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Julius Berger launches Vocational Support Programme

Julius Berger launches Vocational Support Programme

Nigeria’s construction industry leader, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has launched a novel Vocational Support Programme to empower Nigerian youths for better employability amongst other direct and indirect benefits.

The programme which the company said would open new vistas in the lives of teeming Nigerian youths is a Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR initiative of the company designed to empower Nigerian youths with technical skills and certificates for better employability and socio-economic progress.

According to the official Julius Berger announcement on the development, the maiden edition of the programme includes a 10-month technical training stint in automotive repair services considering the fast evolving nature of the country’s burgeoning automotive industry.

The company has carefully designed the curricula for the programme in the following technical expertise to enable beneficiaries learn a skill that will remain commercially viable for the forseeable future: Auto Mechanic and Battery Services, Vulcanising, Alignment and Wheel Balancing as well as auto Diagnostics, a statement by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc said.

The company requires that for any applicant to qualify to be admitted into the programme, the person must be an adult Nigerian, resident in Abuja, must possess a School Leaving Certifuicate, SSCE and should be able to read and write.

The statement added that women seeking opportunities in the areas of technical expertise are highly encouraged to apply even as persons within disadvantaged groups, PWDs and IDPs are equally highly encouraged to apply.

Beside its numero uno position in the country’s construction sector, Julius Berger has recorded several firsts in top CSR efforts in its operational communities from building and donating classrooms and health facilities through unique efforts in educational sector to related fields.

The current effort at supporting the vocational skills of willing Nigerian youths is already receiving rave reviews in the social media.

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AN OPEN LETTER TO OKPE STAKEHOLDERS ON THE SCHISM BETWEEN THE ORODJE OF OKPE AND THE OKPE UNION: TIME FOR OKPE TO UNITE FOR DEVELOPMENT BY PROF. O. IGHO NATUFE OKPE UNION WORLD WIDE PRESIDENT GENERAL

AN OPEN LETTER TO OKPE STAKEHOLDERS ON THE SCHISM BETWEEN THE ORODJE OF OKPE AND THE OKPE UNION: TIME FOR OKPE TO UNITE FOR DEVELOPMENT BY PROF. O. IGHO NATUFE, PRESIDENT GENERAL, OKPE UNION (WORLD WIDE)

 

*MAY 8, 2024.*

Dear Esteemed Okpe Leaders,

I am coming to you on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union, and members of the Union in Nigeria and the Diaspora. The purpose of this Open Letter is to seek your intervention in the ongoing schism between HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe, and the democratically elected leadership of the Okpe Union. Some of you may be familiar with certain portions of this Open Letter, whose inclusion is for the benefit of those seeing them for the first time.

As is well known by all of you, the Okpe Union was established by a group of young Okpe nationals based in Lagos, on May 16, 1930. It is the oldest registered ethnic nationality organization in Nigeria. Thanks to the Okpe Union, the Okpe Kingdom in the modern era was resuscitated in 1945. From its inception in 1930, the Okpe Union launched a campaign for the restoration of the Okpe Kingdom, irrespective of the opposition of several influential Okpe leaders who were apprehensive about the likelihood of our having another dictatorship akin to the rule of HRM Esezi l. It was not until 1943 that these apprehensive Okpe leaders acquiesced to the demands of the Okpe Union for the resuscitation of the Okpe monarchy, after the Sapele land case which got to the West African Court of Appeal (WACA). It is an incontrovertible fact that the Okpe Union birthed the Okpe Kingdom in the modern era that produced HRM Esezi ll (1945 – 1966); HRM Orhoro l (1972-2004); and HRM Orhue l (2006 – present). Thanks to the Okpe Union, the Okpe Monarchy was restored in January 1945 after an interregnum of almost 200 years. Since its inception the Okpe Union has played and continues to play vital role in the socio-economic and political development of the Okpe Nation. It is the umbrella organization and mouth piece of the Okpe people.  Its role at the coronation of HRM Orhue l is well documented.

*Introduction.*

The Okpe Union is a membership based organization with a Constitution that defines its administration and autonomy. It relies on membership dues, fees, and donations to execute its projects for the benefit of the Okpe Nation. The Okpe Union has provided a voice for the Okpe Nation in the comity of ethnic nationalities in Delta State and in Nigeria.

Like most organizations, the Constitution of the Okpe Union contains mechanisms for conflict resolution, without the interference of a non-member. Though the Orodje of Okpe is considered a Patron of the Okpe Union by tradition, he possesses neither the power nor authority to interfere in or seize the administration of the Okpe Union. This has been the recognized rule observed by all Orodjes since 1945, including HRM Orhue l, until the latter purportedly dissolved the democratically elected NEC of the Okpe Union led by Okakuro Robert Onome on October 3, 2020, and appointed an illegal interim national executive of 9 members, led by Prof. Emurobome Idolor. It is significant to note that the purported dissolution occurred barely 42 days to the Annual General Assembly, as scheduled by NEC, to take place on November 14, 2020 at the Okpe Hall, Sapele.  The Palace instructed the leadership of the Sapele Okpe Community to deny the Okpe Union access to the Okpe Hall.

*Attempts at a Peaceful Resolution.*

Before the election of the current NEC on May 15, 2021, which I am privileged to lead, and since then, NEC has engaged in the search for peace on several occasions.

  1. Hon. Okakuro James Augoye, then the Delta State Commissioner of Works, initiated a reconciliation committee to resolve the crisis. In its submission to the Orodje, his committee recommended the recognition of the democratically elected NEC and the dissolution of the Interim Executive Committee led by Prof. Idolor.
  2. The Udogun Okpe Committee headed by Okakuro Barr. Isaacs Itebu replicated the recommendation of the Augoye reconciliation committee but however recommended fines against members of the Okpe Union NEC and some specific officials for their utterances during the crises.
  3. The Okpe Peace Reconciliation Committee led by Rev. Dr. Charles Osume also arrived at the same recommendation as the above two committees. Members of the Okpe Peace Reconciliation Committee included Rev. Dr. Charles Osume (Chairman), the late Prof. Ovaborhene Idamoyibo (Secretary), Okakuro Moses Asini, Mr. Moses Akpobasah, Ms. Dora Omuvwie, Prof. Hope Eghagha, and Mr. Phillip Mebradu.
  4. Okakuro Barr. Charles Obule also initiated a peace move in June-July 2022. Okakuro Prof. S. Ejite Oyovbaire and Okakuro Paulinus Akpeki represented the Palace. Other participants were Messrs. Iroro Clark and Igho Akeregha, Dr. Lucky Akpere and Barr. Ehensiri Akpederin.
  5. It is pertinent to note that, immediately after the election of the current NEC on May 15, 2021, we wrote to the Orodje informing him about the successful Election General Assembly attended by delegates from all the Branches of the Okpe Union, and the election of the new National Executive Council. In the letter we sought his permission to grant us an audience at his earliest convenience for us to pay him a courtesy visit, introduce the new NEC, and apologize for any infractions we might have caused him. We also expressed our readiness and willingness to pay any possible fines he or the Udogun Okpe might levy against us. Our request was rejected.

Prior to the intervention of the Rev. Dr. Osume-led Okpe Peace Reconciliation Committee in the search for peace, NEC had gone to court in Sapele praying the Court to restrain members of the Orodje-imposed Interim Executive Committee and its agents from parading themselves as leaders of the Okpe Union. When Rev. Dr. Osume intimated us about his committee’s peace mission, he requested that we withdrew the case from court so as to give peace a chance. We obliged and withdrew the case accordingly. However, immediately we withdrew the case from court, the Palace wrote to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) requesting them to recognize the illegal Interim Executive Committee. This was a plot to oust the democratically elected NEC from CAC recognition. It was therefore obvious that the intention of the Orodje-imposed illegal Interim Executive Committee was not to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict but to gain time in its treacherous move to get CAC to de-recognise the democratically elected NEC and the legitimate Okpe Union leadership. Faced with this treachery, and having before us a subsisting resolution of the General Assembly of the Okpe Union that the NEC should seek legal redress if mediation fails, we elected to lodge a suit at a Federal High Court in Lagos. HRM Orhue l, the Prof. Idolor-led Interim Executive Committee and the CAC were served as joint defendants in the case.

To demonstrate the insincerity of the Orodje-imposed committee in respecting the court process, they obtained a court order in Abuja to appoint an illegal Board of Trustees, without disclosing to the Abuja Federal High Court that they were already defendants in a Lagos Federal High Court on the same subject. Furthermore, we had already lodged an application at the Lagos Federal High Court with a similar prayer much earlier known to the CAC, the Orodje and the illegal Interim Executive Committee. They surreptitiously acquired a new certificate of incorporation for the Okpe Union with the Board of Trustees which they got through the back door; an issue that we dealt with immediately.

Regarding our substantive case that was lodged in the Federal High Court, Lagos, the Judge, on January 19, 2023, declared the imposed interim Executive Council led by Prof. Emurobome Idolor illegal and ordered a perpetual injunction restraining them, their privies and those who derive any powers from them from acting or parading themselves as the national leadership of the Okpe Union. The Judgement affirmed the autonomy of the Okpe Union, and declared that the Orodje has no authority to interfere in the administration of the Okpe Union.

On April 30, 2024, the Federal High Court, Abuja vacated its earlier order granted to the illegal Interim executive of the Okpe Union to appoint its Board of Trustees, that organized the election of Okakuro Joseph Aboze’s illegal executive that succeeded Prof. Idolor’s illegal interim executive. The ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja effectively nullified the pretence of the Okakuro Aboze led illegal executive committee. We recognize the lamentation of Okakuro Aboze and his cohorts, when he disclosed at the Okakuro Oghenevworo Jemikalajah Peace Meeting of August 9, 2023, that his illegal executive had presented to the Palace their resolution that they would abide by the judgement of the Federal High Court, Lagos of January 19, 2023, and step aside, which the Orodje rejected by promising them that the Palace had the resources to pursue an appeal to its logical conclusion. We question the strategic intent of the Palace to want to elongate the court process instead of lending support to the Okpe Union in building a united Okpe Nation to benefit the Okpe people.

*Consequences of Continued Schism.*

Okpe Nation is renowned as an organised and law abiding people.  A disregard for the Rule of Law is injurious to the socio-economic and political development of any society, including the Okpe Nation. This can lead to a break-down of law and order and intra-communal confrontations.

This schism has halted the implementation of several projects designed to benefit Okpe nationals and Okpe Nation. It has also diminished the status of Okpe Nation in the comity of ethnic nationalities in Delta State and in Nigeria. The proclamation of Okpe as the most populous monolithic nationality in Delta State is rendered obsolete without a powerful Okpe Union to articulate and defend Okpe interests at state and national levels. Okpe Identity is the obvious victim in this prolonged schism.

*Concluding Remarks.*

We believe in a bright future for Okpe Nation; a future with great opportunities for growth and development that will benefit Okpe nationals. We believe that this can be facilitated by a united front of the Okpe Nation ably represented by a powerful Okpe Union and a ceremonial fatherly role of the Orodje. We therefore appeal to you all to persuade HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe, to dissolve the factional executive led by Okakuro Joseph Aboze and withdraw from the court cases. As stated in our letter to the Orodje immediately after the May 15, 2021 election that produced the current National Executive Council of the Okpe Union that I am privileged to lead, we are ready to cooperate with the Udogun Okpe and HRM Orhue I to have a way out of the differences based on the Rule of Law and the autonomy of the Okpe Union.

*Long live the Okpe Nation!*

*Long live the Okpe Union!*

*Long live the Orodje of Okpe!*

6th May, 2024.

 

RESPONSE OF ABOZE TO THE ABUJA FHC RULING NULLIFYING THE BACKDOOR BOT FOR THE OKPE UNION: LET THE ILLEGAL FACTION STOP DISGRACING THE OKPE NATION.*

 

*PRESS RELEASE*

 

The National Executive Council of the Okpe Union was seized this morning (being 6th of May, 2024) of the response of Okakuro Joseph Aboze (who still illegally parades himself as President General of the Okpe Union) to the Federal High Court Ruling vacating its earlier order which effectively nullified the Dick Gberevbie and Austin Ayemidejor led illegal Board of Trustees. Aboze’s response was titled “RE: ABUJA FEDERAL HIGH COURT RULING VACATING AN ORDER GRANTED THE INTERIM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE OKPE UNION”.

 

We shall quote verbatim below part of Okakuro  Aboze’s reaction signed by him so as to lay it bare for an objective analysis. Hear Aboze on behalf of the illegal faction below:

 

“… The court in its ruling says, that “the pleadings at the Federal High Court Abuja are the same as what has been pleaded at the Federal High Court Lagos”.

 

He continues:  “This ruling comes after the ruling in Lagos that had been appealed since 2023. It is crucial to note that the Orodje In Council did not and never dissolved the Executive Committee of the Okpe Union led by Prof. Igho Natufe. This clarification became necessary because the case which is on appeal came up as a result of misunderstanding of how the system works…”

 

The legitimate National Executive Council of the Okpe Union led by Prof Igho Natufe hereby responds as follows to Joseph Aboze’s most uninformed position quoted above.

 

  1. The Ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja on the 30th of April, 2024 which vacated its earlier order granted to the illegal Interim Executive of the Okpe Union which was led by Prof. Emurobome Idolor which handed over to Okakuro Joseph Aboze, has nothing to do with the substantive case that was before the Federal High Court, Lagos which gave its judgment on the 19th of January, 2023 that declared the imposed interim Executive Council led by Prof. Emurobome Idolor illegal and ordered a perpetual injunction restraining them, their privies and those who derive any powers from them from acting or parading themselves as the National leadership of the Okpe Union. The Suit number of the substantive suit which the Judge gave judgment on the 19th of January, 2023 is *Suit No. FHC/L/CS/603/2022*. Rather, the statement in the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja to wit: “the pleadings at the Federal High Court Abuja are the same as what has been pleaded at the Federal High Court Lagos” refers to the exparte application which the legitimate Okpe Union leadership had filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos (with *Suit No. FHC/L/CP/352/2022),* for an order to appoint trustees in February 2022 which the Prof. Idolor interim, being scared of joining it, hurriedly and surreptitiously went to the Abuja Federal High Court to ask for same prayers, without filing an affidavit of non multiplicity of suits. It is clear that Okakuro Joseph Aboze is totally bereft of any knowledge of what had been transpiring in the Okpe Union. How can someone who could parade himself as the President General of the oldest registered Ethnic Union in Nigeria not even know that the Federal High Court would not entertain a matter which is on appeal as he claimed in his rejoinder?

 

  1. The response of Okakuro Joseph Aboze reflects the reaction of a confused leader of a group. His published justification for continuing to parade himself along with his group as Okpe Union Executive is that it was the predecessor executive led by Prof. Emurobome Idolor that the Federal High Court, Lagos declared illegal. They had explained that it was the Board of Trustees chaired by Okakuro Dick Gberevbie with Mr. Austin Ayemidejor as secretary that organised an election for them to emerge and not the Prof. Idolor led group which the court ruled against. Now that the backdoor Board of Trustees has been nullified and declared to have been non-existent at any time, what more arguments remain for them for any legitimacy? You cannot build something on nothing and expect it to stand. On the matter being on appeal which Aboze referenced, it is instructive that the appellants are yet to even be properly before the Court of Appeal as the time had lapsed for them to file their appeal which made them to apply for an extension of time, which argument is even yet to be heard by the Court of Appeal. Similarly, that all parties are duty bound to comply with the judgments of a court of competent jurisdiction unless and until it is reversed or at least a stay of execution is granted, is a trite position of the law. If Okakuro Aboze and his gang “believe in the rule of law” as he claimed, the best thing to do is for him and his gang to dissolve their illegal executive council and recognize the legitimate leadership of the Okpe Union led by Prof. Igho Natufe or step aside and wait for the outcome of their much talked about appeal.

 

*Conclusion*

 

How can any sane persons accept the lawlessness being displayed by Messrs Joseph Aboze, Kings Iriri, Jackson Amererhorone and their allies who still illegally parade themselves as the National Executive Council of the Okpe Union? The stay of execution application which the losers at the Federal High Court, Lagos filed is yet to be heard by the court yet they continue parading themselves unlawfully.

 

It is time for stakeholders of the Okpe Nation to call these persons to order.  Contempt of court sanctions are not a panacea for law and order and good governance in any polity. Let Aboze and his gang stop disgracing the Okpe Nation.

 

Long live the Okpe Nation!

Long live the Okpe Union!

Long live the Orodje of Okpe!

 

*Signed:*

 

*Akpederin Kingsley Ehensiri Esq.*, General Secretary, Okpe Union.

…………………………………………………………………………

Dear Okpe Compatriots,

On behalf of a group of dedicated Okpe Nationals, I am pleased to inform you of the establishment of the *_CENTRE FOR OKPE STUDIES LTD/GTE_*, which has been duly registered and certified by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), to  undertake the following functions, inter alia:

  1. Facilitate an in-depth scholarly research on all aspects of Okpe Studies, including Anthropology, Culture, Tradition, History, Language, Literature, Economics, Sociology, Law, Politics, and Administration.
  2. Provide a platform for the exchange of scholarly research on Okpe Studies by Okpe and non-Okpe scholars.
  3. Preserve the Okpe Language and prevent it from extinction.
  4. Promote and sustain Okpe distinctiveness as an independent ethnic nationality in a Nigerian multiethnic community.
  5. Foster an environment of cordial multi-ethnic relationships anchored on the knowledge of the respective histories and cultures of Nigeria’s multi-ethnic mosaic in the building of a Nigerian Nation.
  6. Publish a quarterly peer-reviewed journal, titled *_JOURNAL OF OKPE STUDIES_* for the dissemination of scholarly research findings on all aspects of Okpe Studies.

A Management Committee shall handle the affairs of the *_Centre_* while an Editorial Board shall oversee the *_Journal of Okpe Studies_*.  They will contribute their personal resources and seek external funds for the execution of the projects of the Centre. The activities of the Centre include the hosting of an annual or biennial conference on *_OKPE HISTORY AND SOCIETY_*, the publication of its quarterly *_Journal of Okpe Studies_*, and the

+ organization of workshops and seminars on topical issues of Okpe History, Language, Culture, and Economic Development, etc.  In due course members of both the Management Committee of the *_Centre_* and the Editorial Board of the *_Journal of Okpe Studies_* shall be announced.

For further information on the *_Centre_*, please contact Dr. Lucky Akpere at:     luckyakpere@okpeunionng.net

God bless the Okpe Nation.

God bless the Okpe Union.

God bless the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom

Prof. O. Igho Natufe

May 5, 2024

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UTOPIA FREE TRADE ZONE ESTABLISHMENT ATTENDEES

UTOPIA FREE TRADE ZONE ESTABLISHMENT ATTENDEES

UTOPIA FREE TRADE ZONE ESTABLISHMENT ATTENDEES

The Managing Director of Nasarawa State Investment Development Authority, Alhaji Ibrahim and Representative of the Governor of Nasarawa State, H.E. Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the CEO of Utopia Free Trade Zone, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, Mr Liu Tom Qinpeng, the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Iya Loja-General of Nigeria, Chief Dr (Mrs) Mujidat Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Emir of Keffi, HRH Dr Shehu Cindo Yamusa III, the Representative of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Kashim Shettima Mustapha GCON, Jessica Anuna, CEO/Founder of Kasla International Payment System; and Mr. Dimitri van den Broeke, the Representative of the Chairman of Greenville LNG, Eddy van den Broeke at the Investment Summit and Utopia Free Trade Zone Establishment Ceremony at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja Nigeria last Saturday.

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better quality of life top agenda as Okpe leaders meet in Lagos Electricity Sapele Port security

Sapele Port, Electricity, security, better quality of life top agenda as Okpe leaders meet in Lagos

 

A conference of Okpe leaders in different parts of the world will take place in Lagos on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

 

‘’About 300 delegates from Okpe Union branches in Asia, North and South America, Africa, Europe and Australia will attend the  Okpe Union General Assembly at Okpe House, 65 Moshalashi Street, Obalende..

 

Secretary General of the Okpe Union, Barrister Kingsley Akpederin who announced this on Sunday in Lagos said: ‘’the Okpe Union Conference comes at a critical time for Okpe leaders throughout the world. We must rub minds and devise pro-active and creative ways to promote lasting   development and ensure better quality of life for our people’’.

 

A statement from Okpe Union headquarters Sunday morning stated that the delegates would examine the condition of the Okpe Union, discuss political, social and cultural problems and recommend practical steps for implementing development strategies in Delta State.

 

The statement listed international standards of good governance, socio-economic development and means of advancing Okpe interests as important matters to be considered by delegates from all over the world.

 

‘’State of the Union address by the President General, reports from branches and regions of the Okpe Union and the State of the Nigerian Nation and Delta State are three points which will receive greatest attention of the delegates’’.

 

The statement said the men and women of action from Nigeria and abroad would think in larger terms, act on a wider plane of ideas and arrive at positive conclusions which will give a new impetus to Okpe Union and Delta State’.

 

The conference, planned for 10.00 am on the 15th of May, 2024 will take place in an atmosphere of complete frankness and cordiality.

 

‘’The Okpe Union, a socio-cultural group, is the mouthpiece of all the people of the Okpe nation and the oldest registered ethnic union in Nigeria’’ the statement added.

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lethal illicit substance Pregnant woman widow arrested over N3.2m counterfeit cash

Pregnant woman, widow arrested over N3.2m counterfeit cash, lethal illicit substance

 

. As NDLEA recovers 900,000 opioid pills, 1,347.4kg cannabis in Kano, Kogi, Imo, Edo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti raids

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have intercepted a commercial bus conveying N3.2million counterfeit cash owned by three suspects: eight-month pregnant Favour Peter, 24; Esther Adukwu, 27, and Ochigbo Michael, 39, who were arrested at Jabi park in Abuja in a follow up operation on Tuesday 9th April following the seizure of the fake naira notes in Lokoja, Kogi state.

This is even as NDLEA officers in collaboration with men of the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard base, Lokoja intercepted 37-year-old Aliyu Lawal along Lokoja-Abuja road on Monday 8th April and recovered 620  blocks of cannabis weighing 310kg from him, while 10 sacks of the same psychoactive substance weighing 98kg were seized along Okene-Lokoja-Abuja express way by NDLEA operatives from Jama Obodo, 44, in a commercial bus coming from Ilesha, Osun state enroute Taraba state on Wednesday 10th April.

In Cross River state, a 40-year-old widow and mother of two, Mrs. Theodora Ita was on Monday 8th April arrested at Bassey Edom, Calabar, by NDLEA operatives for producing and selling a lethal new psychoactive substance, NPS, locally called ‘Combine’, which is a mixture of different strains of cannabis and opioids soaked in raw gin. As at the time of her arrest, 18 litres of the dangerous substance in used paint drums were recovered from her. In her statement, she claimed she started the illicit drug production and distribution in October 2023. Another suspect, Godwin Okon Samuel, 48, was apprehended at Essit Ebum area of Calabar with 39.4kg of cannabis sativa on Tuesday 9th April.

While two suspects: Sani Mohammed, 43, and Christopher Eze, 64, were arrested in Sabon Gari area of Kano on Tuesday 9th April with 900,000 pills of opioid recovered from them, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Owerri-Onitsha road, Imo state on Friday 12th April intercepted a logistics truck with registration number JGB 403XB and recovered 230 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 119kg hidden under household items after a thorough search.

At least 252 kilograms of cannabis were seized during a raid at Ijesa Isu forest, Ekiti state on Saturday 13th April while four suspects: Adamu Umar, 39; Abdullahi A Gimba, 27; Julius Uduakhomu, 28; and Micheal Sunday, 24, were nabbed loading 40kg of same substance to the engine compartment of a gas truck at Agho village, Owan East, Edo state. Two motorcycles used in conveying the consignment to where the gas truck heading to the North was parked, were also recovered.

In Ogun state, a suspect, Ismaila Ogun was arrested on Friday 12th April with 79kg cannabis at Imeko, while 18-year-old Friday Abah was nabbed with 410kg of the same substance  when NDLEA operatives raided Obatedo camp, Itaogbolu forest, Akure North LGA, Ondo state.

With the same zeal, the various commands of the Agency across the country

continued with the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign in the past week. Some of them include: WADA sensitisation lecture for students and staff of Gboko Polytechnic, Gboko, Benue state; officers and men of 15 Engineering Field Regiment Nigerian Army, Topo, Badagry Lagos; meat butchers at Odo Eran abattoir, Osogbo, Osun state and  WADA advocacy visit to Kogi state Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, among others.

While commending the officers and men of the Kogi, Cross River, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Imo, Kano, and Edo Commands of the Agency for their outstanding feats in drug supply reduction, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) equally applauded them and their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures, aimed at drug demand reduction.

Femi Babafemi

Director, Media & Advocacy

NDLEA Headquarters Abuja

Sunday 14th April 2024

 

WE’LL ENSURE APC REMAINS PARTY OF CHOICE IN ONDO, OTHER S/W STATES, SAYS SANWO-OLU

 

  • South-West APC leaders back Lagos Governor as Zonal Coordinator

 

 

 

Ahead of the November 16 gubernatorial election in Ondo State, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West Zone will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure the APC remains the party of choice.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who is the APC Zonal Coordinator for South-West, said members of the National Working Committee and Zonal Working Committee in the zone had resolved to intervene on issues and engage with critical stakeholders to ensure they were not only taken care of but also enjoyed the dividends of democracy.

 

It would be recalled that the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, inaugurated and presented letters to six governors at the party headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, March 26, to coordinate party activities and reconcile aggrieved members of the party in each of the six geo-political zones.

 

The zonal coordinators are Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (South-West), Hope Uzodinma of Imo (South-East), Bassey Otu of Cross River (South-South), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara (North-Central), Mai Mala Buni of Yobe (North-East), and Uba Sani of Kaduna (North-West).

 

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with the APC National and Zonal Executive members from the South-West at Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday, Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged to live up to the responsibility by working with the entire team to reposition and strengthen the party in the South-West.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was handed a congratulatory letter on his appointment as the Zonal Coordinator for APC South-West by the officials, said the inaugural meeting with the party’s national and zonal executives was to deliberate and come up with far-reaching decisions that would put the party on its feet and the right pedestal.

 

He said, “We are engaging in all the issues that we have in all our states and trying to bring all of us together. We are beginning to look at areas where we can indeed intervene as a zone, especially with critical stakeholders. We have identified students, youths, and people living with disabilities. We all have things we can do differently.

 

“We all have things from the South-West that we can continue to push into our national conversation to ensure that the stakeholders in the region are very focused and ensure that people feel the real dividends of democracy. And to generally put APC as the biggest party in Africa, the biggest party in the country, and to continue to remain the biggest party in the South-West.

 

“We have identified the places we need to work, and the work is continuous. We are working in Oyo State. We will continue to work in Osun State. We will continue to work in Ondo State. Ondo State has a unique issue because we have an election coming up, that affects all parties.

 

“There are candidates that have been thrown out; there are people who have aspired to be aspirants and will turn out to be candidates after the primary elections. We are all brothers and sisters; we will resolve all our issues in-house, and I want to assure you that APC will continue to remain the party of choice in Ondo State.”

 

Speaking after the inaugural meeting, the national and zonal officers of APC in the South-West passed a vote of confidence in Governor Sanwo-Olu, saying the appointment of the Governor as zonal coordinator by the national leadership of the party is well deserved.

 

The APC national and zonal officers from the South-West, while presenting a congratulatory letter to Governor Sanwo-Olu during their inaugural meeting with the Governor, pledged their support and loyalty to the Zonal Coordinator as he leads the South-West of the party to strengthen and reposition it for the future.

 

Reading a communiqué after the meeting, APC National Vice Chairman (South-West), Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, said they have decided to ensure harmonisation and reconciliation in all the states in the South-West, particularly in Oyo, Osun, and Ondo State, where the party will participate in a governorship election later this year.

 

He said they also resolved to prioritise empowerment and engagement with students, youths, women, and persons with disabilities, amongst other initiatives.

 

The communique reads in parts: “After discussing the challenges facing the party in the South-West zone, the meeting resolved to immediately set up a zonal office of the party in Ibadan and also to immediately set up a liaison and operational office in Lagos since the zonal coordinator is the Governor of Lagos.

 

“The meeting also resolved, as part of engagement with the leadership, formal and informal, of the party, to convene a South-West Assembly of the All Progressives Congress in early June this year.

 

“The meeting also resolved that, under the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu, this forum will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders, to ensure their empowerment and productive engagement by the government of the federation and various governments in the South-West.”

 

Among the APC national and zonal executive members from South-West who attended the meeting are; National Secretary, Senator Bashir Ajibola; National Youth Leader, Mr. Dayo Israel; Deputy National Auditor, Hon. Femi Egbedeyi; National Ex-Officio Member (South-West), Hon. Olubunmi Oriniowo; National Vice Chairman (South-West), Hon. Isaac Kekemeke; Zonal Secretary, Hon. Vincent Bewaji; Zonal Organising Secretary, Dr. Lateef Ibirogba; Zonal Publicity Secretary, Chief Ayo Afolabi; Zonal Woman Leader, Hon. Yetunde Adesanya; Zonal Leader of People Living with Disability, Comrade Moshood Erubami and APC Chairmen in South-West states, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi (Lagos), Chief Yemi Sanusi (Ogun), Chief Isaac Omodewu (Oyo),  Sooko Tajudeen Lawal (Osun), Engr. Ade Adetimehin (Ondo) and  Hon. Sola Elesin (Ekiti).

 

SIGNED

 

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

 

SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY

 

14 APRIL 2024

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

LAGOS-CALABAR HIGHWAY PROJECT IS A HIGHWAY TO FRAUD, WASTE – ATIKU, INSISTS PROJECT AWARD DID NOT MEET MINIMUM THRESHOLD OF DUE PROCESS

 

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has described as wasteful and a highway to fraud the claim by Works Minister, Dave Umahi, that the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will tentatively cost N15.6 trillion.

 

Atiku also knocked Umahi for altering the initial plan of the project after Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech had been awarded the contract without any competitive bidding.

 

He said, “Umahi had announced that the project would be fully funded by Hitech, and based on this, there was no competitive bidding. He (Umahi) then turned around to say that Hitech could only raise just 6% of the money for the pilot phase. This smacks of deceit.”

 

Umahi had during his media rounds at select TV stations on Thursday said the road project would cost N15.6 trillion ($13bn at exchange rate of N1,200/$1) while the rail which will pass through the road will be costed separately. The minister had also said the project would not be PPP, but the government would be providing 15%-30% counterpart financing.

 

Responding to Umahi’s revelation, Atiku said the tentative cost was the equivalent of the total budget of all 36 states of the federation combined.

 

He said, “The total budget of all 36 states of the federation for 2024 stands at about N14 trillion. If you add that of the FCT, the entire budget of all sub-nationals is N15.91 trillion. This is scandalous. Worse still, they have already awarded the contract but are still not sure of the level of the counterpart funding component of the federal government!

 

“Umahi had said in September 2023 that Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech had the money to construct the highway and that it would be PPP. Hitech was to build, operate, and transfer it back to the Nigerian government after years of tolling.

 

“It was reported by every media organization, including those owned by Tinubu. It was on the basis of this proposal that Hitech was picked. Why did Umahi then turn around to claim that it was not to be a PPP but that the government would pay 15%-30%?”

 

The former Vice President noted that in the 2024 budget, the project was captured as the Lagos-Port Harcourt coastal highway and was put at a cost of N500m.

 

“Although the National Assembly approved N500m for the project this year, the Tinubu administration has released N1.06tn. That is more than 200 times what is in the Appropriation Act. This is what happens when the National Assembly fails in its duties,” he added.

 

Atiku said it was curious that the N15.91 trillion announced by Umahi did not include the cost of the railway component. He therefore wondered how much the project would cost if the railway component is included.

 

“If N15.6 trillion is for the road component alone, then the total cost could be far higher when the railway is included. We want to know the cost of the railway,” he said.

 

The PDP presidential candidate also lambasted Umahi for admitting that the project was given to Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech construction company without a competitive bidding.

 

He asked Umahi to stop trying to deceive Nigerians with the claim that only Hitech was competent enough to do the project, wondering if it is the same that has been grappling with the execution of its projects in Lagos.

 

The former Vice President stated, “The essence of a competitive bidding is so that Nigerians can get the best value for money. It is so that you can compare prices and pick the company that can afford the project. It is wrong for him to have concluded that only Hitech could handle this project when such a project has been done by other reputable firms in the United States, China and South Africa.

 

“He claims he didn’t know there was a business relationship between Gilbert Chagoury and Tinubu, but this is another lie because Tinubu has publicly acknowledged this fact.”

 

Atiku also accused the works minister of attempting to deceive Nigerians as regards the appropriation for the project.

 

He called on members of the National Assembly to be alive to their responsibilities instead of acting like an annexe of the presidency.

 

The PDP candidate stated, “Until I exposed the dubious nature of this project, no member of the National Assembly thought it wise to investigate. The total cost was never made known until now. The fact that there was no bidding was never made known until I blew the whistle.”

 

The former Vice President also knocked Umahi for claiming that no money had been released yet to Hitech, which he described as another lie.

 

“On March 31, 2024, Umahi came on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme where he pointedly said that money that the sum of N1.06tn was released to Hitech. Only for him to say on TVC on April 11 that the same money had not been released. Which one is true, and which one is false?”

 

Signed:

Atiku Media Office

Abuja

11th April, 2024.

 

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU TO GOVERNORS AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LEADERSHIP: LET US UNITE TO MAKE NIGERIA GREATER

President Bola Tinubu has called for unity of purpose and more collaboration between the federal government, state governors, and members of the National Assembly to achieve national development goals.

The President made the appeal while receiving state governors and the leadership of the National Assembly in Lagos on Friday.

Led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the delegation included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, among others.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Vice-President Shettima expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic resurgence and called for collective efforts to propel the nation forward.

He urged unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve shared prosperity and promised a brighter future for the nation under President Tinubu’s guidance.

“Let us unite, rally around our leader, and catapult this nation to a greater pedestal. By December, I hope we will have cause to celebrate. Let us coalesce to take the nation to a greater pedestal,” Vice-President Shettima said.

Emphasizing President Tinubu’s role as a unifying leader transcending ethnic and religious lines, the Vice-President noted that the gathering of 27 governors in Lagos, along with the leadership of the National Assembly and some former governors, bears the testimony of a detribalized leader who has embraced all.

”This gathering cuts across ethnic, religious, and political lines. Here, we have Pastor Eno of Akwa Ibom and Father Hyacinth of Benue, and as the President was seated, he was asking, ‘Where is Wammako, where is Yari’? That is the hallmark of true leadership. What binds us together supersedes whatever it is that may divide us.”

”The future of the black man rests on Nigeria to make or mar. Our economy has turned the corner. By the coming months, the economy will roar back to glory,” the Vice-President said.

Senate President Akpabio commended the state governors for emulating President Tinubu’s leadership style, characterized by listening to diverse voices and consulting widely with the people, irrespective of political affiliations.

“The governors are doing well. I can say so because I have been there before,” Senator Akpabio said.

Expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, Akpabio noted that the President enjoys the broad support of Nigerians across political divides.

“As you coast home to victory for a second term, may all the governors seated here also coast home to a second term victory in their states,” Senate President Akpabio prayed.

In his remarks, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed support for the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing it as a huge project that will have a significant impact on the nation when completed. 

He commended the President’s efforts in stabilizing the economy and improving living conditions, highlighting the positive developments in the country, which include the stabilization of the exchange rate and decreasing food prices.

He attributed these improvements to the President’s initiatives and also lauded the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s funding for 8,800 primary healthcare centres.

“We commend your efforts because the ship is gradually turning. We have seen how the exchange rate of the naira against the dollar is coming down. The cost of food is coming down. The dry season harvest is commencing soon. Things are getting better, and there is light at the end of the tunnel,” the Governor said.

He urged President Tinubu to persevere in his efforts towards achieving economic stability.

The governor also expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Federal Government to states, particularly in distributing grains to alleviate food shortages.

”We are here to support you, and we also thank you for the support that you are giving to the sub-nationals. Trucks are wheeling up across the nation, distributing grains. I have received, and most of the states have.

”Because of what you are doing, those who are hoarding food items are releasing them, and that is why the prices of food are coming down,” he said.

Governor AbdulRazaq reiterated the governors’ commitment to supporting the President’s initiatives and pledged to continue complementing the efforts of the federal government in driving progress and prosperity across the nation.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

April 12, 2024

 

Publish loan agreements by Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, Buhari, SERAP tells Tinubu

 

 

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu “to direct appropriate ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to provide our organization with copies of the loan agreements obtained by the governments of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.”

 

 

 

SERAP is also seeking “the spending details of any such loans as well as the interests and other payments so far made on the loans.”

 

 

 

SERAP also urges him “to establish an independent audit on the spending of the loans obtained by the governments of the former presidents, and to make public the findings of any such audit.”

 

 

 

In the Freedom of Information request dated 13 April 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Publishing copies of the agreements would prevent and combat waste, corruption, mismanagement, and abuse in the spending of public funds.”

 

 

 

SERAP said, “No one should be able to pull curtains of secrecy around decisions on the spending of public funds which can be revealed without injury to the public interest. Democracy requires accountability and accountability requires transparency.”

 

 

 

According to SERAP, “Nigerians are entitled to information about what their government is doing in their name. This is part of their right to information.”

 

 

 

The FoI request, read in part: “Nigerians’ right to a democratic governance allows them to appreciably influence the direction of government, and have an opportunity to assess progress and assign blame.”

 

 

 

“The accountability of government to the general public is a hallmark of democratic governance, which Nigeria seeks to achieve.”

 

 

 

“Your government should make it possible for citizens to have access to the agreements and spending details to judge whether their government is working for them or not.”

 

 

 

“Publishing the agreements would demonstrate your oft-expressed commitment to openness in government and to promote accountability. It would also improve public accountability in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

 

 

 

“Publishing the agreements and spending details would allow the public to see how and on what these governments spent the loans and foster transparency and accountability.”

 

 

 

“The information may help to explain why, despite several billions of dollars in loans obtained by successive governments, millions of Nigerians continue to face extreme poverty and lack access to basic public goods and services.”

 

 

 

“Providing us with copies of the loan agreements signed by the governments of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, and widely publishing the agreements would allow Nigerians to scrutinise it and to demand accountability for the spending of the loans.

 

 

 

“We would therefore be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

 

 

 

“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Freedom of Information Act, and the UN Convention against Corruption, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to Nigeria is a state party.”

 

 

 

“According to Nigeria’s Debt Management Office, the total public domestic debt portfolio for the country’s is N97.3 trillion ($108 billion). The Federal Government’s debt is N87.3 trillion ($97 billion).”

 

 

 

“Nigeria paid $6.2 billion in 2019 as interest on loans while the country paid $6.5 as interest in 2018. Nigeria also paid $5 billion as interest on loans in 2017 while the country paid $4.4 billion as interest in 2016. For 2015, the interest paid on loans was $5.5 billion.”

 

 

 

“SERAP is seriously concerned that substantial parts of the loans obtained by successive governments since the return of democracy in 1999 may have been mismanaged, diverted or stolen, and in any case remain unaccounted for.”

 

 

 

“Publishing copies of the agreements would also ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties including the management of the loans obtained between May 1999 and May 2023.”

 

 

 

“Your government has a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in how any loans obtained by the Federal Government are spent, to reduce vulnerability to corruption and mismanagement.”

 

 

 

“The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including to copies of the loan agreements obtained by successive governments since 1999.”

 

 

 

“By the combined reading of the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, the Freedom of Information Act 2011, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, there are transparency obligations imposed on your government to widely publish the agreements and details of the projects on which the loans were spent.

 

 

 

“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.”

 

 

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

 

SERAP Deputy Director

 

14/04/2024

 

Lagos, Nigeria

 

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

 

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

 

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

 

For more information or to

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36 GOVERNORS TODAY ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABEOKUTA NEWS ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABIRIBA NEWS ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE ABUJA GAZETTES ABUJA GUIDE ABUJA MORNING NEWS ABUJA NEWS
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL HEALTH FELLOWS PROGRAMME

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL HEALTH FELLOWS PROGRAMME

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
In his determination to comprehensively upgrade existing primary healthcare centres and construct over 8,800 new primary healthcare centres across all local government areas in the country for accessible and qualitative healthcare delivery with the provision of new social accountability mechanisms, President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Fellows Programme, with young Nigerian fellows to be engaged in all the 774 local government areas in the country.
The well-trained fellows will serve as fiduciary agents to monitor and track Primary Healthcare Centre development and performance, which is to be assiduously measured against all financial inflows to the centres nationwide.
The fellowship programme will be domiciled in the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) coordination office under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The fellows will be recruited, renumerated, and equipped with appropriate tools to track the performance of Basic Health Care Provision Fund-supported health facilities across the nation.
President Tinubu, who is the African Union Champion for Human Resources in Healthcare, places faith in young Nigerians, and expects that their engagement in this critical nation-building task, which also includes a daily monitoring and tracking of health reforms in their locations, will usher in a new era of world-class service provision to all Nigerians in every part of the country.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 8, 2024
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Business Mogul Felix Aganbi lauds Olu of Warri Kingdom Ogiame Atuwatse 111

Business Mogul, Felix Aganbi, lauds Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse 111

 

Business Mogul, Feli Aganbi, on Tuesday commended Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse 111 for demonstrating exemplary leadership, living above board and for serving as a source of strength and inspiration for many within and outside Warri Kingdom kingdom.

 

‘’His Royal Majesty, Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, is an intelligent, straightforward, courageous, selfless, amiable and committed patriot’’.

 

He also praised the Warri monarch for playing significant roles in the promotion of harmony, socio-cultural cooperation, communal living and peaceful co-existence among diverse peoples.

 

‘’The current peace, progress and prosperity in the Warri Kingdom can be attributed to his wise and benevolent leadership” he said.

 

Aganbi in a statement in Koko, headquarters of Warri North, praised Ogiame Atuwatse 111 for serving the kingdom with unerring grace, dignity and decency.

 

Aganbi, Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Water and Ajimele Oil, praised the monarch for stimulating harmony and development in Delta State, Keeping Itsekiri firmly on the road to development and uplifting the fortunes of Warri Kingdom.

 

Particularly, he lauded His Royal Majesty for utilizing his boundless energy, robust intellect, uncommon courage and tenacity of purpose to motivate members of the traditional council and prominent leaders for the highest ideals of governance, unity and development in Warri Kingdom.

 

“Ogiame Atuwatse 111, CFR is a man of impeccable character, a man of dignity, wisdom and compassion” he said.

 

The statement highlighted the monarch’s visionary leadership and selfless service to humanity.

 

“May the Good Lord, who has blessed Warri Kingdom, grant you good health, wisdom and strength”.

 

Ending the statement, Aganbi said “Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem and warmest congratulations on occasion of your 40th birthday’’

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PRESIDENT TINUBU TO ATTEND INAUGURATION OF SENEGAL'S PRESIDENT-ELECT BASSIROU FAYE

PRESIDENT TINUBU TO ATTEND INAUGURATION OF SENEGAL’S PRESIDENT-ELECT BASSIROU FAYE

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, for Dakar, Senegal, to attend the inauguration of Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

The President’s trip is on the invitation of the Republic of Senegal.

President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, will join other regional leaders to witness the inauguration at Diamniadio Exhibition Centre on Tuesday.

The President will be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and other senior government officials.

The President is expected to return to Nigeria after the conclusion of the inauguration.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

April 1, 2024

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, for Dakar, Senegal, to attend the inauguration of Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

The President’s trip is on the invitation of the Republic of Senegal.

President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, will join other regional leaders to witness the inauguration at Diamniadio Exhibition Centre on Tuesday.

The President will be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and other senior government officials.

The President is expected to return to Nigeria after the conclusion of the inauguration.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

April 1, 2024

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All eyes on AFP at 2024 Design Innovation Competition

All eyes on AFP at 2024 Design, Innovation Competition

 

 

 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has hailed the pivotal role of youths and creativity in shaping Nigeria’s future, declaring that innovation is the driving force behind the nation’s manufacturing sector and its boundless potential.

 

He spoke recently at the official launch of the National Design and Innovation Competition in the Presidential Villa, just as the event raised high expectations from leading furniture design and manufacture company and a subsidiary of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Abuja Furniture Production, AFP.

 

Vice President Shettima who emphasized that the future belongs to the youth and the creatives, said, Nigeria’s youthful population, with an average age of just 19 years old  is an age group that is pregnant with ideas for innovation and for the social and economic transformation of Nigeria.

 

He said, innovation drives manufacturing adding that Nigeria is brimming with possibilities and opportunities.”

 

The National Design and Innovation Competition which aims to spur entrepreneurship and creative ventures among Nigeria’s burgeoning youth population is organised by the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI), Wema Bank and other related industry sector players.

 

The Vice President pledged federal government’s support for youth aspirations and entrepreneurship, commending the financial institutions’ backing of the creative sector.

 

In her remarks, leader of the delegation and Founder of the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN), Titi Ogufere, announced plans by IDAN and the Design Innovation Hub of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy to train one million youths in furniture, product and industrial design.

 

This initiative which aims to equip aspiring creatives with the necessary skills and access to training will feature design competitions and workshops where participants can showcase their prototypes and work with top Nigerian manufacturers like Julius Berger’s AFP, among others, she said.

 

Suggesting that the development will no doubt throw up high expectations from the world on AFP, Ogufere enthused: we are used to AFP and what good furniture the company can do. It easily excels in trendy and enduring office and home furniture and AFP’s fast pace at adjusting to customer’s needs is legendary.

 

AFP, an award-winning furniture brand provides best-in-class furniture solutions for residential homes, corporate offices, and the hospitality sector in Nigeria. The company offers cutting-edge products that deliver creative, inviting and stunning spaces required to make customers’ property stand out.

 

AFP commenced operation in 1991 and has excelled at collaborating with clients to understand their unique requirements, serving to bring their ideas to life.

 

The company‘s factory houses heavy-duty computerized machines, tool and equipment with which all products are manufactured and assembled utilizing a wide range of indigenous materials, supplemented with non-local resources when necessary.

 

Utilizing the latest machinery and highest level of craftsmanship for the production of quality furniture, AFP undoubtedly exceed the expectations clients in creating comfortable and stylishly furnished spaces.

 

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SANWO-OLU CELEBRATES TINUBU AT 72

SANWO-OLU CELEBRATES TINUBU AT 72

…Says President is courageous, audacious, passionate leader.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his 72nd birthday, describing him as a courageous, audacious, and passionate leader who is committed to the progress, growth, and development of Nigeria.

He said President Tinubu is worth celebrating for his contribution to national development, noting that the President, since he assumed office on May 29, 2023, has demonstrated unparalleled patriotism, integrity, honesty, and courage in the task of steering the ship of Nigeria in the right direction.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said President Tinubu has provided honest and transparent leadership in Nigeria by taking bold decisions to address challenges militating against the prosperity of Nigeria and Nigerians.

Sanwo-Olu further described the President as a visionary and master strategist whose democratic credentials are scholarly materials for study in political economy.

He said: “On behalf of my family, the government, the people of Lagos State,  members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), leaders, and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, I congratulate our leader, President Bola Tinubu, on the occasion of his 72nd birthday.

“President Tinubu has sacrificed the greater part of his life in the service of our dear State and Nigeria. He contributed to the enthronement of democracy and good governance, serving first as a Senator in the aborted third republic and later as a pro-democracy activist, working tirelessly as a member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to struggle for the de-annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

“President Tinubu’s financial wizardry and economic intellect, which he put to good use as the Governor of Lagos State, have taken our dear state to a greater height. Today, Lagos is the pride of Nigeria, occupying an enviable position as the fifth largest economy in Africa.

“President Tinubu has made positive impacts in the country through the Renewed Hope agenda of his administration. His unblemished service and track record of impressive achievements in public office have made him a role model for many Nigerians.

“As President Tinubu celebrates his 72nd birthday, it is our prayer that God will grant him more prosperous years in good health and wisdom as he continues to serve our dear nation.”

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY

28 MARCH 2024

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