Author: salif atojoko

Tinubu greets Justice Muhammadu Uwais on birthday

Birthday

By Salif Atojoko

Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday congratulated Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais,a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, on his birthday.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement that the President celebrated the eminent jurist who  served the nation in many capacities, including as Chairman of the National Judicial Council.

He also served as Chairman of the Nigerian Body of Benchers, and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute.

“President Tinubu extols the courage, wisdom, and fine thread of brilliance, which ran through the illustrious legal career of the elder statesman.

“The President commends Justice Uwais for his service to the nation, acknowledging his role in shaping the foundations of Nigeria’s judiciary.

“The President prays for many more years in good health for the elder statesman and his family,” Ngelale said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SA/BHB

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Tinubu condoles with Malawi over death of VP Saulos Chilima

Condolence

By Salif Atojoko

Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to President Lazarus Chakwera and the people of Malawi over the death of Vice President Saulos Chilima and other officials in a plane crash.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Monday, in Abuja, that President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the deceased over the June 10 incident.

“The President assures the Malawian nation of Nigeria’s support during this time of mourning and prays for the repose of the souls of the departed.”

Recall that Chilima and nine others were reported to be flying within Malawi on Monday morning when their aircraft disappeared from airport radars.

SA/SOA 

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Tinubu condemns Katsina attacks, directs security agencies to go after assailants

Attacks
By Salif Atojoko
Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the recent attacks against citizens in Dutsin-Ma and Kankara Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Tuesday that the President described the latest attacks as grisly and sinister.

He said the President emphasised that more would be done to secure citizens and completely degrade terrorists and other harbingers of death and sorrow in any part of the country.

“President Tinubu directs security agencies to go after the assailants and ensure that they are brought to justice.

“The President condoles with the families of the deceased, as well as the Government and people of Katsina State, and prays for the repose of the souls of the departed,” said the statement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SA/IKU

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

Tinubu committed to youth empowerment, says Shettima

Empowerment

By Salif Atojoko

Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, has restated the commitment of the Bola Tinubu administration to supporting Nigerian youths to reach their potential and contribute to the growth and development of the country.

Shettima’s remark was contained in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President.

He said Shettima made the remark when he received the National Executive Council of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), led by its President, Mr Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.

Commending the council for its support of the programmes and activities of the Tinubu administration, Shettima said, “We cannot thank you enough for keeping the hope alive for the Nigerian youth.

“We identify with you; we empathise with you because the future of this nation belongs to you. We are one of the youngest nations on the planet and the youth constitute nearly 75 per cent of our population.

“Once we engage the youth, once we give them hope for a better tomorrow, all the madness pervading this land will dissipate.

“Sixty years for an organisation to remain vibrant and still stand on its feet deserves commendation. I want to thank you for believing in the Nigeria Project.

“A lot of members of your generation have left the country but you resolved to stay on, and together we are going to salvage the ship of this state,” he added.

On plans of the Tinubu administration for young Nigerians, the Vice President noted that President Tinubu created a ministry for the youth under the current dispensation.

He added that the President also appointed two young people to head the ministry, while the Vice President had complemented that by appointing a lot of young persons into key positions in his office.

Assuring the NYCN delegation that the administration is aligned with their aspirations, Shettima said, “We hold you in the highest esteem.

“We have a series of opportunities lined up for you such as the iDICE project that will create digital jobs, including the ones in the creative industry.

“So, let’s hope for the best, let’s believe in Nigeria because this is our country.”

Earlier, Sukubo had expressed the council’s readiness to collaborate with the federal government in addressing illegal oil bunkering.

“We have decided to see how we can help this country in areas of oil theft that have been ravaging this nation,” Sukubo stated.

He added that, “the NYCN has decided that it’s a collective effort, and we are ready to partner with the government to address this illegality.”

Sukubo announced that the NYCN, which was established on Aug. 28, 1964, in Lagos, was gearing up to commemorate its 60th anniversary in November.

On behalf of the council, he extended an invitation to the Vice President to officially unveil the anniversary events 8expected to draw participants from across the country.

“This year, we are celebrating our 60th anniversary, and we want you to officially unveil the anniversary events.

“The event will have nothing less than 100,000 participants across the country, and that is the day we want to give insight into the activities of this government,” Sukubo said.

Acknowledging the administration’s efforts in appointing a significant number of young people to government positions, the NYCN delegation also appealed to the federal government to construct a Youth House.

Also speaking, Rikki Nwajiofor, the National Deputy Secretary General of the NYCN, highlighted the council’s role as the apex youth body representing all youth organisations in Nigeria as stipulated in the National Youth Policy.

“NYCN is made up of 104 affiliate member youth organisations, a 27-member national executive council, 36 state chapters and an FCT chapter, as well as 774 coordinators in all local government and area councils in Nigeria.

“That is why the NYCN is the vehicle through which the government passes its policies to the grassroots,” Nwajiofor explained. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SA/ETS 

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Tinubu appoints new leaders for Police Service Commission, Trust Fund

Appointment

By Salif Atojoko

Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd) as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

The President also approved the appointment of Chief Onyemuche Nnamani as Secretary and DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd) as Member of the Commission.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, in a statement on Monday, said the appointments were subject to confirmation by the Senate.

“Other members of the Police Service Commission will be appointed in due course.

“Furthermore, the President has approved the appointment of Mr Mohammed Sheidu as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) with immediate effect.

“The President expects absolute demonstration of integrity, diligence, and patriotic zeal in the discharge of these important functions for the overall wellbeing of the Nigeria Police and the nation,” said the statement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SA/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu greets Arthur Mbanefo at 90

Congratulation

By Salif Atojoko

Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Monday extended his congratulations to elder statesman, Chief Arthur Christopher Mbanefo, on his 94th birthday.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said this in a statement in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mbanefo is Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations and former Pro-Chancellor of the Universities of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello.

He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

“President Tinubu salutes the accomplished accountant and administrator, and describes him as being from one of the finest stock and vintage class of Nigeria’s statesmen set apart by integrity, hard work, and patriotism.

“The President prays for more years in excellent health for the elder statesman,” Ngelale said.. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SA/SOA

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Climate

By Salif Atojoko

Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), Chief Ajuri Ngelale, says mutually fruitful cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria will extend deeply into Nigeria’s ambition to become a green industrial powerhouse over the next ten years.

Ngelale said he had a productive meeting with the U.S. Head of Delegation to the United Nations Climate Conference and Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate, Ms. Sue Biniaz, in Bonn, Germany, on Sunday.

“We shared views concerning tangible next steps to be taken toward leveraging large-scale climate financing instruments to drive Nigeria’s green industrial agenda in the years ahead.

“We have much work to do in the form of putting in place new mechanisms to achieve a truly transparent and innovative application of available resources to meet our objective of attracting new and de-risked investment capital from around the world.

“I am confident that we have the team to deliver on this for the country. One step at a time,” Ngelale said  on his X handle on Sunday.

He said the U.S. Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate was joined in the meeting by Mr Trigg Talley, who serves as the Managing Director for Negotiations and Director for the U.S. State Department’s Office of Global Change. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SA/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Appointments

By Salif Atojoko

Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) pending confirmation by NCCC’s Supervisory Council.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, announced the appointment in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the appointment was in accordance with the commitment of the President to actualise Nigeria’s green industrial vision.

Ngelale said it was also to boost investor confidence and unlock sustainable economic value through various climate finance instruments.

He said the President also approved that Maduekwe, 39, would serve as the Co-Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP).

“Maduekwe holds a Bachelor of Law degree; a Master’s degree in Environmental Law & Policy from the University of Dundee (UK), and a Doctorate degree in Law from the University of Hull (UK).

“She has over 15 years of national and international experience in climate policy development and project implementation. She previously served as Nigeria National Coordinator, Climate Parliament.

“Climate Parliament is an international, multi-partisan network of legislators working worldwide to help solve the climate crisis and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

“Maduekwe was also the legal adviser to the NCCC Director-General,” the statement read in part.

Ngelale said that the President also approved the appointment of Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi Shelleng, 40, as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Finance and Stakeholder Engagement, Office of the President.

Shelleng is seconded to the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) Secretariat, where he will handle all matters related to Climate Finance and Stakeholder/Donor Relations.

Ngelale said that the President also approved that Shelleng should assume the position of Secretary of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP).

“He will serve as a member of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, as well as the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

“Shelleng, who holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has served in leading roles across multiple financial institutions.

“He was Head of Business Development for the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company PLC (NMRC) before his appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the President,” the statement read in part.

Ngelale said that the President had also approved the appointment of Mr Olamide Fagbuji, 44, as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations, Office of the President.

“He is seconded to the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) Secretariat, where he will oversee the digitalisation of a new open procurement process and cross-departmental procedural optimisation initiative.

“Fagbuji served as Special Assistant to the President on Economic Matters under the previous administration, and was most recently the Technical Adviser to the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) on Policy Research and Strategy. He is a policy analyst and computer scientist.

“By the directive of the President, the aforementioned appointments take immediate effect.

“The President expects the new appointees to bring their expertise and discipline to bear in these very important assignments in pursuance of the nation’s aspiration on green industrial development and climate action for sustainable growth and national prosperity,” the statement read. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SA/SOA 

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Mandate

By Salif Atojoko
Abuja, June 8, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu says his administration is prioritising people-focused development by providing essential infrastructure and amenities that will improve the quality of life of citizens.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Saturday that Tinubu made the remarks at the inauguration of engineering infrastructure in Guzape District Lot II.
“Minister Nyesom Wike has provided exceptional leadership at a trying time for the country. It has been a very challenging time for us in the country.
“We are still retooling and rejigging our financial system to bring prosperity and relief to the people of this country.
“You have demonstrated the capacity to build a team, lead a team, and deliver on promises. I commend you, well done.
“To all of you here, to the District Head of Guzape, and the representatives, litigation is not the answer, Compensation is the answer.
“Development that is focused on the people for economic prosperity and benefits is what we should pursue.
“Of what value is a swathe of land that is blocked by hills and rocks, and that is inaccessible. Let us talk to our people and come together to help build Nigeria,” said Tinubu.
The President, who commended the contractor handling the project, Gilmor Engineering Ltd., emphasised that his commitment to providing infrastructure across the country was not for personal enrichment or aggrandisement.
“I stand here as President; I do not have a plot of land here (Guzape District). But I have the people’s support and the mandate to deliver good quality of life and a living environment.
“That should be enough for all of us to share in the joy of commitment, dedication, perseverance, and the little gifts God has endowed us,” the President said.
The Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, said the contract, initially awarded in 2003 at the cost of N14 billion, was divided into Lots 1 and 2 to Messrs Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Ltd. and Messrs Gilmor Engineering Ltd.
“Dantata had left the site for long. We had to bring them back after the President approved a memorandum to that effect,” Wike said.
The Minister said the development of the district, which covered 32km of road, had been fraught with litigations, which, however, did not deter the progress of the project.
He said shortly before the present administration assumed office, the cost of the project was revised to N18.17 billion.
Wike commended the President for not abandoning the project owing to his belief in government as a continuum.
“Since I assumed office as the FCT Minister in August 2023, you have never interfered with our work. We are sincerely happy that you gave us the free hand to work,” he said.
Wike, who appealed to the President to name major roads in Guzape District after literary giants, Chinua Achebe and JP Clark, hinted that the ‘diplomatic area’ in the district would be completed within one year.
In a project overview, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad said the area being developed, Guzape District Lot II, was an urban fringe area covering 620 hectares, with 129 hectares encumbered by village settlements.
Ahmad said the entire district, Lot 1 and Lot 2, was designed to provide residential, commercial, and recreational facilities covering an entire area of 1,070 hectares of land.
“The Lot 1 area covers an area of 450 hectares, whereas the Lot 2 covers 620 hectares,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SA/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Africa

By Salif Atojoko

Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja called on international development financiers to see Africa as a destination for growth and prosperity.

The President made the call at a meeting with a delegation of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), led by its Managing Director, Mr. Makhtar Diop.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports IFC is a member of the world Bank Group and the largest global development institution that focuses, exclusively, on the private sector.

Tinubu urged the corporation to consider more strategic investments in agriculture, infrastructure, research, and development on the continent.

“The IFC and the World Bank need to see Africa differently. I am glad an African is at the helm of affairs at IFC, and as an African, understands that the potential for growth, peace, stability and prosperity is here.

“The world has to see us as a continent that can help the rest of the world, and not perceive us as backwards, unstable and with leadership problems.

“The expectations of the rest of the world on Africa have to change.

“They must see Africa as a potential opportunity and not a danger to the rest of the free world, so that we can stimulate growth and propel inclusiveness,” he said.

The President added: “You are at the helm now and in a position to change the perception. We are ready to change the narrative and work with you. Africa is open for business, regardless of whatever the perception may be.

“I am an African and proud to be and will maintain the strong position to collaborate with the rest of the world to see Africa as a destination for growth and prosperity.”

Tinubu acknowledged that Nigeria held the second-largest IFC portfolio in Africa with an active investment portfolio of 2.1 billion dollars as of April 2024.

He also highlighted the importance of some critical infrastructure projects embarked upon by his administration, such as the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Expressway.

“We have made various attempts in the past to create dams, but issues with reticulation and irrigation remain.

“When we consider the living conditions in rural areas where crops are produced, how much funding is allocated for rural roads to expedite transportation to consumer centres?

“The goal of the coastal road and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway is to address this,” the President said.

In his remarks, Diop informed the President that during his working visit to Nigeria, the IFC had engaged in productive discussions with Nigerian partners to enhance agriculture, increase food production through irrigation farming, upgrade transport networks, and bolster regional integration.

He announced that IFC had signed a 23.3 million dollar loan agreement with Johnvents Industries Limited, a leading agribusiness for economic development and agricultural transformation company, to develop the cocoa sector.

“We are supporting small and medium enterprises in the agricultural sector, and they are doing very interesting things. 

“We need to bring in more big players into food production in the country,” Diop said.

He added that the Corporation was ready to partner the Nigerian government on new investments in irrigation, road infrastructure, and logistics around the airport under a Public Private Partnership.

Diop congratulated President Tinubu on his one year in office and commended his bold decisions to revamp Africa’s largest economy.

He pledged IFC’s commitment to long-term investment in Nigeria, adding that its single largest investment in Africa was in Nigeria, where it had invested 1.2 billion dollars in the fertiliser industry.

“We are here to support you. The world has been facing a lot of shocks and difficult situations which have affected many African economies,” Diop said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SA/ROT

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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi