Tag: Akume

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, stated on Thursday, September 26, that President Bola Tinubu empathises with Nigerians over the current hardship occasioned by the tough economic policies aimed at resetting the country on the path of sustainable growth and development.

Akume emphasised that President Tinubu is making significant efforts to alter the current economic trajectory.

He also outlined various government programs and initiatives aimed at easing the hardships faced by citizens.

Akume also mentioned that this year’s anniversary celebrations will be subdued to reflect the prevailing mood in the country.

He said: “Like several other nations, we are currently grappling with diverse challenges but we remain resolute in our inalienable destiny to build a strong and proud country that works for the good of all citizens irrespective of status, tribe, religion and creed.

“Let me assure you that this administration shall remain committed to its promise of working sacrificially to deliver the dividends of democracy to every Nigerian citizen.

“This government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very much aware of and deeply sympathises with all Nigerians over the economic conditions we are passing through. These have been occasioned by unavoidable policy choices, including, the removal of fuel subsidies, that his administration has had to make.

 “Notwithstanding the daunting challenges, ceaseless efforts are being made to cushion the immediate impact and to create new opportunities on the short, medium and long-term basis, through diligent implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These Policies and Programs are being implemented for long-term solutions to these problems and I  assure us all that in no distant time, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the trajectory of our socio-economic development will soar higher in the positive territory.

“In alignment with the mood of the nation, therefore, I wish to inform you that the President, Commander–in–Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved that the 64th Independence celebration should be low-keyed.

 “It is in this context that the program of events has been designed to remind us about our strength when we stay united, our progress despite the challenges, the beauty of our diversity, the quantum leap this administration has taken within the short period in office and the beacon of a better future for all, through the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

Akume also listed some of the relief programmes of the government including: “The establishment of the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) and the launch of the first phase of thirty buses powered by hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). This is a work in progress because the Presidential Initiative is designed to expand across all geo-political zones of the country. The government has also commissioned the first retrofitted CNG train head for the Abuja-Kaduna track. This is intended to cut the cost of travel by up to fifty percent when fully operational.

“In order to encourage conversion to CNG-powered land transportation, the government has also commenced the distribution of CNG conversion kits at no cost to Nigerians. The benefit of the CNG transport system to Nigerians is a huge reduction in cost.

“The President has also given priority to the growth of the economy through the SMEs. By so doing, he has re-focused on strengthening the backbone of our economy by empowering Nigerians to start or grow their businesses.

“The President has similarly repositioned the National Social Investment Programme to effectively address the challenges facing the poor, the vulnerable, the underserved, and the elderly. Nigerian workers have also benefited from a newly approved National Minimum Wage. This is coming on the heels of the Wage Award paid to mitigate the plight of the workers.

“In the area of human capital development, the Nigerian Students Loan Fund has disbursed the sum of N2.5 billion to over 22,120 beneficiaries across higher institutions in the nation. This is a welcome relief for parents and an opportunity to access education by indigent students.

“Insecurity in different parts of the country has been a recurring challenge for successive governments since 1999. This administration has succeeded in elevating the human and institutional capacity of the armed services and other security agencies to tackle these challenges of insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities including kidnapping.  This is already yielding results as insurgents and bandits are getting neutralised in large numbers while several others are surrendering to the authorities for deradicalisation.

“The rainy season has similarly posed its challenges. As a result of climate change and other environmental factors, the country has experienced serious flooding in several states resulting in fatalities, and the destruction of infrastructure, personal belongings, shelter, livelihoods etc.

The humanitarian response of the Federal Government has been swift and effective. The government has drawn lessons from the current situation and has stepped up planning and prevention strategies.”

On the issue of rising food prices, Akume said: “The government has removed tariffs on the importation of certain categories of food. In addition, the government has distributed fertilizers, farm inputs, and other critical items to boost food production.”

He also added: “On a long-term perspective, Infrastructure development remains one of the pillars of the Tinubu Administration. Since he assumed office, the government has shown its resolve in completing ongoing projects and initiating new ones in key sectors. Transportation infrastructure, particularly road, rail, and airport projects have been prioritized to enhance connectivity, facilitate trade, and improve the overall quality of life for Nigerians.

Speaking at briefing, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said, that President Bola Tinubu’s reforms are aimed at transforming the county into an economic superpower.

Besides, Idris said the various policies under Tinubu’s administration are designed to address the missteps of the past and set Nigeria to emerge as a formidable economic superpower in the near future.

Idris stated this in his address in Abuja at a press conference to unveil the activities lined up for the 64th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria.

“Under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu, we have initiated transformative policies and reforms aimed at correcting the missteps of the past and repositioning Nigeria as an economic superpower in the near future. Despite global economic headwinds and the transitional pains accompanying some of the reforms, the President has remained focused in his efforts towards reviving our economy and returning the country to the path of prosperity and sustainable growth,” he said.

The Minister stated that, in a groundbreaking effort to transform rural socio-economic development in Nigeria, President Tinubu successfully sought and obtained a landmark Supreme Court judgment granting autonomy to local governments.

Idris said that singular decision ensures that elected Local Government Administrations now have direct fiscal control, which will intimately enhance grassroots governance and development while promoting greater effectiveness and accountability in local governance.

“In addition, a lot of work is going towards ensuring macroeconomic stability, stabilizing the foreign exchange regime, reforming the tax system to make it more efficient, and less burdensome on Nigerians, repositioning our oil and gas sector to attract new investment, and prioritizing the diversification and expansion of government revenues,” he stated.

The minister added that the President is gradually guiding Nigeria into a unique energy transition phase through the launch of the presidential initiative to move the country from fossil fuels to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a fuel for vehicles and machinery.

He acknowledged that the ongoing rollout of CNG and associated infrastructure is reducing transportation costs for Nigerians by up to 60 percent, creating jobs, and attracting tens of millions of dollars in local and foreign investment.

“In multiple ways, the president is focused on putting more money in the pockets of the Nigerian people, and creating avenues for sustainable prosperity,” he said.

The Minister, who said that the 64th independence anniversary is a time of reflection, celebration, and renewed hope, stressed that so far Nigeria has demonstrated resilience, strength, capacity, and an unyielding spirit in the face of numerous and daunting challenges.

Idris said since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has evolved from a nation of hope and potential into a leading force on the African continent and a respected voice in the global community and that despite numerous trials, the nation always emerges stronger through the citizens’ shared unwavering vision of a united and prosperous country.

The Minister used the occasion to commend Nigerians for their patience and resilience in this very difficult period in the evolution of the nation’s economy, noting that the journey has been tough but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

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He said with the recent ratification of the National Values Charter by the Federal Executive Council, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation would now commence the implementation of the Charter in line with the President’s commitment to fostering moral, ethical, and cultural reawakening.

“The charter will bolster the conviction that the things that unite—our sense of nationhood, our obligations to our country, and its obligations to us—will always be stronger and deeper than what may wish to divide us,” he said.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, unveiled the programmes for the 64th Independence Anniversary on the occasion, which was attended by the Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Works, Senator Dave Umahi; Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev; Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; Tourism, Lola Ade-John, Special Duties, and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo among other top government functionaries and presidential aides.

Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has said President Bola Tinubu’s administration will build capacity of youths to realise their full potential.

A statement in Abuja by Director of Information (Office of Secretary to Government of the Federation), Segun Imohiosen, said Akume noted any society that fails to build up its youth is doomed.

He spoke when he hosted National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by its President, Lucky Emonefe, in his Abuja office.

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Akume said the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President remained focused on grooming youths for leadership to enable them contribute to the economy.

He thanked youths for supporting the administration, saying they must be role models as younger ones looked up to them for inspiration. “You want to be like me. Those behind you will also want to be like you. You’ve been to school and you are doing well. They want to do the same thing, and you become their role models,” Akume said.

Emonefe thanked the President for signing the amended Students Loan Bill into law.

…says any society that fails to build up its youth is doomed

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has reaffirmed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths to reach their full potential.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 17, by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information at the Office of the SGF, Akume emphasised that a society that neglects its youth is destined to fail.

He made these remarks during a courtesy visit to Abuja by a 15-man delegation from the then National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by its President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe.

He said that it’s part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bridge the leadership vacuum by grooming youths for leadership positions to contribute their quota to the economic development of the country.

Having thanked the youth for supporting the Tinubu-led administration, Sen. Akume charged the youths to be role models as their younger ones look up to them for inspiration.

In his words: “You want to be like me, those behind you will also want to be like you. You’ve been to school and you are doing well, they want to do the same thing and you become their role models”.

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Speaking earlier, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Lucky Emonefe thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the amended Students Loans Bill into law which will assuage the plight of Nigerian Students and seek more welfare packages for the Nigerian students.

He acknowledged that though the nation is passing through trying times, he urged Nigerians to be patient with the present administration and shun any act that is capable of destroying lives and property and pleaded that it should be given more time to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda for the prosperity of all Nigerians.

Speaking also during the visit, the President of the All African Students Union (AASU), Comrade Osisiogu Osikenyi Enyinnaya showered encomiums on the SGF for his passionate support to Nigerian Students at the continental level which has contributed immensely to his success story as President of AASU alongside the one-time President of West African Students’ Union (WASU), Comrade Romans Pillah, among other Nigerian Students.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving top priority to the welfare of Nigerian Students through its wonderful policies and assured that the AASU is willing to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu-led administration.

The highlight of the courtesy visit was the conferment of the Patron of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on SGF and the Grand Patron of NANS on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the leadership of NANS.

…As Anyim advocates for institutionalization of secretaries’ roles

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has emphasised the crucial role of secretaries to state governments in translating national policies into concrete action at the state level.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Forum of Secretaries to the Government of the Federation (SGFs) and Secretaries to State Government (SSGs) in Abuja on Thursday, Akume stressed the importance of tailoring policies to meet the unique needs of each state, optimizing resources, and ensuring effective implementation to improve citizens’ lives.

The meeting was themed “Improving Policy Coordination and Implementation for Sustainable National Development: The Roles of Secretaries to the State Governments.”

He highlighted the forum as an opportunity for knowledge sharing, peer reviews, and strengthening linkages between national and sub-national levels of government to drive socio-economic growth and development.

He further noted that unified action across all government levels is essential for achieving national development goals, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to build resilient governance structures.

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Akume underscored the urgency of addressing global issues like climate change, asserting that the role of Secretaries is pivotal in improving the lives of Nigerians through actionable policy outcomes.

“As secretaries to state governments, you bear the immense responsibility of translating national policies into concrete action at the state level. Your roles are crucial in tailoring these policies to the unique needs of your respective states, optimizing resources, and ensuring that programs are effectively implemented to uplift the lives of the citizens you serve.

“This forum presents a unique opportunity for us to share insights, compare notes, and conduct peer reviews on the status of policy implementation across national and sub-national levels. Doing so ensures we strengthen the linkages between our various levels of government and drive the socio-economic growth and development of our country.”

Akume stressed that effective policy coordination and implementation are crucial to achieving the government’s development goals.

“It is important to recall that since the beginning of this administration, Mr. President has introduced bold policies and reform initiatives aimed at revitalizing and repositioning our economy for the benefit of all Nigerians. Naturally, such reforms come with their own set of challenges, as we continue the arduous but rewarding journey of nation-building.”

“The theme of this meeting therefore, and the papers that will be presented, have been carefully chosen to address the specific challenges we face at the sub-national level. These sessions are designed to highlight the critical roles and responsibilities of Secretaries to State Governments, equipping you with the knowledge and tools necessary to assist your principals in effectively governing your states”

“In these challenging times, the importance of policy coordination and implementation is more critical than ever. As Nigeria navigates a complex array of socio-economic, environmental, and security challenges, it is imperative that we take clear, unified action across all levels of government.

“The success of our national agenda depends on how effectively we align federal, state, and local policies—ensuring that they are not only well-conceived but also consistently implemented. Achieving this requires a deep commitment to collaboration and a shared vision of our common goals”

“Furthermore, the rapidly changing global landscape—from economic disruptions to the pressing issue of climate change—demands that we act with urgency and precision. In this context, policy coordination serves as the backbone of national resilience.

“Harmonizing our efforts and working together in synergy, guarantees that we build stronger, more adaptive governance structures that are capable of meeting the diverse needs of our people. Now more than ever, the role of Secretaries to State Governments is pivotal in translating policy into actionable outcomes that directly improve the lives of Nigerians.”

In his keynote address, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim called for the formal institutionalization of the roles of Secretaries to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and State Governments (SSG) to enhance their effectiveness.

Anyim, who was also SGF under the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, highlighted that the current limitations of these roles within the executive branch hinder their operational capacity.

In his paper titled “Institutionalizing Effective Mechanisms and Synergy in the Coordination and Implementation of Government’s Policies and Programme with emphasis on the Functions and Roles of the Secretaries to the State Governments in the Coordination and Implementation of Government Policies and Programmes”, he proposed the establishment of a legal framework to define and protect these positions, emphasising the need for clear roles and improved policy coordination among government entities to foster better governance.

He suggested that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) should create a repository for all government records and policies, ensuring consistency and continuity.

Anyim also identified policy inconsistency as a major reason investors are deterred from investing in the country.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in his goodwill message at the event, commended the timely and critical theme of the forum, “Improving Policy Coordination and Implementation for National Development: The Roles of Secretaries to the Government of the States.”

He stressed the importance of effective policy coordination and implementation in achieving the nation’s developmental goals.

He praised the SGF, for initiating the forum, which provides a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices. He encouraged all participants to engage in robust discussions, foster collaborations, and explore innovative solutions to enhance policy implementation.

Wike underscored the significance of synergy and cooperation between the National and Sub-national entities in fostering harmony and development.

He expressed confidence that the keynote speaker, Ayim, would enrich the discussions with his wealth of experience, leading to fruitful outcomes that will benefit the nation, drive positive change, and propel the country to greater heights.

Other speakers, including FCDO-PERL’s National Programme Manager, Ifeanyi Ugwuoke, highlighted the importance of partnership and knowledge sharing.

A step towards the implementation of the July 11 Supreme Court verdict on local government autonomy was taken yesterday – the federal government inaugurated a 10-man inter-ministerial committee to enforce it.

In its verdict, the apex court declared it unconstitutional for governors to hold and administer funds allocated to local government from the Federation Account.

It ruled that the 774 council areas should manage their funds independent of states and that the allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) should go directly to them and no longer through the State/Local Government Joint Account.

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The court laced the judgment, which was read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, with the fact that the power of the government is portioned into three arms of government, the federal, state and council.

A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen, named the SGF Senator George Akume as chairman of the committee.

The other members include: Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun; Attorney-General of the Federation/Justice Minister, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Budget/Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Accountant-General of the Federation, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Shakirat Madein and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Cardoso.

Other members are: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya; Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation & Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Muhammed Shehu; and representatives of governors and local governments.

The  Akume-led panel’s primary objectives are to ensure that local governments are granted full autonomy and allowing them to function effectively without interference from state governments.

The statement further noted that the step to put an enforcement committee together for the implementation of the Supreme Court decision aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to implement the Constitution’s provisions recognising local governments as the third tier of government.”