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Tag: Ayoola Lawal

  • Xenophobia: APC diaspora commends legislators for S/Africa trip

    Xenophobia: APC diaspora commends legislators for S/Africa trip

    A global affairs analyst and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavian chapter, Ayoola Lawal has commended the decision of the leadership of the House of Representatives to travel with the officials of Nigeria foreign affairs to South Africa to engage the parliament of South Africa on the senseless xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationalities.

    In a statement made available to newsmen Lawal strongly condemned the action of the South African people describing it as one of a troglodyte as well as the lackadaisical attitude of the President Zuma-led administration on the barbaric attacks on fellow Africans.

    It will be recalled earlier that Nigerian Senate strongly condemned the attacked and called on the federal government to review Nigeria’s foreign policies in the interest of Nigerians in diaspora.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Matters, Rep Rita Orji also condemned in strong terms and called the attention of Nigerians to the “alleged slothful attitude of the Federal Government towards the protection of Nigerians outside the country saying that the government paid more interest in remittance from citizens abroad and not their welfare”.

    Ayoola noted that even if Nigerians can be considered lawful in exercising “our voting right, it will be more unfair to the Nigerians in Diaspora if they cannot be fully protected and their safety assured in countries with Nigerian consulates.

    “I strongly share the same perspective on the questions credited to Hon. Orji; Are Nigerians in Diaspora dear only to the government of Nigeria because of their remittance to the country? Has the federal government taken any assured steps that incessant unlawfully killings of Nigerians abroad are being taken care of?

    “Why is the federal government not taking a critical look at what Nigerians in Diaspora face in the countries that they are while the government is over-protecting the businesses and interests of South Africans to the detriment of Nigeria? And why would this conspiracy of silence linger while blood is being shed; while Nigerians are being killed like chicken in various countries? Nigerians are becoming endangered species.“Must we protect the foreign interest to the detriment of Nigerians. These are incisive questions that deserve real but not political answers.

    “Must we protect foreign interest to the detriment of Nigerians. These are incisive questions that deserve real but not political answers. One thing I’m sure of with the American and the advanced countries’ government is they stand tall in the interest of their citizen first. Why not us? especially against the ingrate South Africans that we sacrificed several resources of Nigerians to liberate from the clutches of evil apartheid.

    “I implore the acting president to take the bull by the horn and do the needful by taking a decisive action in protecting the interest of Nigerians in South Africa now and in the future and look into the review of our foreign policies in the interest of Nigeria. I’m confident that our esteem legislators both in the senate and house of representatives will support him and expedite any action necessary from their part,” he said.

     

  • Buhari: APC diaspora condemns death rumour

    Buhari: APC diaspora condemns death rumour

    • Charges presidential media team on information management

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Scandinavia chapter, Ayoola Lawal, has called on villain individuals to stop peddling and spreading ill rumours of the death of President Muhammadu Buhari, who is on vacation in the United Kingdom contrary to death rumour.

    According to him, apart from the President’s age and the demand for his office, a routine check-up and break from work is an ideal habit to allow for refuelling of the body and soul.

    The APC Chief spoke with journalists in Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos, Nigeria after his courtesy visit to the newly elected Federal House of Representative member representing Ifako Ijaiye/ Ojokoro constituency, Hon. Akinwunmi Nurudeen.

    Recall that Hon Nurudeen was elected after the untimely death of late Hon. Adewale Elijah Oluwatayo.

    Further speaking about the rumour of Buhari’s death, Lawal observed that the President needs all the supports and prayers for his administration to deliver on the electoral promises rather than wishing him death.

    “It is naturally absurd to me reading the rumour about the death of an individual. I tend to think that those selling that news never thought of the families and the loved ones of those they are spreading their fake death news.

    “Sometimes, reading about our own obituary could serve as a wake-up call, in terms of our story in other people’s life, though, and late Alfred Nobel was a typical example.

    “However, I implore all and sundry to get the fact right before spreading information especially in this new age of social media. President Buhari and his team need and deserve our supports and prayers for his tenure to make meaning to Nigeria and Nigerians,” he said.

    The APC chief further advised the Presidential media team on effective information management, especially as concerning the President, on who is everyone’s attention.

    Lawal observed: “To be candid, President Buhari is the first leader in Nigeria to officially embrace the New Media as a crucial part of the media team. It is, therefore, uncalled for if both the digital media specialists and the conventional publicity and media advisers fail to adequately manage the information about the President to the point where rumour was almost causing chaos in the country.

    “Malam Garba Shehu, Mr Femi Adesina, Tolu Ogunlesi and everyone on the media team may need to wake up to the challenges and avoid such information mismanagement in the future. There are ways to keep the enemy of progress mute, but if the bearer of truth keeps quiet then falsehood may be accepted for truth instead. I cannot teach them their jobs because I believe the President chose them wisely.

    “May God grant Mr President a speedy recovery and long life in great health. Long live Nigeria. Long live President Buhari. Long live APC.”

  • APC diaspora mourns party leader in South Africa

    APC diaspora mourns party leader in South Africa

    The Leadership, members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Diaspora on Thursday mourned the death of the party’s leader in South Africa, Festus Ogbeide.

    Speaking to The Nation through a statement, the heavy-hearted party leadership in diaspora maintained that the news of the death of Festus came as an utmost shock and disbelief.

    “The news of the death of our dear brother, compatriot and one of the leaders of our Party, the All progressives Congress (APC) in South Africa Festus Ogbeide, came unexpectedly. This is too much of a shock for us.

    “On behalf of all members and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the Diaspora, we mourn the sudden death of our compatriot Festus Ogbeide, of APC South Africa in fatal car crash in South Africa in the early hours of Sunday, 8th January 2017.

    “Festus, how could we possibly even contemplate that you will leave us so suddenly and so violently? Your life was driven by a belief in Nigeria and you were constantly networking, contributing and mobilising to see a democratised, egalitarian and prosperous country.

    “The energy and leadership you brought especially into the 2015 Presidential campaign on behalf of our party’s candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari and governorship candidates in different states are testimonies.

    “No doubt, Nigerian youths have lost a tireless campaigner and an advocate for youth empowerment and positive affirmative political leadership opportunities in Nigeria. You carry the torch of your distinguished Alma Mata, May flower School Ikenne, founded by Tai Solarin with distinction.

    “The outpouring of grief from party members and supporters especially in the Diaspora and numerous youth organisations is a testament to the impact you made in your very productive and memorable, but short sojourn on this side of eternity. All of us in the leadership of APC in various countries outside of Nigeria will miss you very dearly.

    “We commiserate with your wife, children and family for the gaping void your death has brought into their lives. Words fail us to console them. We can only pray that the Almighty God grant them and all who knew you the fortitude to bear the loss, and carry on the crusading torch for democracy and Youth leadership in Nigeria, as you so honourably and courageously carried in your life time.

    “Rest in Peace, Patriot. May your Children see and enjoy the Nigeria of your dream,” the statement said.

    The statement was signed by Ayoola R. Lawal, APC Scandinavia; Mr Tony Isama, APC USA; Dr. Philip Idaewor, APC UK; Stephen Adeayo Tella, APC Spain; Chief Mohammed S. Olanrewaju Balogun, APC France; Lawrence Adesola Adelekan, APC Philipine; Mr Olalekan Ogunwede, APC Germany.

    Others include Prince Hammed Adefioye, APC Republic of Ireland; Chief Victor Bruno Omoregbe, APC Republic of Benin; Charlies O. Micheletti, APC Ghana; Prince Chima Ibezim, APC Italy; Elas Abone, APC Canada.

  • Join politics: Lawal commends Adeboye for advising Christians

    Join politics: Lawal commends Adeboye for advising Christians

    The announcement of the retirement of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye on Saturday further depicts that he is an inspirational leader, said Ayoola Lawal, Chairman All Progressives Congress (APC), Scandinavia Chapter.

    Elated Lawal commended the respected Pastor, being the first of all the mainstream church leaders in Nigeria to openly comply with the new law promulgated by the Financial Regulation Commission, FRC.

    According to the APC Scandinavia Chief, this reflects his value and uniqueness as a leader.

    “I was very pleased and inspired when I read a statement credited to him calling on all his followers and the members of RCCG to go and register in a political party of their choice for them to be active influencers in the electoral process right from the ward level.

    “I pray all other mainstream church leaders will follow suit by calling on all their church members and followers across the globe to join a political party of their choice and be actively involved also.

    “Since these leaders influence millions of minds across the global, their pronouncement, I believe will make a huge difference in the number of Nigerians that will show interest in politics both at home and diaspora and this will be a positive development for the political institution of Nigeria.

    “In the nearest future, this will apparently translate to a more robust political development for our nation in which ideas and patriotism will be the hallmark of Nigerian political institution and not just money and political godfatherism,” he said.

  • Sambisa: APC diaspora commends FG, military

    Sambisa: APC diaspora commends FG, military

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Scandinavian Chapter, Ayoola Lawal, on Wednesday commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led for the victory of the Nigerian Military in capturing the dreaded Samibisa forest in the far North-Eastern State of Borno.
    “I commend Mr President for his courage and political will of delivering on his electoral promise of defeating the deadly terrorist group and make Nigeria safe again for the citizens and foreigners.”
    The APC Scandinavia Chief went on to state that the success of Sambisa operations is a pointer that authentic leadership matters and the people can achieve anything if they set their minds to it and are ready to pay the ultimate sacrifice.
    “I also commend the efforts of the Army service chiefs, security operatives, our brave armed men and women for the ultimate sacrifice of making our country safe and habitable again.
    “Now that the Sambisa operations, which is both intelligence- driven and as well tactical military onslaughts as dislodged the terrorist and they are now fleeing, I implore Nigerians to be very wary of the fleeing insurgents who will definitely use any means including disguising to escape.
    “I call on the civilian citizens to continue to play their part by reporting to the appropriate authorities if they notice anything strange activities within their environments.
    “I hope that the capturing of the key leaders of deadly groups will lead to the rescue of the remaining Chibok girls that were abducted a few years ago.
    “As Boko Haram insurgency is now becoming a thing of the past in the annal of Nigeria, my heart and prayers go to the families of all our fallen heroes and heroines in this ultimate sacrifice in keeping our lives and territory safe. May their souls continue to rest in peace and God continues to grant the families the fortitude to bear the loss.
    “It is a clarion call on Mr President and the appropriate authorities to have an understanding in granting amnesty to the so-called mutiny soldiers, treat them with dignity and respect and give them the best support to see meaning in serving one´s country again.
    “The families of our fallen heroes and heroines in this ultimate operations right from the inception till the end of the operations should not be neglected but be well-taken care of,” he said.
  • APC Scandinavia charges Senate on 2017 budget

    APC Scandinavia charges Senate on 2017 budget

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavian Chapter, Ayoola Lawal has called on the Nigerian Senate to prioritise the 2017 budget in favour of Nigerian masses.
    In an exclusive telephone interview with The Nation, Lawal observed that given that the masses are worst hit by the current economic situation in the country, “It becomes imperative for the Senate to put all controversies and differences aside in order to address germane economic issues concerning the budget.”
    He further observed that the best time to iron out everything as regards the budget for 2017 is now, noting that December 2016 is over already. He stressed that the budget should be well scrutinised but promptly passed to allow for speedy implementations.
    “If the Senate fails to work in alignment with the Federal Government to improve the state of the economy by ensuring that the budget tackles important aspects, several Nigerians may result to crooked ways to survive.
    Ayoola Lawal, Chairman, APC Scandinavia
    Ayoola Lawal, Chairman, APC Scandinavia

    “Some are already dependent on different sources of quick money making systems and may become a potential challenge if the systems crash if just a suspension of withdrawal from MMM has reportedly caused scare among some people. Especially, our brilliant and vibrant youths.

    “As the Federal Government is currently working on ways to diversify the economy to ensure that we are more of an exporting Nation rather than an over depending on imported good, the economic team needs to be more strategic in the prompt adjustment of any necessary policy for the best implementation of the budget. Therefore, our people will be  engaged in different endeavours that will help instil the entrepreneurial mindset.”
    According to the APC Scandinavia Chief, the current state of the country’s economy is not encouraging as Nigerians are complaining daily. He further noted that, although the Senate may not be aware of the cost of things per unit value, “the price of all household commodities has skyrocketed, making it difficult for the people to afford even a meal per day.”
    Lawal, therefore, urged the Nigerian Senate to reflect in the outcome of plenaries concerning the budget that they truly represent the voices of their constituencies.
    “The change that we seek starts with us all,” he summed.
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  • Diaspora Nigerians decry lack of ambassadors

    Diaspora Nigerians decry lack of ambassadors

    Few months after the official screening of the Ambassadorial nominees by the senate committee on foreign affairs, Nigeria is still without any Ambassador in any foreign mission except charge de Affairs.
    The Nigerians both home and in the diaspora deserve to know the reasons behind the non-confirmation of the Ambassadorial nominees by the senate till date. President Muhammadu Buhari already revealed that he decided on the career ambassadors for frugality, adding that the Nigeria economy can not conveniently maintain political appointees at the moment.
    I believe the senate knows and understand the vital roles of Ambassadors in foreign mission especially during the time of recession of any country.
    Apart from the Ambassador being the diplomatic representative of one country in another and the administrative responsibility, the broad set of social and political responsibilities of the Ambassadors have a long way in enhancing trade partnerships and social and cultural alliance in which, if well muzzled across the globe could definitely assist in getting our country out of recession.
    We could take a lesson from the United Kingdom during 2008 financial recession. Between late 2009 and  early 2010, a total number of 25 additional Business Ambassadors were added to the normal UK Ambassadors in foreign missions. Their decision to create and add to the normal Ambassadorial network was basically for them to be able to increase the overall number of international business engagements that they will undertake and to widen the specialist sector coverage they were able to offer.
    During the recession the normal Ambassadors and the Business Ambassadors played critical roles in helping to restore confidence in United Kingdom’s business by getting positive trade and investment messages out to the front line and as well to potential customers and investors across the globe. This method was adopted by the UK in exporting quelling the recession.
    It is a clarion call for our esteem senators and leaders to expedite action on the approval of the ambassadorial nominees and also encourage the Federal government to learn from the tested and tried methods of the UK and other countries and see if it could be another success story for us.
    I can categorically inform that the Ambassadors from the Scandinavia countries to Nigeria constantly invite and lead business delegations to Nigeria trying to connect possibilities and encourage trade partnership. One of such business delegations to Nigeria from Sweden to be led by the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria is on the way in few weeks in conjunction with the official visit of the Swedish Minister of Trade and EU Affairs.
    I know the senate leadership wants Nigeria out of recession as soon as possible and it will not hesitate to expedite action on any endeavour that will contribute to existing Nigeria from the recession.
    Good bless the Nigerian Senate
    Good bless Nigeria.
    Ayoola Lawal,Chairman, 
    Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavia,
    writes from Sweden.
  • Lawal condemns PDP over call for Buhari’s resignation

    Lawal condemns PDP over call for Buhari’s resignation

    • encourage Nigerians to work for the good of all

    The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavian chapter, Ayoola Lawal has vehemently condemned the calls from some quarters for the resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    It will be recalled that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) recently called for the resignation of the President over the current economy situation in the Country, a move Lawal described as insensate and rakish.

    According to Lawal in a statement over the weekend, the call for President Buhari’s resignation to instigate chaos by playing on emotion and suffering of the people caused by the same opposition party, is a move that is dead on arrival.

    His words: “It is well known and established that the present administration is not the cause of the inevitable recession Nigeria and her people are passing through right now, even if the solution has to be from it.

    “I sometimes ask myself what has happened to the values of integrity and honor that Nigerians were once known for. The very mentally sick people, who looted the collective wealth of the Nigerians and presently causing pain and suffering for million of Nigerians, while painting the convincing image and deceiving the world that Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa and the state of our economy is very robust when Nigeria was secretly blending to meet up her financial obligations, are also the very people calling for the resignation of the Mr. President when they can no longer run away from the reality of facing the wrath of the law.

    “In the light of the Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC) uncovering of unfathomable stealing and senseless looting, they now want to use the masses as the proxy to achieve the aim they could not naturally achieve by playing on the emotions of suffering Nigerians to ignite chaos, but the truth is that Nigerians are wiser than yesterday.

    “Truth be told, times are hard, but Nigerians should brace up for worse things to get better. So help us, God. Many other countries around the world are suffering same. Ours is only bad because past administration failed, like Mr President said, to save for the raining day.

    “It is a known fact that the strength of any country is often judged by the strength of her economy and it is undeniable that over dependent on mono-economy for so long without saving and investing for rainy days always lead to pain and suffering for a nation that her leaders intentionally refused to plan ahead for the citizens and be proactive for the well being of the governed.”

    The APC Scandinavia chief implore all Nigerians to be patient and continuously demand accountability from elected leaders.

    “It will be amazing if the majority of Nigerians in diaspora continue to contribute their bit to the development of Nigeria especially in these trying times and refuse to slip into the half-glass-empty perspective about Nigeria and Africa.

    “Let us support the present administration and always remember Mr. President Buhari and his ministers in prayer for success in the revamping of our dear Nation, Nigeria,” he summed.

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  • Sweden, Lagos to collaborate on waste to energy development

    Sweden, Lagos to collaborate on waste to energy development

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare has received in audience, Prof. Nazdaneh Yarahmadi, SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden and the VINNOVA, the Swedish government agency that administers state funding for the research and development’s project leader, representing the team from Sweden.

    The meeting, which had the Director, Legal and Advisory Services, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mrs Yinka Adeyemi in attendance, was aimed at discussing the importance of waste management and waste to energy development in the State.

    Dr. Adejare opened the meeting by expressing the importance of waste management to Lagos State. He specifically mentioned and highlighted his gratitude to the Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavian Chapter, Ayoola Lawal, for organizing the meeting.

    According to Professor Kim Bolton, Researcher from University of Borås, this project is firmly based on, and extends, the present UDI project, which is based on establishing facts and tools to measure and predict the technical status of pipelines for water, sewage and energy distribution.

    “We will investigate the demand for these solutions in Nigeria. At the same time we will extend these activities to waste management, which we know is a challenge in Nigeria and where we have begun cooperation. In order to give the pre-study a concrete and manageable activity, we will focus on the piping systems used in water and sewage systems, as well as waste management via recovery to energy. In addition, the project will investigate methods and partners for implementation of the innovations that are identified as most possible to succeed.

    “SP, 4IT, FOV Fabrics AB and University of Borås, together with support from Sweden Water Research, WIN, and the know-how accumulated in the Swedish water industry can deliver enormous value to countries like Nigeria, and at the same time provide a great economic potential return. The consortium has extensive experience in international projects as well as strong and relevant networks in Nigeria,” Bolton said.

    At the meeting, Mrs Adeyemi introduced the VINNOVA project and presented LAWMA’s interest in the project while Prof. Yarahmadi and colleague explained the outcome of the project in some detail as well as the meetings that were held with Lagos State University and LAWMA. We also described our visit to the Olusosun landfill as well as the material sorting facility that is located near Ojo, an outskirt area of Lagos. We presented our admiration at the progress that has been made at the material sorting plant during the past five years, and expressed our interest to support further development of material sorting in Lagos.

    Adejare recounted interesting and relevant details of the current and future development in waste handling in the state.

    “There are plans to introduce new trucks for waste management and to develop new landfill sites. The material sorting plant outside Ojo may be closed since it is located too close to a local hospital,” the commissioner said.

    The commissioner confirmed that the project is timely and that it can support the planned development in Lagos. He gave further assurance for the collaboration and co-creation of innovations between Sweden and Lagos.

  • Minister takes FDI talks to Sweden

    Minister takes FDI talks to Sweden

    The Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Adam Sulaiman alongside his team has met with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Inclusive Business Sweden, Mike Debelak and his partners in Stockholm, Sweden to discuss collaborative initiatives.

    The focus of the meeting is aimed at driving collaborative initiatives between Nigeria and Swedish/ European organizations in the key areas of water sanitation, capacity building and youth empowerment in agribusiness.

    The minister made it known that all the ministries and departments are working hand in hand to deliver on the Buhari administration goals to Nigerians.

    Sulaiman further noted that there are several concessions for organizations that are willing to invest in Nigeria, adding that the government is providing 70% investment security for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Agribusiness in Nigeria.

    Present at the progressive meeting, the Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavia Chapter, Ayoola Lawal, commended the initiative, encouraging other Ministers to seek out collaborative initiatives like Hon. Sulaiman.

    “There are lots of opportunities in Europe that Nigeria can benefit from just the East African countries are currently tapping every opportunity they deemed fit for nation building,” Lawal stressed.

    At the end of the meeting, the Minister thanked the Inclusive Business team and his partners and he said that he is happy that meeting marks the beginning of win-win collaboration between Sweden and Nigerian organisations.

    He thanked Mr. Adebola Adekiitan of FLEESD Nigeria and the Chairman of APC Scandinavia, Lawal for the concerted efforts on the initiatives.