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Tag: Femi Adesina

  • Buhari welcomes investments from Japan Bank, Toyota

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday assured international investors that bureaucratic bottlenecks militating against business in Nigeria are now being removed by his administration.

    Buhari, speaking at a meeting with top officials of Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and Toyota Group, on the sidelines of  the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 7), in Yokohama, Japan, said Japanese investors should give Nigeria a trial.

    Led by its Deputy Governor, Mr Nobumitsu Hayashi, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation indicated its interest in supporting projects in which Japanese companies are involved in Nigeria.

    The bank said it had lots of resources dedicated for that purpose, and would be interested in oil and gas and investments in infrastructure.

    Buhari, according to his Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, welcomed the bank, and drew attention to the Ease of Doing Business introduced by government to provide a conducive environment for businesses to operate.

    Read Also: Buhari woos foreign investors with high profits

    At a bilateral meeting with Toyota Tsusho, a part of the Toyota conglomerate, President/CEO of the group, Ichiro Kashitani, indicated interest in sectors like energy, healthcare and automobiles, saying Toyota would be delighted to have presence all over Nigeria.

    Kashitani spoke of Toyota Tsusho’s interest in building  an advanced medical diagnostics centre, which would foreclose need for foreign travel to obtain cutting edge medical diagnosis.

    President Buhari urged the group to also consider setting up a car assembly plant, noting that Nigeria had the capacity to absorb the investment for positive returns.

    At another meeting with the Prime Minister of Algeria, Noureddine Bedoui, President Buhari counseled that the political programme in the country be faithfully executed, which would lead to general elections as soon as possible.

  • What investors stand to gain in Nigeria, by Buhari

    INVESTMENT opportunities in Nigeria are not only attractive, they have some of the highest returns-on-investment globally, President Muhammadu Buhari told participants on Thursday at the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) in Tokyo, Japan.

    Presenting Nigeria’s statement at Plenary Session Three on “Public-Private Business Dialogue” at the TICAD7, he took advantage of the forum to market the country’s potential to foreign investors.

    According to  a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said he looked forward to prospective investors making inroads in power and renewable energy, petrochemical and gas, maritime (shipping and ports), automobiles, mining, agribusiness, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, ICT and railway, which he classified as priority sectors.

    Urging investors to take advantage of ongoing reforms being carried out by his administration, Buhari added: “I have also established a Presidential Committee on Enabling Business Environment, which is made up of key Ministries and prominent businessmen to promote the Ease of Doing Business and make Nigeria more attractive and competitive for investment.

    “Our administration is committed to removing all impediments to private sector participation in these sectors by creating policies that will ensure consistency, predictability and a level playing field for all.”

    He identified power, transportation, infrastructure, maritime/shipping, agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, petro-chemicals, food processing and textiles among others, as “key drivers to the diversification” of the local economy as well as “priority areas that will drive our Economic Agenda.” The President said he looked forward to “welcoming prospective investors to Nigeria.”

    Reviewing the Nigeria-Japan relations, President Buhari commended the existing bonds of friendship and economic cooperation between both countries, describing the Asian country as “a strategic partner for our socio-economic development.”

    He explained Nigeria’s intention to “further encourage relationships with key public and private sector stakeholders” in both nations.

    Read Also: I’m not dictating to Judiciary, says Buhari

    The President hailed the level of “discussions on the establishment of the Japan-Nigeria Business Facilitation Council, an initiative of the Japanese government, which would be launched on our return to Nigeria.” He added: “I look forward to positive reports of increased trade and investment between Nigeria and Japan from these initiatives.”

    Describing the TICAD forum as important to Nigeria, President Buhari said: “It coincides with the period when the country is faced with a number of challenges that affect our economy.”

    Noting that his administration “has put in place measures seeking to diversify the economy by developing agriculture, emphasising on manufacturing and addressing the energy and infrastructure deficit,” he expressed confidence that, “with these, we shall be placing Nigeria on the path of rapid growth and sustainable development.

    President Buhari stressed: “TICAD is also coming at a time when our government is implementing home-grown and private sector-driven economic measures that are predicated on good governance, infrastructure and human capital development as well as, business climate reform.”

    The above domestic measures, he explained, informed his invitation to “the private sector to come and invest in Nigeria.”

    According to him, “Nigeria and indeed Africa, expect much from this forum in terms of investment, considering the role of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in all economies – developed and developing.”

    President Buhari also expressed Nigeria’s gratitude to the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, “for his unwavering commitment to strengthen trade and investment between Japan and Africa through various initiatives, partnership and support of the Japanese Government.”

    He sought the support of the Asian government in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea as well as illegal fishing in that region.

    The President made the request during a bilateral meeting between the Nigerian delegation and Japanese officials, led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, on the margins of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7).

    Buhari, who commended Abe for the invitation extended to him to attend the triennial forum, also thanked the Japanese government for attending the pioneer celebration of June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria.

    Prime Minister Abe pledged a $300,000 support for Nigeria’s Defence College and 12 million Yen for the country’s public health sector.

    He also promised his country’s support for Nigeria’s Presidency of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, while seeking Nigeria’s support for Japan’s bid to occupy some global positions.

    Also yesterday in Yokohama, Nigeria and the European Union (EU) signed a €50 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support humanitarian and development efforts in the country’s Northeast region.

    The pact, which was signed by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, and EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Mr. Neven Mimica, would bring EU’s support to the country to €562 million for 2014-2020.

    President Buhari, who thanked the EU member states for their support especially for the North East, described as “pathetic the situation in internally displaced camps.”

    He also called for further assistance to improve youth education in the region to take them out of poverty.

    Mimica said Nigeria’s request for enhanced assistance would be given priority consideration since it had come at the time that the EU was in the process of preparing its seven-year budget.

  • ‘Nigerians indulging in crime abroad bad envoys’

    NIGERIANS who take to crime abroad are bad ambassadors of their fatherland and do not represent the values of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari said in Yokohama, Japan, on Thursday.

    He spoke at a meeting with leaders of the Nigerian Community living in Japan on the sidelines of the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7).

    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, quoted the President as saying: “Let me also say that there are few Nigerians in the Diaspora that are giving us a bad name by engaging in criminal activities. These Nigerians are a minority. They do not represent the values of our country, and I plead with them to change their ways.

    “We will not condone any crime, whether at home or abroad, and we will also not allow these Nigerians define us as a people with reputation for criminality.”

    Urging Nigerians in Japan to be good ambassadors, Buhari said: “I am personally very happy that there are millions of Nigerians all over the world, like you here, who are truly making us proud.”

    Describing majority of the over 17 million Nigerians in the Diaspora as “the face of Nigeria globally and our ambassadors for good,” the President noted: Many of our Diasporans, like your good selves here today, have excelled in varying fields of endeavor, both professionally and individually.

    “You have also made significant and overwhelmingly positive contributions to your Nigerian and international host communities. You have continually been a positive bridge between Nigeria and the world. It is not an easy feat and we commend you, salute your courage and efforts.”

    Noting that “Japan is at the cutting edge of technology and efficiency, two very important attributes that can play a role in Nigeria and improve our capacity for development,” President Buhari urged Nigerians to continue to contribute their quota by helping to develop their host country and fatherland as well.

    “I look forward to your inborn gift, ability, and capacity in taking up this challenge”, he told his audience.

    Commending many of them who are already “positively impacting the Nigerian economy through remittances, promoting international trade in Nigerian commodities, our music, culture, tourism, sports, and education, while also helping to establish industries in Nigeria,” the President urged them “to encourage legitimate Japanese entrepreneurs to come and invest in Nigeria.”

    He said: “We are continually working to create the necessary enabling environment for investors to thrive, through improvements in our Ease of Doing Business practices, providing security, diversification of the economy, infrastructure and fighting corruption.

    “We have put in place the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERPG) to put the country on a path of sustained recovery and growth.”

    Explaining the rationale for his regular meetings with Nigerians abroad and the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the President said: “As you are aware, I have regularly held town hall meetings with Nigerians in the Diaspora on all my foreign engagements be they in Europe, Asia, America and Africa.

    Read Also: National Assembly won’t fail Buhari, says Lawan

    “At these fora, I have always, appealed to our citizens to be our good ambassadors, observe the laws of your host countries, excel in whatever you do legitimately, and also remember us at home (Nigeria).

    “I have established the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission specifically to engage with you, signifying a coordinated attempt by our administration to increase the involvement of our Diaspora in our national development.

    “Collectively, your resources, skills, and talents will be a positive force for our country which can help accelerate our national growth and development.”

    The Chairman of the Diaspora Commission, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who coordinated the parley, described the President as “the most Diaspora-friendly leader we have had in Nigeria.”

    She described the meeting as a “parade of the brightest and best of our citizens, plying their trade in Japan. They included academics, industrialists, top businessmen, scientists, economists, and many others.

    Professor Ejiogu Emenike, President, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Asia (NIDOASIA) and an energy expert, commended President Buhari for efficient leadership. He disclosed that his members have “comparative advantages in human capital development, which we are trying to bring back to Nigeria.”

    He added: “Any problem that science and technology can solve, we are able to, and we can help Nigeria in areas of need.”

    Ochade Osakwe, Chairman, Nigeria/Japan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, recounted businesses that have been  attracted to Nigeria in recent times, promising to do more, as the security and investment climates back home improved further.

    Nnaji Fintan, President, Nigerian Union in Japan, asked for more exploits in the areas of education, quality infrastructure and security, which incidentally, are focal points of the current administration.

  • Buhari congratulates Oyetola on Supreme Court victory

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State on the Supreme Court judgement that affirmed his victory in the state’s governorship election of September 2018.

    The President, in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said: “The decision of the apex court lays to rest the tussle over the governorship of Osun State and removes all encumbrances on the path of the governor from fully delivering the dividends of democracy to the good people of the state.”

    Read Also: Oyetola has acquitted himself well, says Oluwo

    He commended the government and people of Osun for allowing the rule of law to run its entire course, urging them as well as security agencies to sustain the peace.

    He called on the victorious governor and the ruling All Progressives Congress to be magnanimous in victory and make concrete moves towards inclusive governance as may be necessary.

    President Buhari also expressed the Federal Government’s continued willingness to partner with the state government to better the lots of the people.

  • Buhari greets Foursquare Church GO at 70

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Rev Felix Meduoye, General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, on the occasion of his 70th birthday anniversary.

    The President, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, recalled playing host to the General Overseer and leaders of the church at State House, Abuja, when the church turned 60 years in Nigeria.

    He wished the cleric longer life as well as greater successes in the service of God and humanity.

    Read Also: Buhari approves Eagles’ 2019 AFCON budget

    President Buhari equally thanked the Foursquare Gospel Church for fervent prayers for Nigeria at all times, particularly before the last general elections, which contributed largely to the positive outcome of the exercise.

    Noting also that the church sent him a congratulatory letter on his being reelected for second term in office, the President prayed that God will grant Rev Meduoye greater grace and favour, as family and friends rejoice with him at this fortuitous occasion.

  • Buhari, Saraki condole with ThisDay MD over wife’s death

    President Muhammadu Buhari and Senate President Bukola Saraki have commiserated with the Managing Director of ThisDay, Mr Eniola Bello (fondly called Eni B), on the death of his wife, Helen, on Tuesday in London.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the President joined family, friends and professional colleagues of the columnist in mourning Helen, whose motherly love and kindness will be sorely missed by everyone.

    President Buhari urged family and loved ones to find solace in God and the seeds of goodness and charity sown in many lives by Bello’s wife, believing she lived and stood for virtues that will continue to resonate.

    The President prayed that the Almighty God will grant Helen’s soul eternal rest, and comfort her family.

    Read Also: Students set agenda for Buhari

    In a statement in Abuja, the nation’s capital, by his Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the Senate President described the untimely passage of Mrs. Eniola-Bello as a very painful loss.

    He said: “Mrs. Eniola-Bello was a dutiful mother and a pillar of support to her husband. Her humility and selflessness endeared her to all. I am deeply saddened that we lost her to illness so soon. We shall all miss her.”

    Saraki condoled with Eni B, his immediate family, the ThisDay Group and the Nigerian media over the irreparable loss.

    He urged Eni B to take solace in the fact that God has a reason for everything, this unexplainable circumstance, notwithstanding.

  • Buhari’s 2017 illness debilitating – Adesina

    Special Media Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, has disclosed that the 2017 illness that saw the President spend most parts of the year in London was a debilitating illness.

    He stated this in an opinion piece titled “PMB’s second term: Ain’t no stopping us now, we’re on the move”.

    He also alleged that it may be a spiritual attack on the President by those whom he described as adversaries who wanted to get rid of him because of his perceived honesty.

    Adesina had once denied that the President went to London for medical treatment.

    The presidency had claimed during the Buhari’s trip that he was in London between January 19 March 10, 2017, to “undergo routine medical check-ups” during a short holiday.

    But Buhari on his return to the country tacitly admitted that he was very ill, telling his cabinet members that; “I couldn’t recall being so sick since I was a young man, including the military with its ups and downs.”

    He also disclosed that he had “blood transfusions, going to the laboratories and so on and so forth.”

    Read also: PMB’s second term: Ain’t no stopping us now, we’re on the move

    Adesina wrote: “A massive coalition for change was built around him, and good Nigerians stood up for the champion. Did he live happily ever after? Not on your lives!

    “The adversaries went after him. Ran, pursued, and attempted to overtake. All sorts of things, physical and spiritual, were thrown at him, just to get rid of the man who would not steal, and not allow people to steal.”

    “A debilitating illness came. And for most of 2017, the President was receiving medical attention, both at home and abroad. Instead of goodwill and prayers, they were rejoicing. We’ve finally stopped him, they gloated. But did they? Could they? Not if God was still alive.”

    “Ain’t no stopping Buhari, as in August 2017, he got back his groove. His health rebounded, and he resumed work fully.”

  • Breaking: Buhari suspends FEC to break Ramadan fast

    The weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) has been suspended to enable Muslims break their Ramadan fast.

    President Muhammadu Buhari is presiding over the meeting, which started at about 11am.

    The meeting had earlier gone on break after considering three memos out of the 29 billed for consideration today.

    Read Also: Buhari seeks global help to tackle Boko Haram

    Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Femi Adesina, said the meeting was expected to resume deliberations after the religious obligations at about 7.15pm.

    This will be the second time within the last one week that FEC meeting will last late into the night.

    The last one on Thursday was presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    It also lasted late into the night.

  • Don’t politicise economy, Femi Adesina tells Nigerians

    The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, has said President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is impacting on the wellbeing of the economy.

    Adesina, who was the guest of honour at the second annual lecture of Freedom Online in Lagos yesterday, said the government should be praised, instead of down-playing the visible progress the country has made under the current administration.

    In his remarks on the topic: Fixing The Economy: Less Politics, More Substance, the President’s aide said more remarkable things are underway as governance moves to the Next Level.

    He said: “In 2017, agriculture grew in export, but before we export, we made sure we have enough to satisfy local consumption. The opposition tends not to see the growing economic trend and impact in the country.

    “We have abundant rice production in Nasarawa, Kebbi and Ogun states. Millions of dollars are saved annually on rice importation. In 2017, raw material export increased by 164.2 per cent; in the same year, export of manufactured goods grew by 26.8 per cent.

    “But when we talk about manufacturing, people choose to be blind to the development. The thing is that if you choose to be wilfully blind, if they put something right in front of you, you will not see it.

    Read also: Onnoghen case is victory for corruption fight, says Presidency

    “In 2017, Nigeria’s stock market emerged as one of the best performing in the world. How about tax payment? Five million new taxpayers were added to the tax base in 2016. This was part of the effort to diversify the economy through taxpayers.

    “In infrastructure, N2.7 trillion was spent on infrastructure in 2016 and 2017 fiscal year. And you know what that does? The economy was boosted. NPK fertiliser of 2.80 million metric tonnes was made available for agriculture at N600 per bag which cost us N5,500. They play politics with the laudable achievements of government. But can that change the reality? No.”

    The guest speaker and Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, who was represented by Mr. Akin Oyebode, said the next generation should be focused when making economic choices.

    He said: “The cost of not investing in infrastructure and human capital is usually painful. In Nigeria’s case, it is manifesting in an unemployment rate hovering above 40 per cent. With two-thirds of our population under the age of 35, it is important to set the country on a path of sustainable economic development, if not for our sake but for generations after ours.

    “This brings me to reason we are here: how to fix the Nigerian economy. This discussion must start by identifying the necessary conditions for inclusive economic development, which not only ensures that macroeconomic growth indices improve but also lifts people out of poverty and puts our citizens, especially young people, in jobs…”

    The chairman of the occasion and former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu said government has no business in doing business.

    “It is better for Aliko Dangote to be in business than for government to be in business. You cannot do policy formulation and do policy implementation. Politicians think about elections every year but they never give the same consideration to economic development,” he said.

    The special guest of honour and former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel urged the government and the people to face the reality.

    “It is not about restructuring people, because the people are straight-forward. But the system is what we need to correct. Everybody will agree that this system has not worked,” he said.

    Keynote speaker Prof Akin Onigbinde said what government enumerated as its achievements are realities that could not be seen.

    He added: “I patronise the open market and live in Bodija, Oyo State. I cannot see this rice in the open market. Femi is my brother; he has a duty to direct our gaze to what we cannot see. Even in my own imagination, I have not seen the rice in Abeokuta in the last four years.”

    The speaker and Aare Ona Kakanfo Gani Adams advised the government to step up its game.

    He said: “As an activist, I spend nothing less than N13,000 to fill my generator every day. I want you to pass this message to Mr. President because I remember what former President Goodluck Jonathan said. When they are in (Aso Rock) Villa, they don’t know what happens to the people in the society.”

    The Chief Executive Officer of Freedom Online Mr. Gabriel Akinadewo said the country plans for elections with due input for development.

    He maintained that the world is moving and the only way Nigeria could catch up with the rest of the globe was to move with the tide.

     

  • Buhari greets Prof David Ijalaye at 90

    President Muhammadu Buhari has warmly congratulated Emeritus Professor David Adedayo Ijalaye (SAN) on his 90th birthday, rejoicing with his family, friends and associates as they mark the milestone.

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, joined the Nigerian Bar Association, National Judicial Council and the academia in celebrating Emeritus Professor Ijalaye for his contributions to the teaching and practice of law in Nigeria for more than 34 years before retirement in 1998, and his consistency in ensuring competitive standards by supervising post-graduate thesis.

    The President believed the legal luminary has left his footprints indelibly in the sands of jurisprudence in the country, and generations to come will continue to extol his virtues.

    Read Also: Buhari greets Pascal Dozie at 80

    As Emeritus Professor Ijalaye turns 90, President Buhari commended his dedication and discipline to delivery of best results, which attracted many awards and enviable positions within and outside the academia like Dean, Faculty of Law; Deputy Vice Chancellor and Chairman, Board of Postgraduate Studies of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (FNIALS) and Fellow of the Nigerian Society of International Law (FNSIL).

    The President prayed for more joyful and memorable years for the Emeritus Professor.