News From Nigeria
The First Lady of Bayelsa, Dr Gloria Douye Diri, has said the Founder of BRECAN and First Lady of Ondo State, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has triggered something in her with her 25 years of passionately leading the fight against breast cancer.
Dr Diri said this, Saturday, at the maiden edition of Bayelsa State Jog for Life.
Speaking at the Samson Siasia Sports Stadium, Ovom, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the First Lady said, “Today, you have triggered something in me, and I can assure you of my support.
She also charged the chairperson of Bayelsa State Chapter, Mrs Zipuamere Felicia Afenfia, to work assiduously to achieve the set goals.
While also commending Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu for personally coming to inaugurate the Bayelsa State Chapter of BRECAN, Dr Douye Diri said she is passionate about collaborating with BRECAN to bring an end to cancer most prevalent to women.
“Awareness is vital in the fight against breast cancer as deaths of loved ones to cancer brings so much pain. However, be assured of my readiness to support the fight.
“I welcome every member of BRECAN to this State. You have our deepest appreciation for choosing to establish a branch of BRECAN in Bayelsa State. One significant appreciation is that today, our women found time to work out again. I appreciate every Bayelsans that joined the walk to kick out cancer from Bayelsa State. I celebrate you all.” Mrs Diri said.
In her ownremarks, Ondo State First Lady, who founded the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria in 1997 after personal encounter with the disease, urged women of Bayelsa to prioritise monthly self-examination of their breasts to check for unusual signs as timely and appropriate intervention is key to surviving the disease.
As she puts it, “We can’t get tired talking about what Women should do every month, which is checking your breasts. It won’t take you more than 15 minutes, and you do that regularly every month.”
The 25 years breast cancer survivor, Mrs Akeredolu, urged women to do breast self-examination at least once a month to check for unusual discolouration, discharge from the nipples or painless lump around the breast; saying, “women are increasingly surviving breast cancer.”
Mrs Akeredolu, who thanked her Bayelsa State counterpart, Dr Douye Diri, for her hospitality, congratulated the newest state chapter for having such a wonderful woman as the First Lady.
“Let me once again express my delight in being in Bayelsa state. I believe this chapter will grow from strength to strength. I want to charge the new state executives to take up the responsibility of creating awareness which is the entry point in any cancer control, and it leads to action, said no woman needs to die needlessly as early detection saves a life.” the First Lady said.
The event, which is part of the activities marking Pink October – the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, has been held in Oyo, Imo and Ondo States.
Present were BRECAN members, executives across the Nation, government officials from Ondo and Bayelsa State.
2023: Okowa advises Delta Central to remain united
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Saturday, advised members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta Central Senatorial District to remain united in their quest for the governorship seat in 2023.
Okowa gave the advice while addressing PDP faithful at a “Mega Rally” organised by leadership of the party in Delta Central to welcome returnees and decampees at Sapele Stadium.
The decampees from All Progressive Party (APC) led by a former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Chief Monday Igbuya, included a former member of House of Representatives, Chief Solomon Edoja; Hon. Julius Akpovoka, Chief Francis Aguonigho, Chief Spin Ogboru, Chief Anthony Enakpoya and Chief David Ukueku.
The governor commended the decampees, most of whom were former members of PDP, for joining the PDP, saying that the party was a very organised family in the country and strong enough to win in all the local government areas in Delta Central in 2023.
He described Igbuya as a friend and ally who contributed immensely to his emergence as governor in 2015.
According to Okowa, anybody contesting political office must put his house in order. I have spoken and I hope you have heard me.
“Our goal is to deliver PDP in all local governments in the state.
“PDP is a very organised party where we welcome new members unlike APC where one man is pursuing others out of their party.
“In 2015, we won in four local government areas in Delta Central; in 2019, we won in six local government areas; in 2023, we will win in all eight local government areas of Delta Central.
“We are one united family in PDP and once we take that decision we will all stand by it.
“It’s not about me but about what is good for all Deltans, and at the appropriate time, we will meet and take a decision which will be for the overall good of all Deltans,” he stated.
Welcoming the decampees, Chairman of PDP in the state, Chief Kingsley Esiso, said that PDP was the only visible and well-organised political party in the state.
“I welcome you all to this great consolidation rally put together by our party in the Delta Central Senatorial District.
“Here in Delta, there is only one political party led by our amiable governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.
“In Delta State, we have some pretenders who call themselves APC. In 2015, they told us that they were coming to fight corruption and security but today we have overblown insecurity with bandits, terrorists, kidnappers ravaging parts of the country.
“I have seen a lot of banners for aspirants but I want to advise that as they go about their campaign they should be very peaceful about it.
“We also have aspirants from all parts of Delta State; just as you have the right to aspire, others also have the right to aspire,” Esiso said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of PDP Delta Central, Dr Patrick Fovie, had said that the rally was organised to welcome returning party members who went on “political sabbatical”.
He commended Governor Okowa for his leadership sagacity, describing him as an “epitome of probity and accountability” in governance.
Other party leaders who spoke at the rally included Professor Sam Oyovbaire, Chief Ighoyota Amori and Chief John Oguma.
They said that the rally was a preparation for 2023, adding that the district was ready to produce the next governor of the state.
October 23, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Extols Kwankwaso on 65th Birthday
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates former Governor of Kano State, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, as he marks his 65th birthday.
Sen. Kwankwaso is an outstanding statesman, brilliant administrator, quintessential lawmaker, a humble and courageous leader, who has remained steadfast in his commitment towards the unity, stability and development of our dear nation.
As a member of the House of Representatives, state governor, minister of defence and later senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Kwankwaso has continued in his selfless service to the nation, while demonstrating that the essence of leadership is in pursing the good of the people rather than self.
Sen. Kwankwaso’s legacies as the governor of Kano state, especially his exceptional achievements in infrastructural and human capital development, endeared him to the people of Kano state and stand as testaments of his love for his people and dedication to service despite dauting challenges.
As a political leader, Senator Kwankwaso has remained strongly connected with the people, particularly in their determined quest to rescue our nation from the stranglehold of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its administration
The PDP congratulates Sen. Kwankwaso at this auspicious occasion and prays the Almighty God to bless him with many more years in good health so that our nation will continue to draw from unwavering commitment and wealth of experience.
Happy birthday distinguished Senator!
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS JUSTICE ILORI, EX-LAGOS CHIEF JUDGE
President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Ilori on the passing of Justice Samuel Omotunde Ilori, the 9th Chief Judge of Lagos State.
The President joins the Lagos State Government, the Bar, and the National Judicial Council in mourning the eminent jurist, who started his career as a Pupil Counsel at the Federal Ministry of Justice in 1965 and later transferred his service to Lagos State, rising through the ranks before his appointment as Chief Judge in 1996.
President Buhari affirms that Justice Ilori, who had a distinguished career in the public service spanning over 30 years and comprising many roles, will be remembered for his pivotal role of introducing the use of technology in court proceedings in the country.
The President adds that the Nigerian Judicial system is richer by the lifelong contributions of brilliant judges like Ilori.
President Buhari prays God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest, and comfort family, friends and colleagues that mourn.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 23, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI SALUTES EMIR OF ZURU, SANI SAMI AT 78
President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates Emir of Zuru, Sani Sami, on his 78th birthday, October 24, 2021, rejoicing with the retired general, war veteran, businessman and now a community leader on many successes, including prolonged dedication to nation building.
The President shares the occasion with his friend, comrade in the army and partner in the journey to keep the country united and prosperous, recalling memories of fighting side by side in the civil war, and the good fortune that sustained the Emir, who suffered injuries and almost paid the ultimate price.
President Buhari affirms that the royal father loves Nigeria, fights for peace of the country and diligently rose as a career soldier, with sacrifice and selflessness, courageously pursuing the greater good for the greater majority, and measuring out to humanity more than receiving.
As the Emir of Zuru turns 78, the President notes his patriotism, loyalty and commitment, and contributions at every turn of Nigeria’s history, always taking the side of fairness, goodness and honour.
President Buhari prays that Almighty God will bless the royal father with longer life, good health and strength to keep sowing, watering and reaping from good works.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 23, 2021
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
*NIGERIA IS A COUNTRY WITH WORLD CLASS TALENTS & IDEAS, OSINBAJO SAYS*
_*VP commissions Reddington Hospital’s new state-of-the-art health facility in Lagos_
_*Adds: Such investments can reverse trend of “doctors voting with their feet.”_
Nigeria is not just a country that has world-class talent, world-class ideas and world-class execution of ideas, with more investments in its health sector, it will also make the country a destination of choice for medical tourists even from developed countries, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Friday in Lagos where he commissioned the Duchess International Hospital, a new facility under the Reddington Hospitals group. The event paraded a collection of world class medical experts and prominent Nigerians, including two State Governors: Babajide Sanwo-Olu – Lagos and Dapo Abiodun – Ogun; alongside the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and the Managing Directors of the Bank of Industry – Olukayode Pitan and Access Bank – Herbert Wigwe, and Dr. Yemi Onabowale, President and CEO of Redington Hospitals, among others.
According to the Vice President, the opening of the new hospital is a cause for celebration firstly because it shows that “ we have all it takes to become the place of choice for even medical tourists from developed countries looking to jump long queues for specialized procedures at home or simply shopping for more affordable fees for first class healthcare.”
Secondly, he said “we have by far the largest number of middle- to low-income communities and individuals in sub–Saharan Africa who require affordable, high-quality healthcare.”
Prof. Osinbajo noted that the establishment of such facilities would not only further provide more Nigerians with excellent healthcare solutions, but it would also open more opportunities to the country’s high quality medical personnel.
“With investments like this seeking high quality medical personnel, we can even reverse the trend of doctors voting with their feet. The reasons for voting with their feet are obvious: better remuneration, better facilities. But again, only serious private sector investment in high quality healthcare services offering top compensation for its personnel could possibly create an attractive proposition to reverse the trend,” the Vice President said.
As the VP officially commissioned the facility, he noted that it was comparable to the best hospitals in the world both in medical and aesthetic standards.
“This hospital has bragging rights. It comes from the Reddington family, a clinical health brand that has earned a strong reputation for high standards in healthcare, top notch personnel, including many highly reputed Nigerian doctors in diaspora and best of all, it is all Nigerian,” Prof. Osinbajo said.
He described the event as an occasion that celebrates “the convergence of so many possibilities, and such great promise. I am extremely proud to be a part of this phenomenal achievement and the great future that it portends for health care services in Nigeria.
“It is, therefore, my great pleasure and privilege to officially commission the Duchess International Hospital to the glory of God and for the benefit of Nigerians and all those who may seek excellent healthcare from anywhere in the world.”
According to the Hospital management, the mission of the hospital “is to reverse medical tourism by delivering the highest standards of care, using the most advanced technology and treatments to give you the fastest, most convenient access to the best medical expertise available anywhere in the world.”
*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President*
*23rd October, 2021*
PRESIDENT BUHARI IS ACTUATED BY NOTHING ELSE THAN PEACE AND UNITY OF THE COUNTRY, SAYS ADESINA
The desire of President Muhammadu Buhari is to see that peace and unity reign in all parts of the country.
Speaking Friday while receiving some Nollywood actors, members of the National Council for Women Society (NCWS), and representatives of National Associations of Nigerian Students (NANS), as well as other stakeholders under the auspices of Ambassadors of Voice for Change in his office at the State House, Abuja, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina said:
“Mr. President is actuated by nothing else than peace and unity of the country, many times he has said that those of them that fought for the unity of Nigeria will not sit down with their eyes open and see the country dismembered in their presence.
“What Mr. President wants is peace, unity and whatever it takes for Nigeria to have peace, she will have it. I remembered I did a piece recently where I said for Nigeria, it is ‘Peace Dole’ (Peace by Force).”
“The idea of this movement, Ambassadors of Voice for Change, is very good. I am sure it is God that inspired it.
“We know that there are lots of forces attempting to pull the country apart but if the country will stay together (and it will stay together), we need initiatives like this, we need voices like this, we need ambassadors like this,” he said.
The Special Adviser added that, “it is in our collective interest that Nigeria survives. Our collective interest is that our unity in diversity is maintained, so that we remain together in peace and unity, and there is strength in unity.”
He thanked the Voice for Change Ambassadors executives for the timely initiative, and assured them that because this is an initiative for peace and unity, his office will lend itself to project it.
The spokesperson of the group, Zack Orji expressed their readiness to collaborate with the security agencies and Nigerians to ensure that there is peace and unity in the country.
“There is no way government is going to work alone without the cooperation of the people, this movement will cover the 36 States of the Federation, our aim is to engage road shows, town hall meetings, rallies and all kinds of meetings to sensitize people so they can be on the same band wagons as ourselves.”
The group commended the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari on its effort to restore peace and unity in the country and assured him of their continued support.
The Ambassadors of Voice for Change is an organization made up of actors, musicians, comedians, producers, directors, and film makers, with representations from National Council for Women Society, National Associations of Nigerian Students, and market women across the country.
The representatives that came to the State House included Zack Orji, Ahmed Bala, John Okafor (Mr Ibu), Sani Denja, Saheed Balogun and Ben Kure.
Others are Gentle Jack, Benedict Johnson, Andy Chukwu and Chiege Alisigwe.
Abiodun Oladunjoye
Deputy Director (Information)
October 22, 2021
Online Publisher accuses Omokri of abandoning wife, kids
Who is lying? That is the question that the aide of former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has to provide an answer to.
Delta-born Fejiro Oliver on Thursday exposed Reno Omokri on the raging allegations against him.
‘’You can’t claim one man, one wife or no side chick whereas you break the very law preached’’ the publisher of Secret Reporters said in a Facebook post.
He particularly decried Omokri’s views on marriage, corruption and bad governance.
‘’We all hate the government but what many do not know is that Reno Omokri is a big beneficiary of the corrupt government. Ask Reno how much a former governor in the South-South paid him in 2019 to kill the tape that he got. That was a tape that was enough to give PDP victory but he sold out. It’s a different story’’.
In a tone suggestive of his rejection of Omokri’s lifestyle, solution to the myriad of problems bedeviling the country, the online publisher insisted that Jonathan’s former aide failed to live by example.
In a statement titled: Reno Omokri and the untold stories’’, Oliver accused Omokri of abandoning his legal wife and three kids.
‘’The lady with a former president is Reno Omokri’s legal wife. The three kids are his kids. While Reno claims to be married to one wife, the untold truth is that he has ‘married’ a second woman who gave birth to his latest baby. He ran away from the US abandoning his wife and three kids to suffer and staying in UK with his new girlfriend who he’s not married to yet’’
The online publisher stated that Omokri has the dubious reputation of claiming to be a faithful husband but does not practice it.
.
‘’The first wife, Itsekiri, caught him in an act (I don’t want to say now unless he denies this write up) which led to their quarrel. Reno Omokri has been cheating on his wife in Nigeria and abroad’’.
Text Press Of Conference On Friday 22nd October, 2021 By The Honourable Attorney General Of The Federation And Minister Of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN On Investigation Reports On Acts Of Terrorism And Allied Offences Perpetrated By Nnamdi Kanu And Report On the Sponsors And Financiers Of Sunday Igboho And Associates
Protocol
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, I welcome you to this very important press conference.
As you are aware Nnamdi Kanu, the self-acclaimed leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been at the center of a subversive campaign against the Nigerian State. Consequently, Nnamdi Kanu was arrested on 14th October, 2015. He was charged to court for treasonable felony, among other crimes. He was granted bail by the Federal High Court, Abuja on 25th April 2017. He however breached the bail conditions and fled abroad.
While in self-exile, Nnamdi Kanu intensified his subversive campaign, using online Radio Biafra to instigate violence and incite members of IPOB to commit violent attacks against civil and democratic institutions, particularly the security personnel, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and civilians. He instigated the destruction of public and private properties across the country.
As a result of these criminal activities, IPOB was proscribed and designated a terrorist organization by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, in an Order made on 20th September 2017.
Despite the proscription of IPOB by the Federal Government, Nnamdi Kanu continued the subversive campaign, instigating and inciting broadcasts to direct members of the IPOB to launch attacks on government.
The EndSARS protests of October 2020 played into the sinister plans of Nnamdi Kanu, whereby he seized the protests through subversive and inciting online broadcasts and actively commanded and directed attacks on security personnel and facilities.
As a result of these broadcasts, members of IPOB attacked and killed security personnel and burnt down Police stations, Correctional centers, INEC offices, bus terminals, the Palace of Oba of Lagos, Banks, hospitals, shopping malls and vehicles, amongst others.
On 12th December, 2020, Eastern Security Network” (ESN) was formed by Nnamdi Kanu as an armed wing of IPOB with the mandate to advance the nefarious agenda of the outlawed group. ESN continued to launch attacks on security personnel, civilians perceived as enemies as well as destruction of private and public properties.
The destructive activities of IPOB/ESN pose serious threat to Nigeria’s National Security and its corporate existence, which resulted into re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu and members of his group.
The eventual re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu in June 2021, and some members of his group led to the inauguration of a Presidential Ad-hoc Committee, comprising twenty-four (24) members drawn from:
The Committee, inaugurated by the President, and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), was headed by the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The Committee finds as a fact, that consequent upon the instigating directives of Nnamdi Kanu, members of IPOB/ESN carried out massive attacks on democratic institutions especially INEC Facilities with a view to hampering democratic process in Nigeria. These attacks that were carried out between October 2020 and June 2021 include the following:
III. One hundred and seventy-five (175) security personnel were killed by IPOB/ESN, comprising one hundred and twenty eight (128) Police men, thirty seven (37) military personnel and ten (10) other security operatives;
VII. That three hundred and ninety-six (396) firearms and seventeen thousand seven hundred and thirty eight (17,738) ammunition were carted away during the IPOB/ESN attacks;
VIII. That there were three (3) IPOB/ESN attacks on Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), including the Headquarters of NCoS, Owerri, Imo State where one thousand eight hundred and forty one (1,841) inmates escaped;
We have also established that KANU is not alone in his subversive activities. He has accomplices in Nigeria and abroad, individuals and groups as well as state and non-state actors who are aiding and facilitating his campaign against the people and state of Nigeria. Some of the state actors aided KANU, even as a fugitive, in his destructive mission, ignoring the terrorist nature of his activities.
We call on these countries to desist from aiding subversive acts by KANU and IPOB against the state of Nigeria and its people. Conversely, there are some friendly countries which, recognising the status of IPOB as a terrorist organization, have either banned the activities of IPOB or placed KANU on Stop List. To these peace loving countries that have put KANU on their Stop Lists and banned IPOB from operating in their territories, we express our appreciation.
Similarly, the Federal Government has received the report on financers of Adeniyi Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a Sunday Igboho. The report revealed that Sunday Igboho is a Director and signatory to Adesun International Concept Limited registered on 23rd April, 2010. Adesun International Concept Limited also has Oladele Oyetunji and Aderopo Adeyemo as Directors. Sunday Igboho is linked to 43 bank accounts in 9 banks.
The major financier of the fugitive and separatists was found to be a Federal Law Maker in the National Assembly. A total sum of ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN MILLION, ONE AND FORTY-FIVE THOUSAND NAIRA ONLY (N127, 145,000.00) was received by Igboho from his financiers between 22nd October, 2013 and 28th September, 2020 through Adesun International Concept Ltd accounts.
A total sum of TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-THREE MILLION, ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-EIGHT THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED NAIRA ONLY (N273,198,200.00) transaction outflows was recorded from Sunday Igboho’s account between 15th March, 2013 and 11 the March, 2021.
Investigation reveals that Adesun International Concept Ltd (belonging to Igboho) transferred the sum of twelve million seven hundred and fifty thousand naira (N12, 750,000) to Abbal Bako & Sons.
It might be recalled that Abbal Bako & Sons and its promoter Abdullahi Umar Usman are suspects in the on-going Joint Terrorist Financing Investigation. Abdullahi Umar Usman is by way of financial transaction connected to SURAJO ABUBAKAR MUHAMMAD (who was sentenced to life imprisonment in UAE on charges of financing terrorism [Boko Haram]).
This report shows the nexus between separatists’ agitation, terrorism financing and disruptions of peace in the country.
The report found connections of financial transaction between Adesun International Concept Ltd (belonging to Igboho) and some construction companies and businesses among others.
Having received the reports, the Federal Government remains solute in its determination to have a peaceful Nigeria. The Federal Government will do the needful, within the context of the legal provisions, in ensuring that the matter is giving the deserved attention and those found guilty will be made to face the wrath of the law.
I thank you most sincerely.
Abubakar Malami, SAN
Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
PRESS RELEASE
2022 WAFCON: LAGOS FIRST LADY PAYS SURPRISE VISIT TO SUPER FALCONS IN TRAINING
…Rallies Support For Team To Qualify For Tournament
Ahead of the Super Falcons clash with the Black Queens of Ghana on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium, Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Friday paid a surprise visit to the Nigerian team during their training session at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
The Super Falcons had on Wednesday recorded a resounding two-goal victory against the Black Queens in their Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture played in Lagos.
The First Lady, who was in camp to motivate the Super Falcons, commended the team for their superlative performance against their opponents, just as she urged them to repeat the feat in Ghana on Sunday.
“First of all, I want to say thank you for the wonderful work you are doing out there. Thank you to the Coaches, too. Thank you for your resounding victory against Ghana on Wednesday. We are proud of you and we will continue to encourage and support you.
“You have done well by winning the first leg and we need you to go out there on Sunday and ensure that you bring home the three points needed to secure your qualification for the 12th Women Africa Cup of Nations holding in Morocco next year,” she said.
The First Lady also urged Nigerians to continue to support the team to make the nation proud.
Besides, Sanwo-Olu said the girls must understand the need to continue to make the nation proud, adding that this would motivate others, especially the girl-child.
According to her, “As you are winning, you are inspiring a lot of young girls out there. A lot of young girls are watching you, believing that they can do it also. The more you win; the more you inspire girls. So, go there and do what you have always done.
Responding, Super Falcons captain, Asisat Oshoala appreciated the First Lady for the visit, saying it would go a long way to spur them to do their best and ensure victory in Ghana on Sunday.
“We really do appreciate you for taking out time to identify with us. We will be heading to Ghana tomorrow. I promised we are going to put in our best to get the three points to qualify for the Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next year,” Oshoala said.
SIGNED
Olubukonla Nwonah
Asst Director, Public Affairs
Office of Lagos State First Lady
October 22, 2021
NIHOTOUR, NBS signs MoU to address data gap
The Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR, Nura Sani Kangiwa, has stated that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Institute and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is aimed at closing the existing data-gap in the hospitality and tourism industry of the country.
Kangiwa, who stated this in Abuja during the signing ceremony of the MoU with the NBS, noted that it will further deepen statistical development of sectoral databank necessary for planning within the tourism and hospitality industry.
According to a press release signed by Mr. Ahmed Sule, Director of Media and Public Relations, the NIHOTOUR boss observed that Statistics are critical to national planning, sound policy development and informed business decisions.
He said because research is an integral part of Institute’s mandate, it becomes imperative to seek partnership with NBS as an exclusive agency in verifying, approving, administering and publishing basic national statistical data for national economic and social development.
He further stated that for NIHOTOUR to effectively carry out its mandate as a research and allied institution saddled with the responsibility of the training of manpower needs in the Hospitality and Tourism industry as well as Coordinator of the Sector Skill Council in Nigeria, the Institute has established a vibrant Research and Development Unit to conduct industry-based research and generate data for the use of the industry, noting that partnership with NBS will fast-track the duties and functions of the Unit.
While he expressed his appreciation for the positive response and prompt action of the Bureau in ensuring a comprehensive package of the MoU, Kangiwa called for better synergy, cooperation and understanding in the successful implementation of the agreement for the benefit of the two agencies particularly in the discharge of their mandates, and for the socio-economic benefits of the country in general.
In his remarks at the occasion, the Statistician General of the Federation, Dr. Simon B. Harry, reiterated the relevance of data in policy formulation and implementation for national growth and development, assuring that NBS is prepared to work assiduously with NIHOTOUR in its efforts at addressing the dearth of accurate data in the nation’s hospitality and tourism industry.
Dr. Harry who observed that the absence of accurate data has been the bane for the abysmal performance of sectoral industrial growth and development, further noted that figures and information gathered cannot be said to be usable data until they are found to be accurate, verifiable, accessible, and available for user needs which essentially is what the Bureau intends to achieve for all sectors of the country.
He stated that the partnership between the Bureau and NIHOTOUR is a welcome development, adding that he looks forward to more of such partnerships with other Ministries, Agencies and Departments in the public sector as well as the Organized Private Sector for the general and overall growth and development of the country.
Management staff of both Agencies who were at hand to witness the signing ceremony of the MoU, expressed happiness for the synergy saying it will improve Inter-Ministerial, Department and Agency relations of the public sector of the country.