Urhobo News

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR

PRESS RELEASE

COVID-19: SANWO-OLU CHARGES WORLD LEADERS ON VACCINE EQUITY, SAYS LAGOS TARGETS 30 PERCENT VACCINATION RATE FIRST YEAR

• Fela’s Afrika Shrine Agog as Governor Hosts Global Citizen Live Concert

Free access to Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines is one of the strategies designed by the United Nations (UN) to kickstart global recovery, especially in cities that are signatories to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework. How is Lagos State, the most populous mega city in Africa, faring in its recovery plan?

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday, gave detailed explanation on how the State Government had expanded access to vaccines since the vaccination programme began in March and the State’s projection to protect its residents and environment.

The Governor spoke at the 2021 Global Citizen Live Concert held at Fela’s Afrika Shrine in Ikeja. Audiences in 11 cities across the world, including Paris, Seoul, London, Sidney, New York and Los Angeles, witnessed the live event held in honour of frontline and essential workers in the battle against the global pandemic.

Global Citizen Live is a 24-hour global event initiated in six continents to unite the world in defending the planet against diseases and defeating poverty.

A-list Nigerian musical artistes that performed live during the international concert included Femi Kuti, Davido, Tiwa Savage and Made Kuti, among others.

As the epicentre of the pandemic outbreak, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos had pursued a radical vaccination programmes, which led to the administration of 16,000 jabs of vaccines daily. This, the Governor said, is a far cry from what was projected in achieving herd immunity.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that 405,000 residents had received first doses of AstraZeneca, while 289,000 persons returned for their second doses. The State, he said, administered 230,000 first shots of Moderna to raise the vaccinated population to about 1.2 per cent within five months.

He said: “Our vaccination rate is far below the minimum target of 60 per cent recommended by the World Health Organisation (W.H.O) per city population. At the current rate, it would take about three years to achieve our herd immunity target. We cannot continue at this speed if we seriously want to beat this virus.

“To safely achieve herd immunity against COVID-19, a substantial proportion of our population would need to be vaccinated to lower the overall amount of virus able to spread in the whole population. One of the objectives of attaining herd immunity is to prevent mutations from emerging leading to more aggressive strains. It is important that Lagos achieves herd immunity at the same time with all countries together.”

Sanwo-Olu noted the situation of unequal distribution of vaccines in which richer nations secured more doses than the size of their populations and are preparing to roll out booster shots, while poorer countries struggled to administer first doses, threatening the global efforts to end the pandemic.

He said vaccine equity remained the only path to toe by world leaders to end the pandemic. To do this, the Governor said the world must ensure that vaccines were available to all, especially poorer countries that had struggled with supply.

On how Lagos is creating access and ramping up vaccination, Sanwo-Olu said the Government was leveraging the private sector funding, capacity and infrastructure to scale up availability and distribution.

He said: “Our proposal to the private sector is to reserve and administer 50 per cent of the vaccines procured in partnership with the private sector to be made available free of charge at Government health centres. We propose to deploy a proven system where those who can pay for vaccines subsidise the cost of vaccination for those who cannot.

“Given the fact that we expect COVID-19 vaccinations to be annual going forward, this is the only sustainable path towards achieving herd immunity and making Lagos free of the virus. With our approach, we expect to vaccinate 30 per cent of the population of Lagos within one year. This will put us on a better and more sustainable path towards herd immunity. We expect COVID-19 vaccinations to be an annual programme, going forward, as this is the only way to making Lagos free of the virus.”

The Governor urged Nigerians to continue to be law-abiding and comply with the travel guidelines stipulated by the Presidential Steering Committee to prevent the importation of new variants. He reiterated that observation of social distancing and personal hygiene would break the cycle of community transmission of the virus.

SIGNED

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

SEPTEMBER 19, 2021

PRESIDENT BUHARI DIRECTS INCORPORATION OF NNPC LTD, APPOINTS BOARD

President Muhammadu Buhari, in his capacity as Minister of Petroleum Resources, has directed the incorporation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

This is in consonance with Section 53(1) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which requires the Minister of Petroleum Resources to cause for the incorporation of the NNPC Limited within six months of commencement of the Act in consultation with the Minister of Finance on the nominal shares of the Company.

The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr Mele Kolo Kyari, has, therefore, been directed to take necessary steps to ensure that the incorporation of the NNPC Limited is consistent with the provisions of the PIA 2021.

Also, by the power vested in him under Section 59(2) of the PIA 2021, President Buhari has approved the appointment of the Board and Management of the NNPC Limited, with effect from the date of incorporation of the Company.

Chairman of the Board is Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, while Mele Kolo Kyari and Umar I. Ajiya are Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, respectively.

Other Board Members are; Dr Tajudeen Umar (North East), Mrs Lami O. Ahmed (North Central), Mallam Mohammed Lawal (North West), Senator Margaret Chuba Okadigbo (South East), Barrister Constance Harry Marshal (South South), and Chief Pius Akinyelure (South West).

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

September 19, 2021

THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH DR MAILAFIA DIED, BY MIDDLE BELT FORUM

The death of the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada, Abuja this morning came to us as a great shock. As someone who relentlessly participated in the activities of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), his untimely death has dealt a deadly blow on ethnic nationalities of not only the Middle Belt but the country at large.

Arising from various enquiries from Nigerians over the circumstances of his death, the Forum wishes to state as follows: That Dr Mailafia arrived Abuja last Sunday September 12, 2021 from Akure and was received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by his wife.

On arrival at home, the wife noticed he was not in the best of health conditions and seemed to be suffering from malaria. After three days of treatment without signs of improvement, he went to the CBN Hospital on Friday September 17, 2021 where he was shabbily treated. It took the intervention of a senior medic who immediately placed him on oxygen and admitted him.

Dr Mailafia’s was later given the option of choosing three hospitals: Gwagwalada Hospital, National Hospital and EHA Clinics. The wife opted for the third choice. On arrival at the EHA Clinics, the wife was subjected to yet another moment of anxiety as it took a direct order from the top management of the hospital to accept him.

After few hours of treatment, the EHA Clinics told the wife that it was expedient to transfer the former CBN Deputy Governor to Gwagwalada as the clinic was not fully equipped to handle the case.

The wife opposed the decision and insisted that she was opposed to the idea of taking her husband to Gwagwalada. Mailafia’s wife only succumbed when the consultant assured her that nothing bad will happen to her husband.

Yesterday, Saturday September 18, 2021, Dr Obadiah was transferred to Gwagwalada. On arrival, the name of the doctor that was billed to attend to Dr Mailafia was not on duty. Even when an attempt was made by foreign health consultants to save the situation, the doctor on duty got angry and said he was not obligated to listen to any foreign consultants that had been brought into the matter with the sole purpose of ensuring nothing goes wrong.

Wife of the former CBN Deputy Governor was asked to pay the sum of N600’000 as deposit even when it was a referral case, with accruing medical bill to be settled by the CBN. At a point, Dr Mailafia complained over his breathing problems and pleaded with the doctors to place him in a ventilator. The doctors flatly refused.

Even after the doctors declared Dr. Mailafia dead, foreign consultants who were brought into the matter through Dr Mailafia’s son that is  living abroad, had directed a family member who is a medical professional, with the wife of the CBN Deputy Governor, to mount pressure on the chest of Dr.  Mailafia for resuscitation and thereafter place him on a life support.

The doctors in Gwagwalada refused all entreaties by the family members of Dr Mailafia to follow the advice of the foreign consultants, insisting that they have already pronounced him dead. Even when the wife could feel the pulse of her husband, the doctor flatly declared there was nothing they could do since they had already pronounced him dead.

While the above narration sums up the circumstances under which Dr Mailafia died,  we still  await the result of the actual cause of his death. As a nationalist and patriot that he was, Dr. Mailafia  was completely dedicated to the emancipation of ethnic nationalities from the clutches of oppression. The economist was never afraid to speak truth to power just as he remained committed to the enthronement of justice and equity to all citizens across ethnic and religious  divides.

In the twilight of his life, this consummate technocrat and global scholar of repute beamed his searchlight on the raging insecurity ravaging our country. He expressed regrets over government’s incapacity to rein in the activities of insurgents and criminal groups terrorising the nation.

As a former presidential candidate in the 2019 poll, Dr Mailafia sought to deploy politics to bring about the dream he had for his country. Even after he lost the election, he never let down the bar in demanding for a fair treatment for all Nigerians.

The Forum recalls his patriotic zeal in standing up for truth and justice. He was never a letdown in being at the forefront of  showing the way for national greatness as he was willing to lay down his life for Nigeria.

The Forum is inspired by his altruistic disposition and contributions to national development. We remain proud of his footprints on the political, economic and social sands of our nation.

In this period of grief, we extend our sympathy to his immediate family members and pray to the Almighty God to grant each and every one of them the fortitude to bear the pain of this irreparable loss.

The death of Dr Mailafia today represents a dark day for not only the Middle Belt but also for all citizens  who yearn for a new dawn for justice in Nigeria.

Signed:

DR ISUWA DOGO

(National Publicity Secretary)

Sunday September 19, 2021)

SERAP asks Lawan, Gbajabiamila to reject Buhari’s fresh request to borrow $4bn, €710m

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President Dr Ahmad Lawan, and Speaker of House of Representatives Mr Femi Gbajabiamila to reject the fresh request by President Muhammadu Buhari to borrow $4 billion and €710 million until the publication of details of spending of all loans obtained since May 29, 2015 by the government.”

President Buhari recently sought the approval of the National Assembly to borrow $4,054,476,863 billion and €710 million, on the grounds of “emerging needs.” The request was contained in a letter dated 24 August, 2021.

In an open letter dated 18 September 2021, and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization expressed “concerns about the growing debt crisis, the lack of transparency and accountability in the spending of loans that have been obtained, and the perceived unwillingness or inability of the National Assembly to vigorously exercise its constitutional duties to check the apparently indiscriminate borrowing by the government.”

SERAP said: “The National Assembly should not allow the government to accumulate unsustainable levels of debt, and use the country’s scarce resources for staggering and crippling debt service payments rather than for improved access of poor and vulnerable Nigerians to basic public services and human rights.”

According to SERAP, “Accumulation of excessive debts and unsustainable debt-servicing are inconsistent with the government’s international obligations to use the country’s maximum available resources to achieve progressively the realisation of economic and social rights, and access of Nigerians to basic public services.”

The letter, read in part: “The country’s public debt has mushroomed with no end in sight. The growing national debt is clearly not sustainable. There has been no serious attempt by the government to cut the cost of governance. The leadership of the National Assembly ought to stand up for Nigerians by asserting the body’s constitutional powers to ensure limits on national debt and deficits.”

“SERAP urges you to urgently propose a resolution and push for constitutional amendment on debt limit, with the intent of reducing national debt and deficits. This recommendation is entirely consistent with the constitutional oversight functions and spending powers of the National Assembly, and the country’s international anti-corruption and human rights obligations.”

“Indiscriminate borrowing has an effect on the full enjoyment of Nigerians’ economic and social rights. Spending large portion of the country’s yearly budget to service debts has limited the ability of the government to ensure access of poor and vulnerable Nigerians to minimal health care, education, clean water, and other human needs.”

“Should the National Assembly and its leadership fail to rein in government borrowing, and to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of public loans, SERAP would consider appropriate legal action to compel the National Assembly to discharge its constitutional duties.”

“The National Assembly under your leadership has a constitutional responsibility to urgently address the country’s debt crisis, which is exacerbated by overspending on lavish allowances for high-ranking public officials, lack of transparency and accountability, as well as the absence of political will to recover trillions of naira reported to be missing or mismanaged by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.”

“The National Assembly should stop the government from borrowing behind the people’s backs. Lack of information about details of specific projects on which loans are spent, and on loan conditions creates incentives for corruption, and limits citizens’ ability to scrutinise the legality and consistency of loans with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended), as well as to hold authorities to account.”

“SERAP notes that if approved, the country’s debts will exceed N35 trillion. The government is also reportedly pushing the maturity of currently-secured loans to between 10 and 30 years. N11.679 trillion is reportedly committed into debt servicing, while only N8.31 trillion was expended on capital/development expenditure between 2015 and 2020.”

“Ensuring transparency and accountability in the spending of loans by the government and cutting the cost of governance would address the onerous debt servicing, and improve the ability of the government to meet the country’s international obligations to use maximum available resources to ensure the enjoyment of basic economic and social rights, such as quality healthcare and education.”

The letter was copied to chairmen of the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly.

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

19/9/2021

Lagos, Nigeria

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

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

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

SERAP asks Lawan, Gbajabiamila to reject Buhari’s fresh request to borrow $4bn, €710m

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President Dr Ahmad Lawan, and Speaker of House of Representatives Mr Femi Gbajabiamila to reject the fresh request by President Muhammadu Buhari to borrow $4 billion and €710 million until the publication of details of spending of all loans obtained since May 29, 2015 by the government.”

President Buhari recently sought the approval of the National Assembly to borrow $4,054,476,863 billion and €710 million, on the grounds of “emerging needs.” The request was contained in a letter dated 24 August, 2021.

In an open letter dated 18 September 2021, and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization expressed “concerns about the growing debt crisis, the lack of transparency and accountability in the spending of loans that have been obtained, and the perceived unwillingness or inability of the National Assembly to vigorously exercise its constitutional duties to check the apparently indiscriminate borrowing by the government.”

SERAP said: “The National Assembly should not allow the government to accumulate unsustainable levels of debt, and use the country’s scarce resources for staggering and crippling debt service payments rather than for improved access of poor and vulnerable Nigerians to basic public services and human rights.”

According to SERAP, “Accumulation of excessive debts and unsustainable debt-servicing are inconsistent with the government’s international obligations to use the country’s maximum available resources to achieve progressively the realisation of economic and social rights, and access of Nigerians to basic public services.”

The letter, read in part: “The country’s public debt has mushroomed with no end in sight. The growing national debt is clearly not sustainable. There has been no serious attempt by the government to cut the cost of governance. The leadership of the National Assembly ought to stand up for Nigerians by asserting the body’s constitutional powers to ensure limits on national debt and deficits.”

“SERAP urges you to urgently propose a resolution and push for constitutional amendment on debt limit, with the intent of reducing national debt and deficits. This recommendation is entirely consistent with the constitutional oversight functions and spending powers of the National Assembly, and the country’s international anti-corruption and human rights obligations.”

“Indiscriminate borrowing has an effect on the full enjoyment of Nigerians’ economic and social rights. Spending large portion of the country’s yearly budget to service debts has limited the ability of the government to ensure access of poor and vulnerable Nigerians to minimal health care, education, clean water, and other human needs.”

“Should the National Assembly and its leadership fail to rein in government borrowing, and to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of public loans, SERAP would consider appropriate legal action to compel the National Assembly to discharge its constitutional duties.”

“The National Assembly under your leadership has a constitutional responsibility to urgently address the country’s debt crisis, which is exacerbated by overspending on lavish allowances for high-ranking public officials, lack of transparency and accountability, as well as the absence of political will to recover trillions of naira reported to be missing or mismanaged by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.”

“The National Assembly should stop the government from borrowing behind the people’s backs. Lack of information about details of specific projects on which loans are spent, and on loan conditions creates incentives for corruption, and limits citizens’ ability to scrutinise the legality and consistency of loans with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended), as well as to hold authorities to account.”

“SERAP notes that if approved, the country’s debts will exceed N35 trillion. The government is also reportedly pushing the maturity of currently-secured loans to between 10 and 30 years. N11.679 trillion is reportedly committed into debt servicing, while only N8.31 trillion was expended on capital/development expenditure between 2015 and 2020.”

“Ensuring transparency and accountability in the spending of loans by the government and cutting the cost of governance would address the onerous debt servicing, and improve the ability of the government to meet the country’s international obligations to use maximum available resources to ensure the enjoyment of basic economic and social rights, such as quality healthcare and education.”

The letter was copied to chairmen of the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly.

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

19/9/2021

Lagos, Nigeria

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

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

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

September 18, 2021

Press Statement

You’re Just An Attention Seeker, PDP Tells Umahi

…Says Ebonyi Governor Now Floating

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi state as an attention seeker, floating in imaginary presidential interests.

The party said since Governor Umahi, out of his personal ambition, joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), while still sitting on the mandate of the PDP in Ebonyi state, he has become pathetically confused and disoriented, having realized that he joined a “one chance” bus, with strange and deceitful co-travelers.

It is clear that Governor Umahi is now politically floating and seeks to use an unwarranted attack on governors elected on the platform of the PDP to actualize his desperation for public relevance.

The PDP finds it very pathetic that, having mortgaged his conscience, over his self-confessed love for the oppressive administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Umahi is manifestly accommodating the daily incidences of killings, wanton destruction of property, kidnapping and other acts of terrorism going on in Ebonyi state and the nation at large under the APC.

The PDP charges Governor Umahi to show his claimed commitment to the South-east by jettisoning his personal ambition and summoning the courage to call out President Buhari for his divisiveness, injustice, incompetence, treasury looting and insecurity that have become the hallmark of his failed administration.

On zoning, our party urges Governor Umahi to focus on his fizzling APC and leave the PDP alone. By now Governor Umahi ought to know that the PDP is a party of due process and inclusiveness and that all interests within our party will collectively and peacefully take decision on zoning when the time comes.

Governor Umahi is expected to take his stampeding agenda on zoning to his APC but he would not do so because he knows that Nigerians will vote out the APC and usher in the PDP in 2023 so as to bring an end to a life of misery, economic hardship, mass killings, terrorism and divisiveness brought to our nation by the APC.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISERATES WITH ALGERIAN PRESIDENT OVER DEATH OF BOUTEFLIKA

President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria, on the death of the country’s former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

On behalf of the government of Nigeria, the President also commiserates with the family of the former President and the Algerian people as they mourn the loss of the remarkable leader who ruled the country for 20 years.

President Buhari believes that Bouteflika, as a veteran in the civil war that led to Algeria’s independence, Foreign Minister, President of the United Nations General Assembly during the 1974–1975 sessions and political leader, made significant contributions to the development of his country.

On the African front, the Nigerian leader notes that Bouteflika was a true Pan-Africanist and his legacy of securing the Algiers Peace Treaty between Eritrea and Ethiopia and supporting peace efforts in the Africa Great Lakes region will not be forgotten.

The President prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for the Algerian people in their period of grief.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 18, 2021

PRESIDENT BUHARI ATTENDS UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW YORK

President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja Sunday for New York, United States of America, to participate in the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA76).

The session opened on Tuesday, September 14.

The theme for this year’s UNGA is, “Building Resilience Through Hope – To Recover from COVID-19, Rebuild Sustainably, Respond to the Needs of the Planet, Respect the Rights of People and Revitalize the United Nations.”

President Buhari will address the Assembly during the General Debates on Friday, September 24 when he will speak on the theme of the conference and other global issues.

In the course of the Assembly, the Nigerian leader and members of the delegation will partake in other significant meetings such as; The High Level Meeting to Commemorate The Twentieth Anniversary of the Adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action on the theme “Reparations, Racial Justice and Equality for People of African Descent.”

The delegation will also participate in Food Systems Summit; High Level Dialogue on Energy; and The High Level Plenary Meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

The President will also hold bilateral meetings with a number of other leaders of delegations and heads of International Development organisations.

He will be accompanied to New York by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN); and Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor.

Also on the President’s delegation are: National Security Adviser, Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd); Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.

President Buhari is expected back in the country on Sunday, September 26.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 18, 2021

September 16, 2021

Press Statement

Debt Accumulation: Salami’s Outcry Confirms that APC, Buhari Are Wrecking Nigeria- PDP…Says Borrowed Funds Are Being Looted By APC Leaders

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alerts that the outcry by the Chairman of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC), Dr. Doyin Salami, over accumulation of debt and high spending by the Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration confirms our position that the Buhari Presidency and the APC have wrecked our nation.

The “State of the Nation” revelation by Dr. Salami that our nation’s debt profile under Buhari has become “unmaintainable”, at N35 trillion and growing; with an alarming debt service-to-revenue ratio of 97.7 percent, further confirms that President Buhari and the APC have finally mortgaged our national patrimony to foreign interests.

Dr. Salami’s revelation only validates apprehensions that President Buhari, who is still borrowing more money, is completely disconnected from his economic team, while the corrupt cabal in his Presidency has taken advantage of the situation to pillage the vaults.

It is distressing that despite the already terrifying situation, and with the further depreciation of our naira to N570 to a dollar, President Buhari is moving to take a fresh N2.66 trillion ($4 billion and €710 million) external loan, for very opaque purposes.

More frightening is the revelation by EAC that the nation’s debt stock might soon hit N45 trillion.

This is especially as rather than developing strategies to create wealth to run its affairs and repay the loans it collected, the incompetent, lethargic and corrupt Buhari administration is only resorting to more loans in a reckless fashion.

Moreover, the fact that the APC and its government cannot point to any legacy project financed with the loans validates apprehensions in the public space that the funds are being frittered by APC leaders and cabal in the corridors of power.

This position is corroborated by Dr. Salami’s report that Federal Government expenditure had been “on the increase and at a faster pace” even when there are no projects on ground to justify such astronomical increase.

Moreover, the corruption and incompetence, in addition to policy inconsistency, insecurity and macroeconomic instability, under the Buhari-led APC administration, as also observed by the EAC, had stifled investments and crippled our national economy.

While commending the EAC for their courage in further exposing the failures of the Buhari administration, the PDP urges the council to impress it on President Buhari to take urgent steps to recover the over N25 trillion naira reportedly stolen by APC leaders in various government agencies.

The EAC should task President Buhari to recover the stolen N9.3 trillion as detailed in the reported NNPC memo, the N2 trillion allegedly siphoned under fraudulent subsidy regime and the N1.1 worth of crude oil reportedly stolen using 18 unregistered vessels.

This is in addition to N500 billon reportedly stolen from Social Investment Programme fund, the N1.5 trillion and $9.5 million from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the $65 million (N31 billion) frittered from the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), N165 billion stolen from the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) as well as the N90 billion looted from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

President Buhari should recover the funds stolen from National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as well as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in which a very top official of his government was indicted.

The Dr. Salami EAC team must also summon the courage to tell President Buhari that culprits of corruption in his administration should not only be “eased out,” but made to cough out every kobo stolen and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

“A sister set me up with her boyfriend to confirm if I was a virgin” – Nkechi Blessing speaks on near-rape experience

Actor, film producer and one of the most controversial celebrities on Instagram, Nkechi Blessing, opened up about why she felt strongly about the Baba Ijesha rape saga that happened earlier in the year.

Being a victim of attempted rape herself, Nkechi took the issue rather personally. Recounting her story, Nkechi said, “When I was about 16 or 17, I had this sister who I used to tell that I was a virgin but she would always say that I was lying because I was wild. Though my mum had a beer parlour as at that time, she was so strict with her kids that you couldn’t see them messing around.”

“On this day, she invited me out with her boyfriend. I was cool with it but then it started to seem as though she wanted to set me up with her boyfriend to confirm if I was still a virgin or not. They brought drinks and I drank them. She stood up, left, and said she would be back. Then, the guy stood up and sat beside me. My mind immediately went to the fact that my mother didn’t believe I was a virgin. I was scared to death but I knew I needed to do something. Next thing, I summed up the courage to leave and the guy held me down and said ‘you’re not going anywhere’. Then, I asked him, ‘uncle, you wan rape me?’ This statement startled him and then he let me go”, he said.

This experience, coupled with the numerous stories of others who she had heard of that were brutally raped, was what triggered her.

Making reference to the Baba Ijesha case, she said, “I can only imagine what that 14-year old girl was going through. No sane human being will hear such a thing and be happy with it, unless he/she was also a child molester”.

Later on in the episode, Nkechi spoke rather fondly of her mother, who she still lives with till date. She told Chude that her mother had single-handedly taken care of them even before she lost her father in 2014. In her words, “she has been a father and a mother”. She hopes that her mother will live long so she can take care of her the way she deserves.

Nkechi is a wife and a mother herself; she’s married to a man who she says lets her be herself. The duo have a two-year-old son.

PRESIDENT BUHARI APPROVES INCLUSION OF HOUSE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN SUNUNU INTO HEALTH SECTOR REFORM COMMITTEE

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the inclusion of Dr Yuusf Tanko Sununu as the representative of the House of Representatives on the Health Sector Reform Committee.

Dr Sununu is the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services and had previously served as a past Secretary General of the Nigerian Medical Association and Associate member of the World Medical Association.

The Health Sector Reform Committee, under the Chairmanship of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has members drawn from private and public sector health care management professionals, development partners, representatives from the National Assembly as well as the Nigeria Governors Forum among others.

The committee, which is set up for a period of six months, will undertake a review of all healthcare reforms adopted in the past two decades and lessons learnt and factor them into the development of the new Health Sector Reform Programme.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 17, 2021

PRESIDENT BUHARI PLEDGES TO USE FOOTBALL FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, UNITY

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja declared his administration’s commitment to use football for the development of the girl-child, inspiring young people to have rewarding careers in the game.

Receiving the FIFA delegation led by its president Gianni Infantino and the president of Confederation of African Football (CAF) Patrice Motsepe, at State House, the President called on the top echelon of football’s world governing body to see Nigeria as one of its greatest assets when it comes to the development of football.

On women’s football, the President expressed delight that Nigeria has produced excellent role models to inspire the next generation of stars to take up the sport.

‘‘Our National women’s football team, the Super Falcons are a force to reckon with both on the continent and internationally.

‘‘Some of our women footballers such as Asisat Oshoala, who only recently became the first African to win the women’s European Champions League with her club Barcelona.

‘‘Rasheedat Ajibade, Rita Chikwelu, Onome Ebi, who is the only African to have played in five FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals, Desire Oparanozie and before them Perpetual Nkwocha, Mercy Akide-Udoh, Nkiru Okosieme and Ann Chiejiene are globally recognized stars,’’ he said.

President Buhari, therefore, urged the leadership of the world football governing body to consider Nigeria top on its plan for support and investment.

The President also told the visiting FIFA president, who is in the country for the six-nation Aisha Buhari Invitational Football Tournament, that since 2017 his administration had adopted football as a national asset.

He explained that the sport is being accorded the highest level of attention possible by the government to enable rapid development of abundant talents in the country.

‘‘I have also approved the unveiling of a committee to draw up a 10 year football development master plan for the country.

‘‘I expect that the recommendations of this committee will accelerate the development of football. It is my hope that it will further improve the fortunes of the game internationally.

On the Aisha Buhari Cup (ABC), with the theme “Playing for Good”, which is on-going in Lagos, the Nigerian leader said the tournament could not have come at a better time.

‘‘This Women’s football competition is a novel idea here and I am sure it will be exciting in its execution for our women folk and lovers of football.

‘‘It is also a confirmation of what we already know about our women,’’ he said.

The President thanked FIFA for making ABC, a ranking tournament, adding that he looks forward to more countries joining to participate in the future.

President Buhari, who described football as one of the greatest sources of unity in the country as well as in many parts of the world, said:

‘‘Our hearts beat as one anytime our teams are playing a football match. Our youth are always positively engaged when our national football teams are on assignment.

‘‘Without any doubts here, football is a major tool of national unity’’.

The Nigerian leader commended the enormous work done by the organisation in the development of football, using it as a tool for positive social change and to drive global unity.

He pledged support for the latest FIFA initiative, the FIFA Connect programme which aims to drive football development at the grassroots using technology, assuring football body’s top echelon of Nigeria’s active participation in the programme .

Emphasising Nigeria’s huge pedigree in global and continental football, the President said the country has achieved successes in many international and continental competitions while maintaining close, cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with FIFA.

‘‘Nigeria is one of the few nations of the world that has participated in all FIFA competitions, at all the different levels for both men and women.

‘‘These have opened doors of opportunities for a lot of our young boys and girls, men and women to have rewarding careers in the game,’’ he said.

In his remarks, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare said Nigeria, as the leading black nation in the world, was central to all that FIFA is seeking to achieve in its football development plan.

‘‘We love football and we follow the game passionately,’’ he said.

In his remarks, Infantino renewed FIFA’s commitment to support the development of football in Nigeria, pledging to strengthen its partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation.

‘‘Nigeria is a big football playing country. We need Nigeria to lead the football movement in the world, together with Africa as a continent,’’ he said.

The FIFA president thanked President Buhari for supporting the development of the game, appealing to him to help FIFA amplify the message of football as a uniting force.

‘‘When football is played there are no divisions in a nation or continent. Football brings people together and to do that we need important countries like Nigeria,’’ he said.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 16, 2021

Gbajabiamila mourns Florence Ajimobi’s mother

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has expressed sadness over the passing of the mother Florence Ajimobi, the wife of late Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

Gbajabiamila said Mrs. Victoria Amudoaghan would be remembered for her motherly role and selfless service to humanity.

The Speaker described the late Mrs Amudoaghan as a woman of who gave her all in all to her family, community and nation.

As a community and religious leader in Surulere, Gbajabiamila said Mrs Amudoaghan excelled herself to the admiration of all.

He said her services and wise counsel would be missed by the people of Surulere and beyond.

Gbajabiamila sent his condolences to the Ajimobi family and prayed for the repose of the soul of late Mrs Amudoaghan.

Signed:

Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU, FIFA PRESIDENT GRACE FOOTBALL PITCH AS AISHA BUHARI CUP KICKS OFF IN LAGOS

• Nigeria’s Super Falcons Trash Mali’s Team 2-0

Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, became the cynosure of the global soccer lenses on Wednesday, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was joined by the President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, to attend the opening round of the maiden Aisha Buhari Women Cup.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons played against Mali’s Les Aiglonnes in the international tournament hosted by the Lagos State Government at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan.

President of Confederation of African Football (CAF), Mr. Patrice Motsepe, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, and top FIFA officials joined in Infantino’s entourage to the stadium.

Also, Lagos First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and members of the Lagos State’s Executive Council stormed the stadium for the tournament.

The International friendly tournament, sponsored by MTN Nigeria and supported by Lagos State Government, was initiated to promote female football in Africa, gender equality and draw attention to development issues affecting women.

The first half of the opening match ended with a draw. However, 83 minutes into the second half, Super Falcons’ forward, Gift Monday, scored a goal, leaving the Malian side disoriented.

At 91 minutes into the added time, Monday again netted another goal, giving the Falcons victory over their opponents.

Six nations are participating in the contest, which will draw to a close on September 21. Other participants include South Africa, Morocco, Ghana, and Cameroon.

The tournament continues tomorrow (Thursday) with Cameroon’s Les Lionnes Indomptables slugging it out against Moroccan Atlas Lionesses.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

Gbajabiamila promises to continue advocating youth inclusion in governance

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that he remains committed to his advocacy on youth inclusion in governance.

The Speaker said he subscribed to the belief that the Nigerian youth had a lot to offer, a remained a youth advocate.

He said the 9th House of Representatives had also keyed into the youth advocacy in governance and public offices as many bills being considered were motivated by the interest of the youth.

Speaking when he hosted the APC Youth Lobby Committee on Inclusion during a courtesy call on Thursday at the National Assembly, Gbajabiamila encouraged the Nigerian youth to continue to be productive.

“We should be able to put the interest of the youth at the forefront. We’ll continue to support you. It’s what we’ve been doing.

“In the House itself, if you look at the committees we have, young people occupy most of the leadership.

“In my constituency during the last election, we elected the youngest chairman in the history of my constituency, Surulere. For me, this meeting is just a formality.

“I’ve been at the forefront of youth inclusion. So, what you’re doing is just to meet the relevant stakeholders”, he said.

However, the Speaker noted that “power is not served à la carte,” hence the Nigerian youth must peacefully work toward gaining positions of leadership.

Earlier, the leader of the group, Bar. Ismail Ahmed, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the National Social Investment Programme as well as the caretaker national youth leader of the APC, said Gbajabiamila had shown loyalty, dedication and commitment to the APC as a progressive family.

He said with the way the Speaker appointed mostly young people as his aides, he had shown uncommon love to the Nigerian youth and proved that he remained a progressive to the core.

He said the visit was to encourage the Speaker to continue being an ambassador for the Nigerian youth.

“There needs to be a clear demonstration by this party (APC) to include the young people in governance. We want you to be the voice and ambassador of young people wherever you find yourself.

“Though you’ve been an ambassador to us, we want you to be a bigger ambassador for us”, Bar. Ahmed said.

Other members of the APC youth group, comprising government appointees and members of the private sector, commended the Speaker for being pro-youth.

Signed:

Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

APPEAL TO MEDIA TO FOCUS ON CORE ISSUES AS PRESIDENT BUHARI GOES TO THE UNITED NATIONS

For Nigerian diaspora groups to use the world’s largest platform – the United Nations General Assembly – to garner attention to their causes is not unexpected.

It was, however shocking, to see “Yoruba Nation” advocates yesterday unequivocally throw their lot in with Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

IPOB is a designated terrorist organisation. It has now publicly revealed a 50,000 strong paramilitary organisation.

It regularly murders security services and innocent civilians, with a significant uptick of violent attacks this year. And it is currently attempting to hold Nigerian states hostage with orders to stay at home under threat of terror.

Without doubt, Nigerians and the entire world will judge Yoruba Nation by the company it keeps.

No one can take seriously this organisation if it continues its IPOB association. When their allies systematically trample human rights, it raises sober questions about their claims to uphold the values of the UN.

The cooperation is a worrying development, once parsed with Yoruba Nation’s increasingly violent rallies in Nigeria.

Actions and associations speak louder than words. Yoruba Nation’s talk of human rights promotion must therefore be ignored.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government will continue its work at the UN- to fight against corruption and illicit financial flows, and international cooperation.

If we want to see stolen funds returned to their rightful home in Nigeria, the government must continue to campaign for and coordinate global action on asset recovery.

The government will remain the leading regional actor in the fight against global terror – particularly against threats emanating from the Sahel. Through the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps programme, the country also shares technical expertise with countries from the Caribbean, Africa and the Pacific.

At the same time, the administration is implementing a programme of environmental sustainability to combat developments which destroys Nigerian communities in vulnerable regions.

Only through the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development can we secure a prosperous future for Nigeria.

As the largest country in Africa, the government takes seriously its leadership role and will continue to strive for continental unity, cooperation, and shared prosperity.

Our expectation is therefore for the media to work with the government to focus attention on the core issues the President, the leader of the country has on his Programme.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 15, 2021

PRESIDENT BUHARI SAYS 1.6M HOUSEHOLDS, 8M INDIVIDUALS BENEFITTING FROM CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFERS

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja said ongoing efforts to reduce poverty in the country continue to grow, with 1.6 million poor and vulnerable households, comprising more than 8 million individuals currently benefiting from the Conditional Cash Transfer program, while N300 billion has been disbursed to farmers.

Speaking virtually at the opening ceremony of the 14th Annual Banking and Finance Conference of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the President said the National Social Register of poor and vulnerable Nigerians had 32.6 million persons from 7 million poor and vulnerable households identified, imploring bankers to play a stronger role in improving livelihoods.

“From this number, 1.6 million poor and vulnerable households, comprising more than 8 million individuals are currently benefiting from the Conditional Cash Transfer program, which pays a bi-monthly stipend of N10, 000 per household,’’ he said.

President Buhari said the National Social Investment Programme was biggest in Sub-Sahara Africa and one of the largest in the world.

According to him, “Some of the various initiatives embarked upon to boost agric trade in Nigeria include the Anchor Borrowers Programme through which the Central Bank of Nigeria had made more than 300 billion Naira available to over 3.1 million smallholder farmers of 21 different commodities including Rice, Wheat, Maize, Cotton, Cassava, Poultry, Soybeans, Groundnut, Fish, cultivating over 3.8 million hectares of farmland.

“It is on record that 80% of rice consumed in Nigeria is now produced locally.’’

To further strengthen recovery and enable more Nigerians, President Buhari said, last year, he approved the establishment of InfraCo Plc, a world-class infrastructure development vehicle, wholly focused on Nigeria, with combined debt and equity take-off capital of N15 trillion, managed by an independent infrastructure Fund Manager.

“The Solar Power Naija project was launched in April 2021 with the aim of delivering 5 million off-grid solar connections to Nigerian households. In May 2021, the Rural Electrification Agency announced the planned deployment of solar-powered grids to 200 Primary Health Centres and 104 Unity Schools nationwide.

“Under the Family Homes Fund Limited, Social Housing programme incorporated by the Federal Government of Nigeria, more than two thousand hectares of land with title documents have been issued by 24 states with the capacity to accommodate about 65,000 new homes. The Central Bank of Nigeria is providing a N200 Billion financing facility, with a guarantee by the Federal Government,’’ he said.

The President affirmed that the theme of the conference, “Economic Recovery, Inclusion, and Transformation: The Role of Banking and Finance’’ was most appropriate, following the global shocks from Covid-19.

“I salute the Institute and the entire banking and finance industry for the commitment towards charting a practical path for economic recovery and transformation of our country, Nigeria, and by extension Africa as epitomized by the theme of your conference.

“I commend the financial services industry for its interventions and contributions towards the promotion of financial inclusion and literacy in our country. And more importantly, the roles played by the banks in fostering economic growth of the country.

“I am confident that the speakers that have been carefully selected to contribute to conference will share insights that will help individuals, businesses and governments at all levels make necessary adjustments and take the right steps towards our collective resolve to position Nigeria as one of the top economies in the world,’’ he added.

The President said a report from the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product grew 5.01 per cent in the second quarter of 2021; the strongest rise since the fourth quarter of 2014.

“This is cheery news and an indication that the efforts of this administration at repositioning the economy is paying off,’’ he said, urging bankers and financial institutions to leverage on the abundant business opportunities to grow the economy.

President Buhari implored financial institutions to play stronger role in making sure the Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises were fit for purpose, with support in full implementation of “Agreement”.

“Indeed financial intermediary could not be any more relevant than at a time like this. We need you, the banks to drive value creation by developing new technologies, scaling payment infrastructure to serve the diversified economies expected to benefit from this Agreement,’’ the President noted.

He said technological innovation was also important in the modern business terrain, noting that most transactions now take place online given the advent of the “Internet of Things”.

“As we continue to progress towards the next frontiers of digitization, we must harness all opportunities while being mindful of the inherent risks. For example, the protection of data is now of utmost importance to provide users with more secure access to the online space.’’

President Buhari said the Covid-19 pandemic changed everything in the world, from interaction, work, communication to general lifestyle, noting that the epidemic also triggered new opportunities which helped to reshape the economy in the areas of digital transformation, trans-African trade, financial inclusion, security, workforce of the future, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, processing, supply, and logistics.

“As we look beyond the effects of the pandemic to the future, there are bountiful opportunities ahead of us. As you all may know, the African Continental Free Trade Area, of which Nigeria is subscribed, is not only an opportunity for the growth of trade but also the growth of Pan African businesses.

“It portends opportunities for our teeming youth population, the women, the creative industry, the digital economy, the financial services sector, agricultural value chain, commerce, industry, education and indeed every aspect of the economy as Nigerians will have unfettered access to the over 1.3billion consumer market,’’ he said.

The President commended CBN, working in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee, for providing single-digit financing to young Nigerians in the fields of fashion, film, music and Information Technology through establishment of the Creative Industry Financing Initiative.

In a goodwill message, President Paul Kagame of Republic of Rwanda said exploring new technology in the banking sector, with more focus on innovation, will enhance financial inclusion.

“The banking sector can lead the way in integration. Banking is about trust,’’ he said.

CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele said the regulatory body had been working with the Bankers Committee to scale the challenges posed by Covid-19, which include reduction of interest rates on loans, increasing the moratorium for payments, and injecting N3 trillion loans in the private sector.

“We do expect that the pace of inflation will moderate as we approach the harvest season,’’ he added, assuring that banks remain strong, resilient and healthy.

He said the N15 trillion infrastructure fund will be launched in October, 2021, while innovations like the Nigeria/International Financial will provide a gateway for capital and investments, and digital currency, e-naira, will enhance inclusion.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 14, 2021

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU INAUGURATES STATE ROAD SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL

In line with his administration’s commitment to Traffic Management and Transportation, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday inaugurated a 12-member State Road Safety Advisory Council (SaRSAC), to further work on solving the challenges of road safety in the State.

Speaking during the official inauguration of the State Road Safety Advisory Council (SaRSAC) held at the Lagos House, Marina on Wednesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu who chairs the Council with his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as an alternate chairman, said the initiative demonstrated the commitment and premium his administration places on the lives of the citizens and to ensure safety on Lagos roads.

Other members of the 12-man Committee are; Commissioners for Transportation (Dr. Frederic Oladeinde), Health (Prof. Akin Abayomi) Education (Mrs Folasade Adefisayo), Environment (Mr. Tunji Bello), Finance (Dr. Rabiu Olowo), Justice and Attorney-General of the State (Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN), Economic Planning and Budget (Mr. Sam Egube); Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyooye; Director of Vehicle Inspection Services (VIS), Akin-George Fashola; Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Olusegun Ogungbemide and member, Nigeria Society of Engineers, Engr. Olutosin Ogunmola.

The Governor said setting up of the SaRSAC is demonstration of his administration’s commitment to ensuring safety on Lagos roads through the implementation of the National Road Safety Strategy II, which encapsulates the key strategic elements that will provide direction for the 2019 – 2023 plan period.

He said objectives of the board included ensuring road infrastructure, comply with global standards, drafting the implementation of the road safety strategy, ensuring coordination between the state and local governments, development of funding plan for road safety, monitoring of funds disbursed for the initiative and ensuring representation at the national working group among other duties.

“Our administration places premium on safety of lives and property of the citizens and we have continued to demonstrate this commitment through the implementation of various policies and strategies aimed at making our roads safer for all.

As a sub-national government, we have been in the fore-front in the implementation of global road safety strategies including the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety, which ended in 2020.

“Part of the strategies we are implementing include ensuring that our roads infrastructure complies with global standard for safety, capacity improvement of relevant agencies including Vehicle Inspection Services (VIS), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) and the State Fire Service.

“The primary responsibility of this Council which comprises principal road safety stakeholders is to drive the implementation of the National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) in the State,” the Governor said.

The Governor charged members of the State Road Safety Advisory Council to contribute their quota to make the road safer.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, said the board was committed to address road safety challenges in line with the THEMES agenda.

Dr. Oladehinde urged Lagosians to support the Council in every way possible as they take ownership of the brainchild, which was created to save lives and property.

He said: “Lagos State as a trailblazing state and in line with its THEMES agenda is today inaugurating a 12-man Lagos State Road Safety Advisory Council which will not only come forward with clear Road Safety blueprints but also stem the tide of road traffic crashes and its attendant socio-economic losses through fatalities and injuries in the South-West Region.

“The gathering of today bears eloquent testimony to unflinching determination of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to walk the talk in the Transport Sector and see to the actualisation of tangible deliverables in the sector. Little wonder that the Governor is by himself chairing this Advisory Council. That is a pointer to the Governor’s hands-on approach to leadership.”

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

Top government functionaries, traditional rulers, others storm Lagos for Obanikoro

Top government functionaries, major players in the economic spheres, traditional rulers and chiefs in Nigeria are expected on Thursday, September 16, 2021 in Isale Eko, Lagos Island.

The eminent persons are expected at the 20th anniversary of the coronation of the Obanikoro of Lagos.

The celebration will begin at 10:00am.

The Obanikoro of Lagos is the head of the Ogalade class of Lagos traditional white cap chiefs.

Known as Adi-Fanikoro (The Chief Priest), High Chief Adesoji Adeniji Ajayibembe 11, the Obanikoro of Lagos Island and Idoluwoile, was crowned September 16, 2001.

‘’The good people of Lagos State will roll out the drums on Thursday, September 16, 2021 to mark the 20^th anniversary of High Chief Adesoji Adeniji Ajayibembe 11, the Obanikoro of Lagos. Also, an open air service will take place at Obanikoro’s Palace, 38, Obun Eko Street, Isale Eko, from 10:00am’’ a statement by Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) Leader, Hon. Adeyinka Adedoyin said.

‘’The service will be conducted by churches in Lagos Island’’.

The statement praised the Obanikoro of Lagos for demonstrating exemplary leadership, promoting the culture and tradition of the Yoruba people, ensuring socio-cultural cooperation, communal living and peaceful co-existence among the Yoruba and other ethnic groups in Lagos State.

The statement underscored Obanikoro’s high and noble service to the people, his role in ensuring a better future for progress, prosperity and well-being for the people of Lagos State.

‘’In twenty years, the Obanikoro of Lagos served the people with unerring grace, dignity and decency’’

The statement also commended the Lagos High Chief for living above board, serving as a source of strength and inspiration for many within and outside Lagos State.

“On behalf of myself, family and the good people of Lagos Island, I congratulate the Obanikoro of Lagos on the occasion of his 20th coronation anniversary. I also wish him good health, long life and God’s protection” Adeyinka Adedoyin added.

PRINCE ARTHUR EZE LAUDS PRESIDENT BUHARI FOR DEVELOPMENT STRIDES IN SOUTH-EAST

President Muhammadu Buhari has received accolades on the infrastructural development in the South-East, particularly the second Niger Bridge, which has attained about 70% completion and slated for commissioning before the end of 2022.

Oil tycoon, Prince Arthur Eze, gave the plaudits during a private visit to the President Tuesday night at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The businessman urged Nigerians to always preach peace as against hate, and draw lessons from countries suffering the effect of war.

He pledged loyalty and commitment to the unity, peace and indivisibility of Nigeria, urging President Buhari to stay focused and not be distracted by agitations for separatism rocking some parts of the country.

“There are countless Igbos scattered around the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, who live happily in peace, and do their legitimate businesses without complaint of marginalization. No matter what, let’s tolerate one another and always embrace the spirit of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. God that brought us together has not made a mistake. I have no other country than Nigeria, let’s join hands and solve our problems ourselves,” Prince Eze said.

He commended the President on the successes recorded in the North-East where Boko Haram fighters are surrendering in droves, urging more efforts in the North-West against bandits and other criminals.

Prince Eze counselled government to give more opportunities to local outfits like the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Corporation, to print election ballot papers, sensitive security documents, certificates, local, state and Federal Government revenue and treasury receipts, passports, and others, since it had the capacity to do so.

President Buhari thanked Prince Eze for visiting and for his good wishes for the country and government at all times.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

September 15, 2021

PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS POET, AUTHOR, JOURNALIST, LINDSAY BARRETT AT 80

President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with consummate author, journalist, poet, essayist, photographer, and Pan-Africanist, Lindsay Barrett, as he turns 80 September 15, 2021.

Jamaica-born Barrett took on Nigerian citizenship in the 1980s, and the President recalls meeting him at the war front in 1968, while he covered the Nigeria-Biafra War as a journalist.

“I remember the day he was almost killed in an ambush. He survived by a stroke of luck. I wish him well as he turns the milestone age of 80,” President Buhari says.

He salutes the about six-decade commitment to creative writing and journalism put in by Barrett, urging the younger generation to learn from his doggedness to his craft.

The President extends felicitations to the Barrett family, the media, and the pen fraternity at large, wishing the celebrated writer longer life and good health.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

September 14, 2021

We must articulate political, economic, military, policing strategy to address emerging security threats — Gbajabiamila

…says House ready to do more despite successes recorded

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that all efforts must be made to articulate a political, economic, military and policing strategy to address both the manifestations and root causes of the emerging security threats in the country.

Gbajabiamila noted with concern, how some “miscreants and criminals masquerading as separationist activists have emerged to wreak havoc, take lives and commit economic sabotage against fellow Nigerians and the state.”

In an address to welcome members back from their annual recess, the Speaker said the activities of such groups presented a clear and present danger in the southern part of the country, adding that there was no difference between them and Boko Haram as well as ISWAP.

He stated, “These people, in their inclination for devastating violence against fellow citizens, their appetite for the destruction of private property, their disruption of academic activities, commerce, and industry, their propensity for defiling institutions of the state, society and community, their refusal to engage in debate, or to consider the possibility of dissenting opinions and alternative viewpoints, are no different from Boko Haram and ISWAP. Given space and time, they will take our nation down the same path of destruction.

“We know from experience that neither appeasement nor overwhelming violence alone will work. We have been down this road before; we know what the consequences of inaction can be. We also know that we cannot afford to be reactionary in our approach. This is the time to convene our best efforts to articulate a political, economic, military and policing strategy to address both the manifestations and root causes of this emerging threat.

“Let nobody be under the impression that there is a political opportunity in exploiting this moment. This is a time for statesmen to act beyond the petty considerations of politics, to do the hard things and achieve greatness.

Gbajabiamila said the House had rightly focused its “national security concerns on the machinations of extremist insurgents who seek to remake our world in the image of their discredited theocracy and bandits who maraud and terrorise whole regions for profit.

“Insecurity remains an overwhelming threat to all our nation’s people and a hindrance that further delays the attainment of the critical development objectives necessary to put our country on the path to peaceful prosperity.

“Therefore, the 9th House of Representatives will continue to take action as required to address statutory deficiencies that limit the ability of our national security apparatus to respond effectively to the myriad manifestations of insecurity in our country.”

The Speaker said despite the passage of several important bills by the House, some of which had been assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari, the House was ready to do more as that was part of the reasons members were elected.

He listed some of the important bills passed by the House to include the Petroleum Industry Bill, which is already an Act of Parliament, the Electoral Act (amendment) Bill, the Companies and Allied Matters Act, the Finance Bill, the Deep Offshore & Inland Basin PSC (Amendment) Act, among others.

“Already, in this 9th House of Representatives, we have done a lot of what we said we would do, and we have made giant strides towards keeping the promises we made to the Nigerian people in our Legislative Agenda. Yet, with every new accomplishment, we confront the unavoidable truth that our work is not nearly done, and the cares that concern us and animate our governing efforts have not been met.

“But rather than be discouraged, we draw inspiration from the things we have achieved, we learn the lessons from the times we tried and failed, and we endeavour with each new day and each new effort to do better than our previous best. In this way, through our individual and joint efforts, we will ensure that in the final judgment of history, it will be said that in the time we had, we strived, and we kept the faith to the best of our abilities” , he told his colleagues.

Gbajabiamila commended his colleagues for their commitment and dedication to the work of Parliament, which he said made it possible for the House to record such achievements in two years.

He said the National Security Summit organised by the House led to the introduction of some key bills and urged the relevant committee chairmen working on them to “act quickly and conscientiously to bring those bills to the floor as soon as is practicable.”

He also said the House would follow through to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the security summit submitted to President Buhari.

On media reports that tend to measure the performance of lawmakers based on the bills they sponsor, Gbajabiamila said: “Often, Members are most effective when advocating for their constituents in the arenas of government where decisions are made. They fulfil their role in the Committees when their measured contributions help to ensure that Bills are of the highest quality and solve the intended problems.

“Legislators also honour their mandate when through meticulous oversight of public spending and incisive questioning of public officials, they ensure that government resources are efficiently utilised to meet governing objectives.

“Therefore, reducing the sum of a legislator’s contributions to the number of Bills sponsored is uninspired journalism that reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the legislative function and the role of members in ensuring that parliament delivers on its objectives to the Nigerian people. It is an unhealthy practice, and it should not be encouraged.”

He said the House Committee on Health Services would soon present the report on the Infectious Diseases Bill, noting that, “I sincerely hope that our debate this time will be a marked improvement from what came before.”

I never referred to IPOB or Yoruba Nation group members, says Gbajabiamila

Yoruba Diaspora Group, Yoruba One Voice (YOV), on Wednesday, said the statement credited to Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Yoruba nation agitators are not different from Boko Haram, is an evidence that the speaker has lost touch with the realities of the present situation in the country.

But Gbajabiamila in a Facebook post denied the statement.

‘’My attention has been drawn to the misinterpretation of my speech on the floor of the House today. I never referred to IPOB or Yoruba Nation group members. My message was directed at the criminal elements who seem to have taken advantage of their legitimate agitations as a decoy to extort, kill and commit acts of terror’’.

YOV, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Omoladun Orolugbagbe, said the speaker was part of the conspiracy that brought Nigeria to its kneels, disclosing that Gbajabiamila had always been a sell out with no history of commitment to the ideals of the common people in Nigeria.

Orolugbagbe said:”The statement was a testimony of where he was coming from. Having being in the Green Chambers as a lawmaker for a period of four terms consecutively, and reaching the highest position of a speaker of the lower Chambers, it speaks volume of Gbajabiamila’s failures and that of his political allies who have deliberately put Nigeria to its abyss”

“He surely has his eyes in the presidency in 2023 that is why he is always doing the bid of his political masters,

“Yesterday, President Muhammadu Buhari sought another $4 billion loan, the lawmakers under Gbajabiamila as a Speaker had apparently approved loan sought by President Buhari up to the tune of about $45 billion without a single idea or thought of the backlog of loans and the amount involved in servicing these loans. This is ridiculous, however, it is the duty of the lawmakers to check the excesses of the executive, especially, when it has to do with the future of the country”

“Yoruba nation agitators are law-abiding people, and they carry out their activities with precautions and moderation, so it is purely an understatement for a lawyer and law maker to describe the law-abiding people of our race spreading across the world as terrorists just because of his political ambition.

But saying IPOB and Yoruba nation agitators are not different from Boko Haram is nothing but a blackmail and complete misjudgement. He is a politician without political ideology and beliefs. And Gbajabiamila should note that Yoruba will always remember him for this, either now or in the future”, the YOV Publicity scribe said.

16 – 09 – 21

PRESS RELEASE

2023: EZE COMMENDS JONATHAN FOR HIS FORESIGHT, SAGACITY & WISDOM BY REJECTING THE BITE OF THE NORTHERN PRESIDENCY SOUR BAIT — EZE… STATES THAT THE MOVE IS A TRICK TO DENY THE SOUTH HER TWO TERMS AFTER THE TWO TERMS OF THE NORTH THROUGH PRESIDENT BUHARI.. DESCRIBES PLOT AS AN UNACCEPTABLE INSULT ON BOTH JONATHAN AND THE ENTIRE SOUTHERN POLITICAL CLASS

Having carefully perused through the series of articles on the deadly scheming of some Northern Leaders to lure former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan into the 2023 Presidential contest, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has said it smacks of deceit for anyone or group to concoct interest over the reemergence of Dr. Jonathan as Nigerian President in 2023.

In a statement made available to media houses in Port Harcourt, the party Chief said the scheme is a trick packaged by some Northern leaders in order for Jonathan to be President for one term which would be the completion of the four years remaining of his tenure and retake power come 2027 thereby denying the Southern part of Nigeria a complete term of eight years.

Eze said that the Northern schemers knowing very well that with President Buhari successfully completing his second term by 2023, the South, in all honesty and fairness will produce the next President and so to truncate a southern eight-year rule, they intend to feature Jonathan who would reign only four years thus, throwing the 2027 Presidential election open for a fresh zoning  arrangement and contest favourably to the North.

Eze urges all Nigerians to speak up and condemn such a dastardly act that may plunge this nation into unprecedented chaos.

Eze  is consoled by the fact that Jonathan has rejected such a devious plot. I therefore Commend him for his foresight, sagacity & wisdom by rejecting the bite of the Northern Presidency sour bait as this is a  deadly trick to deny the South her two terms after the two terms of the North through President Buhari. This Plot is an unacceptable insult on both Jonathan and the entire southern political class as if we lack credible political leaders from the South that can turn the fortunes of this country around.

He said it is imperative to commend Dr. Jonathan for reading through the deceit of these leaders, trashing their dishonest entreaty and ensuring that his political feats and present status as a great promoter of democracy is not ruined, tarnished but kept intact by keeping these undemocratic elements at bay.

“I am very glad that Dr. Jonathan has done his best to keep these undemocratic forces at bay who are hellbent to deny the South  the chance to preside over the affairs of this country according to the terms of power rotation between the North and South, not minding that the Northerners have through the military and Democratic dispensations, governed this country to their heart contents.

Funny and sad enough, same leaders who ensured that Dr. Jonathan was not reelected in 2015 are the same crop of leaders that are doing everything to lure him back to finish whatever that  is left of him politically.

As much as I am not a supporter or sympathizer of Dr. Jonathan and his type of politics, as I was one of those who saw to him not been reelected, I will not seat and allow his haters drain the little integrity left of him.

Luring him to contest the 2023 does not  in any way wash him off the sins and reasons behind why he was not reelected in 2023 but a careful ploy to portray the Southerners as lacking better and credible leaders to improve on the fortunes of the country.”

In this vein, the party chieftain commended Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State for insisting that he will not support Dr. Jonathan if he decides to contest the 2023 general election, not minding that he was instrumental to his imposition as the Governor of Rivers State.

If Wike, who Jonathan did everything to impose on the good people of Rivers State could reject him, Eze said he is very much convinced that if he succeeds to allow himself to be fooled by those luring him, the worse political defeat awaits him come 2023.

Eze counseled Jonathan to continually read in between the lines and avoid the deadly bait that will make both the North and South politicians to derign him further.

Eze further highlighted that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who based on his Democratic feats earned through his handing over power peacefully to the incumbent President in 2015 unlike most African Leaders shouldn’t allow any situation that will cause division and tension in the country because of this deadly plot.

This 2015 feat has earned him an International figure and he shouldn’t allow himself to be rubbished and reduced to a local politician by these politicians that don’t mean well for the unity of this country.

Eze postulated that Dr. Jonathan while in Mali urged the Malian transitional government to hasten the process of developing an electoral framework and the establishment of the priority actions needed to be taken in order to hold the presidential and legislative elections as scheduled. The Mali election is scheduled for February 2022.

Although the Mission appreciated the renewed expression of the transitional authorities to respect the agreed deadline of the transition before the international community, it however noted in its communique that it was concerned “about the lack of concrete action in the effective preparation of the electoral process.

Ends

Signed

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,

APC Chieftain & former National Publicity Secretary, nPDP

16 – 09– 21

2023: EZE COMMENDS JONATHAN FOR HIS FORESIGHT, SAGACITY & WISDOM BY REJECTING THE BITE OF THE NORTHERN PRESIDENCY SOUR BAIT — EZE… STATES THAT THE MOVE IS A TRICK TO DENY THE SOUTH HER TWO TERMS AFTER THE TWO TERMS OF THE NORTH THROUGH PRESIDENT BUHARI.. DESCRIBES PLOT AS AN UNACCEPTABLE INSULT ON BOTH JONATHAN AND THE ENTIRE SOUTHERN POLITICAL CLASS

Having carefully perused through the series of articles on the deadly scheming of some Northern Leaders to lure former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan into the 2023 Presidential contest, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has said it smacks of deceit for anyone or group to concoct interest over the reemergence of Dr. Jonathan as Nigerian President in 2023.

In a statement made available to media houses in Port Harcourt, the party Chief said the scheme is a trick packaged by some Northern leaders in order for Jonathan to be President for one term which would be the completion of the four years remaining of his tenure and retake power come 2027 thereby denying the Southern part of Nigeria a complete term of eight years.

Eze said that the Northern schemers knowing very well that with President Buhari successfully completing his second term by 2023, the South, in all honesty and fairness will produce the next President and so to truncate a southern eight-year rule, they intend to feature Jonathan who would reign only four years thus, throwing the 2027 Presidential election open for a fresh zoning  arrangement and contest favourably to the North.

Eze urges all Nigerians to speak up and condemn such a dastardly act that may plunge this nation into unprecedented chaos.

Eze  is consoled by the fact that Jonathan has rejected such a devious plot. I therefore Commend him for his foresight, sagacity & wisdom by rejecting the bite of the Northern Presidency sour bait as this is a  deadly trick to deny the South her two terms after the two terms of the North through President Buhari. This Plot is an unacceptable insult on both Jonathan and the entire southern political class as if we lack credible political leaders from the South that can turn the fortunes of this country around.

He said it is imperative to commend Dr. Jonathan for reading through the deceit of these leaders, trashing their dishonest entreaty and ensuring that his political feats and present status as a great promoter of democracy is not ruined, tarnished but kept intact by keeping these undemocratic elements at bay.

“I am very glad that Dr. Jonathan has done his best to keep these undemocratic forces at bay who are hellbent to deny the South  the chance to preside over the affairs of this country according to the terms of power rotation between the North and South, not minding that the Northerners have through the military and Democratic dispensations, governed this country to their heart contents.

Funny and sad enough, same leaders who ensured that Dr. Jonathan was not reelected in 2015 are the same crop of leaders that are doing everything to lure him back to finish whatever that  is left of him politically.

As much as I am not a supporter or sympathizer of Dr. Jonathan and his type of politics, as I was one of those who saw to him not been reelected, I will not seat and allow his haters drain the little integrity left of him.

Luring him to contest the 2023 does not  in any way wash him off the sins and reasons behind why he was not reelected in 2023 but a careful ploy to portray the Southerners as lacking better and credible leaders to improve on the fortunes of the country.”

In this vein, the party chieftain commended Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State for insisting that he will not support Dr. Jonathan if he decides to contest the 2023 general election, not minding that he was instrumental to his imposition as the Governor of Rivers State.

If Wike, who Jonathan did everything to impose on the good people of Rivers State could reject him, Eze said he is very much convinced that if he succeeds to allow himself to be fooled by those luring him, the worse political defeat awaits him come 2023.

Eze counseled Jonathan to continually read in between the lines and avoid the deadly bait that will make both the North and South politicians to derign him further.

Eze further highlighted that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who based on his Democratic feats earned through his handing over power peacefully to the incumbent President in 2015 unlike most African Leaders shouldn’t allow any situation that will cause division and tension in the country because of this deadly plot.

This 2015 feat has earned him an International figure and he shouldn’t allow himself to be rubbished and reduced to a local politician by these politicians that don’t mean well for the unity of this country.

Eze postulated that Dr. Jonathan while in Mali urged the Malian transitional government to hasten the process of developing an electoral framework and the establishment of the priority actions needed to be taken in order to hold the presidential and legislative elections as scheduled. The Mali election is scheduled for February 2022.

Although the Mission appreciated the renewed expression of the transitional authorities to respect the agreed deadline of the transition before the international community, it however noted in its communique that it was concerned “about the lack of concrete action in the effective preparation of the electoral process.

Ends

Signed

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,

APC Chieftain & former National Publicity Secretary, nPDP

16 – 09– 21