News From Nigeria
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “to use the mandates of INEC to pursue constitutional and legal reforms that would explicitly recognize Nigerians’ right to vote and to vote securely in free, fair and honest elections as a fundamental right.”
SERAP also urged him “to promote constitutional and legal reforms that would contain explicit mandatory provisions on internet voter registration, and the use of modern technology, including in casting and counting, voter registration and systems for reporting results.”
In the letter dated 28 October 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The explicit recognition of the right to vote and to vote securely would improve the right to representative democracy in the country.”
SERAP said, “The continuing resistance by politicians to bring the country’s electoral legal rules up to date with modern technology, and make the use of technology mandatory in our electoral process is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with Nigerians’ right to effectively participate in their own government.”
According to SERAP, “Large-scale election infrastructure insecurity poses serious threats to the fundamental right to vote that INEC can no longer ignore. The challenges facing the electoral process can be addressed by a swift adaptation and innovation in both election laws and election technology.”
The letter, read in part: “Democracy works best when everyone participates. Legally enforceable right to vote is the bedrock of any democratic society. The right to vote and to vote securely is too important to be left to the whims of politicians.”
“Confidence in the electoral process is on the decline. Many Nigerians are expressing concerns about the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.”
“Nigerian politicians have little incentive to pursue genuine constitutional and legal reforms that would improve the exercise by Nigerians of their right to participation in the electoral process and in the mechanisms of government.”
“INEC has constitutional and statutory responsibilities to promote and advance the right of eligible Nigerians to vote and to vote securely as part of their internationally recognized right to political participation.”
“Under section 2(b) of the Electoral Act 2022, the commission ‘shall have power to promote knowledge of sound democratic election processes.’ INEC also has the constitutional mandates to take the recommended measures under Section 153 of the Nigerian Constitution and paragraph 15(a) of the third schedule.”
“INEC has the mandates to promote, protect and facilitate the exercise of the right to vote and to vote securely as a fundamental right. Exercising such mandates would rebuild public confidence in the ability of the commission to effectively perform its responsibilities and to act in good faith.”
“The major problem facing the country’s democracy is the lack of respect for Nigerians’ right to participation and the concomitant lack of trust in election results. If citizens do not believe in the election process, then the entire system of democratic government becomes a questionable enterprise.”
“The explicit recognition of legally enforceable fundamental right to vote and to vote securely in free, fair and honest elections would protect the right to participation, safeguard and strengthen the credibility and integrity of the country’s democracy.”
“It would rein politicians who continue to abuse the electoral rules to distort and undermine the right to participation with almost absolute impunity. It would also amplify the voices of the people, not corrupt politicians, and modernize and secure the country’s future elections against any threats.”
“The country’s electoral legal rules are entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the requirements of the right to political participation, which is explicitly guaranteed under article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which Nigeria has ratified.”
“The right to vote and vote securely would also impose clear obligations on the electoral commission and other authorities to ensure the ‘will of the people’ in elections, and to administer elections in an objective and neutral manner, and in conformity with modern technology.”
“The crisis confronting Nigerian elections and lack of public trust and confidence in the electoral process can be addressed if the right of Nigerians to vote and to vote securely is explicitly recognized as justiciable constitutional right.”
“Nigerians do not currently enjoy explicit and enforceable right to vote and to vote securely. As the 2023 general elections have shown, the absence of this right in the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] has seriously undermined the right of Nigerians to effectively participate in their own government, and the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.”
“Although the Nigerian Constitution provides in Section 14(1)(c) that, ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution’, this is not recognized as legally enforceable fundamental human right.”
“Unless INEC urgently begins the process of pushing for the explicit recognition of Nigerians’ right to vote and to vote securely, politicians would continue to use the country’s antiquated electoral legal rules for personal gain, and to deny the people their right to participation.”
“We would be grateful if INEC begins the process of taking the recommended measures within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel INEC to comply with our requests in the public interest.”
“SERAP notes that ahead of the 2023 general elections, INEC disclosed that over seven million Nigerians who carried out their voter pre-registration online but could not complete the process at physical centres would not be entitled to vote.”
“The right to vote and to vote securely as well as the right of the people to expect representative government through the process of elections is basic to democracy.”
“Without the explicit constitutional recognition of the right to vote and to vote securely as a fundamental right, millions of Nigerians would continue to be denied their right to participate in their own government.”
“The Nigerian Constitution and Electoral Act are grossly inadequate to guarantee citizens’ right to political participation which encapsulates the right to vote and to vote securely. Our electoral legal rules are based on a set of archaic notions that do not serve the core function of participation and a representative democracy.”
“The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance explicitly assert the right to vote as part of the fundamental right to participate in democracy.”
“Article 25 of the Covenant, article 13 of the African Charter and articles 2, 3 and 4 of the African Charter on Democracy contain provisions on the right to participation. Nigerian electoral laws ought to be such that would give effect to the voters’ will and uphold the popular mandate through free, fair, and honest elections.”
“The right to vote in a democracy is important because so many other matters depend upon its exercise. Nigeria ought not to be stuck with electoral rules, structures and procedures that violate basic ideas of participation, fairness and representative government.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
29/10/2023
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
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A notable politician and business magnate, Andrew Anirejuoritse Aganbi, is dead.
‘’We are all deeply saddened by Andrew Aganbi’s passing, but his life and legacy will live on forever in our lives and in our hearts.’’ A statement from the family of renowned Itsekiri cleric and nonagenarian Bible translator, Deacon Stephen Ejueyitsi Aganbi, said on Saturday.
Popularly known as AK Khashoggi –Cash Man, Andrew Aganbi died on Saturday, September 30, 2023, in London.
The statement described the late politician and showbiz expert as a humble leader, an amazing human being, a source of inspiration and strength to relatives and associates.
‘’Andrew Aganbi’s conduct and character in life have been to the service of humanity’’.
The family said the death of the Delta top politician has created a vacuum difficult to be filled.
”The loss of the outstanding leader in the political and entertainment life of Delta State is devastating”.
The statement signed by Mr. Felix Aganbi, a business mogul, underscored the late politician’s extraordinary life and diverse contributions to the development of Delta State.,
‘’Andrew Aganbi’s funeral will begin on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, in London. Service of song will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 15 at Gateway Chapel, Camp David, 10 Kennel Road, Dartford DAI 4QN. Funeral mass will be held on Friday, November 17 at Church of the Good Shepherd, 79 Moorside Road, Downham, Bromley, BRI 5EP. Burial will be in Grove Park Cemetery, Marvel Lane, Grove Park, London, SE12 9PU while reception will take place at Asian Community, Hall Centre, White Hart Road, Thamesmead, SE18 1DG’’ the family said in the statement
The late politician left behind his brothers, sisters, wife, children and other relatives.
The statement also announced a celebration of Andrew Aganbi’s extraordinary life in Nigeria.
‘’A memorial golf tournament will take place on Friday, December 1, 2023, in Sapele. The traditional ceremony for the hospitality management expert will be held in Canaan Land, Koko on Saturday, December 2, thanksgiving and reception will be held on Sunday, December 3 in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government’’.
‘’ Born on January 30, 1964, Andrew Aganbi will be remembered for his energy, enthusiasm, generosity and great sense of humour’’ the statement said.
‘’ Andrew Aganbi was a warm, generous and kind-hearted man’’ the statement added.
“For Julius Berger, there is no challenge that has been too big, and no …The 2023 edition of the Julius Berger Group Investors Forum held recently via zoom with stakeholders and shareholders satisfied with the growth trajectory of the leading engineering construction company.
While providing participants at the forum with an update on Julius Berger’s business performance, strategy and operations in the 2023, as well as speaking to the outlook for the business of the company, the Managing Director, Engr Dr Lars Richter confidently said: “The company is transiting to a conglomerate by continually driving growth across our core businesses and our subsidiaries, through which we deliver value-added services along the entire value chain of the construction industry.”
According to Richter, “…our core business, which is our first pillar, continues to achieve stable growth and upholds our standards as Nigeria’s leading and most innovative construction company. We continue to drive economic growth and expansion in the country through our infrastructure projects, as well as development of industries through our building arm.” On the transnational expansion of the company’s business operations, the Managing Director said that “…We are expanding our value delivery to other regions of the continent, and we will continue to maintain our performance standards and drive innovation in the construction industry,” adding that, “the projects in our core business significantly contribute to economic growth and expansion, creating more efficient routes that drive trade and commerce and foster industry development.”
He said Julius Berger has a proven history of consistent performance and value delivery. Underscoring this, Richter highlighted the company’s measured expansion into a conglomerate, a development which he said, “has progressed with our diversification efforts through the launch of our cashew product, which is export market driven, coupled with growth in our subsidiaries.”
On the company’s performance within the period, the Managing Director said there was growth even as he was confident of greater performance beyond the period. Richter said, “Our top and bottom lines grew in the first half of the year, building on a very strong 2022 performance where we achieved record growth in turnover. On the back of this, we have sustained shareholder value delivery through the payments of dividends, alongside having a sound and robust governance as a key pillar of our business. We have achieved broad-based progress, notwithstanding the challenging environment, which speaks very highly of our resilience as a company.”
Stressing that Julius Berger’s over 50 years of operation has consolidated with it a reputation for renowned quality delivery in the country and beyond, creating value for its stakeholders, the Managing Director declared that the company’s strategy has been resilient, expanding its portfolio over the decades. Continuing, the Managing Director assured all of management’s determination to ensure positive transition of the company to “a conglomerate.” Giving an insight into the company’s planned transition into a conglomerate, Richter further revealed: “…at the heart of our conglomerate transition is our diversification pillar, which we successfully kick-started in 2020 through the cashew processing business. We expect to reap significant benefits from our diversification efforts in the medium to long-term. We have achieved notable success so far, including exporting processed cashews to the international market…. We are also looking at other sectors like healthcare, where we can create added value.”
On the Bodo-Bonny Road project and the Second River Niger Bridge, according to the MD, the company continues to make progress in constructing the first road link between Bonny Island and the mainland in River State even as he added that construction continues at a good pace on the milestone project and looks forward to the completion of the project to support the continued advancement of Bonny Island and the Niger Delta in its entirety.
On the recently completed and commissioned Second River Niger Bridge, the Managing Director described it as a key national infrastructure with immense socioeconomic benefits for the contiguous states and indeed the entire nation just as he said the Abuja Kano Road where sections thereof were recently commissioned, only the Abuja to Kaduna section is yet to be completed because of banditry on that section of the busy highway all through last year.
The Managing Director also spoke of other projects such building projects in Lagos, the iconic architectural edifice, the worship centre in Uyo, contributions to the gas and oil business with Julius Berger’s unique construction expertise, as well as the company’s highly effective facility management works by which the company contributes as well to maintenance and refurbishment especially in Lagos and in Abuja.
For Julius Berger’s subsidiaries, Richter said, remarkable progress and development are being made even as he said that the company plans to sustain the trajectory through the continued provision of exceptional service and products to its clientele and the introduction of new products and services to the market.
On Julius Berger’s sustainability and governence policy, Richter said sustainability is embedded in the company’s business, adding that sustainable business is the best business. “We constantly assess the impact of our operations and actively generate shared value for our company, employees, communities, and in the region where we operate. We support and have embodied within our processes the 15 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We also prioritise environmental sustainability and have mechanisms in place that monitor emissions and manage waste,” he further said
On the company’s corporate governence policy, Richter said: “We have an effective enterprise risk management process, adhere to reporting standards and regulations and consistently engage with all our stakeholders. We also recently established a board strategy committee to place strategy at the heart of our sustainability and resilience. Our board recognises the importance of sustainability for long-term value creation.”
Speaking on the community engagement policy of the company, the Managing Director said: “We also maintain a robust Corporate Social Responsibility operation through various initiatives that focus on community welfare, employee development, diversity, and inclusion amongst other social initiatives. Some of our CSR initiatives include the provision of classroom buildings and school furniture as well as scholarships to students in construction-related departments across Nigeria’s universities. The MD added that, Julius Berger also has a food and medical donation policy during critical emergencies in the company’s operational sites and regions.
Speaking on the financial highlights of the company within the period to provide additional information to participants at the Forum, Director of Finance, Christian Hausemann said due to management’s rigorous cost management, gross profit, operating profit, and pre-tax margins have improved compared to 2022, despite the local and global inflation environment.
Hausemann said, both of the company’s assets and equity “have recorded very positive trends.” Hausemann added that the company invested in property, plant, and equipment to support its growth and diversification strategy. “The upward trend in return on equity continued and is recorded at an annualised rate of 15.8% as of June, which demonstrates JBN’s ability to create value for its shareholders,” he said. Saying “We are on the right track”, the Financial Director, Hausemann further added that the company’s return on assets which was negatively affected in 2020 rebounded positively from 2021 to 2023, reflecting a sustained upward trend in Julius Berger’s business activity.
At the Questions and Answers session, both Richter, the Managing Director, and Hausemann, the Financial Director, cleared any doubts whatsoever coming from shareholders amidst pledges to deliver greater dividends by year ending and going forward.
Representatives of Julius Berger at the Investors Forum were: Managing Director, Lars Richter, Director, Administration, Zubairu Bayi, Director Corporate Development, Tobias Meletschus, Company Secretary, Mrs Cecilia Mahueke, Finance Manager, Miss Joy Isen and Chief Risk Officer, Mrs Shakira Mustapha, with shareholders, including Oluwatosin Kalejaiye and Dele Akande actively participating.
Supreme Court dismisses Atiku’s Appeal challenging the Judgement of the Presidential Election Petition court, for lacking in merit.
Justice Okoro also said the testimonies of Atiku and Obi’s state collation officers are merely hearsays.
According to him, it was impossible for the testifiers to be in all parts of their states at the same time to prove their case that there was electoral fraud.
On 25% votes, the Supreme Court upholds the Appeal Court’s ruling on FCT.
Justice Okoro said the decision of the Appeal Court is unassailable.
On the petition seeking to nullify Tinubu’s election on non-compliance with the electronic transmission of results, the Supreme Court ruled: When IREV fails, it does not stop the collation of results. The non-function of IREV does not reduce voters’ confidence.
On these grounds, Justice Okoro said the application is hereby dismissed and refused.
He said Atiku failed to convince the Supreme Court why he waited until the PEPC concluded the appellant’s suit. Justice Okoro said Atiku’s lawyers were tardy and not diligent in obtaining the documents from CSU.
Justice Okoro noted that Atiku’s attempt to introduce fresh evidence with a view to extend the time to adjudicate the case is unfortunate.
Consequently, he said, since the Presidential Election Petition Court has no jurisdiction to entertain fresh evidence, the Supreme Court has no jurisdiction to accept fresh evidence.
He said it has to be noted that the 180 days imposed is immutable, and cannot be extended.
According to him, on this application, fresh evidence is not received as a matter of cause.
After the expiration of the time limit by the Electoral Act, he said petitioner shall not be allowed to amend their petitions after the 21 days allowed by law.
Citing section 182 of the Electoral Ect, Justice Okoro says Atiku failed to apply to the court to amend his petition to bring fresh evidence against Tinubu.
He says it is shocking to have Atiku’s argument in print knowing how election petitions have suffered delays in the past.
Justice Okoro said it is unfortunate to go back to the dark old days.
He said he has carefully perused the record of appeal. According to him, Atiku filed the appeal on the last day of the time frame allowed to lodge an appeal.
The 180 days prescribed by the law lapsed on 17 September 2023. In the circumstance of this case, he said the case cannot activate Section 22 of the Supreme Court Act to admit fresh evidence.
He added that jurisdiction is the fulcrum upon which a court’s decisions are based.
For this court to receive fresh evidence, the application runs foul of the evidence act, he said.
He says the jurisdiction of the court is at the foundation of adjudication.
Justice Okoro recalls Chris Uche’s arguments regarding the difficulty in obtaining Tinubu’s academic records from CSU. He says he will start from the beginning which is on jurisdiction.
He says it is crystal clear that the law of Nigeria does not allow anyone to adduce additional evidence on appeal, according to the Lead Counsel to Tinubu, Wole Olanikpekun.
The Justice recounts President Tinubu’s effort to thwart the release of his Chicago State University (CSU) academic documents to Atiku and how the President’s request was overruled by a US Court.
He says Tinubu filed an 11-paragraph counter affidavit to Atiku’s application to tender fresh evidence against the President.
Atiku Abubakar’s plea to file fresh evidence against President Bola Tinubu hits rock
The Supreme Court has dismissed Atiku Abubakar’s plea to file fresh evidence against President Bola Tinubu.
Justice Inyang Okoro delivered the verdict on Thursday during the hearing of the appeals filed against Bola Tinubu’s win at the Presidential Election Tribunal Court (PEPC).
Atiku had approached the court to grant him the leave to bring more evidence to establish that Tinubu submitted a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Atiku’s counsel Chris Uche (SAN), said the 32-page document released to his client should be admitted in the interest of justice.
But Justice Okoro said the time frame to admit such evidence has elapsed.
He cited Section 285(5) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which provides for the PEPC to hear and determine all petitions arising from the presidential election.
He said since the 180 days had expired on September 17, the Supreme Court had no jurisdiction to admit the document
The Court ruled that the non-availability of election results on the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) is no ground for the nullification of the February 2023 presidential election.
Justice Inyang Okoro, leader of the five-panel of Supreme Court justices said it is clear that the petition seeking to nullify the election for noncompliance must not only be ready to prove how the non-compliance affected the outcome election but must be ready to give evidence.
According to him, the petitioner abandoned the duties imposed on them to prove the gravity of noncompliance and its effect.
Justice Okoro said the Electoral Act empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine the best method to use during an election.
He added that the unavailability of results on the IReV, cannot be a ground to nullify the the election.
Justice Okoro says the petitioner needed to lay credible evidence to prove the alleged noncompliance. According to him, he has not produced an original or certified true copy of the evidence they want the court to rely on.
He held that the non-availability of the presidential election results on the IReV Portal did not affect the outcome of the election.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS ELDER STATESMAN, ADAMU FIKA
President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief over the passing of Alhaji Adamu Fika, elder statesman and one-time Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, who died on Tuesday at the age of 90.
President Tinubu, in mourning the Wazirin Fika, recalled the salient roles he played in nurturing the enduring institution responsible for the articulation and implementation of public policies at a trying time for the Federal Civil Service.
He said the late Fika’s contributions both as Head of Service and chairman of different civil service reform panels were indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s history.
“Alhaji Adamu Fika’s life of service to Nigeria saw him hold various important positions, before his elevation to the Office of Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; a post he held until his retirement,” the President said.
Condoling with the government and people of Yobe State, President Tinubu said Alhaji Fika left behind a legacy of accomplishments, integrity, passion for service, and commitment worthy of emulation by public servants and other compatriots.
“May Allah forgive his sins and grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” the President prayed.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 25, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
UPDATED: PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS TEN INEC RESIDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSIONERS
By powers vested in him by Section 154 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, Amended) and Section 6 of the Electoral Act (2022), President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of ten (10) new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a term of five (5) years each, subject to the confirmation of the Nigerian Senate:
Mr. Etekamba Umoren — Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Mr. Isah Shaka Ehimeakne — Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola — Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Mr. Abubakar Ahmed Ma’aji — Gombe State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Mr. Shehu Wahab — Kwara State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi — Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Mr. Aminu Kasimu Idris — Nasarawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Prof. Mohammed Yelwa — Niger State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Dr. Anugbum Onuoha — Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Mr. Isma’ila Kaura Moyi — Zamfara State Resident Electoral Commissioner
President Tinubu expects the new appointees to abide by the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties, in accordance with his determination to facilitate the establishment of a new and sustainable standard of transparent, fair, and conflict-free electoral conduct.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
‘LAGOS CHIEF IMAM DYNASTY, AN INSTITUTION FOR STABILITY’ — SANWO-OLU
The role played by the Muslim community in shaping the socio-religious values of Lagos dates back to the period of introduction of Islam to Yoruba land, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said.
The Governor said the unbroken service by the House of Chief Imam of Lagos towards strengthening the peace and tolerance in the State over the centuries has elevated Lagos Central Mosque (Moshalashi Jimoh) as a critical faith institution promoting the stability in the State.
Sanwo-Olu spoke at the ceremony organised by the Lagos Central Mosque to mark 100 Years Remembrance of the late Chief Imam Ibrahim Ankuri and 170 Years of the Turbaning of the late Chief Imam Nafiu Gana.
The Governor, his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the State cabinet physically graced the event held in the mosque hall at Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Lagos Island.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos Muslim community had built centuries old legacy of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, stressing that the community’s deployment of Islamic and conventional teachings to strengthen the moral ethos fundamentally transformed the State’s moral values.
The Governor urged the community to continue to emulate the values bequeathed by the late Imam Ibrahim, asking the Muslims to devote themselves to activities that would protect the legacy laid down by the House of Imam.
He said: “The centenary anniversary prayer of the former Chief Imam of Ibrahim Ankuri presents a unique occasion that brings together all Muslims in Lagos to reflect on the historic legacy bequeathed by the spiritual leader of this great Islamic institution in our State. This centenary event is a significant moment in the calendar of Lagos Islamic community, which has become a critical institution that laid a good foundation that we are all enjoying today in our State.
“For me, there is no better show of appreciation and love to the Muslim community than to physically come to the Lagos Central Mosque and join them in reflecting on the good legacy passed down to us. The essence of this event is woven into the history Lagos, because the Chief Imam’s dynasty has endured for centuries, shaping socio-religious values and strengthening the peaceful coexistence. I enjoin our Muslim family in Lagos to protect this good legacy and pass it on to the next generations.”
Sanwo-Olu described religious institutions as stakeholders in governance process, noting that religious leaders played critical roles towards enhancing social order and justice.
He pledged that his Government would continue to engage with the faith organisations and draw from their teachings to foster understanding and unity in the State.
The Governor directed immediate restoration of water supply in the Lagos Central Mosque in response to the request by the Muslim community.
The late Chief Imam Ibrahim Ankuri, born in 1825 in lga Iduganran, was a distinguished Islamic figure who hailed from the family of Chief Imam Nofiu Gana of Isale Eko.
Ibrahim’s exposure to Islamic teachings ignited his passion for the faith, fostering a deep and profound understanding of Islam.
In 1891, the late Ibrahim was appointed the Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque based on his devotion to promoting Islamic faith within Isale Eko community and beyond.
Imam Ibrahim’s influence played key roles in exposing Muslim children to western education. Under his guidance, the first Muslim school – Government Muslim School – was officially inaugurated in 1896, after which Islamiyah Grammar School was founded on Bamgbose Street, Lagos Island.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
25 OCTOBER 2023
By powers vested in him by Section 154 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, Amended) and Section 6 of the Electoral Act (2022), President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of nine (9) new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a term of five (5) years each, subject to the confirmation of the Nigerian Senate:
Mr. Isah Shaka Ehimeakne — Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Mr. Bamidele Agbede — Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Mr. Jani Adamu Bello — Gombe State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Dr. Taiye Ilayasu — Kwara State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi — Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Alhaji Yahaya Bello — Nasarawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Prof. Mohammed Yalwa — Niger State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Dr. Anugbum Onuoha — Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Mr. Abubakar Fawa Dambo — Zamfara State Resident Electoral Commissioner
President Tinubu expects the new appointees to abide by the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties, in accordance with his determination to facilitate the establishment of a new and sustainable standard of transparent, fair, and conflict-free electoral conduct in Nigeria.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 25, 2023
At 2023 Norman Borlaug International Dialogue: VP Shettima Says Nigeria Emerging Best Investment Hub for Agribusiness
***Says we’re exploring innovative strategies to achieve food, nutrition security
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has wooed foreign investors to invest in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, assuring them that the country is ready for agribusiness.
He said Nigeria remained the best place to invest given its 70 million hectares of underutilised arable land, which, according to him, is 75% of the country’s total land mass.
Senator Shettima, who stated this on Tuesday in Iowa, United States, during the 2023 Norman Borlaug International Dialogue, noted that there were substantial opportunities in Nigeria for local and foreign investors to boost agricultural productivity.
The Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, also referred to as the “Borlaug Dialogue,” is a gathering of individuals from more than 65 countries fully prepared to address cutting-edge issues related to global food security and nutrition.
Speaking at this year’s edition of the Dialogue with the theme, “Harnessing Change,” the Vice President told the gathering that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s watch, Nigeria has since demonstrated that the Agrifood sector was a top priority.
Delivering his address titled, “Nigeria’s Agribusiness Roadmap for a Prosperous Future,” VP Shettima said, “Our primary objective is to empower our farmers and attract investors. We are increasing primary production to harness the economic potential of agro-processing and industrialisation. This is why, upon assuming office, the President declared a state of emergency in agriculture.
“The connection between food and national security is too significant for us not to be alarmed by happenings around the world, whether in response to unforeseen disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic or the geopolitical frictions around us.”
Restating Nigeria’s firm belief in the power of partnership, the VP explained that it was for this reason that the country had prioritized interventions, which he said present profound economic opportunities for investors.
He listed the interventions to include the National Agriculture Growth Scheme (NAGS), the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), the Green Imperative Project (GIP) and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programmes.
“Allow me to share that Nigeria understands the essence of partnerships in sustaining the dreams and promises that have brought us together today. This is why we are already collaborating with institutions such as the African Development Bank, the World Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Islamic Development Bank, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to achieve food and nutrition security in Nigeria and beyond.
“With the invaluable support of our partners, we are exploring innovative strategies to transform this quest for food security into a thriving enterprise,” Senator Shettima stated.
The Vice President highlighted critical areas Nigeria was assisting its farmers to increase productivity, including essential infrastructure for industries to increase their capacity.
He said, “With about 70 million hectares of underutilized arable land, which is 75% of our total land area, Nigeria offers a substantial opportunity to both local and foreign investors to boost agricultural productivity. This is why we’ve embraced the TAAT, GIP, and SAPZ programmes and are investing in agricultural research through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).
“This is why we are helping our farmers increase production and providing essential infrastructure for industries in peri-urban areas to expand their capacity. This, yes this, is the wisdom for our resolve to establish Mechanization Service Centres in all our 774 Local Government Areas to facilitate essential primary production services.”
He further stated that, while much of the demand for agribusiness products was satisfied through imports, the Tinubu administration is dedicated to reversing Nigeria’s over-reliance on importation.
VP Shettima noted that apart from the fact that its strategic location in West Africa provides easy access to regional and international markets, Nigeria was also poised to dismantle investment barriers.
This, he said, is being achieved through a supportive policy framework such as the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP).
He continued: “Because we believe that import rules are a significant factor, we’ve established a policy of zero duties on agricultural machinery and imposed restrictions on certain agricultural commodities to stimulate local production. We are also offering preferential financing and subsidies, exemplified by an agricultural credit guarantee scheme that guarantees up to 75% of loans for agricultural ventures.
“We’ve also introduced a range of tax incentives, including tax holidays, deductions for locally sourced materials, labour incentives, and pioneer status incentives, making it easier to conduct business. Notably, we’ve opened the doors to foreign investors, allowing them to have 100% ownership in companies and repatriate their profits and dividends without hindrance.”
Declaring that Nigeria was ready for agribusiness, the Vice President pointed out that the country was “committed to the journey towards a world where food security and nutrition are not luxuries but fundamental rights for all.”
While introducing VP Shettima earlier, Ambassador Terry Branstad, President of the World Food Prize Foundation and former U.S. Ambassador to China, described the Nigerian Vice President as a rare African statesman whose leadership qualities, loyalty as well as sense of commitment to nationhood and development can best be described as legendary.
He expressed optimism that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidency would be successful given its devotion to results-oriented diplomacy.
Attending the Dialogue with the Vice President are governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, Miinister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Consul General (New York), Amb. Lot Egopija, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement (Office of the Vice President), Dr Kingsley Uzoma, among others.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to
The President, Media and Communications,
(Office of the Vice President)
25th October, 2023
President Tinubu Appoints New Leadership in the Marine and Blue Economy Sector
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of two new Chief Executive Officers in Parastatals and Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in line with the recommendations of the Honourable Minister, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola:
Managing Director / CEO, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) — Alhaji Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji
Executive Secretary / CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) — Mr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima
Alhaji Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji is a graduate of Banking and Finance and holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Business Administration. He is an Economist with industry experience of more than 28 years before he entered the public service. In the public service, he first reversed the downward trajectory of the Osun State Investment Company Limited before serving as the Osun State Commissioner of Finance for eight years.
Mr. Akutah Ukeyima is a graduate of Law and holds a Master’s degree in Public International Law from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He most recently served as the Head of the Central Authority Unit, International Cooperation in Criminal Matters, Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
President Bola Tinubu tasks the new appointees in this vital sector to faithfully implement the policies and programmes of the Honourable Minister in pursuit of the expeditious and efficient attainment of bolstered revenues and investments as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s Blue Economy strategy.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 25, 2023
Seven EFCC operatives attacked, held hostage by staff and students of the Federal College of Forestry, Idi-shin Estate, Ibadan
Seven operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on routine verification exercise of a surety: Azeez Kazeem Oluwakemi were, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, attacked and held hostage by staff and students of the Federal College of Forestry, Idi-shin Estate, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The operatives were in the college to authenticate the address and identity of Oluwakemi, who stood as a surety for Alakinde Khalid Kolawole, a suspected internet fraudster in the custody of the Commission. A surety verification exercise is a standard law enforcement practice for the perfection of bail conditions of a suspect. This fact occasioned the mission of EFCC’s operatives at the college.
For some inscrutable reasons, students and staff of the college went on a frenzy of attacks against operatives of the EFCC, who were on an authorized assignment. This is in spite of the fact that the college community was duly informed about the mission of the EFCC’s team. The college’s Student Union President, in concert with his colleagues and some staff of the institution, reportedly ignited violent confrontation with operatives of the EFCC. Two main entrance gates to the college were barricaded with a car believed to be owned by one of the lecturers of the college. The bus that conveyed operatives to the college was vandalized, even, as students and staff of the college threw stones and dangerous objects at the vehicle. A rescue team that came successfully released the seven operatives held hostage by the riotous crowd.
It is noteworthy that, operatives of the Commission exercised restraint in the face of the unprovoked attack and refrained from applying any force against the belligerent attackers. No student or staff of the college was shot, as armed operatives merely fired into the air to disperse the unruly crowd.
The Commission wishes to assure the public that it will continue to perform its duties in line with its mandate, and unprovoked attacks against personnel of the Commission will no longer be tolerated.
Media & Publicity
October 24, 2023
NYSC warns Corps employers and others found to be aiding and abetting absenteeism of Corps members from the national service
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Wednesday threatened to apply appropriate sanctions against Corps employers and others found to be aiding and abetting absenteeism and abscondment of Corps members from the national service.
Director, NYSC Northwest area office, Mr. Kehinde Aremu who stated this in his keynote address at the 2023 Corps employers’ workshop in Kaduna noted that with the introduction of biometric verification for both primary and secondary assignments, clearance of Corps members and perpetration of sharp practices have been reduced.
Represented by the Deputy Director Operations, Northwest Area Office of NYSC, Abdulkarim Alima the Director added that the management of the Scheme would continue to sanitise the process to eradicate all forms of malpractices in the system.
On the area of rejection of Corps members by their prospective employers, he said, as far as Corps rejection is concerned, “NYSC is trying as .much as possible to post Corps members to where their course of study is needed based on request.
“We know if a Corps employer requests for Corps members, we know the issue of rejection will not arise. When they are rejected, we repost them to where they are needed.
“We are appealing to our Corps employers to be flexible with Corps members. They should look at their welfare in terms of transport and accommodation.
“It is the responsibility of Corps employers to accommodate them and in a situation where that is not possible, they pay them in place of that a reasonable amount considering the present economic realities in the Country”, he said.
Representative of one of the Corps employers in the State, Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Day Secondary School, Kaduna, Major Ajibola Usman attributed occasional Corps members’ rejection to inadequate facilities to accommodate them in his school.
“Usually we accommodate a lot of Corps members. However, as a result of the requirement of institutions like ours, there may be no need for having too many Corps members posted to us at the same time.
“In a situation where the school can only take care of 20 Corps members and you are having 40, there will be the need for rejection because you don’t plan for such a number”, he said.
Another Corps employer at the event, Mrs. Ganiyat Gafar called for system strengthening rather than calling the scraping of the scheme considering its impact on the Country’s workforce.
“The workshop is educative because many of us are just employing Corps members without knowing the nitty-gritty of what it takes. We are going to work on some of the things we were told here.
“Corps members have been up and doing. A Corps member from Bayelsa did so much while taking physics in my school and today, he has settled down in Zaria and doing well for himself.
“So, NYSC should be strengthened because the scheme is deploying these young Nigerians to unite the Country”, she said.
Coordinator of the Scheme in the State, Mr. Hassan Mahmud Taura said the purpose of the workshop was to brainstorm and to arrive at the possible best way to improve the welfare of Corps members in their places of primary assignments.
Timipre Sylva, Joshua Maciver, APC excluded from final list of candidates ahead of November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has excluded the name of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timipre Sylva, from the final list of candidates ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State.
The amended list which was uploaded on the commission’s website on Tuesday was signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
The column for the names of the APC candidate and his running mate, Joshua Maciver, was left blank with “court order” remarks on it.
According to Oriaran-Anthony, the action of the commission was in obedience to court orders on the lists, served on the commission.
Supreme Court gives judgement Thursday on appeals filed by Abubakar Atiku and Peter Obi
The Supreme Court has slated Thursday for judgement on the appeals filed by the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Abubakar Atiku, and Labour Party, Peter Obi.
The judgement will lay to rest the legal disputes over the 25 February presidential election.
Atiku and Mr Obi had appealed against the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) which dismissed their petitions challenging the outcome of the 25 February presidential election and affirmed the election of President Bola Tinubu.
The Director of Information of the Supreme Court, Festus Akande, confirmed the information to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.
Court jails Sadiq Mustapha.
The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, October 23, 2023, secured the conviction and sentencing of one Sadiq Mustapha to one year imprisonment.
He was jailed by Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, after pleading guilty to one -count amended charge bordering on cheating to the tune of N3, 900.000.00 (Three Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira only).
The charge reads: “That you Sadiq Mustapha on or about 10th day of August, 2017, at Maiduguri, within the judicial division of this Honourable Court, did fraudulently induce Yawudi Zarma to deliver to you the sum of Three Million Nine Hundred Thousand Naira, N3, 900, 000.00, under the guise that the said amount represent payment for the purchase of a plot of land covered by grant right of occupancy No. BO/2065/16, Plot No. 7 on BOTP/64, Pompomari Industrial Layout, Maiduguri which you claimed to be the owner and thereby committed an Offence Contrary to Section 320 (a) of the Penal Code Law Cap. 102 Laws of Borno State and Punishable under Section 323 of the same Law.”
The defendant pleaded ‘guilty’ to the charge when it was read to him. In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, A. I Arogha, prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.
Justice Fadawu thereafter sentenced and convicted him to year imprisonment, with an option of fine of N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira only).
Mustapha’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested by operatives of the Maiduguri’s Zonal Command of the EFCC for obtaining the sum of N3.9million from a petitioner as a payment for a plot of land. He neither delivered the land to the buyer nor returned his money to him.
Media & Publicity
October 24, 2023
Olukoyede urges EFCC staff to immediately declare their assets in line with civil service regulations and procedures
As a bold move towards accountability and internal cleansing, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has directed staff of the Commission to immediately declare their assets in line with civil service regulations and procedures.
He gave the directive on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission in Abuja while addressing senior staff of the EFCC. Olukoyede stressed that, fighting corruption required those at the vanguard to be above board.
“All of us are going to declare our assets; from level 17, downward. I did mine, so there’s no reason for anyone to be afraid to do same. Even the Commission Secretary did, you all may also have done it in the past, but there’s need for all of us to do it again. We will declare our assets, and we are going to investigate it. We must live above board by setting the pace with good examples. As anti- corruption fighters, our hands must be clean, so we must declare our assets”, he said.
He called on staff of the Commission to pay more premium attention to the basis of fighting economic and financial crimes, pointing out that, such efforts should be geared towards growing the economy of the nation, creating rightful environment for enhanced investment and strengthening the productive base of the economy. “ We must do our job to add values to the nation. Investors must have confidence in the economy and we must help the country to be governed in an accountable and transparent manner. By doing this, it will offer us a new direction to redeem the image of the nation”, he said.
He also charged staff of the Commission to be professional, thorough in their engagements, rich in integrity and be non-partisan. “Please, I beg you, let’s our hands be clean and put our house in order. Some may not like me, but I am going to do the right thing and treat everybody equally irrespective of religion, ethnicity and region”. He assured staff of better welfare package, enhanced training and equal opportunities to ensure higher productivity. He warned “ those compromising their works and positon to desist from such conduct, as dire consequences await every unsavoury tendency”.
The EFCC boss assured the Commission’s staff that adherence to the rule of law would be an article of faith and defining principle of work. “ The EFCC is a creation of the law. We must do our job in line with the dictates of the law. This is a standard international practice and we would ensure that it is our established norm”, he said.
Media & Publicity
October 24, 2023
GOV AKEREDOLU RECEIVES SOUTHWEST GOVERNORS, HARPS ON CONTINUOUS COLLABORATION
Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON, on Tuesday, 24th October, 2023, met with Governors from the region to discuss issues of interest.
The Governors present at the meeting were Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Engr. Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Mr. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti.
Governor Akeredolu, who appreciated the Governors for their solidarity, harped on continuous collaboration among the Southwest States.
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde said the Forum is praying for Governor Akeredolu, adding that he has the support of all the Governors in the region.
The Governors discussed National and other Issues affecting the region and the people.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
October 24, 2023.
GOV AKEREDOLU APPROVES 100% HAZARD ALLOWANCE PAYMENT FOR DOCTORS
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON, has approved the payment of 100 percent hazard allowance to medical Doctors on the state government payroll.
The payment of the allowance will take effect from 2nd October, 2023
The Chairman of NMA in Ondo state, Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise.
He said this will in no small measure make work interesting for the doctors.
According to him, the state government has again demonstrated that it is committed to the welfare of health personnel in the state.
He also enjoined the Governor to as a matter of urgency direct the speed up of the recruitment process of health workers as promised .
President Tinubu Receives ‘Quick Win Report’ on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja received the ‘Quick Win Report’ on fiscal policy and tax reforms from the Committee tasked with improving the nation’s revenue profile and business environment.
Responding to a presentation by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, the President commended their work and assured them of his support for the review and implementation of key recommendations.
”I have listened attentively to your report. Charting the critical path forward for Nigeria’s economic recovery is crucial to all of us. I want to say thank you to your delegation,” he said.
President Tinubu granted the request of the Committee to address a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and apprise cabinet members of their work and expected outcomes to facilitate economic growth.
The President directed Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, to coordinate with the relevant government officials for the session.
In his remarks, the Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, pledged to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the Committee, as they may apply, pending the approval of the President.
Mr. Adedeji declared that beyond supporting the fiscal and tax reforms, the FIRS will explore opportunities to diversify the nation’s revenue sources, as the historical overreliance on oil has made the economy vulnerable.
”Nigeria’s fiscal policy serves as the foundation of economic stability. It dictates how the government collects, manages and allocates resources for the betterment of our people. A well-developed fiscal policy is crucial for provision of infrastructure, healthcare, education and social services to our growing population. Tax reforms are an integral part of a robust fiscal policy.
”While our current tax system has contributed significantly to our revenue, there remains room for further enhancement; enhancement that can be driven with digital technology. To achieve this, we are collaborating with the Presidential Committee to streamline our tax laws, improve voluntary compliance, and expand the tax base to ensure equity and fairness,” the Acting FIRS Chairman said.
In his prayers to the President, Mr. Oyedele, among others, called for an emergency economic intervention bill (Executive Bill) and the issuance of Presidential Executive Orders to address the duplication of functions across the public service, and to ensure prudent public financial management in a bid to optimize value from government assets and natural resources.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 24, 2023
By powers vested in him by Section 154 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, Amended) and Section 6 of the Electoral Act (2022), President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of nine (9) new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a term of five (5) years each, subject to the confirmation of the Nigerian Senate:
Mr. Isah Shaka Ehimeakne — Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Mr. Bamidele Agbede — Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Mr. Jani Adamu Bello — Gombe State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Dr. Taiye Ilayasu — Kwara State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi — Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Alhaji Yahaya Bello — Nasarawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Prof. Mohammed Yalwa — Niger State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Dr. Anugbum Onuoha — Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Mr. Abubakar Fawa Dambo — Zamfara State Resident Electoral Commissioner
President Tinubu expects the new appointees to abide by the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties, in accordance with his determination to facilitate the establishment of a new and sustainable standard of transparent, fair, and conflict-free electoral conduct in Nigeria.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 25, 2023
At 2023 Norman Borlaug International Dialogue: VP Shettima Says Nigeria Emerging Best Investment Hub for Agribusiness
***Says we’re exploring innovative strategies to achieve food, nutrition security
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has wooed foreign investors to invest in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, assuring them that the country is ready for agribusiness.
He said Nigeria remained the best place to invest given its 70 million hectares of underutilised arable land, which, according to him, is 75% of the country’s total land mass.
Senator Shettima, who stated this on Tuesday in Iowa, United States, during the 2023 Norman Borlaug International Dialogue, noted that there were substantial opportunities in Nigeria for local and foreign investors to boost agricultural productivity.
The Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, also referred to as the “Borlaug Dialogue,” is a gathering of individuals from more than 65 countries fully prepared to address cutting-edge issues related to global food security and nutrition.
Speaking at this year’s edition of the Dialogue with the theme, “Harnessing Change,” the Vice President told the gathering that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s watch, Nigeria has since demonstrated that the Agrifood sector was a top priority.
Delivering his address titled, “Nigeria’s Agribusiness Roadmap for a Prosperous Future,” VP Shettima said, “Our primary objective is to empower our farmers and attract investors. We are increasing primary production to harness the economic potential of agro-processing and industrialisation. This is why, upon assuming office, the President declared a state of emergency in agriculture.
“The connection between food and national security is too significant for us not to be alarmed by happenings around the world, whether in response to unforeseen disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic or the geopolitical frictions around us.”
Restating Nigeria’s firm belief in the power of partnership, the VP explained that it was for this reason that the country had prioritized interventions, which he said present profound economic opportunities for investors.
He listed the interventions to include the National Agriculture Growth Scheme (NAGS), the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), the Green Imperative Project (GIP) and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programmes.
“Allow me to share that Nigeria understands the essence of partnerships in sustaining the dreams and promises that have brought us together today. This is why we are already collaborating with institutions such as the African Development Bank, the World Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Islamic Development Bank, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to achieve food and nutrition security in Nigeria and beyond.
“With the invaluable support of our partners, we are exploring innovative strategies to transform this quest for food security into a thriving enterprise,” Senator Shettima stated.
The Vice President highlighted critical areas Nigeria was assisting its farmers to increase productivity, including essential infrastructure for industries to increase their capacity.
He said, “With about 70 million hectares of underutilized arable land, which is 75% of our total land area, Nigeria offers a substantial opportunity to both local and foreign investors to boost agricultural productivity. This is why we’ve embraced the TAAT, GIP, and SAPZ programmes and are investing in agricultural research through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).
“This is why we are helping our farmers increase production and providing essential infrastructure for industries in peri-urban areas to expand their capacity. This, yes this, is the wisdom for our resolve to establish Mechanization Service Centres in all our 774 Local Government Areas to facilitate essential primary production services.”
He further stated that, while much of the demand for agribusiness products was satisfied through imports, the Tinubu administration is dedicated to reversing Nigeria’s over-reliance on importation.
VP Shettima noted that apart from the fact that its strategic location in West Africa provides easy access to regional and international markets, Nigeria was also poised to dismantle investment barriers.
This, he said, is being achieved through a supportive policy framework such as the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP).
He continued: “Because we believe that import rules are a significant factor, we’ve established a policy of zero duties on agricultural machinery and imposed restrictions on certain agricultural commodities to stimulate local production. We are also offering preferential financing and subsidies, exemplified by an agricultural credit guarantee scheme that guarantees up to 75% of loans for agricultural ventures.
“We’ve also introduced a range of tax incentives, including tax holidays, deductions for locally sourced materials, labour incentives, and pioneer status incentives, making it easier to conduct business. Notably, we’ve opened the doors to foreign investors, allowing them to have 100% ownership in companies and repatriate their profits and dividends without hindrance.”
Declaring that Nigeria was ready for agribusiness, the Vice President pointed out that the country was “committed to the journey towards a world where food security and nutrition are not luxuries but fundamental rights for all.”
While introducing VP Shettima earlier, Ambassador Terry Branstad, President of the World Food Prize Foundation and former U.S. Ambassador to China, described the Nigerian Vice President as a rare African statesman whose leadership qualities, loyalty as well as sense of commitment to nationhood and development can best be described as legendary.
He expressed optimism that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidency would be successful given its devotion to results-oriented diplomacy.
Attending the Dialogue with the Vice President are governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, Miinister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Consul General (New York), Amb. Lot Egopija, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement (Office of the Vice President), Dr Kingsley Uzoma, among others.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to
The President, Media and Communications,
(Office of the Vice President)
25th October, 2023
President Tinubu Appoints New Leadership in the Marine and Blue Economy Sector
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of two new Chief Executive Officers in Parastatals and Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in line with the recommendations of the Honourable Minister, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola:
Managing Director / CEO, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) — Alhaji Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji
Executive Secretary / CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) — Mr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima
Alhaji Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji is a graduate of Banking and Finance and holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Business Administration. He is an Economist with industry experience of more than 28 years before he entered the public service. In the public service, he first reversed the downward trajectory of the Osun State Investment Company Limited before serving as the Osun State Commissioner of Finance for eight years.
Mr. Akutah Ukeyima is a graduate of Law and holds a Master’s degree in Public International Law from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He most recently served as the Head of the Central Authority Unit, International Cooperation in Criminal Matters, Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
President Bola Tinubu tasks the new appointees in this vital sector to faithfully implement the policies and programmes of the Honourable Minister in pursuit of the expeditious and efficient attainment of bolstered revenues and investments as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s Blue Economy strategy.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 25, 2023
Seven EFCC operatives attacked, held hostage by staff and students of the Federal College of Forestry, Idi-shin Estate, Ibadan
Seven operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on routine verification exercise of a surety: Azeez Kazeem Oluwakemi were, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, attacked and held hostage by staff and students of the Federal College of Forestry, Idi-shin Estate, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The operatives were in the college to authenticate the address and identity of Oluwakemi, who stood as a surety for Alakinde Khalid Kolawole, a suspected internet fraudster in the custody of the Commission. A surety verification exercise is a standard law enforcement practice for the perfection of bail conditions of a suspect. This fact occasioned the mission of EFCC’s operatives at the college.
For some inscrutable reasons, students and staff of the college went on a frenzy of attacks against operatives of the EFCC, who were on an authorized assignment. This is in spite of the fact that the college community was duly informed about the mission of the EFCC’s team. The college’s Student Union President, in concert with his colleagues and some staff of the institution, reportedly ignited violent confrontation with operatives of the EFCC. Two main entrance gates to the college were barricaded with a car believed to be owned by one of the lecturers of the college. The bus that conveyed operatives to the college was vandalized, even, as students and staff of the college threw stones and dangerous objects at the vehicle. A rescue team that came successfully released the seven operatives held hostage by the riotous crowd.
It is noteworthy that, operatives of the Commission exercised restraint in the face of the unprovoked attack and refrained from applying any force against the belligerent attackers. No student or staff of the college was shot, as armed operatives merely fired into the air to disperse the unruly crowd.
The Commission wishes to assure the public that it will continue to perform its duties in line with its mandate, and unprovoked attacks against personnel of the Commission will no longer be tolerated.
Media & Publicity
October 24, 2023
NYSC warns Corps employers and others found to be aiding and abetting absenteeism of Corps members from the national service
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Wednesday threatened to apply appropriate sanctions against Corps employers and others found to be aiding and abetting absenteeism and abscondment of Corps members from the national service.
Director, NYSC Northwest area office, Mr. Kehinde Aremu who stated this in his keynote address at the 2023 Corps employers’ workshop in Kaduna noted that with the introduction of biometric verification for both primary and secondary assignments, clearance of Corps members and perpetration of sharp practices have been reduced.
Represented by the Deputy Director Operations, Northwest Area Office of NYSC, Abdulkarim Alima the Director added that the management of the Scheme would continue to sanitise the process to eradicate all forms of malpractices in the system.
On the area of rejection of Corps members by their prospective employers, he said, as far as Corps rejection is concerned, “NYSC is trying as .much as possible to post Corps members to where their course of study is needed based on request.
“We know if a Corps employer requests for Corps members, we know the issue of rejection will not arise. When they are rejected, we repost them to where they are needed.
“We are appealing to our Corps employers to be flexible with Corps members. They should look at their welfare in terms of transport and accommodation.
“It is the responsibility of Corps employers to accommodate them and in a situation where that is not possible, they pay them in place of that a reasonable amount considering the present economic realities in the Country”, he said.
Representative of one of the Corps employers in the State, Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Day Secondary School, Kaduna, Major Ajibola Usman attributed occasional Corps members’ rejection to inadequate facilities to accommodate them in his school.
“Usually we accommodate a lot of Corps members. However, as a result of the requirement of institutions like ours, there may be no need for having too many Corps members posted to us at the same time.
“In a situation where the school can only take care of 20 Corps members and you are having 40, there will be the need for rejection because you don’t plan for such a number”, he said.
Another Corps employer at the event, Mrs. Ganiyat Gafar called for system strengthening rather than calling the scraping of the scheme considering its impact on the Country’s workforce.
“The workshop is educative because many of us are just employing Corps members without knowing the nitty-gritty of what it takes. We are going to work on some of the things we were told here.
“Corps members have been up and doing. A Corps member from Bayelsa did so much while taking physics in my school and today, he has settled down in Zaria and doing well for himself.
“So, NYSC should be strengthened because the scheme is deploying these young Nigerians to unite the Country”, she said.
Coordinator of the Scheme in the State, Mr. Hassan Mahmud Taura said the purpose of the workshop was to brainstorm and to arrive at the possible best way to improve the welfare of Corps members in their places of primary assignments.
Timipre Sylva, Joshua Maciver, APC excluded from final list of candidates ahead of November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has excluded the name of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timipre Sylva, from the final list of candidates ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State.
The amended list which was uploaded on the commission’s website on Tuesday was signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
The column for the names of the APC candidate and his running mate, Joshua Maciver, was left blank with “court order” remarks on it.
According to Oriaran-Anthony, the action of the commission was in obedience to court orders on the lists, served on the commission.
Supreme Court gives judgement Thursday on appeals filed by Abubakar Atiku and Peter Obi
The Supreme Court has slated Thursday for judgement on the appeals filed by the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Abubakar Atiku, and Labour Party, Peter Obi.
The judgement will lay to rest the legal disputes over the 25 February presidential election.
Atiku and Mr Obi had appealed against the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) which dismissed their petitions challenging the outcome of the 25 February presidential election and affirmed the election of President Bola Tinubu.
The Director of Information of the Supreme Court, Festus Akande, confirmed the information to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.
Court jails Sadiq Mustapha.
The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, October 23, 2023, secured the conviction and sentencing of one Sadiq Mustapha to one year imprisonment.
He was jailed by Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, after pleading guilty to one -count amended charge bordering on cheating to the tune of N3, 900.000.00 (Three Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira only).
The charge reads: “That you Sadiq Mustapha on or about 10th day of August, 2017, at Maiduguri, within the judicial division of this Honourable Court, did fraudulently induce Yawudi Zarma to deliver to you the sum of Three Million Nine Hundred Thousand Naira, N3, 900, 000.00, under the guise that the said amount represent payment for the purchase of a plot of land covered by grant right of occupancy No. BO/2065/16, Plot No. 7 on BOTP/64, Pompomari Industrial Layout, Maiduguri which you claimed to be the owner and thereby committed an Offence Contrary to Section 320 (a) of the Penal Code Law Cap. 102 Laws of Borno State and Punishable under Section 323 of the same Law.”
The defendant pleaded ‘guilty’ to the charge when it was read to him. In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, A. I Arogha, prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.
Justice Fadawu thereafter sentenced and convicted him to year imprisonment, with an option of fine of N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira only).
Mustapha’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested by operatives of the Maiduguri’s Zonal Command of the EFCC for obtaining the sum of N3.9million from a petitioner as a payment for a plot of land. He neither delivered the land to the buyer nor returned his money to him.
Media & Publicity
October 24, 2023
Olukoyede urges EFCC staff to immediately declare their assets in line with civil service regulations and procedures
As a bold move towards accountability and internal cleansing, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has directed staff of the Commission to immediately declare their assets in line with civil service regulations and procedures.
He gave the directive on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission in Abuja while addressing senior staff of the EFCC. Olukoyede stressed that, fighting corruption required those at the vanguard to be above board.
“All of us are going to declare our assets; from level 17, downward. I did mine, so there’s no reason for anyone to be afraid to do same. Even the Commission Secretary did, you all may also have done it in the past, but there’s need for all of us to do it again. We will declare our assets, and we are going to investigate it. We must live above board by setting the pace with good examples. As anti- corruption fighters, our hands must be clean, so we must declare our assets”, he said.
He called on staff of the Commission to pay more premium attention to the basis of fighting economic and financial crimes, pointing out that, such efforts should be geared towards growing the economy of the nation, creating rightful environment for enhanced investment and strengthening the productive base of the economy. “ We must do our job to add values to the nation. Investors must have confidence in the economy and we must help the country to be governed in an accountable and transparent manner. By doing this, it will offer us a new direction to redeem the image of the nation”, he said.
He also charged staff of the Commission to be professional, thorough in their engagements, rich in integrity and be non-partisan. “Please, I beg you, let’s our hands be clean and put our house in order. Some may not like me, but I am going to do the right thing and treat everybody equally irrespective of religion, ethnicity and region”. He assured staff of better welfare package, enhanced training and equal opportunities to ensure higher productivity. He warned “ those compromising their works and positon to desist from such conduct, as dire consequences await every unsavoury tendency”.
The EFCC boss assured the Commission’s staff that adherence to the rule of law would be an article of faith and defining principle of work. “ The EFCC is a creation of the law. We must do our job in line with the dictates of the law. This is a standard international practice and we would ensure that it is our established norm”, he said.
Media & Publicity
October 24, 2023
GOV AKEREDOLU RECEIVES SOUTHWEST GOVERNORS, HARPS ON CONTINUOUS COLLABORATION
Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON, on Tuesday, 24th October, 2023, met with Governors from the region to discuss issues of interest.
The Governors present at the meeting were Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Engr. Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Mr. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti.
Governor Akeredolu, who appreciated the Governors for their solidarity, harped on continuous collaboration among the Southwest States.
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde said the Forum is praying for Governor Akeredolu, adding that he has the support of all the Governors in the region.
The Governors discussed National and other Issues affecting the region and the people.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
October 24, 2023.
GOV AKEREDOLU APPROVES 100% HAZARD ALLOWANCE PAYMENT FOR DOCTORS
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON, has approved the payment of 100 percent hazard allowance to medical Doctors on the state government payroll.
The payment of the allowance will take effect from 2nd October, 2023
The Chairman of NMA in Ondo state, Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise.
He said this will in no small measure make work interesting for the doctors.
According to him, the state government has again demonstrated that it is committed to the welfare of health personnel in the state.
He also enjoined the Governor to as a matter of urgency direct the speed up of the recruitment process of health workers as promised .
President Tinubu Receives ‘Quick Win Report’ on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja received the ‘Quick Win Report’ on fiscal policy and tax reforms from the Committee tasked with improving the nation’s revenue profile and business environment.
Responding to a presentation by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, the President commended their work and assured them of his support for the review and implementation of key recommendations.
”I have listened attentively to your report. Charting the critical path forward for Nigeria’s economic recovery is crucial to all of us. I want to say thank you to your delegation,” he said.
President Tinubu granted the request of the Committee to address a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and apprise cabinet members of their work and expected outcomes to facilitate economic growth.
The President directed Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, to coordinate with the relevant government officials for the session.
In his remarks, the Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, pledged to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the Committee, as they may apply, pending the approval of the President.
Mr. Adedeji declared that beyond supporting the fiscal and tax reforms, the FIRS will explore opportunities to diversify the nation’s revenue sources, as the historical overreliance on oil has made the economy vulnerable.
”Nigeria’s fiscal policy serves as the foundation of economic stability. It dictates how the government collects, manages and allocates resources for the betterment of our people. A well-developed fiscal policy is crucial for provision of infrastructure, healthcare, education and social services to our growing population. Tax reforms are an integral part of a robust fiscal policy.
”While our current tax system has contributed significantly to our revenue, there remains room for further enhancement; enhancement that can be driven with digital technology. To achieve this, we are collaborating with the Presidential Committee to streamline our tax laws, improve voluntary compliance, and expand the tax base to ensure equity and fairness,” the Acting FIRS Chairman said.
In his prayers to the President, Mr. Oyedele, among others, called for an emergency economic intervention bill (Executive Bill) and the issuance of Presidential Executive Orders to address the duplication of functions across the public service, and to ensure prudent public financial management in a bid to optimize value from government assets and natural resources.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 24, 2023
Seven operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on routine verification exercise of a surety: Azeez Kazeem Oluwakemi were, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, attacked and held hostage by staff and students of the Federal College of Forestry, Idi-shin Estate, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The operatives were in the college to authenticate the address and identity of Oluwakemi, who stood as a surety for Alakinde Khalid Kolawole, a suspected internet fraudster in the custody of the Commission. A surety verification exercise is a standard law enforcement practice for the perfection of bail conditions of a suspect. This fact occasioned the mission of EFCC’s operatives at the college.
For some inscrutable reasons, students and staff of the college went on a frenzy of attacks against operatives of the EFCC, who were on an authorized assignment. This is in spite of the fact that the college community was duly informed about the mission of the EFCC’s team. The college’s Student Union President, in concert with his colleagues and some staff of the institution, reportedly ignited violent confrontation with operatives of the EFCC. Two main entrance gates to the college were barricaded with a car believed to be owned by one of the lecturers of the college. The bus that conveyed operatives to the college was vandalized, even, as students and staff of the college threw stones and dangerous objects at the vehicle. A rescue team that came successfully released the seven operatives held hostage by the riotous crowd.
It is noteworthy that, operatives of the Commission exercised restraint in the face of the unprovoked attack and refrained from applying any force against the belligerent attackers. No student or staff of the college was shot, as armed operatives merely fired into the air to disperse the unruly crowd.
The Commission wishes to assure the public that it will continue to perform its duties in line with its mandate, and unprovoked attacks against personnel of the Commission will no longer be tolerated.
Media & Publicity
October 24, 2023
NYSC warns Corps employers and others found to be aiding and abetting absenteeism of Corps members from the national service
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Wednesday threatened to apply appropriate sanctions against Corps employers and others found to be aiding and abetting absenteeism and abscondment of Corps members from the national service.
Director, NYSC Northwest area office, Mr. Kehinde Aremu who stated this in his keynote address at the 2023 Corps employers’ workshop in Kaduna noted that with the introduction of biometric verification for both primary and secondary assignments, clearance of Corps members and perpetration of sharp practices have been reduced.
Represented by the Deputy Director Operations, Northwest Area Office of NYSC, Abdulkarim Alima the Director added that the management of the Scheme would continue to sanitise the process to eradicate all forms of malpractices in the system.
On the area of rejection of Corps members by their prospective employers, he said, as far as Corps rejection is concerned, “NYSC is trying as .much as possible to post Corps members to where their course of study is needed based on request.
“We know if a Corps employer requests for Corps members, we know the issue of rejection will not arise. When they are rejected, we repost them to where they are needed.
“We are appealing to our Corps employers to be flexible with Corps members. They should look at their welfare in terms of transport and accommodation.
“It is the responsibility of Corps employers to accommodate them and in a situation where that is not possible, they pay them in place of that a reasonable amount considering the present economic realities in the Country”, he said.
Representative of one of the Corps employers in the State, Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Day Secondary School, Kaduna, Major Ajibola Usman attributed occasional Corps members’ rejection to inadequate facilities to accommodate them in his school.
“Usually we accommodate a lot of Corps members. However, as a result of the requirement of institutions like ours, there may be no need for having too many Corps members posted to us at the same time.
“In a situation where the school can only take care of 20 Corps members and you are having 40, there will be the need for rejection because you don’t plan for such a number”, he said.
Another Corps employer at the event, Mrs. Ganiyat Gafar called for system strengthening rather than calling the scraping of the scheme considering its impact on the Country’s workforce.
“The workshop is educative because many of us are just employing Corps members without knowing the nitty-gritty of what it takes. We are going to work on some of the things we were told here.
“Corps members have been up and doing. A Corps member from Bayelsa did so much while taking physics in my school and today, he has settled down in Zaria and doing well for himself.
“So, NYSC should be strengthened because the scheme is deploying these young Nigerians to unite the Country”, she said.
Coordinator of the Scheme in the State, Mr. Hassan Mahmud Taura said the purpose of the workshop was to brainstorm and to arrive at the possible best way to improve the welfare of Corps members in their places of primary assignments.
Timipre Sylva, Joshua Maciver, APC excluded from final list of candidates ahead of November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has excluded the name of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timipre Sylva, from the final list of candidates ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State.
The amended list which was uploaded on the commission’s website on Tuesday was signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
The column for the names of the APC candidate and his running mate, Joshua Maciver, was left blank with “court order” remarks on it.
According to Oriaran-Anthony, the action of the commission was in obedience to court orders on the lists, served on the commission.
Supreme Court gives judgement Thursday on appeals filed by Abubakar Atiku and Peter Obi
The Supreme Court has slated Thursday for judgement on the appeals filed by the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Abubakar Atiku, and Labour Party, Peter Obi.
The judgement will lay to rest the legal disputes over the 25 February presidential election.
Atiku and Mr Obi had appealed against the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) which dismissed their petitions challenging the outcome of the 25 February presidential election and affirmed the election of President Bola Tinubu.
The Director of Information of the Supreme Court, Festus Akande, confirmed the information to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.
Court jails Sadiq Mustapha.
The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, October 23, 2023, secured the conviction and sentencing of one Sadiq Mustapha to one year imprisonment.
He was jailed by Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, after pleading guilty to one -count amended charge bordering on cheating to the tune of N3, 900.000.00 (Three Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira only).
The charge reads: “That you Sadiq Mustapha on or about 10th day of August, 2017, at Maiduguri, within the judicial division of this Honourable Court, did fraudulently induce Yawudi Zarma to deliver to you the sum of Three Million Nine Hundred Thousand Naira, N3, 900, 000.00, under the guise that the said amount represent payment for the purchase of a plot of land covered by grant right of occupancy No. BO/2065/16, Plot No. 7 on BOTP/64, Pompomari Industrial Layout, Maiduguri which you claimed to be the owner and thereby committed an Offence Contrary to Section 320 (a) of the Penal Code Law Cap. 102 Laws of Borno State and Punishable under Section 323 of the same Law.”
The defendant pleaded ‘guilty’ to the charge when it was read to him. In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, A. I Arogha, prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.
Justice Fadawu thereafter sentenced and convicted him to year imprisonment, with an option of fine of N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira only).
Mustapha’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested by operatives of the Maiduguri’s Zonal Command of the EFCC for obtaining the sum of N3.9million from a petitioner as a payment for a plot of land. He neither delivered the land to the buyer nor returned his money to him.
Media & Publicity
October 24, 2023
Olukoyede urges EFCC staff to immediately declare their assets in line with civil service regulations and procedures
As a bold move towards accountability and internal cleansing, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has directed staff of the Commission to immediately declare their assets in line with civil service regulations and procedures.
He gave the directive on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission in Abuja while addressing senior staff of the EFCC. Olukoyede stressed that, fighting corruption required those at the vanguard to be above board.
“All of us are going to declare our assets; from level 17, downward. I did mine, so there’s no reason for anyone to be afraid to do same. Even the Commission Secretary did, you all may also have done it in the past, but there’s need for all of us to do it again. We will declare our assets, and we are going to investigate it. We must live above board by setting the pace with good examples. As anti- corruption fighters, our hands must be clean, so we must declare our assets”, he said.
He called on staff of the Commission to pay more premium attention to the basis of fighting economic and financial crimes, pointing out that, such efforts should be geared towards growing the economy of the nation, creating rightful environment for enhanced investment and strengthening the productive base of the economy. “ We must do our job to add values to the nation. Investors must have confidence in the economy and we must help the country to be governed in an accountable and transparent manner. By doing this, it will offer us a new direction to redeem the image of the nation”, he said.
He also charged staff of the Commission to be professional, thorough in their engagements, rich in integrity and be non-partisan. “Please, I beg you, let’s our hands be clean and put our house in order. Some may not like me, but I am going to do the right thing and treat everybody equally irrespective of religion, ethnicity and region”. He assured staff of better welfare package, enhanced training and equal opportunities to ensure higher productivity. He warned “ those compromising their works and positon to desist from such conduct, as dire consequences await every unsavoury tendency”.
The EFCC boss assured the Commission’s staff that adherence to the rule of law would be an article of faith and defining principle of work. “ The EFCC is a creation of the law. We must do our job in line with the dictates of the law. This is a standard international practice and we would ensure that it is our established norm”, he said.
Media & Publicity
October 24, 2023
GOV AKEREDOLU RECEIVES SOUTHWEST GOVERNORS, HARPS ON CONTINUOUS COLLABORATION
Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON, on Tuesday, 24th October, 2023, met with Governors from the region to discuss issues of interest.
The Governors present at the meeting were Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Engr. Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Mr. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti.
Governor Akeredolu, who appreciated the Governors for their solidarity, harped on continuous collaboration among the Southwest States.
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde said the Forum is praying for Governor Akeredolu, adding that he has the support of all the Governors in the region.
The Governors discussed National and other Issues affecting the region and the people.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
October 24, 2023.
GOV AKEREDOLU APPROVES 100% HAZARD ALLOWANCE PAYMENT FOR DOCTORS
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON, has approved the payment of 100 percent hazard allowance to medical Doctors on the state government payroll.
The payment of the allowance will take effect from 2nd October, 2023
The Chairman of NMA in Ondo state, Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise.
He said this will in no small measure make work interesting for the doctors.
According to him, the state government has again demonstrated that it is committed to the welfare of health personnel in the state.
He also enjoined the Governor to as a matter of urgency direct the speed up of the recruitment process of health workers as promised .
President Tinubu Receives ‘Quick Win Report’ on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja received the ‘Quick Win Report’ on fiscal policy and tax reforms from the Committee tasked with improving the nation’s revenue profile and business environment.
Responding to a presentation by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, the President commended their work and assured them of his support for the review and implementation of key recommendations.
”I have listened attentively to your report. Charting the critical path forward for Nigeria’s economic recovery is crucial to all of us. I want to say thank you to your delegation,” he said.
President Tinubu granted the request of the Committee to address a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and apprise cabinet members of their work and expected outcomes to facilitate economic growth.
The President directed Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, to coordinate with the relevant government officials for the session.
In his remarks, the Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, pledged to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the Committee, as they may apply, pending the approval of the President.
Mr. Adedeji declared that beyond supporting the fiscal and tax reforms, the FIRS will explore opportunities to diversify the nation’s revenue sources, as the historical overreliance on oil has made the economy vulnerable.
”Nigeria’s fiscal policy serves as the foundation of economic stability. It dictates how the government collects, manages and allocates resources for the betterment of our people. A well-developed fiscal policy is crucial for provision of infrastructure, healthcare, education and social services to our growing population. Tax reforms are an integral part of a robust fiscal policy.
”While our current tax system has contributed significantly to our revenue, there remains room for further enhancement; enhancement that can be driven with digital technology. To achieve this, we are collaborating with the Presidential Committee to streamline our tax laws, improve voluntary compliance, and expand the tax base to ensure equity and fairness,” the Acting FIRS Chairman said.
In his prayers to the President, Mr. Oyedele, among others, called for an emergency economic intervention bill (Executive Bill) and the issuance of Presidential Executive Orders to address the duplication of functions across the public service, and to ensure prudent public financial management in a bid to optimize value from government assets and natural resources.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 24, 2023
JULIUS BERGER AFP DESIGN WEEK LAGOS EXHIBITION PICTURES IN PDF
– Mutiu Sunmonu, CON, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc Lagos Design Week Exhibition 2023
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, CON, has affirmed that considering the superbly evolving designs, development and productive competence and reliability of the Abuja Furniture Production (AFP), the furniture subsidiary of Julius Berger, the company’s ever expanding clientele and happy customers are continuing to experience the company’s deliveries as a total and one-stop shop for top-end quality with regard to durable products and reliable after-sales services.
Speaking at the just concluded 2023 Lagos Design Week in Lekki, Lagos, weekend, the Julius Berger Chairman said, “I must say that AFP has been growing qualitatively stronger and progressively more innovative over the past decade. The clear difference between AFP products and service offerings in the market relative to others is, to be modest, like day and night with AFP as the undisputed leader of the furniture sector frontlines. I am very pleased, indeed, with AFP’s design and manufacturing quality which is driven by our group’s strong ideology of sustainability across board.“
The Chairman added; Today, I have come come to see for myself. The furniture are unique. The material selction are timeless. I am impressed by them all including the wood and stone products. “With AFP’s increasingly innovative and qualitative product and service offerings, customers in the furnishing and interior decor sector have continued to experience the Julius Berger brand as a total and most reliable bouquet of premium solutions.“
A regular visitor to AFP stands at various exhibitions and major stakeholder in the furniture production sector in Lagos, Akinbo Akin-Olugbade said, “AFP has no doubt grown progressively into a poster subsidiary of the Julius Berger Group’s signature of corporate and operational excellence with its unique and reliable supply of quality furniture products. Last year, the subsidiary was already the best. It stood out in products design. This year, it has come out far better.“ Continuing, Akin-Olugbade said the furniture range on display at the AFP stand at the Design Week Lagos Exhibition 2023 are “simply amazing and extraordinary,“ adding that “…to me, the verdict here is very simple…when it comes to construction and building, Julius Berger is still the standard; and when it comes to interiors, the Julius Berger-AFP is the standard,“ he declared further.
Another visitor and Chief Executive of TARD Engineering Limited, Adeniyi Oduola expressed a similar viewpoint. He said, “…the furniture pieces on display here are topnotch. I am totally amazed by the finishing. Yes, because you cannot have it all in one exhibition, what I have seen here has made me decide to visit AFP’s Abuja showroom to see more options and then book for supplies.“
Continuing, Adeniyi Oduola said, “For many decades previously, we only knew Julius Berger for ist excellent and durable construction of roads, bridges, airports, railways, dams and other enginerring infraructures. It is very exciting to now know and indeed see that the ever qualitative Julius Berger is also into this business of good furniture production and ancilary services.“
In a brief interview, the General Manager of AFP, Oliver Cohnen disclosed that the company has continued to ensure that sustainability is key to its furniture design, production and finishing adding that the deliberate policy makes the difference between its products and the competition. “AFP designs and produces quality furniture that balances function with aesthetics to create spaces that connect, invite and delight,“ the General Manager emphasised. Cohnen further said, “…we assess designs to understand what procurement sources, materials and methods of production are best to create a viable balance between environmental sustainability and customer satisfaction. For every furniture piece we produce and offer to the market, sustainability is a mandatory aspect of the design and production phase at AFP.“ Markus Reif from Julius Berger was also on the exhibition panel that sat on a conversation on sustainability during the event in Lekki, Lagos.
Among visitors to the stand were Olori Dr (Mrs) Elizabeth Ajibola of Ijare Isin Kingdom of Kwara State and a wood technologist, Engr Benson Okoh among several others.
The wide range of furniture products on display by AFP at the exhibition included inviting and soothing sitting rooms and bedroom spaces, an iconic and excellently wooded office space design (which a visitor described as “The Most Valuable Player“ of the Design Week Lagos 2023 Exhibition), a bespoke and fitted kitchen with an exquisite island, electronically adjustable office and private study desks and health-centric ergonomic chairs, etc.
Julius Berger-AFP staff at the event included, Stole Jochen, Ndifreke Ukochio, Norbert Kossman, Markus Reif, Alh. Ahmed Kaita, Shamsi Kazaure, George Mihali, Sandra Kyaan, Khadija Zarma, Glory Egharevba, Judith Chiemeke, Destiny Oziegbe and Mendal Roberts.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
President Bola Tinubu applauds today’s judgment rendered by Judge Robin Knowles of the Business and Property Court in London, awarding a landmark victory to the Federal Government of Nigeria over a firm known as Process & Industrial Development (P&ID) Limited.
Following Judge Knowles’ dismissal of the $11.5 billion (USD) value of the award plus accumulated interest, previously won by P&ID over a failed 2010 deal to allegedly build a gas processing plant, on the grounds that the award was obtained by fraud, President Tinubu commends the UK Court for prioritizing the merits of the case above all other considerations.
“This landmark judgment proves conclusively that nation states will no longer be held hostage by economic conspiracies between private firms and solitarily corrupt officials who conspire to extort and indebt the very nations they swear to defend and protect.
“Today’s victory is not for Nigeria alone. It is a victory for our long exploited continent and for the developing world at large, which has for too long been on the receiving end of unjust economic malpractice and overt exploitation.
“Nigeria is appreciative of the tremendous efforts of the defense team and acknowledges the role of the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney-General in the process of defending Nigeria’s interest in this case,” the President stated.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 23, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
COWLSO SEEKS MORE EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVES FOR THE YOUTH
…Urges Women To Be Conscious Of Digital Dangers, Adopt Homestead Farming
The Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) has called on government at all levels and the private sector to focus more on empowerment initiatives targeted at creating an enabling environment for Nigerian youth to thrive in their chosen fields.
In a communique issued at the end of the three-day National Women’s Conference (NWC) of COWLSO, the Committee recommended that the youth of today should be empowered, motivated and their interests factored into the decision-making process.
The COWLSO NWC is an annual event organized to empower women with thought-provoking discussions, incredible stories, and the opportunity to connect with extraordinary women from all walks of life.
This year’s theme was: “Unleash Your Potential.”
According to the Communique jointly signed by the Chairman of COWLSO and the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the Chairperson of the Conference Planning Committee, Professor Olufunke Adeyeye, COWLSO said: “It is also important to invest in the dreams of the youths as this is the generation of skill, talent, and dreams.”
The Committee cautioned women to be more alert to digital dangers and be equipped with practical knowledge to navigate the online world securely.
The group said in view of hostile and toxic content online, it has become imperative to advise women to carefully choose what they consume on social media.
“It is recommended that we tell good stories about ourselves. Though controversial stories pull more crowds on social media, and you could make more money from stories like that; however, we can put out better stories. Whoever we are, that’s our story.”
Besides, the Committee urged women to adopt homestead farming to enjoy some of the numerous benefits such as reduction of malnutrition, provision of employment opportunities, and improvement of the economy of the state through the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Homestead farming, according to COWLSO, also serves as a source of income for the household, just as women were encouraged to make eco-friendly choices that would have a positive multiplier effect on the planet.
“These choices include efficient use of energy, sustainable development, transportation, water conservation, and planting of trees.
“We should eat a proper diet (fruit/vegetables), take enough water (eight glasses per day), do frequent exercises, get enough rest, and do routine medical checkups.
“We should also enroll in a health insurance policy, for example, ILERA EKO. This will help to prevent out-of-pocket expenditure,” the communique read in part.
The Committee also emphasized the need for all stakeholders to renew their commitment to gender equality in education and skill empowerment, especially in supporting, training, attracting, and rewarding women at all levels.
COWLSO is a platform for wives of government officials to complement the efforts of their spouses in fast-tracking development and advancing the interest, welfare, and well-being of the people, especially women and children.
OLUBUKONLA NWONAH
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY
OCTOBER 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
WE ARE INTENTIONAL ABOUT MAKING LAGOS PREFERRED TOURISM DESTINATION, SAYS SANWO-OLU
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment toward making the State a tourism station in the world in line with the Entertainment and Tourism pillar of the THEMES+ developmental agenda.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said his government is intentional about making Lagos State, particularly Badagry, a preferred tourism destination.
He spoke on Monday while receiving the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa who led a delegation of Nigerians in the Diaspora for a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Ikeja.
The delegation included Dr. Julius Marcus Garvey Jnr., son of foremost civil rights leader, Marcus Garvey, and the Jogbe of Badagry kingdom, David Anderson, among others.
The delegation visited Governor Sanwo-Olu to appreciate him and the Lagos State Government for a successful celebration of this year’s edition of the Diaspora Festival, dubbed, ‘Door of Return’ in Badagry.
The Door of Return, initiated to help some Black Diasporas trace their roots to Nigeria and Africa at large, was celebrated last Saturday in the ancient city of Badagry, Lagos.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration will partner with relevant stakeholders, especially the people in the Diaspora to grow and strengthen the Door of Return festival and promote the cultural heritage of Badagry, Lagos and Nigeria at large.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for the initiative of the Door of Return and her efforts in championing the interest of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Speaking earlier, Dabiri-Erewa commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his support towards the celebration of Door of Return and the actualisation of the Diaspora Festival that took place in Badagry last Saturday.
The NiDCOM boss urged the Lagos State government to support the project by building a Permanent Door of Return in Badagry to attract more people in the Diaspora willing to trace their roots to Nigeria.
Also speaking, Julius Garvey and David Anderson, hailed Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for their tremendous support for the festival and for showing keen interest in tourism.
They also expressed their joy for the success of the Door of Return Programme, which gave opportunities to many Nigerians in the Diaspora to visit Nigeria for the first time
Garvey and Anderson, who promised to partner with Lagos State on tourism, expressed their continued support to preserve African culture and heritage.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
23 OCTOBER 2023
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to stop the House of Representatives from procuring and taking delivery of N57.6bn 360 sports utility vehicles (SUVs) for its members, pending the hearing and determination of the applications for injunction filed by the organization.”
SERAP’s applications for interim and interlocutory injunction followed reports that the lawmakers are set to procure and take delivery of N57.6 billion SUVs. According to reports, each of the SUVs would cost taxpayers at least N160 million.
In the applications filed last week, SERAP is seeking “an order of interim injunction restraining the National Assembly from procuring, taking delivery and distributing the SUVs to their members, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for an order of interlocutory injunction filed simultaneously in this suit.”
SERAP is also seeking “such further order(s) that the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance of this suit.”
It would be recalled that SERAP in August filed the suit number FHC/L/CS/1606/2023 before the Federal High Court challenging “the legality of the spending of billions of naira by the National Assembly to purchase exotic and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials.”
SERAP has also sent an open letter to President Bola Tinubu urging him to “put pressure on the leadership of the House of Representatives and stop members from taking delivery of 360 sports utility vehicles (SUVs), pending the hearing and determination of the application for interim injunction.”
In the letter dated 21 October 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation also urged the president to “put pressure on the leadership of the Senate and stop members from taking delivery of the planned procurement of bulletproof SUVs, pending the hearing and determination of the application for interim injunction filed before the Federal High Court.”
The letter, read in part: “Allowing the National Assembly to go ahead and purchase and take delivery of the SUVs would prejudice the outcome of the suit pending in court and make a mockery of the rule of law.”
“Unless you exercise your executive powers and discharge your constitutional oath of office act as recommended, the lawmakers would go ahead to procure and take delivery of the N57.6 billion vehicles, and thereby present the court with a fait accompli.”
“It would invariably hamstring the ability of the court to do justice in the pending suit and applications for injunction.”
“Stopping the leadership of the House of Representatives and members from going ahead to procure and take delivery of the SUVs, pending the hearing and determination of the applications for injunction would be entirely consistent with the notions of the rule of law, judicial independence and integrity and the public interest.”
“Exercising your constitutional powers in this matter would promote the effective administration of justice and maintain the integrity of the claims against the lawmakers.”
“Allowing the House of Representatives to procure and take delivery of the 360 SUVs for its members and the Senate to go ahead with its planned purchase of close to 500 SUVs while the applications for injunction are pending before the court would be detrimental to the rule of law and the public interest.”
“It would also be incompatible with the constitutional oath of office. The constitutional oath of office under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), imposes clear responsibility on you to uphold and maintain the provisions of the constitution and the rule of law.”
“In its most basic form, the rule of law is the principle that no one is above the law. Also, section 5 of the Nigerian Constitution grants you the execute powers to ensure the ‘execution and maintenance of this Constitution’.”
“The country’s international legal obligations especially under the UN Convention against Corruption and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party also impose a legal commitment on your government to uphold the rule of law and the integrity of the judicial process.”
“We would therefore be grateful if the recommended measures are taken upon the receipt and/or publication of this letter.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
22/10/2023
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: +2348160537202
Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has been hailed as an extraordinary leader, an epitome of humility, selflessness and patriotism.
“Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan is a perfect gentleman and a leader par excellence.
In a congratulatory message on Uduaghan’s 69th birthday, the Alema of Warri and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Webster Group of Companies, High Chief Emmanuel 0ritsejolomi Uduaghan, expressed his admiration for the former governor’s wisdom, humility and courage.
‘’For exceptional leaders and patriots like you, every birthday is a milestone not just because it is a birthday but also because in your particular case, it brings to the fore your fondness towards family members, visionary ideas, numerous achievements in the country and your enviable record of continually touching the lives of our people in a positive way.
He stressed on Uduaghan’s many achievements,
‘’As a moral leader of our nation, political model of our time, a prodigious achiever and gifted statesman, you conducted yourself with morality, integrity and consistency in the two terms you led Delta State’’.
He also highlighted Uduaghan’s foresight, visionary ideas and, contributions to nation-building
‘’Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan elevated governance in Delta State’’. the Alema of Warri said.
Speaking on behalf of his family, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Webster Group of Companies extended heartfelt congratulations to Uduaghan on reaching this milestone.
He offered prayers for Uduaghan’s continued service to the country.
‘’On behalf of my family, i wish to felicitate with a strong, dynamic, charismatic, captivating and respectable leader, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan. I wish you good health, long life and God’s guidance as you continue in your contributions to the development of our great nation’’.