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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Buhari approves new measures to check terrorist activities

    Buhari approves new measures to check terrorist activities

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the request of the Minister of Defence, Brig-Gen. Mansur Dan Ali (rtd) for the stationing of a full battalion of Special Forces in Zamfara to check activities of bandits in the state.

    The president’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, said Buhari also approved the commencement of the newly-established 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto in the new Order of Battle (OBAT).

    The presidential aide revealed that Buhari also ordered a military crackdown on bandits operating in rural communities in Zamfara.

    He said the president’s order followed fresh attacks on some communities in Shinkafi and Maradun Local Government Areas of the state.

    The President has also approved the movement of the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army from Sokoto to Gusau upon the take-off of the 8 Division.

    “To tackle the desperate actions of Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east, through the use of mostly female, underage girls as suicide bombers, President Buhari has equally approved the setting up of an intelligence fusion centre in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, for the purpose of gathering and sharing intelligence among the security agencies in the country.

    “This phase of the war will be intelligence-driven and the new centre is expected to intensify the harvesting and sharing of intelligence so as to bring to an early closure, the desperate last-minute activities of the terrorists.

    Read Also : Mubi mosque suicide attack cruel – Buhari

  • FEC moves to stop $9 million yearly mining loss

    FEC moves to stop $9 million yearly mining loss

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday approved moves to check illegal mining in the country.

    The measure will stop yearly exportation of illegally mined $9 million gold and tin among other minerals.

    The Minister of Mines and Steel, Kayode Fayemi, disclosed this to State House reporters at the end of the meeting.

    As a starting point, he said that the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved purchase of 50 Toyota Hilux vans for surveillance task force across the country.

    This, he said, will boost mining and steel contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    Read Also: FEC approves N236m for completion of Katsina dam

  • AfDB portfolio in Nigeria over $6bn – Adesina

    AfDB portfolio in Nigeria over $6bn – Adesina

    Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of African Development Bank ( AfDB ), says the bank’s total active portfolio in Nigeria is over six billion dollars.

    Adesina said this in an interview on Wednesday in Abuja.

    “The bank supports Nigeria very strongly.

    “When Nigeria was going through a tough economic time, we led the world actually in rallying support around for a budget support which we did at 600 million dollars to help build more resilient economy as it shows a better diversified economy.

    “If you look at our total active portfolio in the country now, it is over 6 billion dollars.

    “Take for example, we invested over 300 million dollars from the private sector part of the bank in Dangote industries – Petro-chemical industries and the fertiliser manufacturing companies.

    “We also invested over 100 million dollars in the Indorama fertiliser companies as well; they are looking at us to do more, additional 100 million dollars for them.’’

    In addition, he said the Bank had been supporting the recovery effort of the Federal Government in the North East.

    He, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the investment made so far in rebuilding the North East.

    “I give the President kudos for all that has been achieved. We have to rebuild the infrastructure – road, schools etc

    “We have Basic Livelihood Support Programme for over 250 million dollars that we have done for the North East of Nigeria.

    “On agriculture, the Board has just approved a programme called Enable Youth.

    “The programme is to create a generation of young commercial farmers in Nigeria; that is about 430 million dollars we are investing in that.’’

    Adesina, who won the 2017 World Food Laureate Award in Agriculture in the U.S., further said that the Bank had been doing a lot of line credit in Nigeria for commercial banks to lend to small and medium size enterprises.

    He said that the Bank had been talking with the Minister of Power about how to help in the power sector in Nigeria.

    “We have invested a lot in the transmission companies of Nigeria.

    “We are also helping them to have an additional 200 million dollars to post bonds, to be able to raise money to modernise the transmission network in Nigeria.

    “I remember during COP 22 in Morocco, I spoke to the Minister of Power, Fasola and I told him to visit Noor Ouarzazate, the largest Concentrated Solar Power ( CSP ) plant in the World, that was financed by the AfDB in Morroco.

    “He said he was very pleased with the idea and we are supporting his ministry now with a big project, we are going to do in Jigawa a project on Solar.

    “We have a number of states that have approached us and we are looking at various opportunities of supporting from Ogun, we are looking into that; we are looking at Kaduna, Kano states and others.

    “Nigeria is a big market for us and we are going forward in terms of our planning investment over the next three years.

    “It will be over 4.1 billion dollars that we are planning for Nigeria that will cover agriculture, infrastructure, power sector, basic livelihood in terms of water and sanitation,’’ he said.

    Adesina, however, expressed optimism over the implementation of the bank projects in Nigeria, adding that there was a very stringent monitoring system to ensure implementation of set targets.

    “We are quite pleased with a lot of progress I have seen on several of the projects that we have in Nigeria.

    “Obviously, a lot of improvement is needed in terms of the time it takes to actually sign some of the required agreements; it takes a lot of time.

    “We are going to do better because the more we can do that, the more we can actually show better impact in Nigeria.

    “Having talked to the authority to help us improve the time, it takes between when we approve something and when it is signed, it becomes effective in Nigeria.”

    NAN

  • Reps begin debate on 2018 budget estimates Nov. 28 – Deputy Speaker

    Reps begin debate on 2018 budget estimates Nov. 28 – Deputy Speaker

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yussuf Lasun on Tuesday said that members would commence debate on the general principles of the 2018 Appropriation Bill ( budget ) of N8.6 trillion from Nov. 28.

    Lasun, while announcing the date during plenary session, said that the debate would be concluded on Nov. 30.

    He added that it would be followed by a public hearing scheduled for Dec. 4.

    The Deputy Speaker urged the lawmakers to ensure they get copies of the 2018 budget proposal presented by President Muhammadu Buhari to the joint session of the National Assembly.

    “Members are to indicate the date they wish to contribute to the debate as there is need for us to participate actively and that the bill is given expeditious attention,’’ Lasun said.

    It can be recalled that the president, while presenting the 2018 budget proposal to the National Assembly, said that it would consolidate on the achievements of previous budgets to improve the country’s economy.

    NAN

    Read Also: FEC okays 2018 Budget proposal

  • Buhari congratulates Obiano, says electoral reform paying off

    Buhari congratulates Obiano, says electoral reform paying off

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra on his re-election, and urged him to rededicate himself to building on his achievements that endeared him to the electorate.

    The President’s congratulatory message is in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Buhari assured the governor that the Federal Government was ready to work with him for greater harmony, peace and development of not only Anambra but the entire country.

    He wished the returning governor a successful new term in office.

    He also commended the people of Anambra, other governorship candidates, as well as security agencies and other stakeholders, on the peaceful conduct of the Nov. 18 gubernatorial election in the state.

    He lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) and election observers for the smooth conduct of the election.

    According to him, the processes leading to the election and its peaceful conduct and outcome have shown that the nation’s electoral reform is bearing positive fruits.

    “This is very encouraging and I am determined to give Nigeria free and fair elections, no matter which way the results swing,’’ he added.

    He particularly expressed delight at the conduct of the candidates post-election results, describing it as “heart-warming and a renewal of confidence in the sanctity of the ballot which deepens our nation’s democracy.”

    President Buhari urged INEC to improve on areas of logistics as the nation braces for coming governorship elections and the main general elections in 2019.

    NAN

  • Okorocha congratulates Obiano over his re-election

    Okorocha congratulates Obiano over his re-election

    Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo has congratulated the candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA ) in the Nov. 18 Anambra governorship election, Gov. Willie Obiano, over his re-election.

    in the Nov. 18 Anambra governorship election, Gov. Willie Obiano, over his re-election.

    Okorocha gave the congratulatory message in a statement by  his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemedo, on Monday in Owerri.

    The governor said that Obiano’s victory was too clear to be contested or questioned.

    He, therefore, advised candidates of other political parties who took part in the election to congratulate the winner and avoid going to court to question his victory.

    Okorocha, who is  also the Chairman, All Progressives Congress ( APC ) Governors’ Forum, expressed regret over the loss of his party in the election.

    He attributed the loss to internal wrangling and the lack of genuine commitment on the part of the party’s leadership in the state.

    He, however, expressed the hope that with the election, the future of APC in the South-East was bright.

    He said that before now, nobody would have thought that APC could do better in Anambra.

    The governor urged Nigerians to celebrate President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC led-government “for allowing level playing ground for all candidates.

    “The Anambra election shows that the APC has what it takes to strengthen the nation’s democracy.”

    Okorocha thanked the people of Anambra for the peaceful election and for not yielding to IPOB’s threats or listen to the group’s call for boycott.

    A total of 37 political parties presented candidates in the Nov. 18 Anambra governorship election.

    Some of the candidates were the incumbent, Gov. Willie Obiano, with his Deputy, Nkemakonam Okeke, who contested on the platform of APGA, while Oseloka Obazie of PDP had Chidi Onyemelukwe, a woman as his running mate.

    Tony Nwoye of APC had Dozie Arinze, a woman, as his running mate.

    NAN

  • Ekwueme dies at 85

    Ekwueme dies at 85

    Former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, is dead.

    His brother, Igwe Laz Ekwueme, who announced this in a statement, said that the elder statesman died at a London clinic at about 10 p.m. on Sunday.

    “Ekwueme family regrets to announce the peaceful passing away of their patriarch, the former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme,’’ he said.

    Ekwueme, who turned 85 years in October, was reported to have collapsed in his residence in Enugu a few weeks ago.

    He was immediately taken to Memfys Nuerosurgery Hospital in Enugu from where he was moved to London for further medical attention on the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Ekwueme was the Vice President to Alhaji Shehu Shagari between 1979 and 1984.

    NAN

  • NAFDAC introduces new measures to encourage MSMEs

    NAFDAC introduces new measures to encourage MSMEs

    The National Agency for Food and Drug, Administration and Control ( NAFDAC ) has introduced new measures to encourage Medium and Small Scale Enterprises ( MSMEs ) in doing business.

    Prof. Moji Adeyeye, Director General of NAFDAC, made the disclosure in Lafia at a workshop organised by NAFDAC for stakeholders and MSMEs on ‘Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria’.

    Adeyeye, represented by Dr Jimoh Abubakar, Director of Special Duties in NAFDAC, said the aim of the workshop was to identify challenges stakeholders encountered in registering their​businesses and proffer solutions to them.

    Adeyeye acknowledged the importance of MSMEs to the Nigerian economy, adding that a vast majority of products manufactured by MSMEs were regulated by NAFDAC, which necessitated the one day workshop.

    “MSMEs play a vital role in the economic development of Nigeria and are known to be the main engine of economic growth. The importance of MSMEs to our economy cannot therefore be overemphasised.

    “A vast majority of products manufactured by MSMEs are regulated by NAFDAC.

    “The agency therefore plays a key role in ensuring that products manufactured by MSMEs comply with relevant quality and safety specifications before their approval, for distribution, sale and use,” she said.

    The director-general enumerated the new measures aimed at encouraging MSMEs as 50 per cent reduction in cost of registration of products for companies with five or fewer employees and reduction in registration timeline to 90 days.

    Others are establishment of Small Business Support Desk to guide small business through registration processes and electronic submission of documents to line directorates in Lagos

    Adeyeye also said the agency had initiated NAFDAC Product Registration Outreach to provide interactive engagement and advice on documentation, labelling and other requirements to facilitate the registration process.

    She noted that in spite the new measures, many MSMEs still perceived the NAFDAC registration process as cumbersome.

    “I assure you that NAFDAC will continue to engage our stakeholders in consultative meetings towards resolving all challenges faced by MSMEs.

    “I encourage you to seize the opportunity during the technical session to speak freely so that the objectives of this forum will be achieved,” the director-general said.

    Also, Mrs Josephine Dayilim, Zonal Coordinator of NAFDAC, North Central Zone, said the policy of the Muhammadu Buhari administration was to ensure MSMEs, as major non-oil revenue earners, were  viable.

    “The proliferation of MSMEs is on the increase and the need to address the bottlenecks encountered during processing of establishments products registration in the states,’’  she said.

    Dayilim  advised stakeholders and MSMEs to avoid sharp practices and to adhere strictly to NAFDAC regulations and guidelines so as to produce wholesome goods and efficacious products.

    In an address of welcome, Mr Micheal Attah, Nasarawa State Coordinator of NAFDAC, expressed hope and optimism that after the meeting all stakeholders would , understand each other better and work together.

    “The goal is to ensure your income increases, the economy of our dear country booms and the quality, standard and safety of your products are guaranteed for the health of all Nigerians,” he said.

    NAN

  • Mugabe: Call to Africa to save democracy from military

    Mugabe: Call to Africa to save democracy from military

    The seized of Harare, Zimbabwe by military officers and placing President Robert Mugabe under house arrest after weeks of political turmoil should be condemned by the African Union and world leaders in general.

    The  Military takeover in this modern age is a bad omen for Africa as a continent and black race in general and if not quickly checked could become a trend again.

    The non-condemnation of the military intervention in Zimbabwe by Western leaders clearly depicts that the Western world leaders version of democracy in Africa is “Expedient Democracy” – Democracy based on post-imperialism governance. The vote doesn’t matter but gets it done anyway.

    This was evident in a statement credited to the UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson who described Mugabe as a power-hungry despot who would not be missed.

    “This House will remember the brutal litany of his 37 years in office: The elections he rigged and stole, the murder and torture of his opponents, the illegal seizure of land — leading to the worst hyperinflation in recorded history measured in the billions of percentage points — and forcing the abolition of the Zimbabwean dollar.”

    Even if the Zimbabweans are no longer comfortable with their leader, it should be made known through their majority voices and civil struggle and not through the anarchy of military intervention. It is an act of cowardliness for the Zimbabweans not to resolve in defending their democracy just like the Turkish people but cowed to military approach.

    I pray President Muhammadu Buhari could stand to the task of re-sending the strong signal delivered to the military officers in Sao Tome by the ex Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo.  In 2003 in Sao Tome, the former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo restored democracy in the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe (DRSTP).

    Obasanjo action sent a strong signal to military officers contemplating extra-constitutional means to subvert democratically elected governments that military adventurism in politics is no longer fashionable.

    As much as Africans condemn authoritarianism, the African leaders, as well as their followers  must preserve democracy and stand to defend the continent against the intervention of the military in their democracy because the consequences will be devastating to the future of the continent.

     

    By Ayoola Lawal
    Lawal is All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavia Chief and Global Affairs Analyst.
    He writes from Sweden

  • Pensioners’ wife storm Unity Fountain to demand husbands’ arrears

    Pensioners’ wife storm Unity Fountain to demand husbands’ arrears

    A group of women under the aegis of Nigeria Women in Action has protested over unpaid pension arrears of their husband.

    The women during the protest at the Unity Fountain, yesterday in Abuja appealed to the Federal Government ( FG ) to consider payment of the pension outstanding.

    They were with large inscriptions chanting for urgent interventions as some of their children had stopped schooling due to inability to pay their tuition fees and meet other sundry needs.

    Representative of the group, Mrs. Ebere Okafor, called for immediate and open prosecution of those involved in pension scandals that led to the delayed payment.

    According to her, meeting daily welfare needs had been difficult and very challenging. “Mr. President, we want the money. Our children are in school but no school fees, some have dropped out because there is no money and we want the N3 trillion to start businesses,” she said.

    Some the placards carried by the protesting women had these inscriptions; “All pension thieves must be probed”; “Please do not divert out intention from N1.6tr to 2.1 billion”; “Nigerian women say NO to secret probe of pension fund.”

    “They want our husbands to die, they steal our money every day. Imagine, they are stealing N300m every day, N5.32 billion every month and they say N3 trillion is hiding somewhere that belongs to our husbands.

    “Let the ministry of Justice constitutes judges to handle the investigation. More President Muhammadu Buhari should monitor the investigation so that the money missing could be recovered for our husbands,” Okafor added.