August 30, 2021
Press Statement
Amaechi’s APC Looting Confession Vindicates PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the confession by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, that stealing is going on quietly under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC), vindicates its stand that the APC is a haven of thieves and treasury looters.
The party asserts that the confession also further confirms that the Buhari-led APC administration has been providing official cover for corrupt officials, who have turned government agencies to cash cows and Automated Teller Machines (ATM) for themselves, their cronies, family members and mistresses.
The situation as presented by Amaechi shows that ‘quiet stealing’ is a policy of the APC administration. This explains why the administration is heavy on propaganda and has failed to prosecute its officials and APC leaders openly indicted for corruption, but only resort to “easing out” such thieves with a pat on the wrist.
The confession by Amaechi exposes why the APC administration has failed to recover the over N25 trillion naira reportedly stolen by APC leaders in various government agencies.
Nigerians now have a clearer picture on how the N9.3 trillion as detailed in the reported NNPC memo was stolen, how over N2 trillion was allegedly siphoned under fraudulent subsidy regime as well as how the N1.1 worth of crude oil was reportedly stolen using 18 unregistered vessels.
This is in addition to the revelation by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Babagana Monguno, that billions of naira meant for security under the APC could not be traced.
Nigerians now know how billions of naira reportedly stolen from various agencies including the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in which a very top APC government official was indicted, as well as the N500 billon Social Investment Programme fund, as revealed by First Lady, Aisha Buhari, were siphoned.
Amaechi’s confession has also shed more light on the circumstance behind the alleged stealing of N165 billion in the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) under his ministerial purview, the N1.5 trillion and $9.5 million reportedly stolen from Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the $65 million (N31 billion) frittered from the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) as well as the N90 billion looted from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), among others.
This is in addition to the alleged secret looting of huge part of foreign loans and repatriated funds placed at the disposal of the APC and its administration.
The APC has looted our nation into two excruciating economic recessions in a space of six years, and turned our nation into the poverty capital of the world, where over 83 million citizens live in abject impoverishment and unable to afford basic necessities of life.
The PDP charges Nigerians to hold the APC and its leaders responsible for all the woes that have befallen the nation in the last six years and ensure that the fizzling APC is not allowed anywhere near the governance of our nation, come 2023.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
September 1, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Congratulates Ogbeha at 74
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates the former Military Administrator of Akwa-Ibom state as well as old Bendel state, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, as he celebrates his 74th birthday.
Senate Ogbeha is an exceptionally patriotic leader, a courageous officer, very resourceful and development-oriented administrator and humble democrat, who has made innumerable contributions towards the unity, stability and development of our dear nation.
As a military administrator, Senator Ogbeha displayed uncommon commitment towards the wellbeing of Nigerians and laid very strong foundations for the development of the Akwa-Ibom and Bendel states, leading to the successes being recorded in Akwa Ibom as well as Delta and Edo states today.
As a senator of the Federal Republic, Senator Ogbeha played key roles in ensuring the stability and independence of the legislature for greater productivity, in line with the manifesto of our party.
Despite the challenges, Senator Ogbeha has remained unshaken as one of the pillars of our great party, and we celebrate his role in ensuring the unity and stability of the PDP especially at this critical time.
The PDP heartily felicitates with Senator Ogbeha, who is currently managing the Plateau State chapter of our party as the Caretaker Committee chairman, and prays to God to grant him many more years in good health and wisdom in the service of humanity and glory of God.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
August 30, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Congratulates Sule Lamido at 73
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates former Governor of Jigawa State and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Sule Lamido, as he celebrates his 73rd birthday.
Alhaji Lamido is an exceptionally patriotic Nigerian, a highly resourceful, courageous and forthright leader, who has continued to make huge sacrifices towards the unity, stability and progress of our dear nation.
As minister of foreign affairs, Alhaji Lamido exhibited uncommon expertise and patriotism in promoting and defending our national interest in various sectors, on the international arena.
He further displayed his dedication to duty with his exceptional performance as Governor of Jigawa State, where he repositioned the state to achieve unprecedented milestones in human capital and infrastructural development in critical sectors of life, in line with the manifesto of the PDP.
Furthermore, Alhaji Lamido has remained a pillar in our great party in our collective effort with Nigerians to rescue our dear nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Our party heartily felicitates with Alhaji Lamido on his birthday and prays to God to grant him many more decades in good health so that our nation will continue to benefit from his wealth of experience and patriotism.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
September 1, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Shifts Inauguration of Anambra National Camp
aign Council to Friday
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has shifted the inauguration of the Anambra state Governorship Election National Campaign Council from the earlier slated date of Thursday, September 2, 2021 to Friday, September 3, 2021.
The inauguration is now slated to hold at 3pm on Friday at the PDP National Secretariat, Abuja.
The leadership of our great party regrets any inconveniences the change in date may have caused our leaders, critical stakeholders, party members and our teeming supporters.
Signed:
Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd)
National Organizing Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI APPROVES CABINET RESHUFFLE
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a reshuffle in the cabinet formed on August 21, 2019.
In a statement to cabinet members during the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday 1st September, President Buhari announced that Mohammed Sabo Nanono, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Engr. Sale Mamman, Minister of Power were leaving the cabinet.
In the same vein, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, Minister of Environment, was redeployed to assume office as the Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development, while Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, Minister of State, Works & Housing will now be the Minister of Power.
The President said the changes were sequel to the “tradition of subjecting our projects and programs implementation to independent and critical self-review” through sector reporting during Cabinet meetings and at retreats.
He added that “these significant review steps have helped to identify and strengthen weak areas, close gaps, build cohesion and synergy in governance, manage the economy and improve the delivery of public good to Nigerians.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 01, 2021
September 1, 2021
Press Statement
PDP To Buhari: Don’t Use Nanono and Mamman to Cover Your Failures
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) describes President Muhammadu Buhari resort to sacking the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammed Nanono and his Power counterpart, Saleh Mamman, as a ludicrous and infective attempt to cover for his failures in office.
Our party is also investigating the real reason behind their sack given Mr. President’s public approach to fighting corruption by “easing out” the culprits.
The party however asserts that the manifest inefficiency of the Buhari administration is a product of President Buhari’s myopic and divisive approach to governance as well as the impunity and corruption deeply embedded in his administration and party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP posits that even if the best hands are recruited, they will be contaminated by incompetence, impunity, disregard to rules, divisiveness and corruption that have become the hallmark of the APC and its administration.
The party calls on President Buhari and the APC to note that Nigerians are not swayed by the sack of the ministers but are eagerly awaiting the exit of the Buhari Presidency and the APC come May 29, 2023, as there is no hope in sight under their purview.
Signed:
National Publicity Secretary
The full text of the statement is reproduced below:
On Wednesday 21st August, 2019 the current Federal Executive Council was sworn-in after a rigorous retreat to bring returning and new members up to speed on the accomplishments, challenges and lessons drawn from my first term in Office and to emphasise the 9 priority areas of government for the second term.
- Two years and some months into the second term, the tradition of subjecting our projects and programs implementation to independent and critical self-review has taken firm roots through sector Reporting during Cabinet meetings and at Retreats.
- These significant review steps have helped to identify and strengthen weak areas, close gaps, build cohesion and synergy in governance, manage the economy and improve the delivery of public good to Nigerians.
- I must commend this cabinet for demonstrating unparalleled resilience that helped the government to navigate the disruption to global systems and governance occasioned by the emergence of COVID-19 shortly after inauguration. The weekly Federal Executive Council meetings was not spared because the traditional mode was altered.
- As we are all aware, change is the only factor that is constant in every human endeavour and as this administration approaches its critical phase in the second term, I have found it essential to reinvigorate this cabinet in a manner that will deepen its capacity to consolidate legacy achievements.
- Accordingly, a few cabinet changes, marking the beginning of a continuous process, have been approved. They are as follows:
Ministers Leaving the Cabinet:
- Mohammed Sabo Nanono, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and
- Engr. Sale Mamman, Minister of Power.
Redeployment:
- Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, Minister of Environment, to assume office as the Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development;
- Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, Minister of State, Works & Housing assume office as the Minister of Power.
- In due course, substantive nominations will be made to fill the consequential vacancies in accordance with the requirements of the constitution.
- I have personally met with the departing members to thank them for their contributions to discussions in cabinet and the invaluable services rendered to the nation. Today, effectively marks their last participation in the Federal Executive Council deliberations and I wish them the best in all future endeavours.
- Finally, I wish to reiterate once more, that this process shall be continuous.
- I thank you all and May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
September 1, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Extends Sale of Forms for Congresses
Sequel to enquiries from teeming members and supporters of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) informs that the closing date of the sale of nomination forms for its forthcoming ward, local government and state congresses has been extended from the earlier date of Friday, August 27, 2021 to September 09, 2021.
The decision of the National Working Committee, in that regard, is in pursuant to its powers under the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended)
The affected states include Adamawa, Borno, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, Kogi (wards and local governments only) and Osun (some wards).
Critical stakeholders and all members of the party are also, by this, guided accordingly.
Signed:
National Publicity Secretary
MAKE MORE INVESTMENTS TO BOOST ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, PRESIDENT BUHARI TASKS NEW NSIA BOARD
President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in Abuja charged the new board of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to make more investments that support economic diversification, as global oil prices are projected to drop to around $40 per barrel by 2030.
Inaugurating the third Board of the NSIA, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing long term projects and programmes that create jobs for Nigerians.
He noted that the full impact of most of the strategic projects started under his watch will only be felt long after he had left office.
He described the appointment of the 9-man board as a call to duty, action and performance, adding that they were eminently qualified for the job.
‘‘This Government operates on the agenda for long term change which we all agree is inevitable. Change happens whether you are ready for it or not.
‘‘As representatives of the Federation, you are required to continue to drive the performance of the Authority to deliver benefits to all Nigerians.
‘‘You must bear in mind that the National Economic Council, your Governing Council and Nigerians as a whole will hold you accountable for this mandate.
‘‘Periodically, you will be required to provide evidence of your stewardship at the Governing Council Meetings where your performance will be assessed.
‘‘The bar before you is very high and all of us are counting on you to deliver. If you do, I assure you that Government and indeed all Nigerians will be unflinching in their support for you,’’ the President said.
The President recounted that NSIA, which is one of Nigeria’s premier economic institutions, was conceived to be a store of wealth which may be drawn upon at times of economic challenges thereby encouraging external investors and lenders.
He expressed delight that so far the institution has discharged its mandate dutifully.
‘‘This is why we prioritized the appointment of a new Board to ensure that the Authority does not lose steam and can continue to benefit from the oversight it needs to deliver on its mandate.
‘‘The new Board we assembled has a crop of seasoned, eminently qualified, and experienced professionals.
‘‘We expect these individuals to bring their wealth of experience to bear, in the next phase of NSIA’s journey,’’ he said.
The President also used the occasion to thank the last Board of Directors whose tenure ended in May 2021.
Acknowledging their commitment, dedication and contributions to the implementation of the objectives of the Authority, the President said:
‘‘This distinguished group of patriotic Nigerians heeded the call to serve and deployed the best of their abilities to oversee the affairs of the Authority on behalf of the nation over the last four years.
Notably, the President said the immediate past Board ‘‘guided the organisation through a critical stage of its existence and have left it standing as a credible world class institution that turns out consistently good results.’’
‘‘This Administration took the very difficult decision to invest for the long term. We avoided taking short cuts knowing very well that the full impact of most of the projects we started will only be felt long after we have left office.
‘‘Accordingly, in the past four years, both the public and private sectors in Nigeria have partnered on strategic projects with the NSIA.
‘‘On the public sector partnership, we are working with the NSIA on strategic infrastructure projects such as the Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos – Ibadan Express Way and the Abuja – Kano Road, to mention a few.
‘‘On the private sector collaborations, we have projects such as the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative and the NSIA Healthcare Development and Investment Company amongst many.
‘‘Although these projects and programs have immediately created jobs from a development standpoint, the wider impact on society will only be felt in years to come,’’ he said.
The new Board members are Farouk Mohammed Gumel (North West) as Non-Executive Chairman; Sir Babatunde Sobamowo (South West), Non-Executive Director; Isiekwena Ikemefuna Louis (South South), Non-Executive Director; Ali Goni Kadugum (North East), Non-Executive Director; Oniyangi Kabir Sulaiman (North Central), Non-Executive Director; and Ike Chioke (South East), Non-Executive Director.
In her remarks, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said from the base position of US$1billion when the Administration assumed office in 2015, NSIA now has around US$3.5billion in assets under management.
She explained that the Board will, on behalf of the Nigerian people, guide and oversee the NSIA Management’s activities towards delivering outcomes to transform the fortunes of the country.
‘‘Using the NSIA Act as its guide, the Board will be required to superintend initiatives that meet the current and future needs of Nigerians.
‘‘On our part as Government, we will continue to support the Authority with the necessary policies and framework to ensure that the mission of the institution is delivered in a transparent, sustainable and inclusive manner,’’ she said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 1, 2021
August 31, 2021
Press Statement
Benue Killings: PDP Charges DSS To Investigate Akume
…Asks Akume to Explain Roles in Benue Violence
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Govermental Affairs, former Governor of Benue state, Senator George Akume, for questioning over the escalated acts of terrorism and mass killings in Benue state.
The PDP also asked Akume to come clean on his alleged roles in the violence ravaging the state.
In the same vein, the party is asking the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately commence investigation into the alleged siphoning of billions of naira under Akume’s watch as governor, especially, given public apprehensions on the source of funds being used by terrorist elements to prosecute their assault on Benue state.
PDP’s position is predicated on heightened public anxiety over his recent attempt at rationalizing the killings and acts of violence in Benue, in his unwarranted attack on the governor of Benue state, Dr. Samuel Ortom.
This attack on Governor Ortom is an unpardonable assault on the generality of Benue people, particularly, the victims of the bloody attacks in the state.
The PDP describes Senator Akume’s call for a state of emergency in Benue as thoughtless, reckless and absolutely reprehensible.
The party notes that the call exposes Akume’s desperation to destabilize the state having become frustrated that despite the travails they face, the people of Benue had remained united and refused to break their ranks under Governor Ortom.
Indeed, such sinister call can only come from an individual who is desperate to perpetuate and draw political capital from the bloodletting in the state, as a means to further subjugate and erode the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the Benue people.
The PDP invites Nigerians to note that despite the killings, bloodletting and wanton destruction of property, in which eminent citizens of the state have lost their lives, Senator Akume, a former governor of the state, elected Senator and now a minister of the Federal Republic, has never condemned the killings or sought any form of redress or succour for the people.
Instead, he is seeking ways to further subjugate the people and foist a siege mentality on them with his call for a state of emergency, at the time other leaders in the state and across Nigerians are seeking for solutions.
By his action, Senator Akume has spat on the graves of the victims of the killings as well as dealt a huge slap on the sensibilities of the Benue people and history will always remember him on this score.
Our party, standing with the people of Benue State, demands that Senator Akume should be made to come clean as his schemes have been further validated by his unwarranted vicious attack on Governor Ortom.
If Akume meant well for Benue state, he would have been on the side of Governor Ortom and the people of the state in asking President Muhammadu Buhari to address the pall of insecurity and put an end to the killings and acts of violence instead of seeking to further trample on the rights of the people.
Our party however charges Governor Ortom not to be deterred but remain focused in standing for his people at this critical time.
Signed:
National Publicity Secretary
I’M ANXIOUS FOR YOUR SUCCESS, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS ANDY UBA, ANAMBRA APC GUBER CANDIDATE
“I am happy to formally welcome you. I certainly wish you the best of luck. I’m anxious for your success, and will closely follow.”
Those were the words of President Muhammadu Buhari as he, Tuesday at State House, Abuja, formally received Senator Andy Uba, the Anambra State gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 6 election.
The candidate was accompanied to the event by the Chairman, Caretaker and Convention Planning Committee of the party and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, Governors Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, who is also Chairman, Campaign Council, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and George Akume, Minister for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Governor Mai Mala Buni said APC daily receives new entrants from Anambra State, citing the recent decamping of Senators Stella Oduah and Joy Emodi, adding that “Anambra is ripe for us, and we will work together for victory.”
In his remarks, Gov Uzodinma, as Chairman of the Campaign Council, assured the President that the message of the Party would be taken to the people of Anambra, “which will translate to victory for us in November.”
He also thanked the President for making the job easier, “because of the integrity and honour you have in Nigeria. Your name opens doors for us, and lots of people come into our party today because of it.”
“By the grace of God, we will be successful,” Gov Uzodinma concluded.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 31, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU, U.S. CONSULAR-GENERAL TO SPEAK AT USGEAA 4TH ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will on Friday, deliver the main address, at the fourth anniversary of the United States Government Exchanges Alumni Association (USGEAA).
The governor will also feature, as the special guest of honour, while the Acting Consular General of the US Consulate, Lagos, Mr Stephen Ibelli, will be the keynote speaker.
The anniversary webinar, which is the sixth edition of the USGEAA Leadership Empowerment Series, is billed for Friday, September 3, 2021 by 11 am.
The theme of the special virtual meeting is ‘Creating Opportunities for Youth Participation in Social and Economic Activities in Lagos State.’
President of the association, Dr Jude Ememe, said the anniversary webinar was specifically designed ‘to address issues, affecting Nigerian youths, because they represent the strength and future of society.’
‘The youths represent the energy and aspirations of the nation. Therefore it is imperative for leaders at all levels to harness and manage the potentials and resources of young citizens, for the social and economic advancement of the society.’
According to Ememe, an eminent financial consultant, challenges facing youths will continue to attract public and media attention, because they represent over 60 percent of the Nigerian population, with serious implications for Lagos State, as the social and commercial epicentre of the country.
This was contained in a statement issued by Mrs Adeze Ojukwu, the Head of USGEAA Media Committee and Fellow of the prestigious Hubert Humphrey Fellowship.
‘The webinar would provide the opportunity for the governor to share perspectives on programmes and opportunities being provided by the Lagos State Government to promote youth participation in social and economic activities in his administration.’
‘The programme will be moderated by foremost broadcaster and Fellow of International Visitors’ Leadership Program(IVLP), Mr. Soni Irabor.’
‘The webinar promises to be highly engaging, stimulating and resourceful, with a wide array of distinguished participants from Nigeria, US and other parts of the world.’
The association, according to Ojukwu, is an umbrella group comprising over 20 programmes, sponsored by the US government to promote educational and cultural co-operation of both countries.
‘The webinar is a public service enlightenment programme, established to boost the social transformation agenda of the association,’ Ojukwu added.
Prominent Nigerians, who had featured as special guests at past previous lectures, include Chairman of Nigeria Diaspora Commission(NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman Channels Television, Chief John Momoh and business consultant, Mr Fela Durotoye.’
Okowa mourns legendary musician, Victor Uwaifo
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has commiserated with the Uwaifo family, Bini kingdom and music buffs over the passing of legendary musician, Professor Victor Uwaifo.
He also condoled with the Government and people of Edo on the demise of the renowned musician, a native of Benin, who reportedly died on Saturday after a brief illness. He was 80.
In a statement in Asaba on Sunday by Mr Olisa Ifeajika, his Chief Press Secretary, Okowa expressed shock and sadness at the passing of Uwaifo, saying that he was a star whose demise was a huge loss to lovers of his genre of music.
He noted that the deceased contributed immensely to the entertainment industry and academia, excelling enviably in both.
According to Okowa, Uwaifo was a unique personality who to the astonishment of many, effectively combined his music career and teaching at the high level, and rose to the pinnacle of both.
He remarked that the deceased was a great musician, writer, sculptor and inventor of musical instrument.
The governor stressed that the history of Nigeria’s hall of fame would not be complete without Victor Uwaifo’s name.
He recalled that in recognition of Uwaifo’s versatility, former governor of Edo, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, appointed as commissioner in charge of Arts, Tourism and Culture between 2001 and 2003.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I offer my deepest condolences to Uwaifo family and friends, including the entertainment industry where the late veteran musician featured prominently as a forebear.
“The late Sir Victor Uwaifo was one of the country’s iconic musicians and was reputed to have had an illustrious musical career spanning over 55 years.
“He was indeed, a household name with hit-songs like “Joromi”, “Guitar Boy” and “Mamiwater’ and will be greatly missed by lovers of highlife music.
“It is my belief that the late Sir Victor Uwaifo will be long remembered and honoured for his huge impact not just in entertainment but in the academia,” he said.
Okowa prayed that God would grant eternal rest to the soul of the departed Uwaifo and comfort his family and all who mourn him.
PRESIDENT BUHARI BIDS TUNISIAN AMBASSADOR WHO LOVES NIGERIA GOODBYE
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday thanked the outgoing Ambassador of Tunisia to Nigeria, His Excellency Jalel Trabelsi, for the deep love he has shown for the country, leading him to serve for ten years, at two different times.
Trabelsi first served in the past for five years as an officer, came back later to serve as Ambassador for another five years, and now describes himself as “a lover of Nigeria and her people.”
“Thank you very much for your love for our country, and the people,” President Buhari said. “You have identified with us so much, and I wish you a successful tour wherever you are posted to next. You can count on our goodwill for your country, yourself and family.”
Ambassador Trabelsi said he insisted on waiting till he had an audience with President Buhari before leaving, so that he could personally express gratitude to a man he admired, and to a people he loved.
“I’ve spent ten years in total here, and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it,” he said. “Our brotherly countries have excellent relations which date back in history, and this has been further strengthened in the past five years. We have signed many agreements, organized business forum attended by 400 groups across sectors, and generally collaborated for mutual interest. We will always support and promote Nigeria. I express deep thanks and gratitude for the support extended to me here.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 31, 2021
Delta engages citizens on 2022 budget
Delta Government on Monday reiterated readiness to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in harnessing the abundant human and natural resources to transform the state into one of the most developed in the country.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Dr Barry Pere-Gbe, disclosed this at the 2022 Citizens Budget Engagement Forum at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
He said that the state aimed to achieve the expectation through strategic implementation of projects and programmes in the state, adding that submissions from the summit would be incorporated into the budget for a proactive, efficient and more effectiveness in planning.
He explained that it was in continuation of the steps by the Okowa-led administration to make the state great that necessitated strategic consultative engagement process with relevant organizations and groups for the preparation of the budget.
According to Pere-Gbe, since the State Government signed up with the open government partnership domiciled with the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, it remains committed to transparency in the execution of its budgets.
He said that the interaction would enable the government to be effective and efficient in governance, while serving as expenditure control and creating platform for information dissemination, among others.
The commissioner noted that the 2021 half year budget had suffered N40 billion revenue shortfall as a result of insufficient funds from the Federation Account.
He, however, reiterated the unalloyed commitment of the Okowa administration to always make the well-being of citizens the central focus of government activities.
On his part, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, thanked the stakeholders for the engagement and reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to providing dividends of democracy and encourage citizens’ participation in governance.
Aniagwu noted that their contributions would significantly help the state government in deepening its budgeting processes, adding that their comments, remarks and observations would be channelled to the governor for evaluation and consideration.
He reminded participants at the ceremony that they have unique roles to play in monitoring government projects in their respective communities to ensure that government’s projects were executed in line with contractual agreement.
“We are committed to allowing our people enjoy the dividends of democracy by allowing them to participate in the governance process.
“Our definition of democracy is about the people and how they participate because there is nothing like governance without budgeting.
“This is imperative because anything and everything about governance depends on how you are going to dispense the little resources you have to address the challenges of the people.
“This time we don’t just want to give it to them; we want them to tell us what they need. You will recall last year the same thing was done and to a very large extent we were able to address a whole lot of issues in our different communities.
“We are happy with the participation today and we must appreciate the Ministry of Economic Planning for being able to bring in the array of persons to the discussion today,” he stated.
Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor, Professor Sylvester Monye, said that the Koka flyover bridge in Asaba had been awarded, adding that the contractor would soon mobilise to site.
Earlier, President of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, Pastor Edewor Ogedegbe, said that the citizens’ engagement would enhance transparency and accountability in the budget preparation process of the state.
He called on the various organisations and groups to come up with their priorities and contributions to achieve an all-inclusive budget that would develop the state and improve the living standard of the people.
Representatives of groups present at the event lauded the state government for the various infrastructure developments across the state and called for economic empowerment of citizens.
The forum was attended by Commissioner for Youths, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr Kingsley Emu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural and Community Development Dr Emmanuel Okoro.
Others included Director-General Bureau for Job Creation, Professor Eric Eboh, Director-General, Delta Investment and Development Agency (DIDA) Chief Lucky Omoru, traditional rulers, Presidents-General of communities, civil societies and artisans.
HOW WE RECORDED BIGGEST ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SIX YEARS – PRESIDENT BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja said focus on job creation, consistency in policy and innovation stimulated a 5 per cent growth of the economy in the second quarter, 2021, which is the highest in six years, assuring that Jubilee Fellows Programme will further consolidate on the success recorded.
The President, speaking at launch of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, State House, listed some of the key drivers of economic growth and diversification in the second quarter to include telecommunications, transportation, electricity, agriculture and manufacturing.
“Tuesday, 22nd June, 2021, I set-up the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) steering committee to coordinate our work to fulfil my promise to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in ten years. This is building on the positive results from the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and the targeted response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with the Economic Sustainability Plan.
“These efforts have yielded results with Nigeria recording its biggest economic growth in six years with a GDP growth of 5 per cent in the second quarter of 2021. The sectors that drove this growth are trade, telecommunications, transportation, electricity, agriculture and manufacturing. Each of these sectors showed significant improvement and thus created more jobs for our populace.
“An important part of our policies and strategies is the focus on employment and creating opportunities for our people. When this government was elected in 2015, we committed to increasing job opportunities for Nigerians and as part of our social investments programme we recruited 500,000 graduates into our N-power programme,’’ he noted.
In 2019, the President said he directed that the number of graduates be increased to 1 million.
“These graduates are recruited to work in agricultural, health and education institutions across the country. The N-power programme also has a non-graduate component that provides skills to tens of thousands of Nigerians in areas such as technology, masonry, auto repairs, and carpentry.
“We estimate that about 2 million people join our labour force annually. We continue to work with our partners to provide more opportunities to create jobs and the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme in partnership with the United Nation’s Development Programme being one of such opportunities,’’ he added.
The President said, “The jubilee programme will provide a pathway for young Nigerians to gain work experience in top tier organisations, gaining relevant skills and building the right networks for the future in various sectors including information and communications technology, financial services, trade, manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing.
“Other sectors include mining, telecommunications, creative industries and technology, education, health, research and development, and public sector institutions. We believe that building the right skills and experiences across these sectors are important to sustain the economic growth we are experiencing.’’
He said the programme will build on other efforts of the government to support young Nigerians such as the N75 billion youth fund in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, which was created to support young Nigerians in business or with business ideas, with N25 billion released annually for three years.
“The Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) was our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have set-up a survival fund which has helped many businesses stay afloat in the worst economic periods of the last 5 years, more than one million Nigerians have benefitted from the fund, with more than 500,000 benefitting from the MSMEs Payroll support track, approximately 270,000 beneficiaries of the artisan support track, and about 50,000 beneficiaries of the MSME grant scheme,’’ the President added.
According to him, the International Labour Organisation estimated equivalent of an unprecedented 255 million jobs being lost around the world as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Buhari noted that the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, being a fully paid post-NYSC work placement programme would provide an opportunity for mentors who were already engaged in various industries, gained relevant experience and built capacity over the years to provide mentorship and support for young Nigerians.
“Beyond the skills and work experience, we will be building a new culture of mentorship and guidance that can chart a new course for skills development and work experience in our country.
“We believe that as this programme creates new opportunities for 20,000 recent graduates annually, the beneficiaries will use the opportunities presented to them and maximize their 12 months of engagement,’’ he said.
The President encouraged all eligible Nigerians to apply for the jubilee programme, while urging private sector organizations to join by providing work placement opportunities, mentors and funding.
“I would like to say thank you to the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union for their support on this vital initiative. And I hereby declare the program open,’’ he said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo said the government remains appreciative of the role of private sector in transforming economies by creating employment and employment opportunities and investments.
He said start-ups, largely driven by young Nigerians, attracted 170 million dollars in the past year, which was the highest on the African continent, explaining that the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme was to celebrate the nation’s 60th anniversary.
Adebayo noted the role of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in driving the initiative to fruition and support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Resident Representative of UNDP, Mohammed Yahya assured that the UN will continually support Nigeria to move human potentials across the country to capacities and skills that will place the country on a better pedestal.
“Each day, young Nigerians continue to break barriers with their capacity and ingenuity,’’ he said, “Young Nigerians have produced outstanding innovations. There is no shortage of talents in Nigeria.’’
EU Deputy Head of Delegation, Alexandre Borges Gomes and UN Resident Coordinator, Edward Kallon, commended the initiative, saying the programme benefitted from wide consultations.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 31, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDEMNS KILLING OF SEN. BALA NA’ALLAH’S SON, AGAIN SEEKS PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR SECURITY AGENCIES
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed “deep sorrow” following the killing of Captain Abdulkareem, the first son of Senator Bala Na’Allah in Kaduna.
“The death of Abdulkareem is another tragic chapter in our current security challenges, but I reassure Nigerians that my commitment to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians remains unwavering,” the President stated.
“I’m saddened by the tragic loss of Abdulkareem and other victims of violence and I wish to appeal to Nigerians to help our security agencies with intelligence in order to track down and bring these terrorist gangs to justice,” he further stressed.
According to President Buhari, “human intelligence is essential to the efforts to defeat these criminals; those who work as informants for criminals are destroying their own communities for the sake of pitiful financial gratification.”
The President prayed to Almighty Allah to repose the soul of the late Abdulkareem and give Senator Bala Na’Allah and his family as well as their friends the strength to bear the “very painful loss.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 30, 2021
GIVE PEACE A CHANCE, PRESIDENT BUHARI PLEADS WITH JOS, OTHER WARRING COMMUNITIES
The Presidency wishes to assure all citizens that as a government, the administration is on top of events and is moving ahead with force to crush the perpetrators of the recent incidents of unrest in Plateau State.
But to achieve success, our communities must unite against these horrific attacks. Retributive violence is not the answer.
While these troubled communities are being reinforced with security personnel, our religious, traditional and other community leaders must not allow the use of their spaces for the propagation of violence and incitement to violence.
Attempts to simplify the reasons into a basic narrative may help raise donor-dollars for international NGOs, fill pages of overseas newspapers, and burnish foreign politicians’ faith credentials; but this does not increase understanding, nor offer solutions. If anything, simplistic theorizing and finger-pointing make the situation worse.
It is important both for Nigerians and the international community to appreciate that there are a multitude of factors attendant to these troubles.
There is the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorism, as well as the spate of kidnappings for ransom, transformed by some misinformed global media into a Muslim-on-Christian threat. Yet, in reality, there are no religious connotations at all when the primary purpose of these acts is to extract money.
Then the herder-farmer clashes. While international voices and some Nigerian politicians who seek personal gain from division declare this a matter of religion, for those involved, it is almost entirely a matter of access to water and land. Herders have moved their cattle into contact with farmers for millennia. But, increasingly, due to population pressure, escalating aridity of northern states, and climate change, they are forced to travel further south to find grazing lands.
Then, further afield in the South-east, IPOB are not struggling for freedom when they attack police stations and property, but rather committing acts of terrorism in order to steal money. IPOB is not defending Christians – as their highly-paid foreign lobbyists claim – when almost every citizen of those states they terrorize is uniformly Christian. Yet mistakenly, and because the lobbyists for IPOB have duped them, some misguided foreign media and politicians believe so.
As for Nigerians, what we need is to come together. And we must do this firstly and for the most part by our own hands, by casting asunder those who seek to divide us for their own nefarious financial and political gain.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 29, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
FIRST LADY PRESENTS BANK DRAFTS TO BENEFICIARIES OF 2021 LAGOS EXAMS SUPPORT
…Charges Students To Study Hard To Guarantee Educational Excellence
Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Monday presented bank drafts to beneficiaries of the 2021 edition of annual Lagos Exams Support which is an initiative of her office targeted at helping candidates of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to pay outstanding school fees.
The initiative, according to the First Lady, is designed to support students especially in low-cost schools from the five administrative divisions of the state namely Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe, with payment of outstanding fees that may prevent them from writing the ongoing Senior Secondary School WAEC examinations.
Five students out of the beneficiaries were selected for symbolic presentation of bank drafts. They are Ogun Medese Oluwayigamika (Badagry Grammar School – female); Adelekan Temiloluwa (Badagry Grammar School – female); Sulaimon Quadri (Lagos State Model College Igbokuta – male); Oyenuga Elijah (Command Day Secondary School Oshodi – male); and Sulaiman Faizat Toyosi (Government Senior Model College Owutu, Ikorodu – female).
According to the First Lady, “This initiative is in line with the THEMES Agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration especially the pillar E that speaks to Education and Technology. It is also in furtherance of the vision of the Office of the First Lady which is to impact lives and build legacies.
“We are basically embarking on the Lagos Exams Support Scheme to increase the quota of students who have successfully completed WASSCE or JSCE in order to attain the goal of free education till Secondary School, as well as ensure that the social capital in our dear state is not depleted bearing in mind that SSCE is the constitutional requirement for leadership in Nigeria.
“We also, believe that we can share in the responsibility of mitigating the economic hardships that most residents whose children or wards attend private schools face due to the unexpected hardships brought by COVID-19 pandemic and also ensure that the vulnerable children benefit from this sort of initiative without taking over the responsibility of parental duties from parents.
“We don’t want to play the role of the parents. We understand that the parents have a role to play. We just don’t want to leave any child behind. We want all the children to sit for their examinations and become successful people in future.
“For us, we believe that this initiative will also help to provide statistics for the state to further plan service delivery and also reduce the number of idle adolescents both boys and girls by engaging them to prepare for their bright future.”
Besides, the First Lady admonished the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture of her office by studying hard and coming through with flying colors in the exams, adding: “This is important to guarantee success and move to the next level in your academic pursuits.”
Responding, the beneficiaries and their parents commended the First Lady for the gesture, saying it would go a long way to alleviate their plights with regards to the outstanding schools fees to be able to participate in the WAEC exams.
It would be recalled that the application process was done online after which the application went through rigorous sorting, verification, and payments by the LES 2021 Ad-hoc Implementation Team before the successful candidates emerged.
The beneficiaries were selected from over 70 secondary schools across the state, while the criteria used in selecting them include that they must be students who live and school in any private or public school in Lagos and had registered for WASSCE or JSCE but have outstanding fees.
In the first edition last year, a total of 48 students benefited from 46 schools across the state.
SIGNED
OLUBUKONLA NWONAH
ASST DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY
AUGUST 31, 2021