The Nation Newspaper

Tag: President Muhammadu Buhari

  • Commonwealth Games: FG promises to equip athletes   

    President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to support athletes going for the 2018 Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast, Australia, with adequate resources for training and participation.

    The President made the promise in a statement issued by Nneka Anibueze, Special Assistant, and Media to Solomon Dalung, Minister of Youths and Sports.

    Buhari while receiving the Queen’s Baton Relay team at the National Stadium, Lagos, said the event provided a unique opportunity for Nigeria to  share in the excitement of the Commonwealth Games.

    Buhari, who was represented by Dalung, said that Nigeria would  be represented by a compact team which would be adequately prepared to do better than its previous outings.

    “Our plan is to send a compact team of athletes to the 2018 Games with the hope of surpassing our outing at the previous Games in terms of medals.

    “Government will not renege in its role of ensuring that the athletes are equipped with adequate resources for training and participation in the competition.

    ” I therefore, urge our sportsmen and women, coaches and other officials to intensify preparations for the Games so as to guarantee victory at the competition,” he said.

    Earlier, the leader of the Queen’s Baton Relay team, Sam Gideon, thanked the Federal Government and the good people of Nigeria for their warm hospitality and urged the government to do all it could to prepare the athletes ahead of the games.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the count down to 100 days to the commencement of the Commonwealth Games begins immediately.

     

  • 128 Nigerian migrants perish in Mediterranean Sea — Dabiri-Erewa

    128 Nigerian migrants perish in Mediterranean Sea — Dabiri-Erewa

    No fewer than 128 Nigerians were among the over 576 West African migrants to Europe that recently died in the Mediterranean sea, a government official said in Lagos on Tuesday.

    The Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Diaspora Affairs, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed this at the public presentation of two books “From Libya with Tears’’ and “Practical News and Feature Writing’’ in Lagos.

    The books were written by Mr Dele Bodunde, who retired as a Managing Editor/Director in NAN on Tuesday at the attainment of 60 years.

    Dabiri-Erewa, represented by her Special Assistant on Media, Mr Abdul-Rahman Balogun, said most of the victims were heading to Italy en route the Libyan coast when the tragedy occurred.

    She described the incident as unfortunate, saying the story was one too many and that it highlighted the desperation by some Nigerians to travel to Europe at all costs, despite the high risks.

    “Just some days ago, 128 Nigerians died in the Mediterranean sea out of 576. Most of them were from West African countries and they were on their way to Europe.

    “Now, this is an unfortunate incident and I think it is better to remain in Nigeria and keep struggling, instead of making desperate journeys that could take their lives,’’ the presidential aide said.

    Dabiri-Erewa said some Nigerians had been trapped in Libya and were subjected to various inhuman treatments and that only the intervention of the Federal Government had ensured the return of many.

    She said that the German Embassy in Nigeria had intimated her office on plans to repatriate no fewer than 12,000 Nigerian asylum seekers from the European country.

    The Presidential aide commended Bodunde for writing a book on the travails of Nigerians in Libya, saying the work could not have come at a better time.

    Also speaking at the occasion, a former governor of Ogun State and a veteran journalist, Chief Olusegun Osoba, said there was the need for journalists to constantly update themselves with the requisite skills of the profession.

    According to Osoba, the main problem to the development of the profession is a deficit in skills.

    He commended the author for writing a book that sought to address the problem and urged practising and aspiring journalists to avail themselves of the books, for their professional and personal development.

    In his speech, the Managing Director of NAN, Mr Bayo Onanuga, described the retiring director as an accomplished journalist, who had made a great impact at the agency.

    Onanuga, who was represented Mrs Kate Popoola, Head of NAN Lagos Operations, said he was not surprised with the books as the author had a penchant for imparting knowledge.

    “I urge journalists who desire more knowledge on the job to make use of the materials for their professional development,’’ he said.

    The Book Reviewer, Mr Ade Obisesan, described the book “From Libya with Tears’’ as an eye opener, as it highlighted the travails of Nigerian girls trafficked to Libya.

    Obisesan said the book was beautifully written and reflected the writer’s hatred for anything that dehumanises the female child.

    Bodunde thanked the guests, as well as the staff and management of NAN for the opportunity to serve the nation.

    He promised to continue to contribute his quota to the journalism profession, even in retirement.

  • Buhari, Gowon meet in Aso Rock

    Buhari, Gowon meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Gowon said that he was in the Villa to welcome the President back from his leave.

    He said “Let me tell you the honest truth, my coming here today is to thank and welcome Mr. President back from his health issues and problems and to thank God for what He has done for him to have his health back, for him to be able to return back to work.

    “The other thing also is to thank him very much indeed for ringing me from London when he was in London to commiserate with me on the death my sister.

    “This was really very gracious of him; I should have rang to speak to him but of course since I know that he was in hospital I could not do that. But when he rang to condole with me on my sister’s death I was very touched and that also help Nigerians to rejoice especially those who were sending all those very unfortunate message about him and about whatever it is.

    “So I think it was a good thing that was done and Nigerians knew he is still well for him to be able to ring. This is really the purpose of what brought me here.

    “And then also to encourage him ‎to continue to do his work to the best of his ability dealing with all the problems. Day in day out you read in the press of all sorts of things happening, God will give him continued strength and energy to be able to deal with the problems of the country for the good of Nigerians.

    “I’m delighted to be here, to welcome him back and to see him in reasonable good health and able to do whatever he is able to do,” he stated.

     

  • Buhari felicitates with first female SAN at 85

    Buhari felicitates with first female SAN at 85

    The landmark age of Chief Folake Solanke should be celebrated by all members of the Bar and the Bench, her friends and family, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.

    This is contained in a statement by the Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, in which the President celebrated the landmark age of the octogenarian.

    The President noted that she has won many awards and recognitions, including the Commander Order of the Niger (CON), for her courage in pursuing the truth and advocating a better life for the less privileged.

    He extolled the legal luminary for the patriotism, she has demonstrated over the years in speaking against poor governance, and always making herself available in times of need, like working variously as Commissioner in Western Nigeria and Chairperson of the first television network in Africa, Western Nigeria Television Broadcasting Corporation.

    As a leading light in her profession, President Buhari believed Chief Solanke’s achievement has been an inspiration to many Nigerians, especially young women, who earnestly yearn to pursue rewarding careers.

    President Buhari prayed that God will grant Chief Solanke good health and long life to serve her country.

  • President Buhari assures on Nigeria’s participation in 2018 Commonwealth Games

    President Buhari assures on Nigeria’s participation in 2018 Commonwealth Games

    President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that the country would participate with an adequately prepared contingent in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

    Buhari gave the assurance as he received the Queens Baton Relay in Lagos on Monday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, flagged off the Queen’s Baton Relay on March 13 in London which coincided with the Commonwealth Day.

    “It’s a great pleasure to receive the Queen’s Baton Relay in Nigeria. The Baton is expected to move round all the Commonwealth nations.

    “Next year’s edition, which is the 21st Commonwealth Games, will mark Nigeria’s fifth participation in the Queen’s Relay. The Queen’s Baton Relay is a challenge for us to prepare for the Games.

    “We plan to send a ready team of athletes to the Games with the hope of surpassing our past records in terms of medal haul,’’ said Buhari, represented by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung.

    “We will not relent in our role of ensuring that athletes are equipped with adequate resources for training and participation in the competition.

    “Government must invest and transform training facilities and uplift the technical men. We will continue to pursue this as a noble policy that will take Nigeria forward.’’

    He said that Buhari couldn’t come to receive the Queen’s Baton Relay personally and asked him to do that on his behalf and that of the entire sport-loving Nigerians.

    Habu Gumel, the President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), welcoming the Queen’s Baton Relay and the five delegates that accompanied it, said that Nigeria had been a strong force in the Commonwealth sports community.

    “Since our debut in the 1950 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand, our nation’s profile at the quadrennial Games has been on the rise.

    “Nigerian athletes have never failed to prove their mettle in placing our nation on the scoreboard of this global sporting fiesta.

    “For our nation to sustain the winning momentum at the Commonwealth level, we will require all the support of both the public and private sector, especially in the area of funding.

    “ This will ensure adequate preparation for the participation of our contingent. We therefore, solicit the continuous support of everyone.

    “At our level, the Nigerian Commonwealth and the Olympic family through our collaborations with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has continually offered athletes and coaches opportunities for training and personal development through international scholarships and technical courses,’’ he said.

    The Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Lehmann, said the Queen’s Baton Relay came with a message of peace and goodwill to all Nigerians.

    Lehmann said that Australia was proud to be hosting the Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast.

    “It is my pleasure to celebrate the stories and successes of Nigerians athletes as the Baton makes its way through the beautiful city Lagos.

    “Australia and Nigeria are nations of sport lovers. I believe sports can support the ambitions of all people regardless of age, background, gender or ability.

    “The people to people link between Australia and Nigeria grow stronger each year and we look forward to welcoming Nigerian athletes to Australia in 2018,’’ he said.

    Lehmann said it’s believed that Australia is far but it’s the distance that makes us closer.

    “There are so many tourists sites that Nigerians can visit while in Australia. Our level of hospitality can’t be compared,’’ he said.

    He noted that for the first time, the physically challenged will be participating in the Communication Games.

    “The physically challenged and the able-bodied athletes will all have the same number if events to participate in,’’ he said.

    Among the dignitaries at the event are Hauwa Kulu-Akinyemi, the Chairman Local Organising Committee for Queen’s Baton Relay, the Athletics federation of Nigeria (AFN) President, Solomon Ogba and former NOC President, Sanni Ndanusa.

    NAN reports that Olympians and Paralympians were also present and among them were renowned former athletes Yusuf Alli, Falilat Ogunkoya, Chioma Ajunwa and Henry Amike.

    Students from the Pacelli School for the Blind, Surulere, Atunda-Olu School for the Physically and Mentally challenged, Surulere, Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired, Surulere and Children Development Center, Surulere attended.

  • I can’t reverse Ndume’s suspension, Says Saraki

    I can’t reverse Ndume’s suspension, Says Saraki

    …Crisis inevitable for development, says Dogara

    The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on Monday said that he has no power to reverse the suspension of Senator Ali Ndume from the Senate.

    Ndume was recently suspended for six months by the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, Saraki said that the issue of Ndume’s suspension was beyond him.

    He said “We should try and understand how the parliament works, I wish I had such powers these powers you give me I wish I had them, the President or Speaker is first among equals they are just presiding officers but unfortunately you know the legislative arm is the youngest people don’t understand, people give us this powers that we have, decisions that are taken in plenary is decision of all but I have a role to be able to convey the message.

    “I will convey the message of the visit of the Governor of Borno and the Senate is one, we are all one family there will be issues like that, there is nothing that is sacrosanct or rigid.” he said

    He also disclosed that the National Assembly is working hard on the 2017 Budget.

    According to him, one of the reasons for visiting the President is to let him know how far the National Assembly has gone on the 2017 budget.

    He said “We are on course as you note last week we did ask all the sub committees to submit their reports to appropriation all that has been done now, it’s now collation and review then hopefully it will be passed very soon.

    On the suspension of screening of Resident Electoral Commissioners, he said “As I said this is a routine meeting, there are many things that is important but there are other things that is even more important to do which is the budget.

    “We talked also about the INEC bill that we have passed I took the president through some of the areas, very important areas because you know the President over many years is somebody that has gone to many elections and seen, so that was something he was really excited about, some of the new amendments like electronic voting, talks about electronic process for collation, those are landmark achievements that we hope that very soon the House will concur and will all come here for the President to assent.

    “Some of these other issues it will happen but I don’t think it’s a major issue, but we are still moving ahead and still consulting.” he said

    On his views on the reconciliatory committee set up, he said “Good development, but like I said there will always be issues on one or two things, it doesn’t mean that it is the foundation of it, when you have an arm of government that has to do with confirmation there will always be, for example the NDDC bill we rejected 3 people from NDDC we keep on moving, we are all part of one government that is why despite all these, still major decisions are taken, like I said we did a critical amendments on INEC by Tuesday or Wednesday. For the first time in the history of the legislature, we are going to lay a report on the PIB for consideration, it has never happened, for the past 20 years it has not gotten to this stage, so its work in progress for the interest of Nigeria.

    “Don’t let us get distracted by one or two infractions, it’s bound to happen, even America that we are copying even today as we are watching, see what is happening on the Supreme court these are things that happen on the part of democracy but I can reassure Nigerians that it’s just a drop in the ocean, it is not an issue that should stir the whole nation, be rest assured.

    Asked if the relationship between legislature and executive is cordial, he said “It is cordial, you cannot examine it based on NDDC, based on EFCC, we have other issues, we have ministerial nominees that we are going to be working on, we have the budget that is more important, we have INEC, PIB we have so many important things and I think it’s a mixture of all that should guide us, don’t let us over heat on some of these issues.”

    Speaking further on his visit to the Villa, he said “As you know this is a routine, it’s part of the consultation and collaboration that we observed that has helped in improving the workings together, it’s just a routine and review, most important issue now is the budget.”

    Also speaking with journalists, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu ‎Dogara, said that his visit to the seat of power was routine.

    He said “It baffles me when people see you visit Mr. President they will think something is wrong, nothing is wrong, it is routine visits‎.

    According to him, the face-off between the executive and legislature over the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, is not a crisis.

    He said “You might look at it as crisis but I don’t look at it as crisis. You know I have always said this that as a government our value will be the problems we have solve.

    “We can’t be remembered for avoiding, we can’t be remembered for running away from problems, it is only when‎ we provide solution to some of the things you refer to as crisis and we look at it as opportunities to begin the new that people will now remember us for putting down enduring legacies.

    “But when we run away from everything that appears to be trouble we will not make it.

    Asked whether he has solved the problem from the meeting,  he said “I tell you they will overcome it. I’m not in the Senate and I am not the Spokesperson for the Senate so the Senate will speak for themselves.

    On whether the planned protest against the National Assembly was manipulated from outside, he said “I wouldn’t know, this is a democracy we are running and we have to open the space to civil society, to everyone who feel aggrieved to be able to air his grievances.

    “So, if they have grievances against the institution of the legislature we will take it. You see the point is we should never run away from crisis, crisis are always wonderful opportunities for us to begin the new, for us to set new boundaries, for us to begin to examine things in a new way.

    “So we should welcome crisis, they are the engines that always propel growth and progress. So if anyone think he has issues with the national assembly let him come and we will have the opportunity to explain, that is the beauty of democracy,” he said.

  • Buhari condoles with meningitis victims in Sokoto

    President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the families of the victims of Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM) in Sokoto State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the disease has claimed about 328 lives in 16 states of the federation in the last four months.

    Fourteen states are severely affected in the Northern region with two states in the South.

    No fewer than 41 live have been confirmed lost to the epidemic in Sokoto between November 2016 and March ending, this year.

    This was made known on Monday by Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of the state when he led a team on a condolence visit to areas affected by the outbreak at Danchadi village and surrounding areas in Bodinga Local Government Area of the state.

    “From the latest casualty figures from Sokoto state, up to 41 people were known to have died.

    “Our leader and President, Muhammadu Buhari, has asked me to condole with all of you over the outbreak of the disease in your localities.

    “He has also asked me to tell you that everything is being done to contain the outbreak and ensure it does not occur again.

    “Health officials have been deployed to affected areas and they have been working round the clock to ensure your safety.

    “We urge you to follow their instructions and at the same time cooperate with them as we tackle this challenge,” the governor said.

    According to Tambuwal, more than 700,000 people will be immunised by the state government against the Type ”C” strain of the virus in the 23 local government areas of the state.

    He said: “Immunisation of children against child-killer diseases like measles, yellow fever and others are being intensified.

    “This is even as officials from affected states are comparing notes to ensure coordinated efforts across borders.”

    The governor also commended officials of the Federal and State Ministries of Health as well as development partners, for their various efforts in tackling the challenge.

     

  • Buhari, Dogara meet in Aso Villa

    Buhari, Dogara meet in Aso Villa

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met behind closed doors with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    It was also gathered that the Senate President, Bukola Saraki was expected to join the meeting.

    Dogara arrived the Villa at exactly 12 noon.

    The meeting may not be unconnected with the face-off between the Executive and the legislative arms of government.

    The grey areas included the summons of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali, who was to appear in uniform, the rejection of Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the extension of tenure of a Permanent Secretary by the President which the House of Representatives is currently kicking against.

    The Presidency last week set up a committee to meet with the leadership of both Chambers of the National Assembly to reach a compromise on the issues.

    The committee chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has membership including ex-lawmakers in the cabinet.

    The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

  • Buhari approves executive management for NTA, FRCN, others

    Buhari approves executive management for NTA, FRCN, others

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved appointments into the executive management of some government agencies and parastatals.

    This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina.

    According to the statement, the new chairman of the board of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) is former newspaper editor and ex-presidential spokesman, Chief Duro Onabule.

    Other executive directors of NTA include: Dr Steve Egbo, Administration and Training; Abdul Hamid Salihu Dembos, Marketing; Mohammed Labbo, News; Fatima M. Barda, Finance; Stephen Okoanachi, Engineering; and Wole Coker, Programmes.

    At the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Aliyu Hayatu is new chairman, while Buhari Auwalu and Yinka Amosun, are Zonal Directors, Kaduna and Lagos, respectively.

    Under the Ministry of Information and Culture, the following agencies have new appointees: Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr Chika Maduekwe, General Manager; National Theatre and National Troupe of Nigeria, Comrade Tar Ukoh, Artistic Director; National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General; National Film and Video Censors Board, Folorunsho Coker, Director-General.

    At the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is chairman, while the new Director-General is Engr. Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja.

    Other members of the NEMA Board are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Engr. David Babachir Lawal; Captain Talba Alkali, representing Ministry of Transport and Aviation; Amb. Rabiu Dagari, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr Ngozi Azadoh, Ministry of Health; Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, Ministry of Interior; Engr. Ajisegiri Benson Akinloye; Ministry of Water Resources, AVM Emmanuel Anebi; Nigerian Armed Forces; and AIG Salisu Fagge Abdullahi, Nigerian Police Force.

     

  • We need army to tackle security challenges – Buhari

    We need army to tackle security challenges – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari said on Friday that the attention of the Army would always be required to tackle numerous security challenges across the country.

    Speaking at the closing of the 2017 Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship at Sambia, the president urged troops to use the skills they acquired in the competition to improve their performance.

    Represented by Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, the Chief of Defence of Staff, Buhari, said: “Remember security challenges abound in our country that will continue to require the attention of the Nigerian army and indeed the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    “I, therefore, urge you not to rest on your oars but harness the skills which you have used this competition to sharpen for improved performance,” he said.

    The president said holding the exercise in Sambisa indicated that normalcy had returned to Borno, and indeed the North-East.

    Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has directed the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, to route remnants of Boko Haram terrorists from their hiding places in the “next few weeks.”

    “I want to give the final task to the Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, to within the next few weeks flush out these criminals once and for all from their hiding places in this area and indeed in the whole North-East,’’ Buratai said.

    “This is a task we much accomplish,” he said.

    The chief of army staff said troops would continue to dominate the forest with the fall of Camp Zero, the last stronghold of the Boko Haram, and vowed that the terrorists would never be allowed to re-occupy the area.

    Buratai said that to ensure this, exercises including training would continue to be held in the forest.

    He also directed the Commandant, Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), to ensure that henceforth, final exercises of passing out cadets were held in the forest.

    Nine Divisions of the Nigerian army, 1,2,3,6, 7, 8, 81, 82 and Army Headquarters Garrison participated in the exercise.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 7 Division, Maiduguri, emerged the winner of the championship, 82 Div., Enugu, came second, while Army headquarters Garrison took the third position.

    Apart from trophies, they were rewarded by the Chief of Army Staff with N2 million, N1.5 million and N1 million in that order.

    Ten participants took part in the shooting competition including the AK47 rifle, FN rifle, pistol and female Ak47 shooting.

    All the Service Chiefs, representative of the Inspector-General of Police and Defence Attaches of various countries in Nigeria attended the ceremony which also featured the display of “fire power’’ by the army and Air Force.