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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Buhari congratulates veteran journalist Tony Momoh on 78th birthday

    Buhari congratulates veteran journalist Tony Momoh on 78th birthday

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated veteran journalist and former Minister of Information and Culture, Prince Tony Momoh, on his 78th birthday.

    Buhari, in a statement, joined Momoh’s professional and political colleagues, friends and family in celebrating the cerebral statesman.

    The statement was issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Wednesday.

    He noted that Momoh’s career in journalism, as an editor and administrator, covered some of the most dramatic and defining moments of Nigeria’s history.

    The president extolled the courage, versatility and nobility exuded by the former minister in making tough and selfless decisions for the benefit of the nation.

    He particularly saluted Momoh’s decision to serve with opposition parties like All Nigeria Peoples’ Party (APC) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), in spite of all the odds.

    President Buhari recalled with delight, his many insightful encounters with the septuagenarian over the years, and said Momoh would be remembered for his unalloyed support for the truth.

    He prayed that God would grant the former minister longer life, good health and more wisdom to serve his community and the country.

    Momoh, born on April 27, 1939 in Auchi, Edo, served as Minister of Information and Culture between 1986 and 1990, during the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

  • Presidential panel ratifies two days for new business registration

    The Presidential Ease of Doing Business panel has reduced the number of days required for registration of new businesses in Nigeria from 10 to two days.

    The panel also approved 24-hour timeline for company registration from when application form was completed and all required documents made available.

    Those were among highlights of a report presented at a Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), on Monday at the Presidential Villa.

    The report was presented by Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Trade and Investment and came as reforms targeting the end of the 60-day Action Plan on Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria.

    According to the recommendations prospective business owners can now search on Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) portal   (www.cac.gov.ng) to avoid duplication of names and prevent selection of prohibited names.

    Also it is now optional for SMEs to hire lawyers to prepare registration documents for companies.

    The Council, established by President Muhammadu Buhari, is chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    However, Monday’s meeting was chaired by Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, as the Vice President was busy with the work of the Presidential Investigative Panel set up for two top government officials.

    According to the report, CAC has introduced single incorporation form (CAC1.1) to save time and reduce costs while the agency has introduced document upload interface on its website to enable e-submission of registration documents.

    Other aspects of the reforms actualized in the last 60 days include the Integrated FIRS e-payment solution into CAC portal to enable e-stamping while the reform empowers CAC internal lawyers to certify company incorporation forms and conduct statutory declaration of compliance for just N500.

    According to the report, the PEBEC listed “dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit and paying taxes,” as some of the areas where the council recorded progress in the past 60 days.

    The report also highlighted the completed reforms on the “Entry and Exit of People,” indicator which includes Simplified Visa-on-Arrival process, Infrastructural improvements at the Abuja airport, and the new Immigration Regulation 2017.

    It also indicated that the completed reforms were being closely monitored to ensure diligent implementation with minimal disruption while pending reforms were being escalated to ensure completion in the coming weeks.

    On Trading across Borders, some of the completed reforms include palletisation of imports, advanced cargo manifests, reduction in documentation requirements and scheduling of Joint Physical Examination by the Customs Service.

    The National Action Plan contained initiatives and actions implemented by responsible Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the National Assembly, a number of State Governments, as well as some private sector stakeholders.

    The Council emphasised that with the conclusion of implementation of the Action Plan, it would move into the next phase.

    That phase would involve “deepening existing reforms; completing and implementing pending initiatives; engaging with the public; validating completed reforms and kicking-off medium-term reforms.”

    The Council would also begin “sub-national reforms across Nigeria’s 36 states; trading within Nigeria; initiatives and reforms improving business processes and regulations within Nigeria; and ease of movement of goods within and across regions in Nigeria.”

    Ministers at the meeting included Foreign Affairs Ministers Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of State for Industry Trade and Investment Aisha Abubakar, and her counterpart in Budget and National Planning Zainab Ahmed.

    Other government functionaries at the meeting included the Head of Service, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, and several heads of MDAs.

  • Buhari’s anti- corruption war unfair to opposition – Umar

    Buhari’s anti- corruption war unfair to opposition – Umar

    Former Military Governor of Kaduna State, Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar has said that the continued detention of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Retired Col. Sambo Dasuki shows that anti-graft war by President Muhammadu Buhari is too selective to destroy the opposition parties.
    In a statement issued on Sunday, Col. Umar noted that it was over one year since three law courts, including ECOWAS Court granted bail to Dasuki, but the Federal Government refused to release him, citing “untenable excuse” of grievous nature of his offence, even when the constitution is clear on the issue.
    The former military governor also pointed out that decision by the Federal Government to suspend the SGF Mr David Babachir Lawal and the DG NIA Mr Ayodele Oke while they are being investigated without being detained was a welcome development in its war against corruption.
    The statement read, “Most fair minded Nigerians are no more impressed and are indeed sceptical with the conduct of this government’s anti-corruption war which appears to be aimed at the neutralization and destruction of the opposition.
    “It is over one year since three law courts, including ECOWAS Court granted bail to Col. M.S. Dasuki. The Federal Government has however refused to release him citing the untenable excuse of the grievous nature of his offence. Our extant constitution is quite clear on this issue.
    “The Federal Government does not have the power to determine which offence is bailable or whether an accused person is deserving of bail. It should therefore obey courts’ decisions and release Col. Dasuki without any further delay. His unlawful detention, campaign of calumny and pretrial publicity make it impossible for him to receive a fair trial.
    “The only explanation one can find for Col. Dasuki’s lengthy detention without trial is that he belongs to the wrong camp. He has also the misfortune of having served as National Security Adviser to the much vilified Nigerian President of Ijaw extraction.
    “Colonel Dasuki’s fate is tied to that of his former principal President Goodluck Jonathan; an honourable and patriotic Nigerian who conceded defeat and congratulated the winner of the 2015 Presidential election Gen Muhammadu Buhari even before INEC declared the final results, when he could have held on tenaciously to power as is the norm in many Third World Countries.
    “This rare act of statesmanship which pulled the country back from the precipice has been rewarded with utmost disrespect and derision by the APC Federal Government, President Jonathan is the most maligned Nigerian former Head of State. Col. Dasuki is paying dearly for his loyal service to this patriot. All well-meaning Nigerians must speak out against his unfair and unlawful treatment.
    “We cannot afford to remain neutral in the face of this monumental injustice. When one Nigerian is unlawfully detained all of us must have the moral consciousness to feel psychologically incarcerated.
    “The decision by the Federal Government of Nigeria to suspend the SGF Mr David Babachir Lawal and the DG NIA Mr Ayodele Oke while they are being investigated is a welcome development in its war against corruption.
    “It is also remarkable and commendable that the Government has decided not to detain the duo while they are being investigated. This is a welcome departure from the prevailing anti democratic process by which accused persons, particularly from the opposition camp, are unlawfully detained pending the commencement of investigations, or refused bail granted by law courts.
    “There is national unanimity in support of the war against corruption which is expected to be non-discriminatory and waged by a meticulous adherence to the rule of law. For the war to be meaningful and sustainable, it must be elevated beyond a President Buhari personal struggle to a national one,” Umar stated.

  • Buhari congratulates Peterside over election as AAMA chief

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside on his election as the new Chairman of the Association of African Maritime Administrators (AAMA).i

    The president’s congratulatory message was issued in a statement by Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Saturday in Abuja.

    Buhari said: “Peterside’s unanimous election is not only a personal honour and affirmation of confidence in his ability to lead AAMA, but also places Nigeria in a pivotal position to rally other maritime administrations in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) toward safer global maritime activities.’’

    He acknowledged NIMASA’s encouraging performance under Peterside, especially in the fight against sea piracy through inter-agency cooperation.

    According to the president, Peterside’s new position provides him with an even bigger platform to forge ahead in doing the nation proud by meeting the objectives of AAMA.

    While wishing the new Chairman of AAMA successful one-year tenure, he expressed confidence that within this period, the Federal Government’s renewed focus on growing the Nigerian economy through increased maritime resources would be further enhanced.

    Dakuku Peterside emerged chairman of AAMA at the end of the 3rd Annual Conference of the continental organisation in Abuja on Friday.

    Peterside took over the chairmanship position from Sobantu Tilayi, the acting Chief Executive Officer of South African Maritime and Safety Agency (SAMSA), who has been the acting Chair of the association since 2013.

     

  • Buhari saddened by death of football fans in Calabar  

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the tragic event that took the lives of several Nigerians at a football viewing centre in Calabar, Cross River on Thursday night.

    The President on Friday in Abuja commiserated with the government and people of Cross River and football fans nationwide over the unfortunate incident.

    He commended the government for the prompt action in setting up a commission of inquiry into the incident, and for its offer of assistance to the victims and their families.

    “I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the mostly young victims whose sudden demise is a big blow not only to their families, but also to the football-loving nation, ’’ he said.

    According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari prayed that God grants the souls of the departed eternal rest and comfort all who mourned their irreparable loss.

    No fewer than 30 persons died on Thursday night in Calabar at a viewing centre while watching the Europa Football League match between Manchester United and Anderlecht.

    The incident happened at about 9.30 p.m. at Nyagasang area of Atimbo in Calabar Municipal Local Government Area.

    A survivor of the tragic incident told newsmen that a transformer near the viewing centre located in the Iyang-Esu area of the Calabar Municipal Local Government Area exploded during the match and caused a high-tension cable to drop on the viewing centre.

  • World leaders endorse Buhari’s programmes, efforts – Lai Mohammed

    World leaders endorse Buhari’s programmes, efforts – Lai Mohammed

    The right won by Nigeria to host the United Nation World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) conference in 2018 has been described as “a global endorsement of programmes and efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration”.

    Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said on Thursday in Addis Ababa that the hosting right reiterated the confidence the global community has in Nigeria.

    Nigeria, on Wednesday, won the right to host, in 2018, the 61st meeting of African Ministers in charge of Tourism tagged UNWTO Commission for Africa (CAF)

    Mohammed, who led Nigeria’s delegation to Addis Ababa for the 59th edition of the meeting and a high level meeting on Chinese Outbound Tourism in Africa, said the country would leverage on the hosting opportunity.

    “Wednesday was a big moment for Nigeria here in Addis Ababa because Nigeria got the endorsement of the whole world to host the 61st session of the CAF mission of the UNTWO.

    “What that means really is that the entire world has endorsed the programmes and efforts of President Buhari’s administration,” he said.

    Mohammed said that hosting the conference should be seen in a bigger picture that “Nigeria “is once again on the global stage”.

    He said the event would provide the country, the opportunity to showcase its diverse culture and give its own narrative from its own perspective.

    “Hosting this conference will give confidence to investors that this is a country they can come and invest in.

    “It will also convince the entire world that Nigeria is serious in promoting culture, music, film and entertainment industry to diversify its economy,” he said.

    The minister said that no amount of money invested in hosting the conference could be seen as waste because of the goodwill it will bring to the country.

    He said so many other countries were bidding to host the event to boost their tourism industry and attract goodwill to their nations.

    Speaking in same vein, the Secretary General of UNWTO, Taleb Rifa said “the endorsement of Nigeria for the hosting of 61st CAF “is a great piece of news for the country”.

    “I am absolutely sure that with the hosting of the CAF meeting, you will see that the Nigeria’s tourism industry will get on the right track and achieve results.

    “In addition to the direct economic benefits this event will bring to the country, the limelight the country will be exposed to is unquantifiable.

    “Nigeria will be hosting all Ministers of Tourism in Africa, that itself will send the powerful message that tourism is important for Nigeria.”

    Rifai said Nigeria was a major player in tourism industry and the UNTWO had missed the country in its fold until the minister launched it back last year.

    “Nigeria is one third in times of number and the weight it represents in the arts, the movie and the creative industry in general in Africa.

    “What comes out of Nigeria in these areas of the industry is enough to be disseminated to the whole world.

    “However, Nigeria is not utilising that yet and this conference will be a great opportunity to realise that,’’ he said.

    Rifai commended the passion and efforts of the minister at repositioning the tourism and creative sector.

     

  • African Drums Festival commences in Abeokuta

    The African Drums Festival commenced in Abeokuta, Ogun, on Thursday with more than 20 cultural troupes from about 13 countries from the continent in attendance.

    The festival, which is an expanded form of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Drums Festival held in Abeokuta in 2016, also drew participants from Haiti and observers from Dallas in the United States.

    The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in his remarks described the festival as “a development worthy of emulation by other states.’’

    He noted that such festival would further invigorate the strides of the government in tourism investment and development.

    “The Muhammadu Buhari -led administration is determined to pursue with relentless vigour the diversification of our present mono reliance on an oil economy to massive investment in non-oil sectors   like agriculture, solid minerals and tourism.” he said.

    Mohammed, who was represented by the Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, Mr Tar Ukor, noted that such festivals would promote pan-African unity and increased inter – African economic trade as well as enhanced local value chain benefits.

    “This festival will also promote inter-African leisure travel and the renaissance of our African cultural milestones in contributing toward  civilisation.

    “It will engender cultural reawakening in Africa on shared values and fraternal solidarity within the region,’’ he said.

    Gov. Ibikunle Amosun said the festival was a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people of Ogun and to also stamp Nigeria on the world map.

    He gave an assurance that the state would continue to explore different aspects of the Nigerian culture with a view to promoting and preserving them.

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, urged states to focus on other aspects of the Nigerian culture with a view to propagating them.

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, noted that drums occupy an important place in   Yoruba culture.

    “Drums are used to wake Yoruba monarchs early in the morning reminding them of their oaths to adjudicate among their subjects without fear or favour.

    “Drums are important tools that accompany monarchs and warriors to the warfront and act as source from which they draw encouragement and courage as well as indicate to them when to withdraw or advance into battle.

    “Drums are also used to announce the deaths of some important personalities in Yorubaland,” he said.

    Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, said rhythms from drums “are enchanting.’’

    He described as erroneous the belief that culture involves some demonic and satanic practices.

    Soyinka, who commended the Ogun government for the initiative, noted that many great things in Nigeria began from Ogun.

     

  • Buhari: we’ll unlock oceans, seas potential

    Buhari: we’ll unlock oceans, seas potential

    President Muhammadu Buhari has said Nigeria will reposition the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to facilitate economic prosperity.

    This, he said, will be done by unlocking the huge potential in this country’s ocean and seas.

    Buhari spoke yesterday at a three-day conference of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) in Abuja.

    AAMA is an umbrella body of five African Maritime Stakeholders’ groups, such as Association of Maritime Administrations of Africa, Africa’s Ship Registry Forum, African Ship Owners Association as well as Africa Shippers’ Council and Seafarers’ Forum.

    The President urged other African leaders to tap into the huge resources in their oceans to boost the continent’s economic development and provide jobs for their people.

    Buhari, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said the opportunities in the vast oceans surrounding the continent needed to be harnessed to diversify its economy.

    The theme of the event is: “Sustainable use of Africa’s oceans and seas”. It was hosted by NIMASA.

    Buhari added that there was the need for other African countries to develop regulatory and legal frameworks that will properly manage maritime resources and address the challenges facing the sector.

    Leaders of the AAMA, Buhari said, must evolve synergies to reap the benefits of the oceans to ensure socio-economic emancipation of the continent.

    The president said:  ”Here in Nigeria, we have taken steps to tackle some of the issues peculiar to us while still calling for regional and sub-regional collaborations. We have set up engagement to resolve and address the misunderstanding and contentious issues in Niger Delta which, off course, is part of Gulf Guinea.

    “We recently approved a new maritime security architecture and infrastructure to be jointly coordinated by NIMASA, NSA and FMOT. We have given required support to the Navy so that they can work with others within our sub-region to effectively police our waters to facilitate trade.

    “This arrangement will also contribute to resolving and eliminating piracy and sea robbery in our maritime domain on our waters. The results are encouraging and piracy has dropped dramatically, especially in the last six months.

    “We are making substantive investment to improve human capacity by taking advantage of international trade in the shipping and our maritime industry.

    “The measure we are putting in place is to increase efficiency of our port and to enable quick turnaround time of vessels. Technology is also being introduced to make our port operation effective to support economic growth. NIMASA as regulator agency is being reformed to play effective role as a facilitator of economic prosperity.”

    Senate President Bukola Saraki, who was represented by Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, said NIMASA’s efforts “have led to an upward swing in the level of local participation of Nigerians in the maritime industry and the use of Nigerian waters and seas for lawful economic activities”.

    House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara called for collaboration among African countries to cultivate and reap the benefits of its oceans.

    Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi said the African maritime transport charter inspired the formation of AAMA and encouraged information sharing, inter agency collaboration, sub-regional cooperation and approach to planning, implementation and maritime regulation on the principle of inclusiveness and collaboration.

    The government, Amaechi said, has stepped up efforts to make Nigeria a deserved maritime hub in the West and Central Africa by embarking on comprehensive port reforms and upgrading port infrastructure as well as linking the ports to the rail network to boost efficiency and quick cargo clearance.

    NIMASA’s Director-General Dakuku Peterside called for concerted efforts at tackling Africa’s maritime administration challenges.

    Dr Peterside, in  opening remarks at the conference, said: “We are particularly delighted that this conference, the third in the series after the first in Mombasa, Kenya and the second in Sandton, South Africa, is holding on our shores. Nigeria’s place in the maritime world is not only deserved, it is common knowledge.”

    “It (Nigeria) is special in the maritime community in Africa for a number of reasons,’’ the director-general said.

    He said Nigeria accounted for over 60 per cent of the total sea-borne traffic in volume and value in West and Central Africa.

    Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Kitack Lim said AAMA should not relent in its determination to increase Africa’s share of global investments in the maritime sector.

    Lim, who was represented by an official of the IMO, Mr William Azu, said the maritime sector provided raw materials, food items, employment and transportation of 80 per cent of global trade.

    The conference ends today.

  • SGF suspension will add credibility to fight against corruption – Jonathan

    Mr Taidi Jonathan, a former Chairman of Minna branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), on Thursday says the suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation [SGF] would add credibility to the ongoing fight against corruption in the country.

    He stressed that the step taken by President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend the SGF and the Director General, National Intelligence Agency would send strong signals on his unwavering commitment to tackle corruption and ensure good governance.

    The former NBA chairman urged state governments in the country to take the issue of corruption seriously by taking steps to sanitise their adminstration.

    He said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna that it was the only way to ensure good governance and development in the country.

    Jonathan, however, faulted the inclusion of the Attorney General of the Federation as part of the panel to investigate the SGF.

    According to him, the Attorney General of the Federation should excuse himself from the panel having earlier investigated and cleared the SGF on the same issue.

    Jonathan explained that in law, the Attorney General cannot review his previous investigation

  • Don lauds Buhari for suspending SGF, NIA chief

    A university teacher, Malam Bashir Yankunzu, has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for suspending two key functionaries in his administration over allegations of involvement in corrupt practices.

    On April 19, Buhari suspended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachair Lawal, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mr Ayodele Oke.

    Lawal was suspended over corruption allegations in the award of contracts in the Presidential Initiative for the North East.

    Oke was suspended in connection with the discovery of large amounts of foreign and local currencies in a residential apartment at Osborne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The suspension of the two principal officers appears to have given a clear signal on the renewed determination of the president to stamp out corruption in the country.

    Speaking in an interview with NAN on the development on Wednesday in Minna, Yankunzu described the suspension as necessary for the success of the government’s anti-graft campaign.

    He said the outcome of findings on the developments that led to the suspension, if made public, would strengthen belief that the anti-graft fight was devoid of sentiments and vendetta.

    “The Federal Government needs to put more effort in bringing relief to the masses and with this; Nigerians will surely stand for the government, irrespective of the situation.

    “I wish to call on Nigerians to avoid jumping into conclusions on the innocence or otherwise of whoever is under investigation before the outcome of such inquiries.

    “May Allah grant President Buhari good health and sincere advisers and helpers, who are competent in their duties.’’

    The don argued that the political will demonstrated by the president in suspending the two high-ranking officers had shown his resolve to crush corruption.