The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BUHARI

  • Buhari not shy around women – Presidency

    The Presidency has dismissed the claim by one Gideon Samani that President Muhammadu Buhari is shy around women.

    According to NAN, a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, described the claim, which was published by a national newspaper on Friday, as “totally fallacious.’’

    It stated that the subsequent attribution of the supposedly “low number’’ of female ministerial nominees to President Buhari’s alleged shyness around women was baseless and a figment of the imagination of the said Samani, who was falsely described as the “Senior Special Assistant (Political Matters) to the President.’’

    According to the statement, the assertion by the alleged presidential aide that Buhari is “very shy dealing with the opposite sex’’ because “he has been interacting mostly with men’’, was received by the President with shock and consternation.

    “For one thing, there is no Senior Special Assistant, Political Matters, in the office of the President for now and Mr. Samani who was said to have spoken as the Representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation at a public function yesterday, is not an aide of the President.

    “Samani is certainly not an official spokesman of the President. Therefore, he could not have spoken on behalf of President Buhari, who is the President of all Nigerians, men and women alike.

    “President Buhari has a wife, many daughters and female relatives whom he loves dearly.

    “He also had a mother that he adored. How then could he be shy in the company of women, to the point of allegedly not appointing them into public offices, on account of not being comfortable in their company? ‘’

    The statement, therefore, maintained that Buhari would continue to hold Nigerian women in the highest esteem and would always give them due consideration in the discharge of his official responsibilities.

    “The statements attributed to Samani are untrue and unauthorized. They should therefore be disregarded,’’ the statement.

     

  • Photo: Hungarian delegation visits Aso villa

    Photo: Hungarian delegation visits Aso villa

    President Buhari in a group photo with Vice Prime Minister/Deputy Head of Government of Hungary Dr Semjen Zsolf, Hungarian State Secretary Mr Bus Szilveszter, Col. Rukusz, Chief of Staff Abba Kyari and Perm. Sec. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amb. Z. Lolo and Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kiari during Courtesy Call to the President at the Presidential Villa on Friday
    President Buhari in a group photo with Vice Prime Minister/Deputy Head of Government of Hungary Dr Semjen Zsolf, Hungarian State Secretary Mr Bus Szilveszter, Col. Rukusz, Chief of Staff Abba Kyari and Perm. Sec. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amb. Z. Lolo and Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kiari during Courtesy Call to the President at the Presidential Villa on Friday
    President Buhari welcoming Vice Prime Minister/Deputy Head of Government of Hungary Dr Semjen Zsolf Leader of Hungarian Delegation during Courtesy Call to the President at the Presidential Villa on Friday
    President Buhari welcoming Vice Prime Minister/Deputy Head of Government of Hungary Dr Semjen Zsolf Leader of Hungarian Delegation during Courtesy Call to the President at the Presidential Villa on Friday
    President Buhari welcoming Vice Prime Minister/Deputy Head of Government of Hungary Dr Semjen Zsolf and State Secretary Mr Bus Szilveszter during Courtesy Call to the President at the Presidential Villa on Friday
    President Buhari welcoming Vice Prime Minister/Deputy Head of Government of Hungary Dr Semjen Zsolf and State Secretary Mr Bus Szilveszter during Courtesy Call to the President at the Presidential Villa on Friday

  • Buhari hails NNPC, Agip, Oando on agri programme

    President Muhammadu Buhari has praised the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC)  and its partners, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Oando, for the Green River Project (GRP) which has covered over 120 rural communities and empowered over 35,000 farmers. GRP is the firm’s agric intervention project.

    In an audio-visual message to an agricultural exhibition and Farmers’ Day, organised by NAOC, Buhari explained that the company’s GRP had become more important “now that oil has ceased to be the nation’s cash cow. We have no option, but to turn to agriculture. Diversification of our economy is no longer something to pay lip service to,” he said.

    He unfolded the government’s agricultural development programme aimed at attaining self-sufficiency in food production and yearly export of 10 million tonnes of grains and processed food by 2019  to farmers from Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers states during the celebration.

    The return of marketing corporations is to serve as the main platform of the government’s programme which is also expected to lead to the development of 740,000 market-oriented young agricultural producers from among unemployed youths.

    In the speech delivered on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Sonny Echono, the President said government’s strategies include: establishment of Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP), which will benefit 20,000 school leavers and rural youth leaders in each state of the federation and develop 18,500 university graduates into young agribusiness entrepreneur called “nagropreneurs” and Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprises (AEHEs) – a private sector led mechanisation programme which will inject a total of 6,000 units of tractors and implements, 15,000 power tillers, 20,000 planting and postharvest equipment to mechanise an estimated four million hectares of land nationwide.

    The Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Fulvio Rustico  described the GRP of NAOC as a means to re-enforce a healthy relationship and cooperation between his country and Nigeria.

    The Chairman of NAOC, Mr. Ciro Antonio Pagano with his Vice, Massimo Insulla in their respective remarks spoke on the impact of GRPin the four stakeholder  states.

    They also spoke about the potential of the Project becoming a pivot for the development of the agric sector in Nigeria as it will serve as a major platform for knowledge sharing among farmers, academia, public extension services and agro allied industry.

  • Nigeria needs godly leaders – Buhari

    Nigeria needs godly leaders – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said Nigeria needs leaders with integrity, transparent character, faithfulness and other godly attributes to overcome her current challenges.

    Speaking at the sixth Annual Prayer Breakfast organized by the Christian Legislators Fellowship of Nigeria in Abuja, Thursday, the President said great leaders follow godly principles.

    Buhari, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ibukun Odusote, said, “The time has come for Nigeria to have godly leaders in a permanently changing world. Change, though usually resisted, is the most constant component of life.

    “Thus the need of a Godly leader in our ever changing world cannot be over- emphasized. Whenever God’s people have been without godly leadership, the result has been disastrous.”

    Quoting copiously from the Bible, Buhari used Jesus Christ as example of a great leader.

    The President continued: “Throughout scripture, God has given us various principles for godly leadership.

    “Godly leaders serve others instead of demanding to be served.  Godly leaders need to accept the responsibility which God has given them, and a godly leader must be a man with godly commitments, conduct, character and convictions.

    “Your Excellencies, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, if you love Nigerians, please choose to feed them, not just by words but by your actions at the National Assembly, in the various offices, in the market, in the streets and most especially in the church of God.”

     

     

  • Buhari writes Senate on INEC chairman, commissioners

    Buhari writes Senate on INEC chairman, commissioners

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday wrote the Senate over the appointment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and INEC commissioners.

    The President asked the Senate to confirm the appointments.

  • Buhari hails Akintola Williams’ contribution to national growth

    Buhari hails Akintola Williams’ contribution to national growth

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday greeted the doyen of the accounting profession in Nigeria, Mr. Akintola Williams, on the occasion of his Distinguished Lecture Series.

    Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, hailed the continuing  contributions of Williams to national growth, even at the age of 96, through  the lecture series, which were designed to promote integrity, professionalism and sound corporate governance.

    The President also lauded Williams and the organisers of the annual lecture series on their choice of “Leadership Factors and Good Corporate Governance – Key to National Growth and Development”  as the theme of this year’s lecture.

    He believed that it was a very apt and topical theme as he prepares to inaugurate a new Federal Executive Council to drive the implementation of his administration’s agenda for national renaissance with the support and cooperation of all patriots.

    Buhari also seized the opportunity to congratulate Williams on his 96th birthday anniversary, which was marked recently.

  • ‘Why Buhari should appoint student as aide’

    ‘Why Buhari should appoint student as aide’

    The National Association of Abia State Students (NAASS) has pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint student as his Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs. The group also clamoured for separation of office of the Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs from that of Youth Matters.

    The students spoke through their national president, Okechukwu Kalu, at a press conference in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

    Okechukwu said since there is distinct body overseeing the affairs of the youth, students should be given special attention.

    His words: “The apex youth body is the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) with several other affiliates, while the apex students’ body is National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), which has other student bodies affiliated to it. The mandates of these bodies are clearly different. This is why President Buhari should separate the offices by appointing Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs, who will serve as a liaison officer between the president and students and whose task will differ from Special Assistant on Youth Matters.”

    Okechukwu said president would understand the challenges and problems facing the students better if he separated the offices and appoint a student as his aide.

    The Abia students hailed the president on the nomination of Dr Okechukwu Enyinna, as minister from Abia State. They described Okechukwu’s nomination as well deserved, stressing he is a seasoned technocrat and professional who is qualified to serve the nation in era of change.

  • Buhari appoints Oyo-Ita as Acting HoS

    Buhari appoints Oyo-Ita as Acting HoS

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, as Acting Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

    A statement by Bolaji Adebiyi of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said that the appointment takes effect from Wednesday, October 21.

    Oyo-Ita, who until her appointment, was the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, is from Odukpani local government area of Cross River State.

    “The appointment is “a testimony of Mr. President’s implicit confidence and trust” in her ability to discharge the responsibilities of the office of Head of the Civil Service of the Federation,” the statement added.

     

  • Buhari hails Akintola Williams’ contribution to national development

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday saluted Mr.  Akintola Williams, the renowned doyen of the accounting profession in Nigeria, on the occasion of this year’s Akintola Williams’ Distinguished Lecture Series.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President applauded the continuing contributions of Mr. Williams to national progress and development, even at the grand old age of 96, through the lecture series which were established to promote integrity, professionalism and sound corporate governance in Nigeria.

    President Buhari also commended Mr. Williams and the organizers of the annual lecture series on their choice of “Leadership Factors And Good Corporate Governance – Key to National Growth and Development” as theme of this year’s lecture.

    He believed that it is a very apt and topical theme as he prepares to inaugurate a new Federal Executive Council to drive the implementation of his administration’s agenda for national renaissance with the support and cooperation of all patriots and stakeholders in the well-being of Nigeria.

     

  • How Buhari can succeed, by Nebo

    How Buhari can succeed, by Nebo

    Former Minister of Power Prof. Chinedu Nebo spoke with reporters in Ikole –Ekiti, Ekiti State, shortly after his installation as a honorary chief, on his experience as a key member of the Jonathan administration and expectations about the Buhari government. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA was there.

    What does being conferred with Atayese of Ikole land mean to you?

    I really don’t know whether to call it a recognition or chieftaincy title, even though there is a title to it. I feel gratified and extremely happy that the people of Ikole apppreciate the work that I did while serving as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti. The university has two campuses; one at Oye and the other at Ikole. I feel very happy that even now that I’m no longer in office, they chose to recognise me.

    How do you react to the belief that President Buhari’s body language has led to improved power supply?

    I don’t know the kind of body language that would turn around the system that took many years to put in place and change it. Nobody’s body language did that. The fact is, those who were sabotaging the power sector decided to stop. Only God knows who was doing it before,because as we talk today, not a single bursting of the gas pipeline has occurred since President Buhari’s inception. So, if it is the body language that is making the haters and traitors of Nigeria to stop, glory be to God. But, I don’t think so; I think it is sabotage. Some people were orchestrating the sabotage because they didn’t like the previous government and now that previous government is no more, they feel that that they have achieved their aim, because everything you are seeing today is a labour of the past adminsitration.

    The current administration has not added any value to the current power situation in the country.

    Do you believe that the Igbo have been sidelined in key appointments so far?

    There is the humour in everything, if you want to calm tensions. I use to describe three or four types of caps: the type my Yoruba brother here is wearing is what I call the OPC solidarity cap, the type I used to wear, I call it the marginalisation and the type that our Hausa brothers wear is what I call the power shift cap. So, I use to describe the various caps to depict the place where you are coming from. You see, the Igbos are essentially marginalised, there is no doubt about that. But, President Buhari hasn’t finished his appointments and I believe that by and large, he is going to accommodate the Igbos in his appointment. So, I don’t think there is any reason for anybody to worry over Buhari. Of course, he might be slow in doing some things, but the Igbos should also realise that the government job is not the best. My thoughts, my prayer for my Igbo people is that we should rather be the Taiwan or Japan of Africa by looking to the President to provide the enabling environment for such thing, because we need to be in areas of our best capacity and I believe industrialisation is that area.

    So, I believe that Buhari would eventually open the door for the Ndigbos. Of course, you know that the Igbos did not vote for him during the elections, so we understand why he is taking his time in appointing them. But, because he is the father of the whole nation now, we expect that he would open the doors for all. We are all Nigerians, whether you voted for him or not; this is the time for us to come together and work to develop the country; that is the way to build a formidable nation.

    What should President Buhari do to consolidate on the gains in the power sector?

    President Buhari would do wonders in the sector if he promotes enbedded generation and also strengthen the  transmission infrastructure. Each power plant takes years of gestation; three, four, five or six years to build a 25400 megawatts station.

    That is one thousand megawatts in a year; and you can do 100 of them, which would translate to 2000 megawatts in a year. So, Nigeria can leapfrog by doing embedded generation and one advice that I wish to also give is to change the requirement for licensing from one megawatts to five megawatts; so that it would not be necessary ask for a licence generate less than five megawatts. Today, one requires licence to generate one megawatts and that doesn’t give room for industries that need only two or three megawatts; they go through the rigour of procuring a licence. But, if you fix it at five MW, it would make the country leapfrog. So, I believe embedded generation and the strengthening of the transmission infrastructure so that the power that is generated is easily transmitted. Embedded generation is something that is wonderful because you don’t need the transmission, it goes straight to distribution; it can be captive power where you just give to manufacturing clusters, agricultural clusters, free trade zone clusters and things like that and you just give them power wihout any encumberances. The President should very strongly support the privatisation exercise.

    If invited to serve in any capacity under President Buhari, would you oblige?

    Well, I’m not God. The body language that many are talking about does not indicate that they are looking for any of us. Many of us are getting jobs internationally, but am not really interested. I think I have paid my dues; I have been Vice Chancellor twice in two federal universities, and the universities I headed are among the top 16 in this country. I have paid my dues, I have been Minister of Power and by the grace of God, I helped to midwife the privatisation exercise that is improving the power sector now. I think I have done well. So, if I’m invited and I pray about it and the Lord gives me the leading, I would be happy to serve my country and I must be frank with you, I think I really deserve to be given time to do my own things now that I still have a lot of blood in my body, and strong enough to continue for several years. I should be allowed to set up my own company, you know, do things that I know would be better for the country, would help create jobs for the young people because I will never stop mentoring the young people. I will always mentor the young people, whether in engineering, the power sector or especially the academia.

    After all these, what is next?

    What I’m doing now is to set up an engineering consulting firm and I have been talking with international partners who are interested. And a lot of things would have to be done on the Nigerian power sector because I think one of the greatest ways of leapfrogging in industrial revolution is to get better power supply and because I remember it was when I was Minister of Power that a new impetus would be the Nebo Energy and I want to see the Nebo Energy to take on a very critical stand in the entire country I would like to help the government to achieve that and would also like to personally ensure that that happens because I know Nigeria would benefit tremendously from it and at the same time, because of my deep concern about the marginalisation of the poor Nigerian child whether in the village or rural areas or those who didn’t go to school where they are supposed to, I also want to be invloved in developing the educational curricular and developing technical digitals, devices that would help young people be able to pass their school certificate well, be able to pass their JAMB well and be able to go to the university.

    Who is your inspiration?

    My inspiration is my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ because He is the greatest mentor. Somebody who could pick up people who could have thought that they were worthless and bring them to a place of global prominence as His apostles and disciples, that is mentoring and if you look at the Holy Bible, you would see God, our heavenly father, mentoring people, whether it is Abraham, or Isaac, or Jacob, or Daniel or Joseph or any of those prophets and even the kings who were obedient. So, mentoring I thing is very critical because all of us need mentoring. You could be very bright but if you don’t have a mentor who would guide you. Mentors are catalysts that help the mentored get to the top. I like to see young people mentored. To the glory of God I have mentored many who have become Vice Chancellors now. Many of those who worked with me while I was leading the varsities are now V.C themselves. These were people who were my right hands when I was serving and they have become V.Cs of universities not just in the ones I have served, and I give God the glory for that. And I have some in my field of engineering that I have mentored too. Some are also in the priesthood too. I am sure you know that some of those vibrant preachers in this country are engineers. Yes God is my inspiration and I think that one of the ways we can create a generation that is coming after us and would do better than we are doing now is to encourage them, and  give them a shoulder they can lean on or a back they can climb on so that they can get their target.