on what it will take to achieve our best visions for Nigeria and the welfare of all our nation’s people. I expect that having secured agreement on what needs to be done, we will do what is required.
“I want to assure you that in the 9th House of Representatives, we are committed to using the tools of legislative authority to advance solutions and implement policies that will help achieve the promise of a more perfect union.”
He said though these are challenging times for Nigeria, “an abundance of historical evidence leads me to believe that in this moment of crisis, there is an opportunity for us to make choices and take actions that can open up new vistas and measurably improve the lives of Nigerians.
“These choices will not come easy, and the actions we have to take will require sacrifice. We have it in our power to build a country where every citizen has the opportunity to rise to the height of their abilities. And we will, through our joint effort, and by the grace of God.”
Earlier in an address, the NLC president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said the Speaker has earned the trust of the Nigerian workers by not only attending the event but also ensuring that issues affecting them were always at the forefront.
Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Gbajabiamila tasks RMAFC on fair, just review of revenue allocation
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has charged the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to ensure a fair, just and equitable review of revenue allocation in the country.
The Speaker said in its attempt to review the revenue allocation in the country, which was last done almost 30 years ago, the commission should ensure that all stakeholders were carried along and that all necessary things are done so that the final report could not be faulted.
Gbajabiamila, who hosted the management of the commission led by its chairman, Engr. Elias Mbam for a courtesy call on the leadership of the House on Tuesday at the National Assembly, said the current realities should necessitate a review of the revenue allocation.
“I charge you to do your review, not based on any sentiment. You should consult widely so that your report won’t be faulted. I’m glad you said you’re conducting public hearings. It’s good to do that, to seek people’s opinions.
“You should work based on the principles of justice, equity and fairness,” Gbajabiamila said, adding that Nigeria is a peculiar country, hence the need to do a thorough and diligent review.
Earlier, Engr Mbam informed the House leadership that the visit was to seek the support, advice and guidance of the House on the planned review of revenue allocation that the commission was to embark on.
“There are concerns now that were not there before. So, there is the need to review the allocation to make sure that what every tier of government gets is in line with its current responsibilities.”
As part of the plans for the review, Engr Mbam said the commission has embarked on wide consultations across the country including visiting past presidents, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the judiciary, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) as well as engagements with the media, CSOs, among others.
Engr Mbam thanked the Speaker for accepting to host them on short notice, saying “if all Nigerians will work like this, we all will be better for it.”
KEYNOTE SPEECH BY H.E BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN AT LAGOS BUSINESS SCHOOL EVENING WITH THE MINISTERS SERIES HELD ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2021
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:
The compelling part of the LBS’ invitation letter to me dated August 31st 2021 signed by Dr. Franklin N. Ngwu is the part which talks about:
“…the need for more public/private sector dialogue and collaboration for Nigeria’s inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development.”
It is about those 3 (three) things: inclusiveness, sustainable growth and development that I wish to focus my intervention today.
But before I do so, let me push back against the part of the letter that says that:
“Some key constraints such as limited trust, lack of information on the opportunities available, impact of policies and business and operational frameworks of engagement limit their collaboration.”
The first question I wish to ask is “limited trust” on whose part?
My appeal to those who have a one-sided view of the public sector is to stand back and take a hard look at the antecedents of many of those who now occupy leadership positions in the public sector.
What you will see is that many of them, including me, spent a sizable part of their careers in the private sector.
Have we become unworthy of trust because we chose to serve?
And speaking of information or lack thereof about opportunities and policies, I recall that it was to this business school that we came for the launch of the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) to share information and opportunities regarding the planned concession of 12 highways spanning over 1,000 km of federal road network, and the opportunity for investment growth and job creation.
It is the largest highway concession ever undertaken on the African continent with the potential to create 5,000 direct jobs and 200,000 indirect jobs if successful.
We did not go to a foreign business school to launch the initiative; and there are many we could have gone to, if we so desired. We came to the Lagos Business School, because we wanted a homegrown success.
By way of updates, even though LBS has not come back to ask for one, I can report that out of 75 applicants, 18 have been prequalified, and will soon be requested to submit requests for proposals, environmental and social impact studies are concurrently being undertaken and the national tolling policy has been approved to guide the development of business plans.
Of course, as far as providing information about development and growth goes, many of us regularly brief the public about projects, I go on many project inspection tours to highlight what is going on.
Every quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) releases reports about the growth situations in the economy.
What I have observed of course is that the negative results are readily acceptable and pleasing to some people, while they question the data when the same Bureau announces positive quarterly economic performances.
I will now return to the 3 (THREE) issues of:
- a) inclusiveness;
- b) sustainable growth and
- c) development
But first, I must set the context.
Between the period 2012 to 2015 Nigeria‘s economy was reportedly growing at between 5% to 7%. But if we all take time to go back to the reviews and reports in the media at the time, the overwhelming response was that it was “jobless growth or “non-inclusive growth.”
This was the story then and it is not a new story. The other context before we proceed is to remind ourselves that at the peak of that growth, sometime in 2014, the then Minister of Finance issued a statement that Nigeria was heading towards a recession.
These were her words:
“There are some difficult moments out there in the international economy and we have noticed a downward slide in oil prices in recent weeks. Nigeria may not be so lucky to avoid recession this time as it did during the last economic meltdown.”
The question to ask is a recession under who’s watch?
My response is that it did not matter who was managing the economy, the recession was inevitable. We had consumed all the prolific and extraordinary income we earned from high prices of crude oil sales.
We did not invest them in infrastructure, new hospitals, universities, rail, bridges, broadband rollout, airports etc.
So the logical issue would be, what is the plan to get out of the recession?
Before I proceed let me quickly deal in broad strokes with some of the things that happen during a recession.
One of them is that it is the “services sector” that first feels the pinch, and when growth returns the services sector is the last to recover and that is when the feel-good factor returns. I will come back to this.
So in deciding what to do when the recession beckons or happens, the first thing to look at is who is managing the economy and what views do they espouse, because this is likely to shape the choices they will make.
Regrettably, many have again fallen into the error of believing the one-sided story that there is no ideology in Nigerian politics or in the political parties.
Nothing could be further from the truth and any worthy scholar who goes through the various party manifestoes will find not only differences but also similarities and this is one thing I commend for further study and analysis by this business school.
Whilst I will do my best not to be overly partisan, I find it difficult to effectively discharge my task without linking policy to politics.
For example, my party professes a progressive ideology and what this simply means is a “commitment to improving the human condition” and this is one difference between us and the others.
Ask them what they profess?
The other difference is that in 6 (SIX) years we have ensured that the average Nigerian remembers what we committed to: anti-corruption; economic development and security. This is a major reason why we have been held accountable.
You have to go back to 1993, (28 years ago); or further back to 1978 (43years), to find a political era where the public remembers what the parties promised during the campaign.
In MKO Abiola’s SDP, the party manifesto hinged on Energy, Rural Development, Education and Defence. In UPN, Awolowo’s 4 (FOUR) cardinal points (Free Education, Free Health Services, Integrated rural development, Employment) were examples of political promises or ideology so clearly articulated and retained.
This is another difference between us and them, and I challenge many here to ask themselves if they can remember two or three things they were promised in the 16 years before us.
With this background I will now go back to the choices for getting out of recession; because we inherited the doomsday which was foretold.
As I have said earlier, in over five years when oil sold about $100 per barrel, we did not invest in infrastructure.
The 2015 Federal Government budget left by our predecessors for Nigeria’s road network was N18 billion, less than the 2015 budget for roads in Lagos State of N31 billion. (Office of Infrastructure budget)
The said budget had a 15% capital component and 85% of the recurrent component. A budget says a lot about what the Government wants to do. Consume 85% and invest 15%, at the time that oil prices were high.
This is another area of vast policy difference between us and them because from the first budget of 2016 we committed to a minimum of 30% capital investment in the annual budget and an expansive infrastructure investment to boost growth, facilitate development and create jobs.
With oil revenues averaging $43 per barrel in 2016, the works budget for roads was cast at N200 Billion naira, an increase of 1011%.
This pattern has continued to date, where we are spending even more on infrastructure with far less resources.
We must remember that with very high oil prices the total FGN budget in 2015 was N4.4 Trillion while the first budget passed under this administration was N6.06 Trillion.
The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017 – 2020 which was developed as the pathway to recovery from recession was underpinned by infrastructure investment as it committed to:
- a)Achieving a stable microeconomic environment;
- b)Creating a globally competitive economy and
- c)Investing in the Nigerian people.
Apart from over 13,000 km of roads and bridges now under construction or rehabilitation nationwide, hitherto very difficult projects, like Bodo-Bonny Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Abuja-Kano Expressway and Second Niger Bridge now underway and heading towards completion before 2023, a generation of Nigerians can now travel by rail in their own country from Lagos to Ibadan and Abuja to Kano for the first time after a very long hiatus.
This did not happen in 16 years before us.
You may not like how we look or what we say, you may even disbelieve what we say but you cannot disbelieve what we have done with limited income on infrastructure.
This is another difference between us and them.
There is yet another difference and it relates to how we the progressives have chosen to deploy resources.
Between 1999 and 2015 all the infrastructure we are talking about today were crying out for attention.
In spite of prolific oil resources in between that period, I ask anyone to show one bridge, major highway, airport or a rail project that our country built.
I will remind you that in 2005 we choose to pay $12.09 billion to negotiate a Paris debt forgiveness when there was infrastructure crying out for attention.
However, by 2015 the debt stock we inherited was $10.3 Billion in spite of prolific oil resources.
That was a policy choice. No debt, no infrastructure while population grows.
On the contrary, with limited resources and commitment to expansionary fiscal investment and infrastructure to improve the living conditions of Nigeria, our budgets have been deficit budgets funded by debts to invest in infrastructure.
It is our belief that instead of increasing the tax burden of Nigerians, if we borrow to build infrastructure, small businesses who need broadband, rail, roads, bridges and other infrastructure will improve their efficiency and create opportunities.
This can only lead to the inclusiveness, sustainable Growth and development that my invitation letter speaks about.
The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan that we developed to address the recession that our predecessors predicted has worked.
By the second quarter of 2017 we were out of the recession that started in Quarter 2 of 2016 and we recorded 12 consecutive quarters of growth until COVID-19 struck.
By staying true to our core beliefs and by developing the Economic Sustainability Plan to deal with the COVID-19 impact, we came out of a second recession which was global and we now have a 5.1 GDP growth in Quarter 2 with services sector growing at 2.8%.
Remember I told you that the services sector is the last sector to recover after recession and this result is therefore clear evidence that the economy is on the mend and we must sustain it and expand it. In this regard I urge cautious optimism.
If you still think we are the same, let me share with you two different quotes from two sides of the divide to disabuse your minds.
The first is by the Vice-Presidential candidate of the main opposition party during the last elections in 2019.
This is what he said on August 8th 2021 about how to grow the economy.
“You cannot use infrastructure to drive economic growth…taking people out of poverty is not magic.”
But contrast President Buhari’s views expressed in Owerri on 9th September 2021 when he said:
“If we fix infrastructure, people will get on with their businesses.”
I am persuaded that President Buhari gets it.
His contemporary in the USA (a country held out as the example to follow) also gets it when he said:
“The American Jobs Plan will generate historic job growth, historic economic growth, help businesses to compete internationally, create more revenue as well. They are among the highest-value investments we can make in the nation — investing in our infrastructure.”
What limits or enhances the capacity of business is the infrastructure in the environment they operate.
The better the infrastructure the more efficient business becomes and the more productive and prosperous they will be.
If they can move goods and services in quicker time, through ports, rail and road, if they can transact financial services through reliable broadband, move fuel through new pipelines like the Ajaokuta-Kaduna pipeline project, if they can traverse about 40 kilometres on the Bodo-Bonny Bridge on land rather on canoes through the creeks, businesses will prosper and the economy will grow.
This in part is what the enablement of this private sector by the public sector means; in addition to fiscal and monetary policy.
This is a clear road to sustainable growth; and it is growth that will need more people to manage it thereby achieving inclusiveness.
Thank you for listening.
Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Honourable Minister of Works and Housing
Competence Over Zoning – The Case For Aminu Tambuwal
By Otor Drama
ALHAJI Sir Ahmadu Bello’s greatest ambition as a child was to be the Sultan
of Sokoto. As a prince, he carried himself with royal airs and comported
himself with decorum. His long awaited opportunity came in 1938 but he lost
the race to a contender who emerged as Sultan Siddiq Abubakar.
Having lost the race, he turned his talents into leadership and became a
rallying force for the north when he was made the leader of the Northern
Peoples Congress (NPC) and later Premier of the Northern Region which was
the senior partner in the coalition government that was formed at
independence producing the Prime Minister, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa
Balewa as well as holding some other key positions in the First Republic
government.
Since Bello’s brutal assassination in 1966, no politician from Sokoto State
has emerged with his national political stature and structures across the
country. However, Sokoto State Governor and former Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal seems to be a worthy successor to the late
Sardauna of Sokoto.
Tambuwal who trained as a lawyer began his political career as a
legislative aide to Senator Abdullahi Wali who was the Senate Leader at the
time – 1999 to 2003. Having learnt the ropes of politics, he plunged into
the murky electoral waters by contesting for a seat in the Federal House of
Representatives and won in 2003 where he represented Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal
Constituency in the lower house of the National Assembly. He served in the
house as the minority leader and later as deputy chief whip. He served
meritoriously in various committees like rules & business, judiciary,
communications, inter-parliamentary and water resources. He was a member of
the House Ad Hoc Committee on the Constitution Review.
He was chairman of the ad hoc committee that reviewed the report of the
controversial power probe committee headed by Ndudi Elumelu; Chairman,
House Sub-Committee on the Bill for an Act to Amend the Land Use Act, and
acting Chairman, House Committee on Power.
He was leader of the Nigerian delegation to African, Caribbean, Pacific &
European Union Parliamentary Assembly (ACP-EU) and served as Vice-Chairman,
Economic Committee ACP-EU, held in Prague, Czech Republic in April 2009.
As the Governor of Sokoto State, he has done his best to transform the
state from a civil service state and an agrarian economy into a modernized
economy and has greatly diversified its internally generated revenue base.
He has ensured that security is guaranteed there in view of the incessant
attacks by bandits in neighbouring northern states.
He is a nationalist and judiciously used his time in the House of Reps to
build sturdy political bridges across the country. He is at home with the
various ethnic groups that make up the nation and is not known to be an
ethnic jingoist. He abhors tribalism with every fibre in him.
Despite being in politics for over two decades, he has been untainted and
no allegation of corruption has been leveled against him by the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Corruption is a major albatross of
most Nigerian politicians and so a corrupt free politician should be
greatly encouraged as it is a rarity. He threw his hat into the
presidential race in 2019 when he contested the presidential primaries of
the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and came second behind Alhaji
Atiku Abubakar.
There is the need to build national cohesion so that tribalism can be a
thing of the past. After the Civil War ended in the United States in 1864,
all the Presidents who emerged were from the victorious north and the
Heavens didn’t fall since Americans think of their country first before
their states. It wasn’t until Jimmy Carter emerged in 1976 that power
shifted to the south but even at that it was as a result of his competence
and not any overt power shift agitation.
What Nigerians need in this extremely challenging time in the ‘Giant of
Africa’ is a leader who is visionary and can provide uncommon leadership to
deal with the plethora of challenges ranging from massive youth
unemployment, poverty, insecurity, child mortality etc. We should stop
short changing ourselves with the asinine power shift ideology as it
promotes mediocrity as well as an entitlement mentality. What should bother
right thinking and public spirited Nigerians should be who can effectively
deliver the dividends of democracy to the avalanche of long suffering
Nigerians who have borne the brunt of bad governance and civilian misrule.
The ethnicity of such a person shouldn’t matter.
Tambuwal is well suited to take Nigeria to the Promised Land if only
Nigerians can shun tribalism and give him the opportunity to provide
uncommon leadership to them. On the highly contentious issue of
restructuring, he is an avowed federalist and will do his best to ensure
that power is devolved to the states which will make the centre – Abuja
less attractive and will go a long way to reduce the ethnic tensions in the
country which has greatly polarized the country at the nation’s detriment.
We recall the hundred days war between the majority Hutus and the minority
Tutsis in Rwanda which was fanned by sinister propagandist politicians who
stoked the fires of ethnic hate leading to the mindless murder of over a
hundred thousand people.
As a way of national healing, the nation under the pragmatic leadership of
Paul Kagame abolished the filling of tribes in public forms. The country
once wracked by war is now in the forefront of scientific and technological
breakthroughs and development. Their healthcare sector is one of the best
in the continent; their technological space is booming with investors from
all over the world pouring millions of dollars into that sector. Fintechs,
ed techs and the use of drones are springing up with alarming alacrity all
over the country and their GDP is the better for it. Does it matter that
Kagame, a Tutsi has been in power for close to two decades?
The case of Rwanda which has emerged from the ashes like a Phoenix should
serve as a lesson for all Nigerians that national interest should supersede
ethnic bias and the current man of the moment is Tambuwal.
All Nigerians irrespective of ethnic affiliation and religion should join
hands in unison to ensure that he succeeds President Muhammadu Buhari as he
has the magic wand to effectively steer the nation’s ship which has drifted
for far too long.
Otor, a public affairs analyst contributed this piece from Abuja
PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES WITH FORMER GOVERNOR OF CROSS RIVER STATE, DONALD DUKE ON 60TH BIRTHDAY
President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, on his 60th birthday, September 30, 2021, joining family and friends to rejoice with the political leader, whose antecedents continue to inspire hope in a new generation of leaders.
The President affirms that the leadership strides of the former governor reverberated across the country, with innovative and creative strategies of development that placed Nigeria on the spotlight for rapid urban development, agriculture, industrialization, hospitality and tourism.
President Buhari believes Duke, who was elected governor in his 30s, in 1999, provided a visionary and focused style of leadership that showcased the potentials in Nigerian youths, projecting the loyalty, dedication and sense of patriotism that heralded nationalist movements and consolidated the country’s unity.
The President notes the maturity and measured disposition of the former governor, even in opposition for many years, working diligently to promote peace, good governance and virility of democratic institutions that will benefit the country.
President Buhari prays for his good health and the welfare of his family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 29, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS FORMER DEPUTY SPEAKER, CHIBUDOM NWUCHE AT 60
President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with former Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudon Nwuche and his family, as he turns 60 on September 30, 2021, praying that the Almighty God will continue to guide and protect him.
President Buhari rejoices with the former deputy speaker on his impressive achievements working in the private and public sectors, which include legal practice, business, humanitarian services and as an elected lawmaker, rising to a leadership position in the National Assembly.
The President notes the contributions of Rt. Hon Nwuche at the House of Representations, with bills that were directly hinged on welfare of the people and which greatly impacted on the nation, like the Nigerians with Disability Bill, the Nigerian Media Bill and The Nigerian Local Content Bill, and some have transformed into laws, institutions and commissions.
President Buhari extols the community worker and grassroots activist, who played a strong role in passage of the Niger Delta Development Commission Act and the Onshore Offshore Dichotomy Bill, and also set up scholarships and grant schemes for indigent students and entrepreneurs.
The President wishes Rt. Hon. Nwuche longer life and prosperity.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 29, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS DR CHIKE AKUNYILI
President Muhammadu Buhari is deeply saddened by the gruesome killing of Dr Chike Akunyili, the husband of the late former Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Dora Akunyili.
The President shares the pain of the offspring of Prof and Dr Akunyili, their families and friends whose lives will never remain the same after the inhuman and reprehensible act that happened in Onitsha, Anambra State.
President Buhari has fond memories of working with the late Dora Akunyili at the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) and Nigerians will never forget the memory of the amazon, who distinguished herself as a courageous, dependable and patriotic citizen.
Enjoining security agencies and leaders of thought to work harder to bring an end to the violence being unleashed on innocent Nigerians, the President assures the grieving families who lost their loved ones in the incident that the perpetrators of the heinous act will face both the judgment of man, and that of God.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 29, 2021
‘‘DISCOVER NIGERIA’’: PRESIDENT BUHARI TO UNVEIL ICONIC 60 SQM BOOK, HIGHLIGHTING BEAUTY, UNIQUENESS OF COUNTRY’S TOURISM POTENTIALS
President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday, September 30, 2021, unveil ‘‘Discover Nigeria’’, a pictorial book on Nigeria’s history, covering the period from Independence in 1960 to the present.
The 392-page book, authored by Bayo Omoboriowo, the President’s official photographer, showcases the country’s rich traditional institutions, ingenuity of its people, the beauty of its landscape, the richness of its farmlands, stunning waterfalls and seas, among others.
On the eve of the presentation, which coincides with Nigeria’s 61st Independence anniversary celebration, Omoboriowo hinted that the book has been enlisted as a contender for the Guinness World Records largest photobook.
‘‘The previous record for the largest photobook is 45sqm. The ‘‘Discover Nigeria’’ book has been printed and mounted as a 60sqm giant frame book-60 images, 60 pages, 60 square meters, celebrating Nigeria at 60 (60:60:60:60),’’ he said.
Omoboriowo explained that the book presentation was conceived as part of Nigeria’s diamond celebration.
Over 60 young Nigerians took part in the construction of the giant frame book mounted at the State House Conference Centre (formerly Banquet Hall), venue of the event, which will be attended by governors, traditional rulers, members of the diplomatic corps, the business community and stakeholders in the creative industry.
The event will also feature an exhibition of Nigeria’s Art, craft and cultures, across the six geo-political zones – curated by the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC).
The exhibition entails a detailed display of various artworks, artefacts and cultural symbols from various states and ethnic groups in the country.
Nigeria’s cuisine & delicacies will also be on display.
‘‘The overall goal of this event is to remind all and sundry, the beauty that our diversity brings, and the strength that our unity affords us as a country.
‘‘We believe that an after-effect from the event will be the changing narratives about the important role everyone plays in the Nigeria project,’’ Omoboriowo said.
The foreword of the book is written by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, and an introduction by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who acknowledged the contribution of the Special Assistant to the President, Tunde Sabi’u Yusuf, to the publication.
There are also reviews from General Ibrahim Babangida, a former Head of State, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote and the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
In his foreword, General Abubakar says ‘‘… This book, ‘Discover Nigeria’ brings a smile to my face. Chronicling our people, places, progress and more, it is an invitation to all to discover- and rediscover-Nigeria. This book is more than beautiful images. It reflects the heart and soul of Nigeria through images that tell stories and texts that share insights in Nigeria’s history, the present day and the future.’’
In his review, General Babangida lauds the youthful dominance in Nigeria’s creative industry and their penchant to demand a better Nigeria from the government.
‘‘I draw a lot of inspiration from the works of the younger generation in the creative industry, from their pursuit of knowledge and most importantly, their desire to hold the Government accountable in helping to achieve a better and more prosperous Nigeria,’’ Babangida says.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 29, 2021
KADUNA UPDATE: KDSG announces new security measures
Press briefing by Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Wednesday, 29th September 2021
Protocols:
I am here to inform you of, and to formally announce the implementation of certain measures to assist the security agencies in parts of the state.
You will recall that Governor Nasir El-Rufai announced in a media chat yesterday (28th September 2021) that the state government has formally requested the Federal Government to enforce the shutdown of telecom services in parts of the state identified by security agencies as requiring such measures.
The relevant federal agencies have today informed the Kaduna State Government that the processes for telecoms shutdown in parts of the state have commenced.
As part of the steps to address the current security situation in Kaduna State and neighbouring states in the North-West and North-Central regions, KDSG has held several meetings with security agencies to adopt critical measures towards crushing bandits in their identified hideouts.
The military and other security forces have been carrying out assaults on the identified locations. The state government is advised that certain measures are now necessary to assist the spirited efforts of these security agencies.
The following measures become effective from Thursday, 30 September 2021:
- The complete ban on the use of motorcycles (Okada), for commercial or personal purposes, for three months in the first instance.
- Ban on possession of or wielding of dangerous weapons.
- Tricycles are allowed to operate only from 6am to 7pm. All tricycles must remove all curtains. Movement of all tricycles are restricted from dusk till dawn (7PM to 6AM).
- All vehicles used for commercial transport must be painted in yellow and black within 30 days. Vehicles that are part of ride hailing services are to carry yellow and black stripes.
- Ban on the sale of petrol in jerry-cans or other containers in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi, Kachia, Kagarko and Kajuru LGAs.
Other containment measures previously communicated by the Kaduna State Government remain in place. These include:
- Ban on felling of trees and forestry activities in Birnin Gwari, Giwa Igabi, Chikun, Kachia, Kagarko and Kajuru LGAs.
- Ban on firewood and charcoal transportation.
- Ban on the transportation of livestock into and out of the State.
- Cessation of weekly markets in the frontline local government areas of Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi, Kajuru and Kawo weekly market of Kaduna North local government.
The Kaduna State Government regrets the severe strain and inconvenience these measures will place on peaceful and law abiding citizens. The Government therefore appeals for the understanding and cooperation of all residents of the affected areas, and indeed across the State. These difficult times have demand that difficult decisions be made.
The measures have been adopted purely in the interest of our collective safety and security, and to aid our brave forces in their fight against these mindless criminals.
Too many lives have been lost, and too many families have been shattered. Small groups of wicked persons cannot continue to hold us to ransom, and force us to live in perpetual fear.
Once again, the government craves the understanding of all citizens. The hardship we face will be temporary, and we are confident that in the end, it will pay off. Good will prevail over evil.
Thank you.
SPCC Aghalokpe joins club of septuagenarians
- Rolls out activities for 70th anniversary
- Invites Old Students of Urhobo College, Government College, Ughelli, St Patrick’s College, Asaba, others
- Commissions projects
- Presents awards to distinguished Nigerians
- Hold lectures
- Provides free medicals for citizens of Aghalokpe, neighbouring communities
Makers and shakers of the Nigerian State will gather in Aghalokpe, Delta State on Saturday, October 16, 2021.
The prominent leaders are expected to add substance, colour and glamour to the events and activities marking the 70th anniversary of St Peter Claver’s College, Aghalokpe (1950-2020).
The cream of the nation’s social and political elite are also expected to listen to cerebral lectures on SPCC’s growth, Nigerian education sector, the role of the church in the development of Nigeria, healthy living and the country’s political future.
‘’We have reasons to roll out the drums to mark the anniversary of St Peter Claver’s College, Aghalokpe’’ a statement issued in Aghalokpe by the Chairman of SPCC 70th Anniversary Organizing Committee, Chief Kingsley Omokri said.
The statement outlined the activities that will take place on Saturday, October 16, 2021, which includes commissioning of renovated and new projects, state of affairs address by the National President, goodwill message by the principal, SPCC and anniversary lectures.
The statement also said there would be reminiscence by Clavarians from 1950-1959, 1960-1969, 1970-1979, 1980-1989, 1990-1999 and 2000 till date, presentation of awards, launching of the book on SPCC, ‘’The Pearl on the River Ethiope’’ and toast to SPCC AT 70.
The statement said the activities marking the 70th anniversary of St Peter Claver’s College, Aghalokpe would begin on Friday, October 15, 2021.
‘’Holy Mass will take place at the College Chapel on Friday, October 15, 2021. The old students will inspect the college premises and provide free medicals for the citizens of Aghalokpe and neighbouring communities. There will also be distribution of free 70th Anniversary crested note books to students of SPCC, Aghalokpe and learners of St Peter Claver’s Nursery and Primary School, Aghalokpe’’ the statement said.
‘’A novelty football match between Old Boys Association of SPCC and Urhobo College Old Students Association, UCOSA will take place on Friday, October 15, 2021 while thanksgiving mass will take place at the College Chapel, SPCC Aghalokpe on Sunday, October 17, 2021’’ the statement added.
St Peter Claver’s College, Aghalokpe 70th anniversary (1950-2020)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2021
Holy Mass at College Chapel
Inspection of college premises
Free medicals for the citizens of Aghalokpe and neighbouring communities
Distribution of free 70th Anniversary crested note books to students of SPCC, Aghalokpe and learners of St Peter Claver’s Nursery and Primary School, Aghalokpe
Novelty Football Match (Old Boys Association of SPCC vs Urhobo College Old Students Association, UCOSA
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021
Commissioning of renovated and new projects by old students
Anniversary Speech/State of Affairs by National President
Goodwill message by the principal, SPCC
Anniversary lectures
Reminiscence by Clavarians from 1950-1959, 1960-1969, 1970-1979, 1980-1989, 1990-1999 and 2000 till date
Presentation of awards
Launching of the book on SPCC, ‘’The Pearl on the River Ethiope’’
Toast to SPCC AT 70
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021
Thanksgiving Mass at College Chapel, SPCC Aghalokpe
Chief Host,
Catholic Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. John Okeoghene Afareha
Global experts, Politicians, others set for SPCC 70TH Anniversary
Politicians in Nigeria, experts in different parts of the world, religious leaders, traditional rulers and members of the organized private sector will participate in the 70th Anniversary Celebration of one of the best secondary schools in Nigeria, St Peter Claver’s College, Aghalokpe on Saturday, October 16, 2021.
‘’St Peter Claver’s College, Aghalokpe has made great achievements in the past 70 years. Therefore, Saturday, October 16, 2021 is a day of celebrating SPCC’s past, recognizing individuals who have made remarkable contributions and sharing old memories’’ a statement issued in Aghalokpe by the Chairman of SPCC 70th Anniversary Organizing Committee, Chief Kingsley Omokri said.
The statement announced Friday, October 15 to Sunday, October 17, 2021 as the date of the 70th anniversary celebration.
The statement listed the building of a proper college gate, interlocking of the college roads, rehabilitation of all the college laboratories, senior staff quarters and construction of a brand new IT Centre as major projects of the SPCC Old Boys Association.
’SPCC development stories have set an example for other associations in Delta State’’.
The statement emphasized the achievements and contributions that the Old Boys Association made in the past.
It pointed out that the Old Boys Association rehabilitated the college hall, junior staff quarters, chapel and the college administrative building (principal’s office, staff room and library,
