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  • Akpabio Receives Afrobeat Star Davido on Courtesy visit.

    …Tasks Nigerian Music artists on high ethics

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio on Monday received in audience Afrobeat Star, David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido who was on a courtesy visit to the Senate President.

    Receiving his guest, Akpabio expressed his delight at the visit and poured encomiums on the Afrobeat Star for making Nigeria proud by his outstanding performance.

    “You have made us very proud within the International Community,” Akpabio told Davido who came in company of two of his cousins, Hon. Tunji Adeleke, son of his late brother Isiaka Adeleke and Folasade Adeleke, daughter of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.

    The Senate President told his guests that “we will do everything possible to support the entertainment industry. ”  He however charged them to continue to maintain high ethics and resist peer influence that could derail them.

    Akpabio said: “For me and for the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, its an inclusive administration, and you must have noticed in my various outings, we move as one, across party lines.

    “Even though your administration is a PDP one but we work across party lines for the interest of Nigeria. The only major thing that is common to all of us is the interest of this country and it is a country that has given you so much love.

    “It is a country with a population that is unmatched anywhere else in Africa. Over 240 million Nigerians. So I want you to continue to remain a great Ambassador of our country. Don’t allow anybody to drag you into politics. Continue to do your best in the entertainment industry.

    “For us in the political arena, we value talents and what God has given to you, nobody can take it away from you. We do everything possible to support the industry. To support talented people like you. All we need also is patience and prayers so that we can succeed.

    “Please do your best to continue to maintain the high ethics. What is happening in America with some of the black stars is quite unfortunate. For most of you in the industry, don’t allow peer group influence derail you. Continue to do your best.

    “The entertainment industry is like a pyramid. You start from the ground until you get there. When you are on top, your own is how to remain there. So anybody who walks on a tight rope must learn how to do the balancing act. And so, your job is to remain there.

    “Our prayers is that God should sustain you there and to continue to give you more wisdom and more talent for you to continue to make Nigeria proud. We are very proud of you.”

    Davido recalled how Akpabio hosted him and his team while he was Governor of Akwa Ibom State and also while he was a Minister.

    He informed the Senate President of his Foundation which primarily offers assistance to the orphanages and also of his new album to be released in June or July.

    “As for me, I’m doing my part. I have a Foundation. Every year, I share N300 million, N400 million  to orphanages.Just doing my own part to assist the society. We have new album coming out June or July. I just thank you for everything you have been doing for us,” Davido said.

  • DIASPORA HOUSING: NiDCOM, FHA ACTIVATE PROJECT ACROSS THE STATES.

    ABUJA, MAY 17, 2024.

    The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has applauded the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Hon. Oyetunde Ojo for the renewed vigour and enthusiasm in ensuring that the Diaspora City Project Plan is realised in the 36 states and the FCT.

    Dabiri-Erewa gave the commendation when she led  NiDCOM Management and Staff to the FHA Headquarters in Abuja. 

    The NiDCOM Boss informed that NiDCOM has been in talks with the former FHA leadership to get the Diaspora City Project done in record speed.

    According to her, “this project will enable Diaspora Nigerians own quality houses in the country; a vision that is aligned to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu for superb and affordable housing for everyone”. 

    The NiDCOM Chairman explained that the Commission is in partnership with strategic government agencies in collating data and verifying Nigerians living abroad, as efforts to ensure a seamless and secured process for Nigerians abroad while applying for housing mortgages back home.

    Dabiri-Erewa, further stated there are 33 State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPOs) appointed by the Governors,
    who act as liaison between NiDCOM, the Diasporas and their respective states.

    The NiDCOM Boss outlined some of the Commission’s activities, such as the National Diaspora Day (NDD) and the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal and the Diaspora Quarterly Lecture Series,  as platforms for the Authority to get further reach to the Diaspora, about the Project.

    The Federal Housing Authority MD/CEO, Hon Oyetunde Ojo explained that the Project was extended to the 36 states of Nigeria because he was certain that most Nigerians abroad will prefer investing in their tespective states of origin. 

    Hon. Ojo said the Diaspora City Project is expected to have top-notch facilities domiciled in most diaspora cities across the world. He further urged the Commission to put mechanisms in place to check fraudulent individuals from discrediting the efforts made on the Project. 

    The FHA MD added that about  22 states have been supervised within one month to kick start the Project. Also, he appreciated the state governors for their cooperation and solidarity. 

    Ojo  informed that the Housing Authority has its mortgage bank with offerings that will help Diaspora Nigerians acquire quality and affordable homes.

    He lauded Dabiri-Erewa for her passion towards Nigerians in the Diaspora,  while expressing his eagerness to sustain the relationship between NiDCOM and  the FHA.

    The two agencies are to set up a technical team to provide tailor-made solutions and structural plans to midwife the Diaspora City Project within the 36 states and the FCT. 


    Signed,
    Gabriel Odu
    Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit,
    NiDCOM.

  • Barr. Musawa Advocates Benefits of Arts for Health and Well-being

    The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barr Hannatu Musa Musawa has highlighted the numerous benefits of arts for health and well-being.

    In a virtual presentation to flag-off the National Arts in Health Week 2024 holding in Lagos, Musawa emphasized the transformative power of arts in promoting physical, emotional, and mental well-being, and called for greater recognition and support for arts in health initiatives.

    “The National Arts in Health Week Nigeria 2024 stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering community well-being through the transformative power of the arts.

    “Through painting, drawing, sculpting, and other artistic modalities, individuals are provided with a safe and supportive space to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Art therapy empowers individuals to externalize internal struggles, gain insight into their inner world, and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity.

    “Art serves as a powerful medium for communication and expression, particularly for those who struggle to articulate their thoughts and emotions verbally. For individuals grappling with mental health challenges, trauma, or chronic illness, art provides a nonverbal outlet for self-expression, allowing them to communicate complex feelings and experiences that may otherwise remain unspoken.

    “Let us reaffirm our commitment to championing the transformative power of art in health, well-being, and therapy. Together, let us harness the boundless potential of arts to inspire hope, ignite creativity, and cultivate a brighter, more compassionate future for all”.

    In his closing remarks, the Artistic Director of, the National Troupe of Nigeria Hajiya Kaltume Bulama Gana congratulated the organizers of the National Arts in Health Week Nigeria on its successful opening and acknowledged the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy’s valuable partnership.

    Gana emphasized the importance of arts in promoting health, well-being, and unity, highlighting its transformative power in fostering physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

    “Through music, dance, drama, and the visual arts, the transformative power of creativity in promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellness is being harnessed.
    The performances by the National Troupe of Nigeria have not only captivated our senses but have also underscored the profound impact that arts can have on our health. From reducing stress and anxiety to enhancing cognitive function and fostering social connection, the arts serve as a powerful tool for holistic healing and resilience”.

    There were also goodwill messages  from Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the
    Honourable Minister of Health,  Mr Christopher Bailey, WHO Arts and Health Lead & Co-Founder of Jameel Arts and Health Lab and Dr.Yewande Okuleye, Poet, Cultural Producer, and Humanities Specialist,(UK)

    Throughout the week, participants will engage in a diverse array of workshops, seminars, exhibitions, and performances that showcase the benefits of arts for health and well-being.

    The National Arts in Health Week Nigeria 2024 is organized in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, the Global Arts in Medicine Fellowship, the Ministry of Health, and the WHO-Jameel Arts and Health Lab.

    NNEKA IKEM ANIBEZE
    SA MEDIA & PUBLICITY
    FMACCE / PS / 035

  • Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road: Leave the talk, Let’s face the business.

    By Dada Olusegun

    The Lagos-Calabar coastal road project is undoubtedly Nigeria’s most ambitious transport infrastructure project since independence. In terms of scope, distance covered, and connectivity, not even the 3rd Mainland Bridge in Lagos, the 2nd Niger Bridge in Onitsha/Asaba, or the Abuja-Kano expressway comes close. It is simply a world-class iconic project.
    Before I go further, I want us to take a brief trip back to history. The idea for a major coastal federal road in Nigeria was first conceptualized in 1955 by the then Federal Commissioner of Finance, Late Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, who hails from present-day Delta State. Okotie-Eboh proposed the development of a network of rail and road routes from Lokoja-Benin City-Koko-Warri-Onitsha to aid the movement of goods. Specifically, he proposed the Koko-Ogheye-Epe dual carriageway project that was to traverse Delta and Ondo states and terminate at Epe in Lagos. This road is basically meant to hug the coastal areas of Delta and Ondo states and shorten travel distance between Lagos and the Niger Delta and the rest of the Eastern region. The project did not take off in the first Republic.
    During the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo as civilian president, he elected to commence construction of a variant of the coastal road from Warri in Delta State to Calabar. This was what came to be known as the East-West road. In 2010, however, the government of President Goodluck Jonathan through NDDC also awarded the Koko-Ogheye-Epe road to Levant Construction Ltd. The Lagos State government on its part during the administration of then-Governor Bola Tinubu was also independently planning to build a coastal road that will span the entire Lekki-Epe axis, which it foresaw as the next major economic frontier in Lagos and the country. Thirteen years later, the chief visionary of that Lagos coastal road is now Nigeria’s President. President Tinubu then decided to marry his Lagos coastal road vision with that of Okotie-Eboh’s Koko-Ogheye-Epe coastal road vision in addition to the thinking behind the East-West road to come up with a variant of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road that we have now.
    What is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Project?
    This is simply a 700km mega-highway that starts from Victoria Island in Lagos and ends in Calabar, Cross River State. It will pass through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states before terminating at Calabar. This coastal highway is the first of its kind in the world. First and foremost, it comprises a 10-lane boulevard with five lanes on each side of the dual carriageway and a standard gauge train track in the middle. Concrete pavement technology is to be adopted in the construction of the entire stretch of the road.
    The Lagos-Calabar coastal road has two major spurs. First is the 1000km Badagry-Sokoto road, which will connect the South West to the North Central and the North West through the shortest route possible, terminating at Sokoto. The second spur is the Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja road going to Cameroon, which essentially connects the South East to the coastal road. This spur continues from Enugu to Oturkpo to Nasarawa to Apo in Abuja. Essentially, the Lagos-Calabar coastal road is an arterial road that connects the six geopolitical zones.
    Synopsis of the Funding for the Coastal Road Project
    The total estimated cost of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal road project is put at N15.6 trillion. The funding model for the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project is EPC+ (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing) where the federal government would put up a counterpart financing of around 30% while the contractor funds the remainder. Last October, FEC approved the EPC+ model for this project in favor of Hitech Construction company. Going by the estimated N15.6 trillion cost for the entire coastal road stretch, the federal government’s counterpart fund is around N4.68 trillion. The federal government, in a bid to hasten the commencement of the project, decided to finance construction of the first 47km in phase 1 of the road project, which runs from Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island to the Lekki Deep Sea port. The contract sum of N1.06 trillion was awarded for this section by FEC to Hitech, and construction is ongoing with unprecedented speed. Whatever funding FG is providing for this section of the road will come under the FG’s counterpart fund. I must emphasize that this funding model adopted by the Tinubu administration is the best model possible, considering the country’s revenue size. This is a monumental infra project being majorly funded with private finance. This is possible because the coastal road is extremely viable.
    Benefits of the Coastal Road
    Most of the unnecessary controversies that have been amplified by some people over this coastal road project have centered on demolition of structures along the path of the road, as well as misconceptions about the funding model, with critics of the project having an erroneous impression that the federal government would fund the entire project. Little attention has been paid to the staggering benefits that the Lagos-Calabar coastal road would bring about. I want to briefly lay them out now.
    – Job Creation: Critics talk about exaggerated job losses that may be witnessed as a result of demolition of structures on the coastal road’s right of way, especially in Lagos, but few pause for a moment to look at the immense amount of new jobs that this massive project will create, both directly and indirectly. Already, the project has started creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs courtesy of the actual construction work currently ongoing at multiple sections of the 47km stretch. The workers that would be part of this project are not ghosts; they are Nigerians. The construction of the railway component of this coastal road is another source of massive job creation. Hundreds of permanent jobs will also be required after completion of construction, as people would be engaged to carry out toll management, road maintenance, etc. New industries, filling stations, CNG stations, auto-mechanic workshops, shopping malls, hotels, etc., will dot the iconic coastal road axis while creating many jobs in the process. This is one of the direct effects of having that road.
    – GDP Growth: The Lagos-Calabar coastal project is a very important project with unparalleled economic value. This is a road that connects Nigeria’s biggest economic zone, Lekki Free Trade Zone housing the Dangote refinery, Lekki Deep sea port, and many existing and potential industries to the rest of the south and the north via a 10-lane dual carriageway. The potential impact of this road on our GDP growth is huge, considering the fact that it will facilitate an increase in economic activity as well as improve ease of movement of goods and people and invariably ease of doing business. Like I mentioned earlier, the road will drastically cut down travel time between Lagos to the South-South and South-East to less than six hours through an alternative shorter route and open new corridors of development. With the 1000km spur from Badagry in the Atlantic coast to Sokoto on the edge of the Sahel, we would also have a North-South modern highway that smoothens land transport, connectivity, and trade between the north and south. As a growing nation that keeps expanding, it doesn’t make sense to limit ourselves to existing roads (which are equally getting massive attention by the Renewed Hope administration). We need to plan for the future. When the 3rd Mainland bridge was being conceptualized, many back then argued that it was not necessary or not a priority since there were already two bridges connecting the Lagos island to the mainland, but look at the importance of the bridge today. In fact, the Lagos State government has approved the design for the 4th mainland bridge – a more ambitious undertaking. That’s grand vision!
    – Tourism: One of the most regurgitated lines by critics of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project is that it would kill tourism (especially along the existing coastline in Lagos) and destroy our beaches (also especially in Lagos). How wrong they are! Contrary to this false insinuation, the most immediate impact of the new Lagos-Calabar coastal road is definitely going to be a massive boost in tourism. This is not even debatable. Every known major coastal road across the world is always a magnet for tourism. The Lagos-Calabar coastal road, which will be one of the best coastal roads in the world upon completion, cannot be an exception. The coastal road is not going to run exclusively on the coastline. For example, around the Eleko axis, the road alignment is not on the beach front. Even in the landmark and Oniru beach axis, after construction of the coastal road, the tourism value of these areas would skyrocket. It simply requires innovation by players in the tourism industry to make the most out of the coastal road. In fact, there are countless beaches along the path of the coastal road in Lagos, Ondo, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom that can become Nigeria’s top tourist destinations. The Ilashe Island beach off the Lagos coast along the Badagry Creek with its beautifully arranged coconut trees and crystal white sand is one of such that can benefit from the Badagry spur. The Ibeno beach in Akwa Ibom, which is the longest sand beach in West Africa and stretching for about 30 kilometers from Ibeno to James Town along the Atlantic coastline of Akwa Ibom State, is yet another tourism goldmine that the coastal road can trigger its extraction. It will only take innovative thinking and belief. Sadly, many of our compatriots are instead exuding pessimism and pedestrian thinking with their opposition to this grand project.
    As I conclude, I want to state that the hallmark of extraordinary leadership is having the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved. A leader inspires the power and energy to get things done. He has a poorly developed sense of fear and overlooks the concept of the odds against him. His focus is not usually on the present nor on the obstacles that may stand in the way of his vision but on how to attain that vision by surmounting the obstacles. While many critics of the colossal Lagos-Calabar coastal road are busy extrapolating how many decades it may take to complete the project using other existing roads of different models to judge or how the funding will come, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is looking at the various pathways that will deliver the project. On the evidence of the pace of construction on the project sites, it is obvious that he has found many pathways. President Bola Tinubu is a visionary. He creates the vision of the future. He sees what others do not readily see, which is why people usually criticize his vision at the onset and later turn to embrace or even copy them. This is one of such times.
    The birth of a modern Nigeria has begun with President Tinubu in charge and I have only one admonition for our dear compatriots who are still skeptical about this journey; Leave the talk, let’s face the business!

  • FG INJECTS 625MEGAWATTS TO NATIONAL GRID


    • Increases grid capacity to 4800 megawatts.


    The Federal Government  has announced the  additional 625 megawatts to the national grid, increasing the grid’s wheeling capacity to 4800 megawatts.

    This disclosure was made by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu at the commissioning of the 63 MVA, 132/33kV mobile station at Ajah, Lagos State and 60MWA, 132/33KV Power Transformer in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, simultaneously.

    According to the Minister, the   pivotal project is a testament  to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu towards transforming the Power sector in the pursuit of reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure for a better Nigeria.
    Adelabu said that the mobile substation being commissioned is a strategic deployment aimed at improving the transmission capacity constraints by over 1300mv across the nation.

    On the significance of the project and other equipment undergoing installation under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI),  Adelabu noted that the mobile substations equally stands as a beacon of hope for businesses, household reliant on uninterrupted power supply,  stopgap measure during maintenance and emergency.
    While commending the collaborative efforts of FGN Power Company, the German Government and Siemens Energy whose partnership has facilitated the production and installation of the substations, the Minister also announced the remote Commissioning of a 60MVA Power  Transformer at Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

    “Together, these equipment will boost our transmission wheeling capacity by 123mw, thereby paving the way for enhanced electricity Supply for all Nigerians”.

    Imploring all Nigerians to  safeguard these vital installations against acts of  vandalization and sabotage, Adelabu reiterated that the success of governments initiatives hinges on collective responsibility.

    He called on the management of the FGN Power Company and all stakeholders in the power sector to work with  determination to ensure that the timelines set for projects delivery are achieved.

    “Together, we embark on a journey towards a brighter future for Nigeria, one powered by innovation, resilience and collective determination”, he said.

    Earlier in his opening remarks, the Managing Director of FGN Power Company, Kenny Anuwe said, ” as Nigeria continues its journey towards energy sufficiency and economic prosperity, initiatives like the PPI underscores President Tinubu’s unwavering determination to deliver adequate electricity towards unlocking Nigeria’s  full economic potentials.

    Anuwe assured  of FGN Power Company’s  commitment in driving progress and delivering tangible improvements in  electricity access for all Nigerians in this transformative era in  Nigeria’s power Sector.

    FGN Power was established by the Presidency as a special purpose vehicle (SPV), tasked with implementing the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) with Siemens serving as the technical partner.

    Bolaji Tunji
    Special Adviser,
    Strategic Communications to HM Power

  • KHALIL/NASENI AND THE TAKE FROM THE TINUBU TRIP.

    By Bala Ibrahim.

    It is no longer news that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is out of the country. He left the shores of Nigeria since last week, on official assignment to some countries, prominent among which is the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where he had a one day engagement at the invitation of King Willem-Alexander. The Nigerian delegation was made up of eminent personalities, comprising the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Industry, Trade and Investment; Agriculture and Food Security; Marine and Blue Economy; Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy; Power and Minister of State (Oil). Also on the President’s team are the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations; Executive Secretary (ES) Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC); Managing Director (MD) Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) and the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). However, what may be news are the takes from the trip and what Nigeria stands to gain from them. And precisely that’s where  the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Sule Halilu captured my attention and compulsorily compelled me to write this article.

    Of course before he left, the office of the President had informed us that the purpose of the visit was to further strengthen cordial bilateral relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but thanks to the appearance of Khalil Halilu on the Sunrise program of Channels Television this morning, the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President has been made succinctly clearer, thereby raising our trajectory of optimism.

    In what may pass for a drill, young and bearded Khalil was aggressively questioned by the duo of Chamberlain Isoh and Maupe Ogun-Yusuf, the dreaded media professionals that have carved out for themselves, a niche for insightful and hard-hitting discussions always. Even as a journalist, with training on microphone friendliness, sometimes, my body temperature disobeys the gravity, once I have the misfortune of facing the interrogation of these colleagues. But from the show today, Khalil has not only proved his worth, but convinced the viewer that indeed Nigerians should have hope in the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu, particularly with special bias to the ambition of many Nigerians, for the rapid development of science and engineering infrastructure, and how best to enhance technological innovations for sustainable economic growth.

    Khalil was at his best, explaining the benefits or goodies that would come to Nigeria, pursuant to the commitments that were received from the Netherlands and how those benefits would key into the mandate of his agency. He made it very clear, with simple reference to the aviation service provider like the KLM of the Netherlands, how the mandate of his agency would be enhanced, in the management of research, as well as the development of capital goods, production and the reversal of local engineering inadequacies for the production of standard goods. In line with the assignment given to him and his agency, Khalil was proudly unequivocal, about the solar farming innovations, newly introduced by his agency and how their three new products were rushed, and sold out, long before they arrived at the market. This is a sign that indeed the agency is walking the Tinubu talk, as promised to Nigerians, that they came to give Nigeria services for the nation’s technological advancement.

    Khalil ‘s show today didn’t come as a surprise to many, because it is certainly consistent with his pedigree. Despite his youthfulness, with only 32 years of age to his credit, Khalil Suleiman Halilu had shown that with good education and the support of an extremely enterprising family, accomplishment can always be confirmed as fait accompli.

    It may be remembered that, in what some saw as a surprise, shortly after the appointment, or is it the renewal of the appointment of Dr. Bashir Gwandu?, as the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, by former President Muhammadu Buhari, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu terminated the appointment, and his place, announced young Khalil Suleiman Halilu as a replacement. Those with doubts on his competence or reservations regarding the appointment, should throw their doubts to the dogs now.

    From the rundown and response on the take from this particular Tinubu trip, methinks the choice of the President on Khalil is not only apt, but appropriately suitable for Nigeria’s technological circumstances.

  • PRESIDENT TINUBU RECEIVES LEADERS OF AFENIFERE.

    …..SAYS ADMINISTRATION IS RESOLUTE IN ACHIEVING ECONOMIC SECURITY IN A FAIR AND EQUITABLE SYSTEM FOR ALL NIGERIANS

    President Bola Tinubu says his administration remains undeterred in its pursuit of comprehensive economic security for the country while addressing foundational challenges and creating a fair and equitable system in which all Nigerians can thrive.

    Speaking when he received leaders of Afenifere, the respected Yoruba Socio-Cultural Organization, at the State House in Abuja, on Wednesday, the President said his administration is re-engineering Nigeria’s finances and seeking to boost the purchasing power of citizens, and spread prosperity down the line, by instituting a credit system where the element of cash is not an impediment to a significantly enhanced standard of living for all citizens.

    He said Nigeria must secure itself economically first before it can achieve any of its more sophisticated objectives.

    ‘’We are committed to the economic survival of our country. To re-engineer the finances of our country, we must start in earnest. So first, retool, revamp the economic opportunities available, and resolve to continue taking the firm and steady baby steps that are necessary.

    ‘’Education is a strong weapon against poverty. To empower the people, we must invest in the future of our youths. We have seen the problems parents face in training their children in school; it is the reason why we established the National Student Loan Programme, which is taking off well.

    ‘’We are equally examining what to do with the high degree of unemployment. We must help vulnerable people by providing social security. We are looking at how to provide allowances for the unemployed, and we are developing ways to boost the purchasing power of citizens with the Consumer Credit Scheme. If we remove the cash upfront element to buy a car or a house, we will reduce the propensity for fraud and corruption across the land,’’ President Tinubu said.

    Speaking on security, the President declared that those who threaten the sovereignty of Nigeria would pay a heavy price.

    ‘’I am irrevocably committed to the unity of Nigeria and constitutional democracy. Constitutional democracy is reflected greatly here since we assumed office. What we face now is the challenge of terrorism. Security of life and property is very necessary for development. I can tell you we are achieving success. We have degraded terrorism to a level that they cannot threaten the sovereignty of Nigeria any longer.

    ‘’Banditry and kidnapping will be defeated. And there is no payment of ransom whatsoever. We are taking the battle to them. We are getting results more rapidly than before. We are working hard on intelligence gathering. Those who think they can threaten the sovereignty of Nigeria will have themselves to blame. They have a price to pay. And we are not going to relent,’’ the President affirmed.

    The President thanked the esteemed delegation for their prayers and support, assuring them that he would not relent in his resolve to advance Nigeria.

    ‘’God bless Nigeria. God bless our unity; our diversity must bring prosperity for all for the sake of Nigeria,’’ President Tinubu concluded.

    Earlier in his remarks, His Royal Majesty, Oba Olu Falae commended the President for his courageous decisions and for the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, as well as other critical ongoing projects.

    He urged the President not to relent in ensuring fairness and equity for all Nigerians while noting the importance of a constitutional amendment to devolve more powers to the states.

    ‘’We are delighted about what you are doing for our country, and we assure you of our continued support. We thank you for your visit to Akure in February 2024, and we believe it is right and proper to reciprocate your kind gesture. We appreciate this relationship, and we need to make it work in the interest of Nigeria.

    ‘’Mr. President, you are the leader of Nigeria now and the most important political figure in Africa. We expect you, in view of your legacy and pedigree, to lead our country with knowledge, courage, and integrity. We have no doubt that your tenure will mark a turning point in the history of our country. Under your leadership, Nigeria will be repositioned.

    ‘’We will stand by you as you make all efforts to change the Nigeria story for the better. Be assured Afenifere will not abandon you in fair or foul weather. As long as you remain faithful to the principles of fairness, integrity, and courage that is expected of you as the leader of Nigeria, we will stand by you,’’ Oba Falae said.

    The delegation was led by Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere; Oba Falae, alongside other eminent citizens.

    𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐀𝐣𝐮𝐫𝐢 𝐍𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐥𝐞
    𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁
    (𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 & 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆)
    April 17, 2024

  • MATAWALLE COMMENDS ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA’S ONSLAUGHT ON TERRORISTS

    ….Says their days are numbered

    The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has commended the ongoing onslaught by the Armed Forces of Nigeria targeted against terrorists especially in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kaduna States pointing out that their days are numbered and that the nation would once again begin to enjoy uninterrupted peace.

    The Minister praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their precise air strikes targeted at the terrorist strongholds in Zurmi, Gusau, and Maradun Local Government Areas, which resulted in the elimination of numerous terrorists and the destruction of their infrastructure.

    He commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the clearance exercise in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kaduna.

    “With prayers and support for our Military, very soon the Military will clear these states free from bandit attacks,” he said.

    Matawalle explained that with Military precision they successfully identified and neutralized the camps of prominent terrorist figures Abdullahi Nasanda and Mallam Tukur.

    “We  appreciate and  commend the untiring efforts of our gallant servicemen and women who participated in this operation with outmost dedication and precision,” he said.

    He expressed his sincere appreciation to all personnel involved in these operations. He also commended the collaborative efforts of the nation’s Intelligent Agencies as well as the local security partners.

    Furthermore, he said that the Military is in a good and strong position to win the war against insurgency and terrorism which has witnessed many terrorist leaders being killed.

    While commending the Armed Forces of Nigeria, he prayed for lasting peace in our nation, Nigeria.

    Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr FCAi Fsca Fcpe
    Director ( Information and Public Relations)

  • PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES OBA ELEGUSHI ON BIRTHDAY


    President Bola Tinubu warmly congratulates Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi (Kusenla III) on the occasion of his birthday.

    The President joins members of the Elegushi family, friends, well-wishers, and the people of Ikate kingdom in wishing Kabiyesi more years of good health on the throne and purposeful leadership to his people.

    The President commends Oba Elegushi for his unwavering dedication to the welfare of his people since his coronation in 2010, and for building constructive relationships across the country that have helped to create a formidable network of support for government programmes and initiatives.

    The President prays for God’s unceasing guidance and protection on the Royal Father as he further advances his services to his community and the nation.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale

    Special Adviser to the President
    (Media & Publicity)
    April 10, 2024

  • Minister Musawa mourns Saratu Gidado’s Death

    Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy Minister, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa has expressed  deep sadness at the passing of legendary Kannywood actress, Saratu Gidado, popularly known as Daso.

    The minister acknowledged Daso’s immense contributions to the industry and the legacy she left behind, highlighting her remarkable performances and versatile talent that endeared her to fans across  Hausa-speaking regions and beyond.

    Musawa emphasized the void left by Daso’s departure, describing her as not only a talented actress but also a warm-hearted individual who touched the lives of many with her performances.

    “With heavy hearts, we, at the Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy mourn the passing of Saratu Gidado, a veteran actress,  whose contributions to the film industry, especially in Kannywood, were immense. She will be sorely missed.

    “My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time. May her soul Rest In Peace”, Musawa stated.

    NNEKA IKEM ANIBEZE
    SA MEDIA & PUBLICITY
    FMACCE/PS/ 028
    10-04-2024

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