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OLOROGUN DAVID EDEVBIE IS THE BEST PERSON FOR DELTA STATE GOVERNORSHIP JOB, SAYS UPU

 

 

The leadership of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) on Sunday endorsed Olorogun David Edevbie for the Delta State 2023 governorship election.

The endorsement was contained in a communiqué signed by Olorogun Moses Oghenerume Taiga, President-General, Chief Capt. (Dr.) Anthony Onoharigho, 1st Deputy President-General, Chief Godwin Notoma,Chairman  Forum of Presidents-General of the 24 Urhobo Kingdoms, Dame Chief (Mrs.) Christy Siakpere, President, UPU Women Wing and Comrade Ovie Ebireri, President, UPU Youth Wing.

The UPU leaders hinged their position on the need for Urhobo nation to present a common front to ensure that Delta Central produces the next Governor of the state, stressing, however that the other aspirants are also qualified and fit persons but pleaded with them to consider the collective interest of the Urhobo nation above personal ambitions and support the decision

‘’Only one person will occupy the position’’.

The UPU also urged Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to forgive Edevbie for any wrong for which he may have been angry with him and allow the Urhobo nation to present the best and preferred choice in the overall interest of the development of the state.

In the statement titled “Delta State Governorship 2023: Our Stand; Our Choice,” the UPU said the choice of Edevbie was based on a rigorous engagement with all Delta Central PDP aspirants for the Governorship position from which Edevbie emerged as the best.

“After thoroughly examining and analysing all the aspirants, we have, however, reached the consensus that Olorogun David Edevbie is the best person for the job at this time. Over time he has acquired impressive public sector experience, both locally in Delta State and Federal Governments, and prior outstanding international development finance experience,” the statement said.

“We hereby sincerely plead with all our sons and prevail on them all to support and collaborate with the consensus choice of UPU Worldwide for the collective interest of our dear Urhobo Nation. We ask for their understanding at this critical and trying time in the history of the Urhobo Nation.”

Its action, the UPU said, is in fulfillment of defending, protecting and safeguarding the interests of the Urhobo nation while promoting unity and good relations with other parts of Delta State.

“We need to take note of the current political atmosphere in Delta State and the seeming attempt to deliberately undermine the interest of the Urhobo people in the 2023 Governorship race.

“In this regard, the Government of the Urhobo Nation, the UPU, is under obligation, at all times and in all circumstances to defend, protect and promote the interest of the Urhobo Nation and her people. The UPU is unequivocally committed to the emergence of an Urhobo person as the next Governor of Delta State in 2023.”

Explaining the selection process, the body said all the aspirants were taken into confidence on the need to promote a common front and commended them on the friendliness and peacefulness in which they have conducted their consultations.

“To present a united front in the forthcoming primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the UPU had a brainstorming session with each of the Urhobo aspirants. All the aspirants who presented themselves before the UPU in the four-day interactive session performed brilliantly. We acknowledge that they are all eminently qualified and suitable for the job, and each has what it takes to occupy the office of the Governor.

‘We wish to recall admonishing each of the aspirants in the cause of our meeting with them that “the UPU will, in conjunction with all stakeholders, ensure that the Urhobo Nation produces the Governor in 2023. We shall be firm on this and 2023’’

‘’We shall be fair and just to all the aspirants because we know that you all are eminently qualified for the office. It is just that only one person can go per time.”

The choice of David Edevbie is consistent with their position in the 2014 primaries in which they also endorsed him as their best and sole candidate.

The UPU particularly pleaded with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to accept their choice of David Edevbie, assuring him of their continued mutual friendship and brotherhood.

“We want to appeal to our Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, to forgive Olorogun David Edevbie for any perceived transgression. To forgive is divine. No individual is perfect.

“Your Excellency, we also urge you to allow the Urhobo Nation to choose the candidate of its preference please. We can assure Your Excellency that if considered necessary, we, as Urhobos, will act as sureties of Olorogun David Edevbie while in the office if, by the grace of God, he wins the Governorship general elections in 2023.”

On otation of power by senatorial districts, the union  thanked various stakeholders of the state especially the traditional rulers and leading political class for keeping with the arrangement.

“The UPU commends all our Royal Fathers across the State and all well-meaning Deltans who have given their support to the rotational policy on Senatorial basis, as against ethnic nationality.

“The UPU has absolute faith in the rotation of the Governorship position among the three Senatorial Districts of the State, which, of course, has gone round, having started with Central in 1999 and rounding up now with the North. This rotational policy has brought about peace, mutual respect among the diverse ethnic groups and tranquility to the State in the last 22 years, paving way for the growth and development that have been witnessed so far in the State. The policy must, therefore, be encouraged and sustained by all the ethnic nationalities in the State to guarantee the prevailing peace, and prevent the unnecessary rancour, acrimony and violence often associated with campaigns and elections.”

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JULIUS BERGER BEATS THE ODDS, ANNOUNCES EXCEPTIONAL FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR 2021

 

 

 

GROWS REVENUE BY 40%, BOARD RECOMMENDS DIVIDEND OF N2.50K PER 50K SHARE

Despite numerous challenges in the last financial year, with due regard to the ongoing FX scarcity and current global supply chain constraints, both consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Nigeria’s engineering construction industry leader, continues to perform brilliantly and has achieved exceptional financial performance in the year ended December 31, 2021.

The favourable result includes and evidences vast improvements in terms of revenue accruals, cash flow stability and positive result for shareholders.

The ever-reliable construction company recently announced the results of its consolidated audited financial statements for the year stating that the Group’s revenue grew from N241.8 billion in 2020 to N338.8 billion in 2021, representing an increase of 40%.

“The rise in revenue underlines the strong position of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc within the construction industry and its ability to execute its projects at an excellent pace and to the satisfaction of its clients,” the company said.

As a further boost to the top-line growth, the Group increased its Profit Before Taxation from N3.9 billion in 2020 to N14.2 billion in 2021 while the Profit After Taxation rose from N1.2 billion to N8.3 billion in the year under review.

Following the commendable financial result and positive cash status for the year ended December 31, 2021, the company’s Board of Directors recommend a dividend of N2.50K per 50K share, resulting in a total gross dividend pay-out of N4 billion.

Highlights of the results show that Julius Berger Nigeria’s revenue grew by 40% to N338.81 billion with Operating Profit rising by 81% to 22.67 billion. Also Earnings Before Interests and Taxes, EBIT margin improved by 154 bps while Finance Cost grew by 14% relative to Revenue Growth (40%) just as the company’s Net cash position improved by 168% to N41.42 billion. The net favourable effect is that, it can be noted that 2021 was a successful business year, and the company was able to return to its 2019 growth path despite the difficulties of the year 2020 given the disruptions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic

Deriving from Julius Berger’s impressively successful financial year 2021 results, analysts across the market spectrum are positively upbeat and unanimous in opinion that the Julius Berger Group is well prepared for any new or potential headwinds that may result from a combination of both ongoing supply-chain impediments arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and multiplier effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is a leading Nigerian company offering holistic services covering the planning, design, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings, infrastructure and industry projects in Nigeria. Since its pioneer project in 1965, Julius Berger has played a pivotal role in the development of Nigeria’s industrial and civil infrastructure. The company specialises in executing complex works requiring the highest level of technical expertise and Nigeria-specific knowhow.

 

 

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPLAUD JULIUS BERGER AS FINANCE MINISTER WATCH ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION LEADER CAST AND CONNECT LAST SPAN TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION OF SOLID 2ND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE

 

  • “Julius Berger has brought some very unique innovations in the construction of this Project and I want to on behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria applaud the skills of the construction workers that have been working on this site…and through the project, the Federal Government has been able to create about 20,000 jobs at the construction site.”

 

– Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed

 

The Federal Government last Saturday in Onitsha once again applauded the nation’s infrastructure construction leader, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, for the company’s uncommon and productive commitment to successful projection implementation as well as for its engineering genius, which the government called ‘excellent’.

 

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, who was visiting the 2nd River Niger Bridge project to see the extent the works had progressed also witnessed the history-making final concrete casting  that connected the last span of the bridge to technically complete the construction of the bridge by Julius Berger.

 

Mrs. Zainab Ahmed also hailed the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, (NSIA) over its work on the second Niger Bridge. Other senior government officials on the honourable Minister’s entourage to the project site included the Chairman, Board of Directors of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, Mr. Farouk Gumel, and the NSIA Managing Director, Uche Orji. The Deputy Governor of Anambra state, Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim, also joined in inspecting the Project. The Minister’s visit is the second in approximately three weeks, coming after President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, also conducted an inspection visit to the project works. The Project, which is under construction by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is being administratively oversighted by the NSIA with funding from the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF).

 

Speaking shortly with the media after the inspection, the Minister described the second Niger Bridge as a very significant project for the Federal Government, because of the geo-integrative and huge developmental impact, which the project would have on the socio-economic lives of Nigerians. She expressed satisfaction with the timely pace and premium quality of the job done by Julius Berger under the committed administrative oversight of the NSIA.

 

In the words of the honourable Minister, “Today is a very significant day in the construction circle of the Second Niger Bridge. This is one of the most iconic Projects in the Country … the significance of today is that the two ends of the Bridge are being put together, and this is the final phase of the work in truly completing the project and finishing the work. Technically, I can report to Mr. President that I have seen where all the billions have gone. This is a Project that is very dear to the President and it is designed to uplift the lives and livelihood of people of the South-East and other parts of the Country.”

 

The minister further said, “We hope that when this Project comes on stream, it will ease traffic, enhance commercial activities and improve the lives of the people.

 

Commending Julius Berger for its operational gender sensitivity, the honourable Minister said, “I am also happy to see the ladies I am seeing working on the construction site; it’s not all men. Julius Berger has brought some very unique innovations in the construction of this Project and I want to on behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria applaud the skills of the construction workers that have been working on this site.” Ahmed said that through the Project, the Federal Government has been able to create about 20,000 jobs at the construction site.

 

Turning to the Julius Berger project director for the 2nd River Niger Bridge, the honourable Minister said, “Wieser, congratulations for an excellent job done on this project by you and your workers. You have justified our investment in this project. Well done. We shall visit you again, soon, when we shall escort the President, Muhammadu Buhari  to commission this significant bridge.”

 

Commenting on the Project, also, the Chairman of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr. Farouk Gumel, also expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the project. Gumel said, “…the (NSIA) Board is pleased with the quality and pace of work. Undoubtedly, the 2nd Niger Bridge is a vital piece of national infrastructure. At completion, we expect that it will serve as an enabler to cross-regional economic activities and stimulate growth on a national scale.”

 

In his remarks at the event, the NSIA Managing Director, Mr. Uche Orji, said, “…the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) is a special fund set up by President Muhammadu Buhari, and is managed by the NSIA. The NSIA brought some of its own capital and the capital provided by FG.” Other projects funded by the PIDF include the ongoing Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road (AKR) and the Lagos-Shagamu Expressway (LSE) projects.

 

The Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Dr Lars Richter, who was unavoidably out of jurisdiction, was strongly represented at the honourable Minister’s visit by a delegation led by the company’s executive director, corporate development, Mr Tobias Meletschus. Other senior company officials on the team included the CEO of Julius Berger International in Germany, Dr Pierre Lubasch, Abuja Regional Manager, Engr. Oliver Berger, the 2nd River Niger Bridge project director, Engr. Friedrich Wieser, Senior Management Staff, Dr Abdulazeez Kaita, the Head of Media Relations, Prince Moses Duku and the Head of Corporate Communications, James Agama, amongst others.

 

 

 

 

JULIUS BERGER INCREASES CSR PROJECTS, BUILDS WATER BOREHOLES AND TOILETS FOR SCHOOLS AT ABUJA-KANO ROAD PROJECT CORRIDOR

 

In continuation of its determination to touch the lives of communities and strong commitment’s to its Corporate Social Responsibility in its operational sites, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has again donated boreholes and toilets to schools on its Abuja-Kano Road Project corridor.

 

At Government Girls Secondary School, Yadakwari, the excitement that enveloped the entire school made up of over 800 students caught up with the teachers and community leaders who also sang praises of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc “for its very healthy sense of Corporate Social Responsibility by which it gives back to benefit its host communities.”

 

After a brief introduction by the Leader of Julius Berger CSR team at the event, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim, the Principal of the school, Wasila Shuaibu, who appreciated the gesture stated: “We are very pleased with the outstanding contributions made by Julius Berger. We now have borehole and toilets in our school premises. To others, it might be a small one, but to us here at Government Girl’s Secondary School, it is a very big move made by the company. On behalf of the Management and students, we say a very big thank you to the construction giant for finally putting smiles on our faces.”

 

The Village Head of Yadakwari, Mohammed Daniya Ibrahim, who was also present at the event said, “Good water has been one major problem of the Community and I’m extremely grateful to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for extending its effort to provide us with good water that will not just benefit the school, but the Community at large. Now, we can comfortably have good water to take home to our children and families.”

 

At the Government Junior Secondary School Co-exist, Tariwa, Kano State, it was also commendation galore for Julius Berger’s CSR efforts even as students and National Youth Corp Members danced and sang praises to Julius Berger, displaying appreciation placards.

 

The Head Teacher of the school, Mallam Iliyasu Ibrahim, was effusively full with thanks and prayers for Julius Berger“…on behalf of the Staff, Parents and the Pupils of Government Junior Secondary School, Tariwa, I say thank you for what you have done for us, and we pray that God in His infinite mercies bless you richly. The company shall grow higher and God’s favour will not elude you.”  An excited Corp member, Mr. James Dantata, said, “we really love the work done here by Julius Berger, the company has a way of doing its Corporate Social Responsibility often and taken it to the rural areas as well. Thank you for bringing quality water to us here. We will also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Management of Julius Berger, please accept our sincere appreciation and thank you for your kind CSR gesture.”

 

The Representative of the Village Head of Tariwa, Ado Lawal, who was also present at the event said, “The Village Head extends his gratitude to the management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the newly constructed borehole and toilets. Words won’t be able to show how happy we feel. I pray God rewards the company and continuously bless the works of their hands. Once again, Thank You.”

 

The Julius Berger delegation to the event was led by the AKR Project Coordinator, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim. Other JBN Officials included, Content Writer, Corporate Communications, Michael Ashofor; and Press Relations Officer, Olivia Uzoma.

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NIN-SIM: Reverse decision to block phone lines of 72 million subscribers, SERAP tells Buhari

 

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “direct the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to immediately reverse the apparently unlawful decision to block over 72 million active telecommunication subscribers from making calls on their SIMs.”

 

Last week, the Federal Government ‘ordered’ telecommunications companies to block outgoing calls on all unlinked lines as the deadline for the verification expired on March 31. Following the directive, over 72 million subscribers have now been barred from making calls.

 

In the open letter dated 9 April, 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “Blocking people from making calls undermines their ability to communicate freely, and associate with others. It infringes their rights to freedom of expression and family life, as well as socio-economic rights.”

 

SERAP, “The decision will have a chilling effect, dissuading the free expression of ideas and information.”

 

According to SERAP, “The decision to block people from making calls is also inconsistent and incompatible with the country’s international legal obligations to respect, protect, promote and facilitate economic and social rights. The decision contradicts the tenets of the rule of law, and a democratic society.”

 

SERAP said, “Immediately reversing the decision would be in conformity with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended], and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations. Reversing the decision would also improve the confidence of the international community in human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria.”

 

The letter, read in part, “Access to telecommunications services is a condition sine qua non for the effective exercise of human rights. Therefore, the decision to block people from making calls is discriminatory, and a travesty.”

 

“The decision will cause a wide variety of harms to economic activity, personal safety, and disproportionately affect those on the margins of society. This will directly hinder the ability of the government to achieve the 2030 Agenda’s Goal 8 on the promotion of sustained, inclusive, sustainable economic growth.”

“Millions of Nigerians including persons with disabilities, elderly citizens, persons living in remote areas have been unable to capture their biometrics, and obtain their National Identity Numbers [NINs] due to logistical challenges, administrative and bureaucratic burdens, as well as the persistent collapse of the national grid.”

 

“This has resulted in the discrimination of marginalized or vulnerable groups.”

 

“We would be grateful if the decision to block people from making calls on their SIMs is reversed within 48 hours 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 in the public interest to ensure full compliance with human rights standards.”

 

“The rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and freedom of association, whether offline or online promote the democratic ideal by allowing citizens to voice their concerns, challenge governmental institutions, and hold government accountable for its actions.”

 

“The democratic ideal rationale also recognizes the necessity of having a well-informed citizenry to participate in the democratic process.”

 

“We support any lawful means to address the growing insecurity across the country. However, while the authorities have a legal responsibility to protect, ensure and secure the rights to life and property, any such responsibility ought to be discharged in conformity with human rights standards.”

 

“While we recognize the need for your government to take measures to ensure security and safety of the people in the country, we are seriously concerned that the decision to block people from making calls appears to go beyond the restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, information, and association.”

 

“The rights to freedom of opinion and expression and access to information are protected under section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.”

 

“These rights must be protected online as it is protected offline. Any restriction on these rights must be provided by law, be necessary in a democratic society and serve a legitimate aim.”

 

“The UN Human Rights Committee has stated that when a state party invokes a legitimate ground for restriction of human rights, it must demonstrate in specific and individualized fashion the precise nature of the threat, and the necessity and proportionality of the specific action taken, in particular by establishing a direct and immediate connection between the expression and the threat.”

 

“The decision to block over 72 million subscribers from making calls on their SIMs also amounts to an arbitrary or unlawful interference with their right to family life, and socio-economic rights, as it unnecessarily or disproportionately interferes with these fundamental human rights.”

 

“According to our information, your government recently directed telecommunication companies in the country to block over 72 million active telecommunication subscribers from making calls on their SIMs. The ‘order’ to the telecommunications companies was apparently to enforce compliance with the Federal Government’s National Identification Number-Subscriber Identity Module policy.”

 

“The policy effectively restricted outgoing calls on all unlinked lines, effective April 4, 2022.”

 

“We are concerned that the decision to block Nigerians from making calls will have a disproportionate chilling effect on vulnerable groups that rely on such peaceful means to communicate, and convey their opinions and views.”

 

“SERAP is concerned that the decision appears to be arbitrary, and lack any legal framework, independent and judicial oversight. This may allow authorities to act in an unfettered and potentially arbitrary or unlawful manner.”

 

“The decision to block people from making calls also does not appear to be the least intrusive instrument available to the government to achieve the desired results, i.e., the maintenance of national security and public safety.”

 

“The decision is also not proportionate to the perceived goal to be achieved, as it is not appropriately tailored to achieve its protective function in the least intrusive manner.”

 

“The mass disconnection of telephone subscribers from making calls is apparently without any legal justification. It is a form of collective punishment of the people affected by the decision.”

 

“Under international human rights, States including Nigeria ‘shall not engage in or condone any disruption of access to digital technologies for segments of the public or an entire population.’ States must refrain from cutting off access to telecommunications services.”

 

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

10/4/2022

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.orgnews@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

 

 

 

Northern leaders caution Soyinka on Omisore, APC

 

Stakeholders in the politics of the North-East geo-political zone on Thursday reacted to the spate of criticisms and outright falsehood against the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, saying it was in bad faith.

 

The leaders described Omisore as a man of profound moral rectitude.

 

The leaders in a statement in Damaturu, capital of Yobe State, said influential Yoruba leaders should rise in condemnation of the uncomplimentary remarks on Omisore, crude propaganda and the obviously desperate moves to please his paymaster, a former South-South Governor and a major donor to the Nobel laureate’s organisation that twisted the minds of many young Nigerians most of whom are now adults regretting toeing the path of Prof Soyinka in their teenage years.

 

‘’The current posturing of Prof. Wole Soyinka is totally in bad taste and drips with malice .He is attacking Omisore on account of the inability of his benefactor to hijack the national leadership of the party, which he fears will deny the former South-South governor the opportunity to become the presidential candidate of the party without any positive track record of performance in governance.

 

The statement by the chairman of North-East Unity and Advancement Forum (NEUAF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, commended the APC National Secretary for his invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s development and the challenging task of nation-building.

 

‘’Senator Omisore is a patriot, a thinker and a fighter for good causes’’

 

The statement cited Omisore for honesty, industry and patriotism.

 

The group also praised President Muhammadu Buhari and the esteemed members of the ruling party for electing Omisore the party’s National Secretary.

 

The statement emphasized Omisore’s rich and inspiring profile, meritorious services to the nation and humanity, peaceful disposition and gentility.

 

The leaders accused Soyinka of dabbling into politics, threatening thunder against Omisore, whilst encouraging mediocrity and protecting a former South-South governor for supporting him in the last ten years.

 

‘’We know the tactics of Wole Soyinka. He likes to grandstand as an independent man. Many believe he is speaking for the people, campaigning for good governance and quality leadership while the reverse is the case. There are many questions begging for answers in Soyinka’s relationship with the ex-South-South governor for anyone to take him seriously’’

 

‘’Wole Soyinka knows that his sponsor is a weakling who obviously finds himself where he doesn’t belong’’

 

They argued that Soyinka’s recent remark on Omisore was borne out of selfishness but warns that Nigeria is not for sale.

‘’The energy and vigour with which Soyinka undertook a fierce political crusade against the APC National Secretary left no one in doubt that his target was to divide the ruling party, draw Omisore into a controversy and then distract him’’

 

The leaders urged Soyinka to stop chasing shadows that would definitely not help the cause of a current minister and former governor in the South-South geo-political zone.

 

‘’We have watched in astonishment how Soyinka turned himself into such a burden to the former South-South governor’’

 

Wole Soyinka recently lashed out at Omisore on account of the choice of the ruling party to elect the former Osun State deputy governor its National Secretary.

 

‘’Wole Soyinka ought to be more decent with his choices of words in addressing Omisore and should not undermine the fact that his sycophancy might land him into trouble’’

 

JULIUS BERGER INCREASES CSR PROJECTS, BUILDS WATER BOREHOLES AND TOILETS FOR SCHOOLS AT ABUJA-KANO ROAD PROJECT CORRIDOR

 

In continuation of its determination to touch the lives of communities and strong commitment’s to its Corporate Social Responsibility in its operational sites, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has again donated boreholes and toilets to schools on its Abuja-Kano Road Project corridor.

 

At Government Girls Secondary School, Yadakwari, the excitement that enveloped the entire school made up of over 800 students caught up with the teachers and community leaders who also sang praises of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc “for its very healthy sense of Corporate Social Responsibility by which it gives back to benefit its host communities.”

 

After a brief introduction by the Leader of Julius Berger CSR team at the event, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim, the Principal of the school, Wasila Shuaibu, who appreciated the gesture stated: “We are very pleased with the outstanding contributions made by Julius Berger. We now have borehole and toilets in our school premises. To others, it might be a small one, but to us here at Government Girl’s Secondary School, it is a very big move made by the company. On behalf of the Management and students, we say a very big thank you to the construction giant for finally putting smiles on our faces.”

 

The Village Head of Yadakwari, Mohammed Daniya Ibrahim, who was also present at the event said, “Good water has been one major problem of the Community and I’m extremely grateful to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for extending its effort to provide us with good water that will not just benefit the school, but the Community at large. Now, we can comfortably have good water to take home to our children and families.”

 

At the Government Junior Secondary School Co-exist, Tariwa, Kano State, it was also commendation galore for Julius Berger’s CSR efforts even as students and National Youth Corp Members danced and sang praises to Julius Berger, displaying appreciation placards.

 

The Head Teacher of the school, Mallam Iliyasu Ibrahim, was effusively full with thanks and prayers for Julius Berger“…on behalf of the Staff, Parents and the Pupils of Government Junior Secondary School, Tariwa, I say thank you for what you have done for us, and we pray that God in His infinite mercies bless you richly. The company shall grow higher and God’s favour will not elude you.”  An excited Corp member, Mr. James Dantata, said, “we really love the work done here by Julius Berger, the company has a way of doing its Corporate Social Responsibility often and taken it to the rural areas as well. Thank you for bringing quality water to us here. We will also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Management of Julius Berger, please accept our sincere appreciation and thank you for your kind CSR gesture.”

 

The Representative of the Village Head of Tariwa, Ado Lawal, who was also present at the event said, “The Village Head extends his gratitude to the management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the newly constructed borehole and toilets. Words won’t be able to show how happy we feel. I pray God rewards the company and continuously bless the works of their hands. Once again, Thank You.”

 

The Julius Berger delegation to the event was led by the AKR Project Coordinator, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim. Other JBN Officials included, Content Writer, Corporate Communications, Michael Ashofor; and Press Relations Officer, Olivia Uzoma.

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JULIUS BERGER INCREASES CSR PROJECTS, BUILDS WATER BOREHOLES AND TOILETS FOR SCHOOLS AT ABUJA-KANO ROAD PROJECT CORRIDOR

 

In continuation of its determination to touch the lives of communities and strong commitment’s to its Corporate Social Responsibility in its operational sites, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has again donated boreholes and toilets to schools on its Abuja-Kano Road Project corridor.

 

At Government Girls Secondary School, Yadakwari, the excitement that enveloped the entire school made up of over 800 students caught up with the teachers and community leaders who also sang praises of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc “for its very healthy sense of Corporate Social Responsibility by which it gives back to benefit its host communities.”

 

After a brief introduction by the Leader of Julius Berger CSR team at the event, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim, the Principal of the school, Wasila Shuaibu, who appreciated the gesture stated: “We are very pleased with the outstanding contributions made by Julius Berger. We now have borehole and toilets in our school premises. To others, it might be a small one, but to us here at Government Girl’s Secondary School, it is a very big move made by the company. On behalf of the Management and students, we say a very big thank you to the construction giant for finally putting smiles on our faces.”

 

The Village Head of Yadakwari, Mohammed Daniya Ibrahim, who was also present at the event said, “Good water has been one major problem of the Community and I’m extremely grateful to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for extending its effort to provide us with good water that will not just benefit the school, but the Community at large. Now, we can comfortably have good water to take home to our children and families.”

 

At the Government Junior Secondary School Co-exist, Tariwa, Kano State, it was also commendation galore for Julius Berger’s CSR efforts even as students and National Youth Corp Members danced and sang praises to Julius Berger, displaying appreciation placards.

 

The Head Teacher of the school, Mallam Iliyasu Ibrahim, was effusively full with thanks and prayers for Julius Berger“…on behalf of the Staff, Parents and the Pupils of Government Junior Secondary School, Tariwa, I say thank you for what you have done for us, and we pray that God in His infinite mercies bless you richly. The company shall grow higher and God’s favour will not elude you.”  An excited Corp member, Mr. James Dantata, said, “we really love the work done here by Julius Berger, the company has a way of doing its Corporate Social Responsibility often and taken it to the rural areas as well. Thank you for bringing quality water to us here. We will also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Management of Julius Berger, please accept our sincere appreciation and thank you for your kind CSR gesture.”

 

The Representative of the Village Head of Tariwa, Ado Lawal, who was also present at the event said, “The Village Head extends his gratitude to the management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the newly constructed borehole and toilets. Words won’t be able to show how happy we feel. I pray God rewards the company and continuously bless the works of their hands. Once again, Thank You.”

 

The Julius Berger delegation to the event was led by the AKR Project Coordinator, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim. Other JBN Officials included, Content Writer, Corporate Communications, Michael Ashofor; and Press Relations Officer, Olivia Uzoma.

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Northern leaders caution Soyinka on Omisore, APC

omisore 1

 

Stakeholders in the politics of the North-East geo-political zone on Thursday reacted to the spate of criticisms and outright falsehood against the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, saying it was in bad faith.

 

The leaders described Omisore as a man of profound moral rectitude.

 

The leaders in a statement in Damaturu, capital of Yobe State, said influential Yoruba leaders should rise in condemnation of the uncomplimentary remarks on Omisore, crude propaganda and the obviously desperate moves to please his paymaster, a former South-South Governor and a major donor to the Nobel laureate’s organisation that twisted the minds of many young Nigerians most of whom are now adults regretting toeing the path of Prof Soyinka in their teenage years.

 

‘’The current posturing of Prof. Wole Soyinka is totally in bad taste and drips with malice .He is attacking Omisore on account of the inability of his benefactor to hijack the national leadership of the party, which he fears will deny the former South-South governor the opportunity to become the presidential candidate of the party without any positive track record of performance in governance.

 

The statement by the chairman of North-East Unity and Advancement Forum (NEUAF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, commended the APC National Secretary for his invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s development and the challenging task of nation-building.

 

‘’Senator Omisore is a patriot, a thinker and a fighter for good causes’’

 

The statement cited Omisore for honesty, industry and patriotism.

 

The group also praised President Muhammadu Buhari and the esteemed members of the ruling party for electing Omisore the party’s National Secretary.

 

The statement emphasized Omisore’s rich and inspiring profile, meritorious services to the nation and humanity, peaceful disposition and gentility.

 

The leaders accused Soyinka of dabbling into politics, threatening thunder against Omisore, whilst encouraging mediocrity and protecting a former South-South governor for supporting him in the last ten years.

 

‘’We know the tactics of Wole Soyinka. He likes to grandstand as an independent man. Many believe he is speaking for the people, campaigning for good governance and quality leadership while the reverse is the case. There are many questions begging for answers in Soyinka’s relationship with the ex-South-South governor for anyone to take him seriously’’

 

‘’Wole Soyinka knows that his sponsor is a weakling who obviously finds himself where he doesn’t belong’’

 

They argued that Soyinka’s recent remark on Omisore was borne out of selfishness but warns that Nigeria is not for sale.

‘’The energy and vigour with which Soyinka undertook a fierce political crusade against the APC National Secretary left no one in doubt that his target was to divide the ruling party, draw Omisore into a controversy and then distract him’’

 

The leaders urged Soyinka to stop chasing shadows that would definitely not help the cause of a current minister and former governor in the South-South geo-political zone.

 

‘’We have watched in astonishment how Soyinka turned himself into such a burden to the former South-South governor’’

 

Wole Soyinka recently lashed out at Omisore on account of the choice of the ruling party to elect the former Osun State deputy governor its National Secretary.

 

‘’Wole Soyinka ought to be more decent with his choices of words in addressing Omisore and should not undermine the fact that his sycophancy might land him into trouble’’

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Obey ECOWAS judgment, end prosecutions for ‘insulting public officials’, SERAP tells Buhari

 

 

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “enforce the judgment by the ECOWAS Court of Justice compelling your government to delete the offence of ‘insulting or stalking public officials online’ from the Cybercrime Act.”

 

SERAP urged him to “urgently send an executive bill to the National Assembly to repeal the unlawful provisions, and reform all laws, which are inconsistent and incompatible with freedom of expression and media freedom.”

 

The judgment, delivered by the court last week in Accra, Ghana followed the suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/09/19 brought by SERAP.

 

SERAP also urged him to “direct Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to withdraw all pending charges of ‘insulting or stalking public officials online’ against activists, critics and journalists, and immediately ensure their release from unlawful detention.”

 

SERAP urged him to ensure that “those who have faced unfair prosecutions under the unlawful provisions receive adequate compensation.”

 

In the open letter dated 2 April, 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “This judgment is a victory for many Nigerians who continue to face harassment, intimidation and unfair prosecutions solely for peacefully exercising their human rights online.”

 

The provisions of section 24 of the Cybercrime Act among others criminalise sending or causing to be sent an “offensive, insulting or annoying” message via a computer system or network.” The offence is punishable including by a fine of up to N7,000,000.00 or imprisonment of up to 3 years or both.

 

SERAP had argued before the ECOWAS Court that, “The Federal Government and several state governments have used the vaguely worded provisions of the Cybercrime Act to trample on the rights to freedom of expression and information of bloggers, journalists, activists, and social media users.”

 

In its judgment, the court agreed, and ruled that “section 24 of Cybercrime Act is inconsistent and incompatible with Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.”

 

The court then ordered the Federal Government to “amend section 24 of the Cybercrime Prohibition Act in accordance with Nigerian obligations under Article 1 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”

 

The letter, read in part: “The immediate enforcement and implementation of the judgment by your government will be a victory for the rule of law, the right to freedom of expression and media freedom online. This will improve citizens’ participation in their own government, and provide an impetus for the anti-corruption fight.”

 

“By implementing the judgment, your government will be demonstrating Nigeria’s leadership within the ECOWAS sub-region, and sending a powerful message to other countries to embrace the rule of law and human rights.”

 

“With the ECOWAS Court judgment, all federal and state authorities must now stop using the provisions of section 24 of the Cybercrime Act to target, harass, intimidate, arbitrarily arrest and detain and unfairly prosecute social media users, activists, and journalists who express views perceived to be critical of governments.”

 

“SERAP notes that Article 15(4) of the ECOWAS Treaty makes the Judgment of the Court binding on Member States, including Nigeria. Also, Article 19(2) of the 1991 Protocol provides that the decisions of the Court shall be final and immediately enforceable.”

 

“Furthermore, non-compliance with the judgment of the Court can be sanctioned under Article 24 of the Supplementary Protocol of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, and Article 77 of the ECOWAS Treaty.”

 

“SERAP trusts that you will see compliance with this judgment as a central aspect of the rule of law; an essential stepping stone to constructing a basic institutional framework for legality, constitutionality. We therefore look forward to your positive response and action on the judgment.”

 

“The judgment read by Hon. Justice Gberi-De Quattara (Presiding Judge), Hon. Justice Dupe Atoki (Member) and Hon. Justice Keikura Bangura (Member), chronicled details of Nigerian government officials using the Cybercrime Act, particularly its section 24 as a pretext to harass, intimidate, detain, prosecute and imprison activists, journalists, bloggers, and social media users.”

 

“In its judgement, the ECOWAS Court held that ‘The court has the jurisdiction to hear and determine the suit. In a plethora of decisions, the court has upheld that the mere allegation of human rights violations is sufficient to invoke this human rights mandate pursuant to Article 9 (4) of the Supplementary Protocol.’”

 

“In view of the fact that this application is premised on human rights violations pursuant to Article 9(4) of the supplementary protocol, the court holds that it has jurisdiction to hear and determine the suit.”

 

“According to the ECOWAS Court, ‘The allegation of SERAP before the Court for determination on merit is whether the provision of the Cybercrime Act has violated the right to freedom of expression, information, opinion, and privacy in contravention of Article 9(1) and (2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights.’”

 

“The ECOWAS Court then stated that, ‘Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act is not in conformity with Article 9 of the African Charter and Article 19 of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights. As for reparation, Nigerian Government is ordered to amend section 24 of the Cybercrime Act, in accordance with the obligations under Article 1 of the African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights.’”

 

“SERAP also notes that by virtue of Article 24(4) of the Protocol A/P.1/7/91 relating to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice as amended by the Supplementary Protocol A/SP.1/01/05 in January 2005, every member state of the Economic Community of West African States is required to designate a National Authority for the enforcement of the judgments of the Community Court of Justice.”

 

“Pursuant to the provisions of the article 24 of the Protocol of the Community Court, the Federal Government decided in 2014 to designate the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice as the Competent National Authority for the enforcement of the decisions of the court in Nigeria.”

 

The letter was copied to Mr Malami.

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

3/4/2022

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.orgnews@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

 

 

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS OSI OF OWU KINGDOM, CHIEF FATAI,

President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with Chief Fatai Olaniyi Adegbenro, Osi of Owu Kingdom and Baaloro of Egbaland, on his 80th birthday, April 3, 2022.

The President joins family, friends and associates of the leader and administrator in celebrating the milestone, heralded by many years of service to the nation and humanity.

President Buhari extols Chief Adegbenro for always putting the interest of the nation first in his undertakings, willingly counseling leaders on the right path to honour, dignity and unity of the country.

As the revered leader turns 80, the President prays for his good health and strength.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

April 2, 2022

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS EVANGELIST EBENEZER OBEY AT 80

President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with music superstar and Evangelist, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey on the occasion of his 80th birthday, April 3, 2022.

The President pays tribute to the musician, who used his art and skills to fly Nigeria’s flag round the world, bringing joy and merriment to people with his sonorous voice, and didactic songs, for over six decades.

President Buhari remarks that though he is from Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, Obey’s music has been a blessing not only to the entire Southwest but he has garnered tremendous recognition and adulation nationally and internationally.

He has used his music to champion Government programmes such as:

#Change of lane in 1972 (Keep Right)

# Change to the Naira (Naira/Kobo)

# Operation Feed the Nation, and many others.

The President notes that the musician/ preacher has sang on virtually every area of human endeavour and activity with countless gold discs and many platinum discs to his credit, leading to being honored with the prestigious award of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2001.

President Buhari lauds the fact that on 7th of July, 2014, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State conferred on Chief Commander Obey the status of Professor of Music, as a visiting lecturer in the Department of English and Performing Arts of the University.

Successfully blending the secular and spiritual, the President urges the younger generation to borrow a leaf from the musician, who was formally ordained into the ministry on his 50th birthday on the 3rd of April, 1992. He is the General Overseer of Decross Gospel Mission, Lagos and the President of Ebenezer Obey Evangelistic Ministries.

President Buhari wishes the celebrant longer life, good health, and further service to God and humanity.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

April 2, 2022

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI WELCOMES RAMADAN FASTING, ASKS MUSLIMS TO FEED THE POOR

President Muhammadu Buhari joins world leaders in welcoming the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting and intense devotion for Muslims.

In a message to Nigerians and Muslims all over the world, the President said the period offers a unique opportunity to ”feel the hunger experienced by the poor so as to feel what it is like to be deprived and marginalized.”

“Muslims,” the President emphasized “should seek greater personal discipline, which is necessary for the realization of a great nation.”

He advised Muslim elite against food waste and extravagant spending while others face hunger and destitution, urging that they should care for their neighbours, the poor and the marginalized.

He also called for prayers for peace in the country and beyond, and for healing and harmony throughout the world.

He wished all Muslims a successful completion of the 30-day fasting period.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

April 1, 2022

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI WELCOMES $200M AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT CENTRE BY MICROSOFT, SAYS NIGERIA READY TO LEAD IN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja said Nigeria stands poised to welcome more initiatives and investments in digital technology, while appreciating Microsoft for an engineering hub, African Development Centre, worth $200 million.

Receiving the President of Microsoft Corporation, Brad Smith, at the State House, accompanied by the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, the President said:

“I have been informed that the African Development Centre in Nigeria is Microsoft’s first engineering hub in Africa as the current investment stands at about $200 million.

“I have also been informed of Microsoft’s skilling initiative that aims to train five million citizens and provide 27,000 jobs over the next three years. These initiatives are commendable and I urge you to expand them and continue to prioritize Nigeria as you roll out your global initiatives.’’

President Buhari told the visiting Microsoft team that as the largest economy and most populous country in Africa, Nigeria was positioned to play a strategic role in the global technology ecosystem and seek the right partnerships to harness the potentials.

He said one of such key partnerships was in the area of capacity building.

This administration, according to the President, had shown great commitment in providing conducive environment for investors and the massive jump in the Global Ease of Doing Business Ranking was proof that the efforts were yielding positive results.

“Our emphasis on the development of our Digital Economy has also positioned the sector as a prominent factor in the Nigerian economy. As the fastest growing sector of the Nigerian economy in 2020, the Information and Communications Technology sector played a very important role in supporting our country to exit the recession triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are keen to build on the momentum as we continue to implement our National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, along with other related policies.’’

Apart from partnership in the area of skills building, President Buhari said he looked forward to further partnerships that will support the digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystem, with regard to emerging technologies.

“I believe that this meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss how the Nigerian government can support the growth of your business here and how Microsoft can contribute to the growth of our economy through the active support of our policies and programmes,’’ he added.

President Buhari said he launched the Nigerian National Broadband Plan on the 19th of March 2020, with the aim of expanding broadband access across Nigeria and Microsoft’s connectivity initiative aligns with the plan.

“I believe it would be very useful and mutually beneficial to both Microsoft and Nigeria if your connectivity project is expanded beyond the current four locations in this country.

“Emerging technologies play a key role in digital transformation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and a number of indigenous companies have developed very useful solutions. We are willing to partner with Microsoft to make Nigeria the epicenter for innovative emerging technology in Africa.’’

The President commended the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and all industry stakeholders for their support for the sector.

“In order to sustain the momentum, I further direct that you and other stakeholders in the technology ecosystem keep government fully informed of your ongoing and proposed activities that support the growth of our digital economy.

“We have the potential of becoming your most lucrative market in Africa. As such, we urge you to continue to support the development of our digital economy. We also urge you to step up your Corporate Social Responsibility programmes and support for Research and Development that will enhance your services in Nigeria and on the African continent,’’ the President said.

In his remarks, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy said he represented President Buhari at the commissioning of the African Development Centre, adding that Microsoft had over 200 Nigerians working for them in the country, and Seattle.

Prof. Pantami noted that 320,000 Nigerians have also been trained on digital skills by the technology company.

The President of Microsoft and Vice Executive Chairman said the company will keep creating jobs to help build technology that will change the world, noting that the “multi-tasking approach’’ also stretches to digital infrastructure.

“We pledge to train five million people in Nigeria in the future,’’ Smith said, noting “60,000 people had already enrolled for courses while 300,000 had completed various courses.’’

The President of Microsoft said the company had gone into partnership with other companies to increase Internet and broadband penetration, while efforts have been advanced in innovating technology that will fight corruption and preserve cultural heritages, like languages.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

April 1, 2022

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI APPROVES RECONSTITUTION OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR LABOUR STUDIES

Following the expiration of the tenure of the former Board of the National Institute for Labour Studies, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the reconstitution of the new Board as follows:

  1. Prince Sam Okpako Onokohwomo (Kowho) (Chairman)
  2. Brigadier General Umar Gital Yusuf (Member), representing the Nigerian Army.
  3. Mrs. Omoabie Udeme Akpan (Member), representing the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
  4. CP Falaye S. Olaleye (Member), representing the Nigeria Police Force.
  5. Ambassador Obinna Chukwuemeka Agbugba (Member), representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  6. Mr. Umaru Ahmadu (Member), representing Service Strategy and Policy Office.
  7. Comrade Salamatu Aliyu (Member), representing the Nigeria Labour Congress.
  8. Comrade Babatunde Goke Olatunji (Member), representing the Nigeria Labour Congress.
  9. Mr. Femi Mokikan (Member), representing the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association.
  10. Mr. Adeniyi Ologun (Member), representing the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association.
  11. Comrade Nasir Fagge (Member), representing Nigerian Universities.
  12. Comrade Issa Aremu (Member), the Director of National Institute for Labour Studies.

The Council will be inaugurated by the Supervising Minister of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, on a date to be communicated to all appointees.

Their appointment is for a period of four years.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media and Publicity)

March 31, 2022

 

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES WIFE OF FORMER HEAD OF STATE, MARYAM ABACHA AT 75

President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm greetings to wife of former Head of State, Mrs Maryam Abacha on her 75th birthday, congratulating the former President of Nigeria Army Officers Wives’ Association (NAOWA), 1985-1990, on the milestone.

The President notes the warmth, large-hearted and charitable works of the matriarch of Abacha family, who used every God-given opportunity to reach out to the poor and underprivileged, formalizing her good intentions by setting up a historic health institution like National Hospital for Women and Children, which was later turned to the National Hospital, Abuja.

President Buhari congratulates Mrs Abacha, her family and friends on the auspicious occasion of her 75th birthday, affirming that her initiative and leadership transformed many lives across the country, particularly wives of military officers, girl-child, rural women and children.

The President extols the former first lady for leading campaigns and funding education and self-improvement skills for women, opening up opportunities in Small Medium Scale Enterprises, operating farms and encouraging many into agriculture, and inspiring the African First Ladies Peace Mission, Poverty Alleviation Programme, National Programme on Immunisation, Family Support Programme, Family Support Basic Education Programme and Family Economic Advancement Programme.

President Buhari prays for the wellbeing of Mrs Abacha and her family.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 30, 2022

April 1, 2022

Press Statement

PDP Suspends Anambra State Congress

…Extends Sale of Forms

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its Anambra State Congress which was earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday, April 2, 2022 to elect new State Executive Officers for the Party in Anambra State,

A new date for the PDP Anambra State Congress will be communicated as soon as it is decided.

Meanwhile the sale of Forms for the Anambra State Congress has been extended. A new date for the closure of the sale of Form will also be communicated.

The PDP regrets the inconveniences the announced suspension of the Anambra State PDP Congress may have caused.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE ABUJA GAZETTES ABUJA GUIDE ABUJA MORNING NEWS ABUJA NEWS ABUJA NEWSPAPERS ABUJA NOW ABUJA STAR ABUJA TELEGRAM ADAMAWA RECORD ADAVI CHRONICLE ADEJE DAILY ADEJE FACTS ADVERTISING AGBARHO NEWS AGBOR ADVERTISER AGHALOKPE JOURNAL AGHALOKPE MIRROR AGRICULTURE NEWS AJAKA NEWS AJAMIKARAWA SUN AJAOKUTA VOICE AJIMELE NEWS AKPATA DIGEST AKWA IBOM DAILY NEWS ALAUSA NEWS ALAUSA TODAY AMERICA MAIL AMUOKPE DAILY AMUOKPE DAILY REVIEW ANAMBRA ANAMBRA TIMES ANIOCHA MAIL ANIOCHA NEWS ANIOMA RECORD ANKPA NEWS ARHAGBA CHAMPION ARHAGBA HERALD ASABA ASABA CHRONICLE ASABA DAILY NEWS ASABA FLASH POLINT ASABA MAIL ASABA MIRROR ASABA NEWS ASABA NEWS HERALD ASABA NOW ASABA PERISCOPE ASABA TIMES ASABA TODAY ASO ROCK AVIATION AWKA COURIER BASSA DAILY BAUCHI DISPATCH BAYELSA NEWS BENDEL DAILY BENIN CITY TODAY BENUE SUN BINI PEOPLE BOMADI NEWS BORNO VOICE BURUTU STAR BUSINESS BUSINESS NEWS CALABAR BEAT CALABAR NEWS CALABAR TRIBUNE CHOBA LEADER COMMONWEALTH REPORTERS COMPANY NEWS CRIME CRIME CONTROL CRIME PREVENTION CROSS RIVER TIMES DEKINA GUARDIAN DELTA CENTRAL DELTA CHRONICLE DELTA DAILY DELTA DAILY NEWS DELTA DEMOCRAT DELTA NORTH DELTA POINTER DELTA PROVINCE NEWS DELTA SOUTH DELTA WEEKLY East EBIRERI FESTUS OMAJEMITE EBIRERI HENRY MEDIA EBIRERI HENRY NEWSPAPERS EBIRERI HENRY OVIE EBIRERI HENRY OVIE MEDIAGATE EBIRERI HENRY PF SERVICES EBIRERI HENRY PRESS EBIRERI HENRY RADIO EBIRERI HENRY TELEVISION EBIRERI LAMONDE MONDAY KERWE EBIRERI OKPAKO VICTOR EBIRERI OVIE HENRY EBIRERI VICTOR UNUBREME EBONYI GAZETTE EBONYI HERALD ECONOMY EDO EXPRESS EDO MORNING NEWS EDO POLITICS EDO TIMES EFFURUN BULLETIN EKITI TIMES EKU NEWS ELELE BANNER ELUME COURIER ELUME DAILY ELUME NEWS ELUME RECORD ELUME SUNRAY ELUME TIMES EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN Entertainment ENUGU PRESS ETHIOPE EAST GAZZETTE ETHIOPE WEST PUNCH EUROPE NEWS EUROPE TODAY FELIX IBRU FESTUS EBIRERI FOREIGN NEWS GOVERNMENT GOVERNOR Health IBAJI SUN IBUSA ENTERPRISE IDAH LEADERSHIP IDAH TOWN TRUST IFEANYI OKOWA IGBALEMELA ODOLU VOICE IGBO DAILY NEWS IGBO JOURNAL IGUN NEWS IJAW NEWS IJAW VOICE IJUMU RADIO IKA NEWS IKA PEOPLE IKA SUN IMO INQUIRER IMO TIMES INDUSTRY NEWS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MAN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS ISANLU TIMES ISOKO DISPATCH ISOKO NEWS ISOKO STANDARD ISOKO VOICE ITSEKIRI ADVERTISER ITSEKIRI DIGEST ITSEKIRI NEWS ITSEKIRI PRESS IYARA TELEVISION JAMES IBORI JEREMI TIMES JESSE VANGUARD JIGAWA SUN JOURNALISM KABBA BUNU EXPRESS KABBA MONITOR Kaduna KADUNA WEEKLY Kano KANO NEWS KATSINA DAILY TIMES KOGI DAILY KOGI NEWS KOGI NEWSPAPERS KOKO NEWS KOKO SUN KOKORI ECHO KONTO KARFE MAIL KWALE NEWS KWARA BUSINESS JOURNAL KWARA HERALD LAGOS GOVERNMENT HOUSE LAGOS NEWS LAGOS NOW LAMONDE EBIRERI LOKOJA MONITOR LONDON DIGEST MARITIME MARKETING MEDIAGATE MEREJE NEWS MEREJE PRESS MIDWEST NEWS MOPA MURO VOICE MOPA TELEGRAPH MOSOGAR JOURNAL MOSOGAR OBSERVER NDOKWA CITIZEN NDOKWA DAILY NDOKWA TIMES News NEWSPAPER OWNER NIGER DELTA BUSINESS NEWS NIGER DELTA NEWS NIGER VANGUARD NNPC North OBANGEDE POINTER OBIARUKU BUSINESS JOURNAL OBIARUKU JOURNAL ODO-IRE PUNCH OFU DIARY OGAMINANA MONITOR OGHARA ECHO OGHARA MAIL OGHARA POINTER OGORI MAGONGO VOICE OGUMA DIGEST OGWASHI UKU HERALD OGWOAWO BUSINESS DAILY OIL AND GAS OKEHI OBSERVER OKENE TIDE OKPANAM NEWS OKPARA WARER SIDE JOURNAL OKPARA WATERSIDE DAILY OKPARA WATERSIDE NEWS OKPE BULLETIN OKPE KINGDOM OKPE LEADER OKPE LEADER NEWS OKPE NEWS OKPE PILOT OKPE SUN OKPE WORLDWIDE OKPO TOWN DAILY OLAMABORO NEWS OLD BENDEL MAIL OLEH COURIER OLONA REGISTER OMALA VOICE ONDO MIRROR ONDO TRIBUNE ONITSHA CHRONICLE ONYEDEGA MIRROR OREROKPE NEWS OREROKPE PILOT ORITSEJOLOMI UDUAGHAN OROGUN NEWSPAPER OSHIMILI HERALD OSHIMILI NEWS OSHIMILI SUN OSUN HERALD OZORO HEADLIGHT OZORO NEWS PATANI NEWS PDP NEWS PETROLEUM PLATEAU EAGLE POLITICAL COMMUNICATION POLITICIAN Politics PORT HARCOURT MESSENGER PRESIDENT BUHARI PROFILE PUBLIC RELATIONS RECLAMATION TIMES RIVERS STATE POLITICS RIVERS STATESMAN SAGBAMA TRIBUNE SAPELE BEACON SAPELE BRAND SAPELE COMMUNITY NEWS SAPELE GAZETTE SAPELE LIGHT SAPELE PEOPLE SAPELE PIONEER SAPELE TELEGRAM SECURITY SECURITY CHIEFS South SOUTH-SOUTH TODAY TARABA HERALD TODAY NEWS TRANSPORTATION UGBEKU STAR UGBIMIDAKA TODAY UGBIMIDAKA VANGUARD UGBORHEN OIL UGHELLI EAGLE UGHELLI MONITOR UGHELLI WEEKLY UGHOTON NEWS UKWUANI NEWS UKWUANI REPORTERS UKWUANI TIMES UMUNEDE OBSERVER Uncategorized UNITED KINGDOM NEWS UNIVERSITY NEWS URHOBO ADVOCATE URHOBO GAZETTE URHOBO HERALD URHOBO INDEX URHOBO LEADER URHOBO NATION URHOBO NEWS URHOBO PIONEER URHOBO RECORD URHOBO RECORDER URHOBO REVIEW URHOBO SENTINEL URHOBO STATESMAN URHOBO TIMES UYO MIRROR UYO REPORTERS VERONICA IKPERA EBIRERI WARRI HIGHLANDER WARRI NATION WARRI NEWS WARRI REPORTERS World News YAGBA EAST DAILY YAGBA WEST MONITOR yoruba news ZAMFARA DAILY PROGRESS

South-South women drum support for Akpabio

 

South-South women drum support for Akpabio

South-South women on Friday described the threat to issue a warrant of arrest against Senator Godswill Akpabio as a ploy to coerce the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs to toe an odd line and the Federal Government into accepting to pay for inflated, bogus and fictitious projects in the past.

‘’This is a threatening measure designed to retard the progress of the region, strip the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of the transparency qualities it had developed in the last two years and return it to its most corrupt days’’.

They also commended stakeholders in the Niger Delta region for joining hands with Akpabio to lift the region high.

In a statement in Asaba by the spokesperson of the South-South Women Political Front (SSWPF), Dr. Doris Ogba, the women described Akpabio as a transformational figure, towering statesman and a visionary hero.

They commended the former Akwa Ibom State governor for initiating programmes and projects that directly benefited the people in various areas such as security, health, education, roads, housing, electrification, transportation, agriculture and tourism

The well respected women applauded Akpabio for redirecting the region on to the path of development.

‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is a thoughtful, decent and progressive fellow. His humility is boundless’’.

Particularly, the women scolded political detractors for throwing sand in the gears of the current administration to transform the region, making misleading statements and orchestrating a campaign of calumny against Akpabio, with a view to impugn his integrity.

The statement emphasized Akpabio’s politics of performance, virtue in waiting, deep appetite for change, rapid infrastructure development and peace in the Niger Delta region.

‘’The Wailing Women of the Niger Delta, The Integrity Friends for Truth and Peace Initiative (TIFPI) and others are spoilers’’ the statement added.

ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE ABUJA GAZETTES ABUJA GUIDE ABUJA MORNING NEWS ABUJA NEWS ABUJA NEWSPAPERS ABUJA NOW ABUJA STAR ABUJA TELEGRAM ADAMAWA RECORD ADAVI CHRONICLE ADEJE DAILY ADEJE FACTS

You Are Afraid of Your Own Shadows, PDP Replies Buhari, APC

March 23, 2022

Press Statement

…Says It Will Not Succumb to Blackmail

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the Buhari Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are running from their shadows and haunted by their failures in governance.

PDP’s position is predicated on the outburst by the Buhari Presidency on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 against our Party for asking President Muhammadu Buhari to address the lingering fuel crisis and cautioning that the unrelenting culture of arrogance, impunity, suppression and corruption by the APC administration was akin to “kneeling on the necks of Nigerians.”

From the outburst of the Buhari Presidency, Nigerians now realize that the APC administration does not care about the suffering, agony and life discounting experiences encountered by our citizens daily as a result of APC’s thoughtless and inhumane policies.

If there is anybody seeking to destabilize our nation, it is the sinking, confused and discomfited APC that is clutching to straws and making unguarded statements including boasting that “heavens will not fall” over its refusal to address the lingering fuel crisis.

The APC administration is afraid because its corruption, impunity and recklessness which are responsible for the biting petrol and diesel crisis, collapsed national grid, distressed aviation sector, plummeting currency and near collapse of the production and service sectors of the economy are being exposed by the PDP.

APC is afraid of Nigerians for bungling the once thriving $550 billion economy (largest in Africa and 26th globally) handed over to it by the PDP in 2015 and reducing our nation to the poverty capital of the world where over 80 million citizens, according to official reports, can no longer afford their daily meals and other basic necessities of life.

Why would the APC not be afraid of the people when it opened our nation to terrorists and bandits who it reportedly imported from neighbouring countries in 2015 to help APC muscle and rig the elections, after which APC leaders failed to honour their deal to pay the said mercenaries for the heinous ‘services’ they were contracted to provide against Nigerians by the APC?

The APC is uncomfortable, having been indicted for human rights violations including reported cases of extra-judicial killings, torture, illegal arrests, detentions and other atrocious acts as contained in the June 2021 report of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Moreover, in stating that the October, 2020 peaceful EndSARS protest by Nigerian youths signified “murder, mayhem, mass destruction, even cannibalism”, the APC administration has confirmed reports of its complicity and approval of the violent attacks and gruesome massacre of innocent youths at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.

Such stance on the EndSARS peaceful protest by our youths also questions the sincerity of President Buhari’s description of the protest as “genuine concerns and agitation by Nigerians”. The renewed negative tagging therefore appears to be a design by the APC to frame our youths for another onslaught.

The PDP holds that the EndSARS peaceful protest signifies the resilience of Nigerian youths against injustice, suppression and insensitive system being foisted on our nation by the APC administration. Our Party therefore cautions the APC to perish the thought of venting its frustration on the PDP and Nigerian youths.

It is often said that a bad workman complains about his tools; but a hopelessly irredeemable one (which the APC is) complains about others.

The APC must know that the PDP is back. Our Party stands with the people and will never be deterred from exposing APC’s atrocities and fighting for the wellbeing of Nigerians as we march towards 2023 to Rescue and Rebuild our nation from the misrule of the APC.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

 

March 23, 2022

Special Announcement

PDP  to Inaugurate Zoning Committee

The National Working Committee (NWC) of our Great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pursuant to the approval of the National Executive Committee (NEC) at its 95th Meeting announces the appointment of the following party members for the Zoning Committee.

The members of the Committee are as follows:

State Nominees

1 (Abia) Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa

2 (Adamawa) H.E. Boni Haruna

3 (Akwa Ibom) Sen. Emmanuel Ibokessien

4 (Anambra) Prof. A. B. C. Nwosu

5 (Bauchi ) Sen. Abdul Ahmed Ningi

6 (Bayelsa) Rt. Hon. Boyelayefa Debekeme

7 (Benue) H.E. Dr. Samuel Ortom

8 (Borno) Sen. Sanusi Daggash

9 (Cross River) H. E. Liyel Imoke

10 (Delta) Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu

11 (Ebonyi) Amb. Franklin Nchita Ogbuewu

12 (Edo) Chief Tom Ikimi

13 (Ekiti) H. E. Dr. Ayodele Fayose

14 (Enugu) H. E. Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

15 (Fct/Abuja) Mohammed Abdulrahman

16 (Gombe) H. E. Dr. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo

17 (Imo) Chief Fidelis Izuchukwu

18 (Jigawa) H. E. (Dr.) Sule Lamido

19 (Kaduna) H.E. Sen. Mohammed Ahmed Makarfi

  1. (Kano) Amb. Aminu Wali

21 (Katsina) H. E. Barr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema

22 (Kebbi) Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, San

  1. (Kogi) H. E. Ibrahim Idris

24 (Kwara) Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje

25 (Lagos) Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, CON

  1. (Nasarawa) H. E. Mike Abdul

27 (Niger) Prof. Jerry Gana

28 (Ogun) Hon. Daisi Akintan

  1. (Ondo) Dr. Omotayo Dairo

30 (Osun) Prof. Adewale Oladipo

31 (Oyo) Sen. Hosea Ayoola Agboola

32 (Plateau) H. E. Jonah David Jang

33 (Rivers) Rt. Hon. Austin Opara

34 (Sokoto) H. E. Attahiru Bafarawa

35 (Taraba) H. E. Darius Ishaku

36 (Yobe) Alh. Adamu Maina Waziri

37 (Zamfara) H. E. Barr. Mahadi Aliyu Gusau

The Committee will be inaugurated as follows:

Date: Thursday, March 24, 2022

Time : 11:00AM

Venue: NEC Hall, PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja

Signed:

Hon. Umar M. Bature

National Organizing Secretary

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

BUHARI INAUGURATES NEW INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL AT LAGOS AIRPORT, 43 YEARS AFTER ESTABLISHMENT

…Aviation project complements, redefines Lagos’ infrastructure narrative – Sanwo-Olu

…Lagos Government, FAAN seal partnership to develop new access roads to airport

Lagos State, Nigeria’s hub of commerce, is set to witness a rapid economic growth, as a major remodelling project undertaken by the Federal Government at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja comes to fruition.

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, commissioned the newly built international terminal at the international airport, creating a new travel experience for air passengers passing through the Lagos international airspace.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu joined the president to unveil the new MMIA Terminal 2, designed and built under the ambitious rehabilitation programme of the Federal Ministry of Aviation in which 22 federal airports were marked for upgrade and remodelling.

At the occasion, Lagos State Government signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to construct ancillary road infrastructure that will create seamless vehicular connectivity to the airport through Alimosho axis.

The agreement gives legal backing and concession of right-of-way for the construction of a new perimeter expressway to link Shasha Road to the Airport Complex. The development is expected to decongest the existing Lagos-Abeokuta corridor, and reduce journey time in commuting to the airport.

Gov. Sanwo-Olu and Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, jointly supervised the signing of the agreement by the Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, and the FAAN Managing Director, Captain Rabiu Yadudu.

Other Lagos cabinet members at the MoU signing ceremony included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, and Special Adviser on Public Private Partnership (PPP), Mr. Ope George.

Buhari said his administration fully understood the importance of airport infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and socio-economic development, which informed the Federal Government’s decision to prioritise the completion and delivery of five brand new international terminals, which were at 11 per cent progress level when he assumed office in 2015.

The president stressed that the construction of the new terminal aligned with his Government’s aviation roadmap developed in 2016 for the purposes of establishing critical infrastructure, including a national carrier, Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul Centre and improved airport terminals through concession, to boost aviation practice in line with global standards.

He said: “I am confident that the new terminal, with 66 check-in counters, 16 Immigration desks at arrival, 28 Immigration desks at departure, and eight security screening points, among others, will go a long way in contributing to the socio-political and economic prosperity of our great nation.

“This improvement will increase airport operations and management services to about 14 million passengers per annum, with the attendant positive multiplier effects, by creating about 3,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for our youths, increase inflow of Foreign Direct Investments and exponential growth in the Gross Domestic Product.”

Sanwo-Olu, who described the delivery of the new air terminal as “long-overdue upgrade” to the nation’s flagship International airport, said President Buhari, by the achievement, had re-written the infrastructure narrative of Lagos, Southwest region, as well as the nation.

The Governor said the construction of Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail Line, upgrade of Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki Expressway, full rehabilitation Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and development of a world-class Creative Industries Park in Iganmu were a few of the landmark infrastructure brought to Lagos by the Buhari administration.

He said: “We are very grateful to the Federal Government, under President Buhari’s leadership, for seeing to the completion and commissioning of this brand new international terminal building, almost 43 years to the day the old terminal was built. Finally, our dear Lagos has an international airport terminal that is befitting, and that has the capacity to cope with the fast-growing flow of passenger traffic.

“The new terminal is a worthy complement to the various transportation and road infrastructure projects of the Lagos State Government, such as the Airport Road and flyover which you were delivered three years ago, and the Red and Blue Lines of our Light Rail network, which we are working very hard to deliver on as soon as possible.”

Speaking on the infrastructure MoU, Sanwo-Olu said the partnership with FAAN further testified to a new era of productive collaboration between Lagos and the Federal Government, which was not the case between 1999 and 2015.

The Governor said by President Buhari’s commitment, fairness and respectful leadership, Lagos infrastructure story had changed for the better, with the benefits emerging in terms of improved quality of life for the residents.

Sirika said the development of the new terminal was to achieve an efficient and rapid transportation network, which would make Nigeria to remain a key player in the global logistical ecosystem.

Aside facilitating international trade, commerce and tourism, the Aviation minister said improved air services that would be achieved would lead to creation of jobs and boost economy.

In the coming months, Sirika said there would be a partnership with the Lagos State Government on development of rail project to connect the nearby local airport to the new international terminal.

The new terminal is designed as a world-class aviation route, with the capacity to handle 18 million air passengers yearly. Offering best convenience for travellers, the facility was developed on an architectural acreage of 50,887 square metre.

It has 10 Extra-Low Voltage systems, three-dimensional multi-layer baggage sorting system, five arrival and six departure gates, seven boarding bridges, and over 2,000 seat spaces for passengers.

The perimeter expressway will be constructed in four phases across six local councils, with the first phase spanning a 9-km toll road from Shasha to the airport. There will be a toll-free alternative route from Shasha towards Agege Motor Road en route airport.

The second phase of the Lagos-FAAN road project will open the airport to northern connection on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. Other phases include linkage to Egbe, Isolo, Mushin and Okota roads.

Earlier, President Buhari commissioned Dangote Fertilizer Plant in Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ), and inspected the ongoing construction of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

22 MARCH 2022                                  

 

 

AVIATION: PRESIDENT BUHARI DIRECTS FINANCE MINISTER TO LOOK FOR SPECIAL FUNDING FOR ABUJA AIRPORT SECOND RUNWAY, INAUGURATES NEW TERMINAL BUILDING AT MMIA

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday directed the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to look for special funding for the second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new Terminal Building, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, the President also directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to conclude the documentation of the approved 12,000 hectares of land to accommodate the runway and other developmental projects.

Further, the President tasked the Minister of Aviation to fast-track the airport concession programme, to boost aviation practice in the country and make the aviation industry reflect global standards.

The President noted that the completion and delivery of five brand new international airport terminals since 2015, which were at 11% completion level then, aligns perfectly with the Aviation Roadmap, developed in 2016, for the purposes of establishing critical infrastructure, including a National Carrier as well as maintenance, repairs and overhaul centre, and improved Airports Terminals through concession.

The President, who described the administration’s investments in inter-state rail connectivity, road networks, agriculture, power and telecommunications, despite limitations in resources, as unprecedented noted that robust initiatives have been complemented with specific fiscal policies to drive aviation infrastructure renaissance.

‘‘These include the designation of 4 airports, namely Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt as Free Trade Zones, in which customs duty is not applicable; removal of VAT on all forms of shared transportation, including air transportation; and exemption of commercial aircraft and spare parts from VAT payment.

‘‘Similar projects at both the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and Port Harcourt International Airport were completed and commissioned by this administration and our people have since been benefiting from the positive economic impacts of those magnificent terminals.

‘‘The one in Kano has also been completed, and will be commissioned soon, while work continues apace to complete that of Enugu shortly,’’ he said.

The President expressed confidence that the new terminal in Lagos with sixty-six check-in-counters, sixteen Immigration desks at arrival, twenty-eight Immigration desks at departure, and eight security screening points, among others, would go a long way in contributing to the socio-political and economic prosperity of the country,

He added that the improvement would increase airport operations and management services to about 14 million passengers per annum, create 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, increase inflow of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and exponential growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He thanked the Government and People of the Republic of China, through the China Export-Import Bank and CCECC Nigeria Limited, (FAAN), for their commitment and support towards the completion of the project.

The President also commended the Federal Ministry of Aviation and its agencies, particularly, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, for working assiduously towards the realization of the project.

‘‘With the delivery of this project, a new era of safety, security, and comfort has been ushered into the Nigerian aviation industry, and I am persuaded that it will get better with the passage of time,’’ he said.

The Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu said it was instructive that Lagos State in one day had witnessed the evolution of three major infrastructure development projects that will change the Nigerian landscape while commending President Buhari for the infrastructural renewal and redevelopment necessary for a city like Lagos.

He lauded the private sector in the aviation industry for their continued contributions to the growth of the country despite the challenges.

The Governor informed the gathering that Lagos State Government was forming a partnership with FAAN towards ensuring that the new international terminal enjoys easy access which would be achieved by creating a bypass, the Airport – Alimosho Bypass Project, to create an alternative route to the airport.

The signing of the agreement for the partnership was later done by the officials of the Lagos State Government and FAAN.

In his remarks, Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika said aviation is the worldwide rapid transportation network that facilitates international trade, commerce and tourism, the only medium for achieving continental integration and interaction towards achieving the AU Agenda 2063.

He commended the administration of President Buhari for efforts towards resolving the problems inherited in the aviation industry in 2015 such as lack of professionalism, scarcity of foreign exchange, obsolete equipment, poor facilities, blocked funds for airlines among others, adding that more still needed to be done.

The Minister said the airport concession project including the new terminals has reached an advanced stage with the Ministry issuing requests for shortlisted firms before the end of March.

According to the Minister, a study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Nigeria in 2020, “showed that the sector created 241,000 jobs, direct and indirect, and contributed $1.7billion to the economy,” with a hope to grow the contribution of the sector from the current 0.68% to 5% or approximately $14.16billion.

Senator Sirika gave assurances that the new terminal will be linked to the railway system.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 22, 2022

 

DESTABILIZATION: PDP GIVES ITSELF AWAY

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has given itself away as being interested only in the destabilization of the country, peradventure it could then sneak its way back to power.

Less than 24 hours after the Department of State Services (DSS) raised alarm about sinister plots by some elements to cause disorder in the land, using the energy crisis as a smokescreen, the PDP issued a statement, saying; “Our party fears that the situation is getting to a boiling point and can trigger a nationwide agitation that might be worse than the October 2020 EndSARS if not addressed immediately.”

Which patriotic political party or organization ever threatens its country with anarchy, social upheaval and disorderliness, except one still smarting from its snout being yanked from the honeypot, as happened to PDP in 2015?

But we wish to remind the now tepid opposition party that it was Nigerians that gave it the boot 7 years ago, and those same Nigerians have not forgotten the travails they experienced, at a time the country was awash with money: no power, no infrastructure, insurgents ran riot round the nation, and our collective patrimony was looted blind. Those same Nigerians are not ready for another PDP misrule, not now, and perhaps not for a long time to come.

Rather than plot and encourage “agitation worse than October 2020 EndSARS,” which it may well be conceiving, the PDP should work for harmony and cohesion in the country, if it ever understands such concept.

EndSARS signified murder, mayhem, mass destruction, even cannibalism. PDP now wishes Nigeria something worse.

A presidential aspirant of the PDP has warned that the party would die by 2023, unless it wins the Number One position in the country. And die it would, if the party wishes the country nothing except something worse than EndSARS.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

March 22, 2022

 

PRESIDENT DIRECTS TIMELY COMPLETION OF LEKKI DEEP SEA PORT, WANTS RAILWAY LINK TO THE HARBOR

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Lagos praised the efforts of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, towards making the Lekki Deep Sea Port a reality, and directed him to consult and bring up a memorandum to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to link the facility with the railway network.

As part of his engagements in Lagos, the President inspected the rate of work done at the first Deep Sea Port in Nigeria located in Lagos Free Zone, 65Km east of Lagos.

In the course of the inspection, the President received firm assurances that the port, which has a concession period of 45 years and sits in a land area of 90 hectares, will be completed on schedule by September.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 22, 2022

 

 

NIGERIA’S DEPENDENCE ON IMPORTED PRODUCTS TO END SOON, PRESIDENT BUHARI SAYS AT INAUGURATION OF DANGOTE’S 3M METRIC TONNES FERTILIZER PLANT

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday declared that Nigeria’s dependence on imported products in the agriculture sector will soon be a thing of the past with the inauguration of Dangote Fertilizer Plant, which has an installed capacity of 3.0 million metric tonnes of Urea per annum.

Speaking at the commissioning of the plant in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State, the President said the plant will further advance Nigeria’s drive towards achieving self-sufficiency in food production, create jobs, increase the inflow of foreign exchange and accelerate economic growth.

He commended the Chairman, Board and Management of Dangote Industries Limited for their business initiative in conceptualizing and building this plant, which is the second largest in the world.

The President expressed confidence that the investment in this plant will replicate the Group’s earlier exploits in the cement sector, where Dangote Cement holds the enviable record as our continent’s largest cement producer, with footprints in ten other African countries.

‘‘This new plant is a renewed testament to the widely acknowledged patriotism of Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the leadership of Dangote Industries Limited. It also demonstrates their commitment to the socio-economic development of our country and the well-being of our people.

‘‘The Group’s investment in integrated cement plants, spanning the value chain from quarry to ‘bagging, has effectively ended Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement products.

‘‘Along with the several other subsidiaries, Dangote Industries Limited has created thousands of jobs across Nigeria. It is the second biggest employer of labour in this country, after the Federal Government.

‘‘This is very pleasing because job creation by private sector operators is vital to security as it takes thousands of youths off the street,’’ he said.

On other benefits of the plant, the President expressed delight that with the commencement of exports to other countries including the United States, India, and Brazil, Nigeria is already gaining extensively in earnings of foreign exchange from the excess production of, and export from, the plant.

He noted that coming on stream of the plant had created huge opportunities in the areas of job creation, trade, warehousing, transport, and logistics, which would, in turn, create significant wealth, reduce poverty, and help in securing the future of the nation.

‘‘In the agricultural sector, another focal point of our economic policy, we expect a boom as fertilizer is now readily available in greater quantities and better quality.

‘‘Many Nigerians who hitherto practiced subsistence farming because of nonavailability of necessary inputs can now take up agriculture as a business.

‘‘We expect the rise of a new breed of agropreneurs who will add value to farming and make the nation self-sufficient in food production,’’ he said.

President Buhari used the occasion to reassure Nigerians that his government is focused on providing an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive, pledging continuity in improving infrastructure, power and security as well as enacting relevant laws and regulations to drive investments in the economy.

‘‘We are partnering with the private sector, through a tax credit scheme, in the rehabilitation of roads across Nigeria under Presidential Order No. 7.

‘‘As we know, good roads contribute to easy movement of goods and services across the nation, thus reducing the cost of doing business and improving productivity.

‘‘We are also rehabilitating our railway lines and building new ones to lessen the burden on our roads and create more effective multi-modal transportation networks,’’ he said.

‘‘I look forward to coming back to inaugurate the Refinery and petrochemical plant later in the year.

‘‘Projects of this magnitude and complexity require the support and collaboration of many persons and organisations. I am grateful to all of them.

‘‘In particular, I would like to commend the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Development Finance Institutions and the Local and Foreign Commercial Banks that have supported the investor to make these projects a reality,’’ the President declared.

Lauding Dangote for helping to rebrand Nigeria through his mega investments across Africa, President Buhari said:

‘‘He has fueled job-led growth and transformation of several African economies. I am proud of his contribution to affirming Nigeria’s leadership status in the continent, and I wish him many more successes in the future.’’

After the historic inauguration, President Buhari inspected the Group’s 650,000 barrels per day Petroleum Refinery and 900,000 tonnes per annum Polypropylene Plant sited within the Dangote Free Trade Zone Complex.

In his remarks, Dangote said the fertiliser complex, which occupies 500 hectares and built at a cost of $2.5 billion will drastically reduce the level of unemployment and youth restiveness in the country, through generation of direct and indirect employment.

”Agriculture accounts for over 20 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, and the country is a leading producer of various agricultural commodities. The sector has the potential of becoming the biggest source of income for our Nation, providing employment and raw materials for industries.

”However, low fertilizer usage has been a major reason for low productivity in the sector. It is common knowledge that non availability of the product, in quantity and quality, rather than affordability, is the primary constraint to the use of fertilizer.

”Our goal is to make fertiliser available in sufficient quantities and quality for our teeming farmers assuring greater agricultural output,” he said.

The Chief Executive of Dangote Industries expressed immense gratitude to President Buhari, for his sustained support and encouragement, and for honoring the invitation to come, in person, and inaugurate the plant.

He also commended the leaders of the host communities and their people for providing a peaceful and conducive environment for the project to thrive, recognizing the many years of enthusiastic teamwork, labour, toil and sweat of the Management and Staff of Dangote Group for their commitment to high performance, perseverance and resilience.

The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, recounted the role played by a former governor of the State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the establishment of the fertiliser plant and the refinery.

”The idea of having a free zone in the Ibeju Lekki was conceived by our leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

”I was with him in 2003, when we took a trip to China and we were trying to conceive a free zone and this is where we are.

”The free zone is not only home to the largest fertilizer plant in Africa but will certainly be home to the largest refinery,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He thanked the President for coming to Lagos, adding that he looked forward to receiving him in a few months’ time to commission more projects.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 22, 2022

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OPL 245: What the Italian court said about Adoke

By Femi Oboro

In view of the serial and unrelenting misrepresentation of facts and mischief orchestrated by forgers, pathological liars and pseudo anti-corruption activists in partnership with an online publication globally notorious for its culture of blackmail and extortion, it is important to set the record straight on the pronouncements of the Court of Milan, Republic of Italy, in the OPL 245 trial. The court discharged and acquitted all defendants of criminal charges on 17 March 2021. Of particular interest to me is the extent of involvement of my client, Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke SAN, who served as the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice of Nigeria between 2010 and 2015 during which the OPL 245 dispute was resolved and the oil block was acquired by Royal Dutch Shell Plc and ENI S.p.A. from Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd for a combined consideration of $1.3bn.
Although Mr Adoke was not on trial in Italy, his name came up frequently in the court proceedings because of the desperate desire of Mr Fabio De Pasquale, the Deputy Public Prosecutor for Milan, to criminalise the OPL 245 transaction by impugning the integrity of Mr Adoke and casting aspersions on his legal advice as the Attorney-General of the Federation in which position he acted on the lawful and legitimate instructions of President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR.

In trying to work to an answer, Mr De Pasquale came up with a series of investigative theories, some of which were propounded by the so-called anti-corruption campaigners who were out to win awards as transparency champions by trampling on the truth. To them, all is fair in war. They can cook up anything, forge any e-mail and stage-manage any interview as long as they would get applause from their funders and promoters.
Mr De Pasquale argued in court that the OPL 245 Resolution Agreement of 2011, which was based on a Settlement Agreement reached between the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd on 30 November 2006, was illegal. He argued that it was also illegal to award an oil prospecting licence (OPL) through a court-ordered Settlement Agreement. De Pasquale and his team theorised that the $801 million paid by Royal Dutch Shell plc and ENI S.p.A. to Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd to acquire the rights to the oil block was illegal and was a scheme to bribe FGN officials. They alleged that Mr Adoke participated in the bribery scheme and profited to the tune of N300m ($2.2m at the time) from the $1.3bn transaction. Specifically, they said Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar, a property developer known to both Chief Dan Etete, the promoter of Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, sold a property worth N700m for N500m to Mr Adoke. They further alleged that the N200m difference was a bribe. The Italian prosecutors tried to use the property transaction as evidence of corruption.
Since some of these expended allegations are sub-judicial in Nigeria because Mr Adoke is still being tried in two honourable courts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the same issues, my comments would have to be limited to the Milan Court decision.
Also, some of the facts are already in the public domain and as such do not require any further comments from me. Luckily, the full text of the 458-page judgment, marked “Judgment No. 3055”, is available on the internet. Anyone interested in reading the document, which I intend to quote generously in this article, should google “OPL 245 full decision” and download it. It documents the key presentations made by the prosecutors and the final pronouncements of the court after nearly three years of trial.
It is significantly of note that no adverse findings were made against Mr Adoke, contrary to the lies being peddled online by the coalition of miserable pseudo activists. I may allow myself to speculate that some of their tantrums might be out of ignorance, because, admittedly, it is not every lay person that can read and understand a court decision. The judges normally summarise presentations by the prosecutors and the defendants before making a pronouncement. It is not uncommon for those not familiar with legal proceedings to take a summary of presentation as part of the court finding or decision. However, because these mischief makers have been on this project for a while, and because they have enjoyed the funding and support of those well versed in law, I am very much tempted to conclude that ignorance is not the case, or perhaps ignorance is just red herring. It is malice.
I will now go into the specifics. It had been alleged that Mr Adoke exerted “unlawful pressure” on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to endorse the Settlement Agreement. But the Milan Court pronounced at Page 241 of its judgment: “We cannot instead accept the comments on the fact that Adoke Bello allegedly exerted unlawful pressure on NNPC and DPR. In fact, as we have seen, it had been the Minister himself who had engaged these departments and demanded that an agreement be made reflecting their suggestions, so that the companies (Shell and ENI) were forced to give ground on recognition of the back-in rights, which were not included in the previous contractual framework, which called for direct purchase from Malabu, considering that that company had been granted a license free of these restrictions.”
On the rightfulness of awarding an OPL based on an out-of-court settlement (and the attempt to link it to corruption), the judges said at Page 248: “The opinions of the Public Prosecutor’s expert are absolutely contradictory and legally erroneous. Although she admitted that licenses in Nigeria may be issued by the government on a discretionary basis, it underscores the anomaly represented by the issuance of a license in the context of an out-of-court settlement agreement that involved a party, Eni, that was considered to have nothing to do with the legal disputes over ownership of the license. On the basis of these erroneous premises of its own expert, the prosecution transforms a fact from common experience (out-of-court settlements of disputes may come about through the intervention of a third-party investor or financier) into circumstantial evidence of underlying corrupt arrangements.”
They continued at Page 249: “Contrary to what was revealed during the trial proceeding, the prosecution argues that there were no other cases of assignments of oil license after out-of-court settlements, although the defense experts pointed out that the use of a Resolution Agreement as the basis for a direct award is not an unprecedented event. Examples are found in the Annual Report 2016 of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry published by the DPR, which reports that certain assets were assigned/reassigned on the basis of out-of-court settlement agreements. The circumstance generates no wonder, since the settlement is a typical arrangement, which is common practice in circumstances involving a dispute. In this regard, we should mention in passing that, from the legal point of view, the license was not awarded with the Resolution Agreement, but the latter was used as the negotiating tool whereby the Government assured itself approval by Snud (Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep) and Malabu to reassignment in favor of Snepco (Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Co) and NAE (ENI-Agip). Indeed, the deed of assignment is comprised of a discretionary measure issued by the Minister and of which the Resolution Agreement constituted a simple factual premise.”
On the allegation of conflict of interest, the prosecutors argued that Chief Etete, as Minister of Petroleum in 1998, should not have awarded an oil block to a company in which he had interest. The court agreed with the position of the defence lawyer that it was never raised as a breach of law before any court. In fact, the 1998 assignment was subsequently confirmed several times by the government, even before Mr Adoke became AGF. The court agreed with the defence lawyer who had argued that the “fallaciousness of the prosecution’s reasoning was such that the Public Prosecutor was forced to contradict himself when he explicitly affirmed that confirmation of the license awarded to Malabu had legitimated it to sell the license”. The court then declared at Page 249: “So, the Court agrees with the defense attorneys, and even with the Public Prosecutor, that the confirmation of the license by the Nigerian Government in July 2010, during the pendency of the arbitration proceeding, definitively legitimated the negotiations for acquisition of the license itself.”
On the charge that Adoke’s involvement in meetings and communications with key actors in the OPL 245 negotiations was evidence of vested interest for corrupt enrichment, the judges said at Page 291: “Equally devoid of evidentiary value is the fact that the Minister Adoke Bello intervened in the context of these communications, guaranteeing the legitimacy of the agreements underlying the payments, legitimacy that has already been demonstrated and would in fact also be recognized by the Nigerian judicial authority at the request of the same public official (see the ruling of Judge Binta Nyako). The prosecution’s argument, based on the fact that the defendants knowingly provided the money for the bribe paid by Etete to the public officials, is reasonably contradicted by the outcome of the SOCA authorizations…”. SOCA is the UK Serious Organised Crime Agency which gave JP Morgan the go-ahead to transfer funds to Malabu in 2011 after investigating suspicion of fraud.
At Page 317, the judges, in dismissing allegations of bribery in the OPL 245 deal for lack of proof, reproduced the transcript of the interrogation of a defendant, Mr Vincenzo Armanna, a former ENI manager, by the prosecutor over the issue of kickbacks. Armanna said that, in fact, Adoke threatened to arrest and prosecute ENI officials for negotiating kickbacks. The conversation is reproduced below:
PUBLIC PROSECUTOR: But the meeting, which I can now specify directly because you mentioned it this morning, when the Attorney General said: “They’re bribes, I’ll put you all in jail,” when was that? And who was there?
DEFENDANT ARMANNA: It was the first one with a bigger group, so it was…I think it was after November 15.
PUBLIC PROSECUTOR: And what did he say exactly?
DEFENDANT ARMANNA: That they were bribes and that we were blackmailing Dan Etete and forcing him to pay a fee to Obi and that we would be arrested.
It is, therefore, a matter of public record that Mr Adoke actually warned against bribery in the transaction and threatened to get the commission agents arrested and prosecuted. This is the same Adoke that is being maligned and defamed as a bribe taker. Before Mr Armanna’s testimony, Ednan Tofik ogly Agaev, a former Russian ambassador to Colombia, had also withdrawn his earlier claim to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in which he said Mr Adoke was involved in bribery. Agaev refused to adopt the statement in court, saying he was pressured to mention a name during interrogation and he mentioned Adoke. In other words, Agaev lied to the FBI to get off the hook.
I must, however, regret that there was an allegation against Mr Adoke before the Italian court that was not exhaustively dealt with: the accusation that he bought a house from his supposed share of the kickbacks. Every piece of evidence was purely circumstantial and an over-extension of the facts just to fit the narrative: one, that Mr Adoke previously knew the property developer; two, that the property developer was close to Chief Etete; three, that Mr Adoke tried to buy a house for N500m after the OPL 245 transaction; four, that the property had just been acquired by the developer for N700m; five, that the N200m difference was his kickback; six, that as a public servant, where could he have earned the N500m to buy the property. Of course, the conclusion of the judges was that there was no proof of corruption and while we may say Mr Adoke was exonerated, that will still not totally solve the puzzle around the mortgage and will continue to be used by the mischief makers as evidence of corruption.
But here are the facts, most of which were presented in Italy by the prosecutors but which they deliberately jumbled together because they were shooting at a target. Mr Adoke never denied knowing Alhaji Abubakar, the property developer. He never denied being offered a house at Plot 3271 Cadastral Zone A06, Maitama District, Abuja. What he has said, and quite consistently, is that Alhaji Abubakar approached him to buy the property for N500m. He then approached his bankers, Unity Bank Plc, where he was a substantial shareholder, and asked for a mortgage of N300m. He was to make an equity contribution of N200m to complete the payment. The bank opened a mortgage account, credited it with N300m and transferred the funds to Carlin International, owned by the developer. However, because Mr Adoke could not raise his equity of N200m, Alhaji Abubakar had to return the N300m to Unity Bank. The bank took the money and closed the account. The developer then sold the property to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). All the documents presented in court by the prosecutors as provided to them by EFCC established the facts. Actually, Mr Adoke lost money because he had to pay high interests on the loan. But the prosecutors fiddled with the facts.
Since there was an agenda, the prosecutors said the same property had previously been purchased for N700m by Alhaji Abubakar. What they maliciously hid from the court was that three buildings were being developed on the 5,500sqmtr-plot. They also did not tell the court that it was just one of the three buildings that was offered to Mr Adoke for N500m. They made it look like it was the entire property and cruelly calculated a discounted “benefit” of N200m. This is evil, to put it mildly. Also, they failed to disclose to the court that the property now belongs to the CBN who bought it in 2013 because Mr Adoke could not complete the payment. Mr Adoke said he had been hoping to sell a plot of land in Abuja to raise his N200m equity but he did not get a buyer. He never said he was going to pay for it from his salaries as a public officer. But this was the impression presented to the court.
To sum up, the Italian court has, after an extensive trial, put a lie to the allegations levelled against Mr Adoke over his role in the OPL 245 deal. The Hon. Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court declared in 2018 that Mr Adoke could not be held personally liable for carrying out a lawful presidential order. The US Department of Justice investigated the transaction and brought it to a close in October 2019 without any charges. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) closed its own investigation in April 2020. As yet, no court of law has concluded that the OPL 245 deal is a scandal. It is just the narrative cooked up by self-serving pseudo activists and forgers, and vented by notorious online blackmailers. The truth will eventually prevail and those who participated in the defamation should know that they will pay when the stage-managed storm is finally over.
My intervention is aimed at those who may not know the truth and are confused or have wrongly believed the concoctions being served online in the name of activism. To be frank, I am not hoping that my clarifications would stop the mischief makers from continuing with their malicious project. They are not reasonable characters. All they want is miscarriage of justice so that they would be decorated with murderous medals for destroying an innocent soul. They will never succeed. But if the intention of Mr Adoke’s traducers is just to destroy his name and keep him busy with having to declare his innocence every day, they have succeeded to some extent. I congratulate them. They should continue to enjoy their pyrrhic victory. It is just a matter of time before they stew in their own juice. No matter how many miles a lie travels, it takes the truth just a nanosecond to pursue and overtake. In fact, with the truth now coming to the fore, many of them are already regretting their actions and apologising in private to Mr Adoke. But their day of inescapable reckoning beckons.

. Femi Oboro, Solicitor at Gromyko Amedu Solicitors wrote via femi.oboro@gromykoamedusolicitors.co.uk

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Bamiro, Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, others intensify plan to develop university education in Nigeria

 

 

  • University of Ibadan Diamond Jubilee begins

 

As a prelude to the Diamond Jubilee Anniversary of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, CVCNU,  the  nation’s premier university, the University of Ibadan, kick started the celebration  with a unique event tagged ‘Soap Box’ a discussion forum to commemorate activities lined up for the Diamond Jubilee ceremony slated for October 2022

 

The event which took place at the South West Zone of the University Campus , weekend, attracted notable  scholars within the University  Community with  a theme ‘Sixty Years in Sixty Minutes: Exploring Trends in The Nigerian University System.

 

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of CVCNU, Professor Samuel Gowon Edoumiekumo who was represented by Professor Kabiru Aderemi Adeyemo, Vice Chancellor, Lead City University, lauded the Premier University  for accepting to host the first leg of the event to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and appreciated the institution for the goodwill CVCNU had enjoyed over the years  as partner in progress

 

He therefore urged the leadership of the tertiary institution not to relent in her efforts to continue working harmoniously with CVCNU for the common good of the nation’s education sector.

 

Also speaking, the Secretary-General of CVCNU, Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu in his  glowing  remarks expressed profound  gratitude to the leadership of the premier University for accepting the onerous task of  hosting the first event marking the Diamond Jubilee

 

Ochefu recalled the enviable role  played by University of Ibadan  to birth CVCNU in 1962, and added it was a great honour to the institution to be part of the Diamond Jubilee event

 

Consequently, Professor Ochefu reiterated the resolve of the association to continue to work assiduously towards the promotion of landmark activities that will continue to support the growth and development of the university education in Nigeria

 

Ochefu also highlighted other programmes of the Diamond Jubilee event

 

The opening session of the discussion event code named ‘’soap box’’ had one time  Vice- Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Emeritus Professor O. A Bamiro, FAS who set the ball rolling with a talk on Transformation of University Education, while the current Vice Chancellor,

Professor K.O Adebowale, FAS, MNI spoke  On Learning Management Systems (LMS)

 

Other panelists that featured at the auspicious event  include ; Professor E. O. Ogunkola, a Council Member and Chairman, IGR Committee, University of Ibadan; Professor A. K Aremu former Chairman, University of Ibadan Council Committee on Campus Security; Professor S. B Olaleye, Editor in Chief African Journal of Biomedical Research; Professor Elsie Adewoye, President University of Ibadan Alumni Association Worldwide; Mrs. Olubunmi O. Faluyi MCIPM, Registrar, University of Ibadan and Mr. Adeyinka Adewale, President, Student Union, University of Ibadan,

 

The eminent scholars spoke on wide range of topical issues such as Funding and Generating Internal Revenue, Campus Security, Plagiarism, Alumni Experience, Business of Recycling and Data as Resource for Universities

 

The gathering attracted scholars from other universities. It was a melting point to brainstorm and further suggest ways on how to make the university environment more conducive, comfortable and convenient for academic activities, research learning for students, university teachers and the university management