Author: The Nation

• •President marks Eid in Lagos •Governing Nigeria a tough job, says Buhari

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday reiterated his determination to resolve the myriad of socio-economic and political challenges confronting the country.

He assured Nigerians that a solution was underway.

According to him, the administration is working day and night to bring relief to Nigerians, who are going through challenging times, following the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of naira to dollar exchange rates.

President Tinubu said the problems are not insurmountable. 

He advised Nigerians to keep hope alive.

The President, who returned to Lagos yesterday after a trip to Paris for a global summit and London for a private visit, will celebrate Eid-Adha with family members and associates today.

In his first Eid-el-Kabir message to Nigerians, the President emphasised that the steps and decisions so far taken since his inauguration have been targeted at reforming the economy and removing the impediments to growth.

President Tinubu’s predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who reflected on his eight-year tenure, said leading the country was one of his hardest challenges.

He urged Nigerians to support Tinubu to fulfil his vision for the country.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in their separate Eid messages, enjoined Nigerians to embrace love and unity, which are critical to the survival of the country.

President Tinubu urged Nigerians not to be demoralised, but to face the future with confidence and hope.

He said: “At the moment, our country is going through some challenges, especially with our struggling economy and simmering security challenges. 

“While I acknowledge all of these, I want to assure you that they are not insurmountable.

“I am working day and night with my team, fleshing out solutions. We have started with the decisions taken so far to reform our economy and remove all impediments to growth.

“As we embrace the present challenges, we must face the future with vigour and renewed hope with the confidence that our tomorrow shall be better and brighter.

“I wish you all a happy Sallah celebration.”

Reflecting on the essence of the Eid-el-Kabir festival, the President urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, devotion to God, love and compassion for others, which were displayed by the Prophet Ibrahim, whose unparalleled sacrifice is being celebrated.

Read Also: VIDEO: Tinubu returns from trips, arrives Lagos

He urged Muslims to multiply kindness to their neighbours, particularly the most vulnerable.

The President added: “I join Muslims in Nigeria and all over the world in observance of Eid-el-Kabir. We must thank Almighty Allah for the grace to witness another Eid.

“As we immerse ourselves in the joy of this moment and celebrate, let us remember those who may not be as fortunate as us.

“Coming as the end of religious activities spanning the first ten days of the Islamic Month of Dhul Hijjah, Eid-el-Kabir enjoins us as Muslims to show mercy and compassion to our fellow humans.

“Eid-el-Kabir is a festival of sacrifice and total obedience to Allah as exemplified in the exceptional action of Prophet Ibrahim.

“There is no greater sense of duty ever recorded in history outside the ennobling example of Prophet Ibrahim in offering his only son Ismail as a sacrifice to Allah.

“The best way by which we can demonstrate this example is in how we conduct ourselves in relation to our fellow citizens and in our duties to our beloved country. 

“We must imbibe and manifest those values inherent in Prophet Ibrahim’s life, namely: complete devotion to Allah, tolerance, patience, perseverance, selflessness, love and compassion.

“This season, let us endeavour to multiply good deeds with our kindness to our fellow Muslims and others by helping and supporting the weak and vulnerable in our communities. By so doing, we showcase the values and virtues of our faith.”

Support Tinubu, Buhari urges Nigerians

Buhari admonished Nigerians to support Tinubu’s administration for it to succeed.

In an Eid message by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari said: “Leading a country like Nigeria is one of the hardest challenges in life.”

He added that “leadership is a challenging task that demands the sacrifices and support of the citizens”.

He wished all Muslims a happy Eid-el-Kabir and prayed for those on the Hajj pilgrimage to return safely.

Rousing welcome for Tinubu in Lagos

Twenty-nine days after his inauguration as the 16th Nigerian leader, President Tinubu touched down at his Lagos political base.

The President flew in from the United Kingdom (UK), where he had a three-day stopover after attending the New Global Finance Pact in Paris, France and held a series of talks with prospective investors on the sidelines of the conference.

While in the UK, Tinubu met with President Buhari. Details of what they discussed were not made public.

It was a homecoming for the President yesterday as Lagosians, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy Obafemi Hamzat and scores of All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains thronged the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja to welcome him.

He took time to acknowledge cheers from the excited crowd who sang and waved at him before he joined a convoy that took him out of the airport.

The President expressed gratitude to Nigerians for the rousing welcome back home.

Apart from Sanwo-Olu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, acting Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Senators and Representatives from Lagos, as well as party officials warmly received President Tinubu.

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, in conjunction with personnel from the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, also mounted a guard of honour for him, while the standing troupe of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture entertained guests.

President Tinubu is scheduled to join fellow Muslim faithful for the Eid prayers this morning at the Obalende Eid Prayer Ground, located at Dodan Barracks, the former seat of the Nigerian government.

Akume: pray for Tinubu’s success 

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, urged Nigerians to pray for the success of President Tinubu for a more prosperous country.

The SGF, in a statement by the Director of Information in his Office, Willie Bassey, also urged citizens to reflect on the lessons of the festival and work towards achieving a peaceful and harmonious nation.

Akpabio seeks patience 

Akpabio urged Nigerians to be patient with the new administration and support the President to succeed, amid temporal economic challenges.

He said: “As we join our Muslim brethren to observe this day, the essence of the season, which underscores our submission to the will of the Almighty God and the importance of sacrifice in our daily life, should not be lost on us.

“I salute the resilience and patriotism of Nigerians in the face of the current challenges facing our nation. We should all see it as part of the process of nation-building.

“In just a few weeks since his inauguration, President Tinubu has taken some bold steps which have been globally acclaimed as being in the right direction.

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“Even though the measures bring with them some inconveniences, I earnestly appeal to fellow Nigerians to look at the larger picture of the expected outcomes, be patient with the new government and give it their full support to take Nigeria out of the woods.

“The 10th National Assembly will do its utmost to provide President Tinubu-led government complementary support through necessary legislative interventions for the benefit of Nigerians.

“We will, in the process, ensure inclusivity, fairness and justice for Nigerians through legislation. I wish you all a happy celebration.”

Abbas also asked the citizens to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to the Almighty Allah by making sacrifices towards the development and growth of Nigeria.

He stressed that the prosperity of the country is a joint task, urging citizens to remain united in the face of challenges.

He said: “It is a time to thank Almighty Allah for His grace and mercy upon our nation. It is a time to reflect on the prospects and the brighter future ahead of the nation.

“It is also a time to pray for the success of our leaders, as they move to tackle the challenges facing the country, counting on the prayers and support of the people.

“Let us work together as a nation, towards realising the ‘Renewed Hope’ that Nigerians have massively voted for. May Almighty Allah bless Nigeria and Nigerians.”

CAN to Muslims: Pray for peace and unity

CAN urged Muslims to pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria.

A statement by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, reads: “We join them in commemorating the values of sacrifice, love, and obedience that it represents.

“As we mark this auspicious occasion, we call on all Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and love for one another. 

“We believe that Nigeria can achieve its full potential if we put aside our differences and work together to build a stronger, more united, and prosperous nation.

“We urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to use this occasion to pray for the peace and prosperity of our dear country. We also call on all Nigerians to pray for our leaders and God’s guidance and wisdom as they steer the affairs of our nation.

“We would like to use this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to promoting religious harmony and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians. 

“We believe that Nigeria is stronger when we all work together and respect each other’s faiths and beliefs.

“Once again, we wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration and pray that Almighty God will continue to bless our nation with peace, unity, and prosperity”.

The Federal Government yesterday sustained the momentum of its promise to stimulate the economy. 

This followed the announcement of its plans to urgently ensure quick access to single-digit loans for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the shortest time possible. 

Vice President Kashim Shettima, in a statement by the Director of Information in his Office, Mr. Olusola Abiola, said this was part of the plans by the Bola Tinubu Administration to ultimately grow the economy.

Shettima, in a message to mark the ‘2023 MSME Day,’ also said it was in recognition of the role of MSMEs in growing the nation’s economy.

The United Nations and its sister agencies marked this year’s MSMEs Day with the theme: “Galvanising MSMEs worldwide by supporting women and youth entrepreneurship and resilient supply chains.”

Shettima stated: “On this World MSME Day, the government recognises the vital role that MSMEs play in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and promoting innovation. 

“We remain committed to providing support, fostering an enabling environment, and improving access to finance for MSMEs, especially in these unprecedented times. 

“We urge all stakeholders to come together to champion the growth and success of MSMEs to achieve sustainable development for all, while we also recognise the plethora of issues that face MSMEs as a result of the subsidy removal.

“However, the government is working urgently to ensure quick access to single-digit loans for Nigerian small businesses within the shortest time possible. 

“Please note that Mr. President is your partner and here to make life easier for your businesses. Happy MSMEs Day.”

Nigeria has an estimated 37.07 million MSMEs, which account for about 48.5 per cent of her Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 7.27 per cent of total export.

Experts, however, say that as many as 90 per cent of private enterprises and MSMEs in Nigeria have limited or no access to credit, a development they said, constrained MSMEs’ capacity to play their role as economic growth drivers.

Accordingly, the experts have been pushing for banks to change their lending model in favour of MSMEs, as, according to them, more than 80 per cent of loans in Nigeria were concentrated in high-net-worth individuals, big commercial entities and specific sectors, particularly the oil and gas sector, crowding out MSMEs.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of CRC Credit Bureau Limited, one of the three licensed private credit bureaux, Mr. ‘Tunde Popoola, has never stopped canvassing the need for banks to target the estimated 37 million MSMEs in the country. 

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While noting that retail loans remained a viable area for banks to play, he said banks needed to focus more on MSMEs, which are the engine of economic growth.

Citing a World Bank report, Popoola said loans provided by banks to the private sector were only 14 per cent of the GDP, as opposed to 149 per cent in South Africa, for instance. 

He said if MSMEs were empowered with unhindered access to credit, they would be in a better position to spur more productive activities and ultimately create jobs, reduce poverty and engender sustainable economic growth.

Globally, MSMEs are regarded as the backbone of any economy. They are credited with the capacity to contribute to improved living standards, bring about substantial local capital formation and help in achieving a high level of productivity and capability. 

MSMEs have also been identified as a vehicle for employment generation. Everywhere, MSMEs are the biggest employers of labour. They also provide opportunities for entrepreneurial sourcing, training, development and empowerment.

Unsurprisingly, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, hailed the contributions of MSMEs in socio-economic growth and development.

He said his administration would continue to sustain policies to support the growth and sustainability of businesses amid the current economic realities.

The governor, who said this in commemoration of MSMEs Day, said: “Today, we acknowledge the role of MSMEs in the growth and development of our state. MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating employment opportunities, and fostering economic diversification. 

“It is the relentless spirit and resilience of our entrepreneurs that have transformed ideas into thriving businesses, uplifting communities, and propelling our state toward economic progress and prosperity.

“This year’s celebration presents us with another opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by our small business owners and entrepreneurs, and the unprecedented disruptions caused by the current economic realities. 

“Despite the obstacles, they have displayed unwavering determination, resilience, and creativity in navigating through turbulent times.

“As a government, we understand that access to finance, infrastructure, technology, and market linkages are crucial for the growth of our MSMEs and are committed to supporting and empowering them, ensuring the implementation of policies and reforms to guarantee an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive.

“We have through the state’s skills development agency, Edojobs, provided training and business advisory services to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. 

“We are providing the needed infrastructure including steady electricity and good roads to enhance the ease of doing business for MSMEs, connecting all our local government areas with Internet connectivity to ensure that businesses tap into the opportunities of a 21st-century technology-driven economy and attracting local and foreign investments to bolster the MSME ecosystem through the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO).”

Speaking on the theme of the celebration, Obaseki said: “This year’s theme highlights the crucial role played by women and youth entrepreneurs in our MSME sector and emphasises the importance of building resilient supply chains. 

“We recognise the immense potential of our youths and tremendous potential of women entrepreneurs in driving economic growth, and will continue to support them to realise their fullest potential.”

Eminent Nigerians and corporate bodies yesterday congratulated the Muslim Ummah on today’s celebration of Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar urged Nigerians to seek God’s blessings to elevate the country “to a path of peace, harmony, and prosperity”.

In a statement, Abubakar said the significance of the celebration is about the “profitability of being patient with God in our affairs as human beings, and most especially, as Muslims”.

Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (APC Niger East) assured Nigerians that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration would effectively tackle insecurity in some parts of the country in no distant time.

Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central) urged Nigerians to eschew religious intolerance and extremism and unite behind the new government to actualise Nigeria’s greatness.

House of Representatives Speaker Abbas appealed to fellow citizens, especially the Muslim community, to use today’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration to pray for the success of the Tinubu administration.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu urged Nigerians to show more love, patriotism, respect for each other, and pray more for the nation’s greatness.

Former Osun State Governor expressed confidence in the mantra of “Renewed Hope” of the Tinubu administration to reposition the country to the path of greatness and socioeconomic rejuvenation.

Also, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi urged Muslims to extend the lessons of the celebration beyond the festivity and “embody the values of sacrifice, love, and peace”.

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) enjoined Nigerian Muslims to pray for the socioeconomic wellbeing of the country.

In a statement by its Chairman, Chief Gabriel Aduku, the forum urged the Federal Government under President Tinubu to restore public confidence that it said had been eroded over time.

Mobile network operator, Globacom, urged Nigerian Muslims to embrace good neighbourliness, love and unity.

In a statement in Lagos, Globacom said: “It is a season of charity, peace-making and forgiveness. We must use this season to remember to fend for the poor and the needy in line with Allah’s injunction to be our brother’s keeper.”

Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: Mutfwang urges Muslims to imbibe love, selflessness

The company advised Muslims to eschew rancour and cultivate the spirit of self-restraint while rededicating themselves to the service of Allah and extend love to other compatriots within and outside the Islamic faith.

The telecommunications firm congratulated Muslims pilgrims, saying Eid-el-Kabir is celebrated on yearly basis in compliance with the virtues of commitment, dedication and obedience which Prophet Ibrahim displayed by offering his son, Ismail, as sacrifice in obedience to the will of Allah.

It assured its subscribers of unfettered communication experience with its world-class products and services during and after the festivities. 

Also, Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun assured the general public that the police force would sustain efforts at tackling crimes and criminality and improved safety and security across the country.

Addressing Commissioners of Police across the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and their supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) yesterday in Abuja, the police boss advised them to configure the security architecture in their areas of responsibility (AoR) for robust and responsive policing ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), said: “The IGP directed the zonal AIGs and ztate command CPs to deploy human and other operational assets to carry out confidence building and crime prevention patrols on major highways, residential and industrial areas, vulnerable points, places of worship, other places of public resort and around all critical national infrastructure devoid of harassment and extortion…”