The Nation Newspaper

Tag: President Muhammadu Buhari

Buhari’s administration needs support not condemnations -Primate

The Primate of the African Church, His Eminence Emmanuel Udofia has said what the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari needs from Nigerians is support not condemnation.

He particularly called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the President on it war against corruption.

Udofia stated this at the inauguration of the Oka-Akoko Province, which comprising of Oka-Akoko Diocese, Ekiti Diocese, Ondo Central Missionary Diocese, Ekiti Oke Diocese, Kogi Diocese and Akoko-Idoani Diocese.

The event, which was held at the African church in Ibaka Oka-Akoko in Akoko South West local government area of Ondo State, the Primate also installed the Most Rev. Toyin Adeyemi as the Archbishop of the province.

The primate noted that Buhari mean well for the nation particularly on his battle against corruption, which he said was the bane of the challenges facing the nation.

He also added that he is aware that some unscrupulous elements are doing everything possible to ensure the administration fail.

He urged Nigerians to rise up and continue to pray for the President.

Udofia described the present challenges facing the country as a trying time which he said would soon become a blessing time.

He urged Nigerians not to lose hope, saying a Nation like Israel that was chosen by God and which is now a blessed nation had once faced a lot of challenges.

He said “at the end of the day, God visited Israel and transform their situation for good. So the same thing can happen in Nigeria, as long as we are ready to look up to the Lord and repent from our sins. These challenges are matter of time.

“On my way coming for this event, I bought petrol at a filling station at the rate of N230 and I know this is one of the challenges we are facing, but I believe if we are ready to pray to God and repent from our sins, things we change for better for us in this country”.

He however asked all the leaders to be focus, invite God into their midst and seek for direction on way forward for the country.

The event was witnessed by the Church Provincial Trustee, Otunba Sehinde Arogbofa, the Provincial Vice Lay President, Chief Idowu Ogunsemi, former Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Paul Alabi Provincial Secretary, Mr. Oni Friday.

Others include traditional rulers such as Olubaka of Oka Akoko, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, Owa Ale of Ikare-Akoko Oba Adegbite Adedoyin, Olupe of Ipeland, and Oba Francis Apata.

April 15, 2016
Buhari to Chibok girls’ parents: I share your pains

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured parents and relations of the kidnapped Chibok girls that he frequently reflects on the ordeal of the captives in the hands of Boko Haram terrorists and shares the pain of their continued absence from home.

As the parents marked the second anniversary of the kidnap of the girls, President Buhari affirmed that as a parent and leader of the country, he understands the torment, frustration and anxiety of the parents and will not spare any effort to ensure the safe return of the girls.

The President, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, believed that with the total commitment of the Federal Government, Nigerian Armed Forces and security agencies, and the support of the international community, the girls will be eventually rescued.

He noted that thousands of persons, mostly women and children, who were kidnapped by Boko Haram, have already been rescued and reunited with their families.

He shared the hope of the parents that the Chibok girls will ultimately be rescued and reunited with their families.

The President assured the parents that the Federal Government and security agencies will continue to explore all possible options for the safe return of the girls.

President Buhari urged the parents to continue to exercise patience and understanding as the government works diligently to ensure that the girls return home unharmed.

The President thanked all Nigerians, religious and civil organizations, and the international community for their continued sympathy, support and prayers for the return of the Chibok girls.

April 14, 2016
FG seeks speedy completion of Mambilla power project

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Beijing promised that his administration will honour all agreements concluded between Nigeria and China under previous administrations to ensure the speedy completion of outstanding joint projects, including the 4,000 megawatts Mambilla Hydro-Electric Power Project.

Buhari spoke at a meeting with Mr Li Keqiang, the Premier of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China.

President Buhari regretted the failure of past governments to meet Nigeria’s obligations in joint projects with China.

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President told the Chinese Premier that his administration was committed to the completion, in the shortest possible time, of all joint power, rail, road and aviation projects that will directly and quickly improve the lives of Nigerians.

He said that he was particularly keen on actualizing the Mambilla Power Project because of its huge potential to boost employment and national economic growth.

The Chinese Premier commended ongoing efforts by the Buhari Administration to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure.

He assured the President that China was ready to work with his administration to complete all joint projects, including the Mambilla Power Project.

April 13, 2016
Presidency to Vandals: We’ll treat you like Boko Haram

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned vandals and saboteurs blowing up oil and gas installations in Nigeria to desist immediately or face the same drastic action being taken against Boko Haram by the Armed Forces.

President Buhari said this while speaking at a meeting with members of the Nigerian Community on Wednesday in Beijing, China.

The President reaffirmed his total commitment to winning the war against corruption, saying that corruption was an arch-enemy of the nation which has destroyed the lives of many Nigerians.

“I ask for your support to make our vision of stamping out corruption a reality in the shortest possible time. Whoever is caught will not be spared.

“The government is still being dared, but those who are sensible should have learnt a lesson. Those who are mad, let them continue in their madness.

“I am aware that in the last two weeks, the national grid collapsed a number of times. I hope this message will reach the vandals and saboteurs who are blowing up pipelines and installations.

“We will deal with them the way we dealt with Boko Haram,” the President declared.

President Buhari assured the Nigerian Community that the Federal Government was working very hard to overcome current national challenges and deliver on its promise of a better Nigeria.

“Clearly, our vision of a diversified and inclusive economy will not be achieved overnight. It will be a long, and in some cases, painful journey. I am very confident we will get there. But we must start that journey now.

“We hear proposals for short cuts or quick wins. However, all we need to do is look at our history to know that there are no quick wins or short cuts in fixing Nigeria. The many decades of damage and destruction cannot be repaired overnight.

“The reform program we are implementing is not because oil prices are below $45 per barrel today. It is because when oil prices were over $100 per barrel, majority of Nigerians were still suffering. They were simply forgotten and left behind. So, our reforms are to ensure that the majority of Nigerians are not left behind,” the President told the gathering.

President Buhari also assured the Nigerian community that his administration was fulfilling its promise to improve security across the country.

“When we came into office in 2015, Boko Haram insurgents occupied 14 Local Government Areas. Today, I am pleased to say the insurgents have been routed out of these local governments and their capacity to fight as a force has been significantly degraded.

“We will continue working hard to ensure that the group is eliminated. This is achievable. And we will not settle for anything less,” he said.

April 13, 2016
Buhari seeks reduction in Nigeria, China’s high trade imbalance

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Beijing called on the Nigerian and Chinese business communities to work harder to reduce the trade imbalance between both countries which is currently in China’s favour.

He spoke at the opening of a Nigeria-China Business/Investment Forum in China.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said that trade and economic relations between both countries must be mutually-beneficial and conducted with reciprocated respect and trust.

He said: “Although the Nigerian and Chinese business communities have recorded tremendous successes in bilateral trade, there is a large trade imbalance in favour of China as Chinese exports represent some 80 per cent of the total bilateral trade volumes. This gap needs to be reduced.

“Therefore, I would like to challenge the business communities in both countries to work together to reduce the trade imbalance.

“You must also imbibe the spirit of having a mutually beneficial relationship in your business transactions. You must not see Nigeria as a consumer market alone, but as an investment destination where goods can be manufactured and consumed locally,” President Buhari told the gathering.

He said that his administration was committed to supporting investors that were ready to establish manufacturing and processing facilities in Nigeria.

He said: “Last year during our meeting in New York, President Xi Jinping and I agreed to explore ways of practical cooperation in trade, investment, finance, human resources, agriculture and fishing.

“We also agreed to strengthen industrial capacity cooperation in the manufacture of cars, household appliances, construction materials, textiles, food processing, and others.

“This is in line with our government’s focus on import substitution through the creation of a diversified and inclusive economy that will meet most of our consumption needs.

“Already, our Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is working on projects and programmes that will correct the wrongs of the past and enhance the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

“The ministry’s efforts will be complemented by investment tax incentive programmes, public sector reform initiatives as well as our zero tolerance stance on corruption.

“We also have an aggressive but realistic infrastructure development programme that forms the backbone of our economic diversification policy. We are embarking on major power, road, rail, seaport and airport development programmes that will enhance the competitiveness of manufacturing businesses in Nigeria.

“The future is bright and I am very confident that our policies will make Nigeria the investment destination of your choice,” President Buhari told the Chinese investors.

The President also assured them that his administration was doing everything possible to address concerns about security in Nigeria.

He said that to consolidate on recent successes against Boko Haram, close to 20 per cent of the 2016-budgetted expenditure has been allocated to the Ministries of Defence and Interior and as well as other security agencies.

“We are committed to protecting all lives and property within our borders. You can therefore be rest assured that your investments in Nigeria will be safe and secure,” he said.

Business and trade relations between Nigeria and China have grown astronomically in the last decade with bilateral trade volumes rising from USD2.8 billion in 2005 to USD14.9 billion in 2015.

Nigeria accounted for 8.3 per cent of the total trade volume between China and Africa and 42 per cent of the total trade volume between China and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries in 2015.

April 12, 2016
Photos: Buhari arrives China

President Buhari being welcomed by Mr Cheng, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs alongside other Senior Chinese Government Officials at the Beijing Capital International Airport, on Monday.

L-R: President Buhari being welcomed by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State as President Buhari arrives People’s Republic of China for a State Visit on Monday.

April 11, 2016
What Buhari is in China for

President Muhammadu Buhari is expected in China this week to further discuss Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with the Chinese government.

This is according to a post that appeared on the Presidential Twitter handle noting that besides Beijing, President Buhari will visit the Shanghai Free Trade Zone and Guangzhou Econ and Technology Development Zone.

The post states: “President Buhari will open the China-Nigeria Production Capacity and Investment Cooperation Forum in Beijing on Tuesday April 12.

“China and Nigeria began diplomatic relations in 1971. In 2001, both countries signed a Bilateral Trade Agreement while in 2005, a Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed.”

Ministers on the President’s entourage to China include Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Agriculture, Ogbeh Audu; Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi; Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola and Industry, Trade and Investment Minister, Okechukwu Enelamah

April 11, 2016
Economy: Buhari is on right path, says Dangote

•Firm begins construction of $1b Okpella cement plant

President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group Alhaji Aliko Dangote said yesterday that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration was on the right path in the diversification of the nation’s economy.

His assertion followed new policies implemented through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as well as Ministry for Solid Mineral Development.

Dangote spoke at the ground-breaking ceremony of Okpella cement financed by his group.

He hailed efforts of the President in revitalising the solid mineral sector, noting that the sector could provide employment and improve non-oil revenue.

Dangote noted that the new plant could transform the economy of Okpella and Edo State.

Dangote said investment in local cement plants saved Nigeria $3 billion spent on importing cement.

He urged the private sector to invest in critical areas of the economy since the Federal Government has expressed readiness to resuscitate the industrial sector.

Dangote said he would always invest in Nigeria, adding that Nigeria remains the best place to invest in the world.

He said: “While others are sitting and waiting, the Dangote Group is thinking ahead by investing in additional cement capacities in Okpella in Edo State and Itori in Ogun State. We have also invested in a 100MW Power Generation Plant for Itori and Okpella.

“A key factor that drives investments in an economy is the presence of an investor-friendly business climate. Indeed, Edo State is one of the most attractive investment destinations in Nigeria.

“The economic reforms in Edo State, especially in tax, innovations in rural finance and investment on infrastructure, have produced an enabling environment that has further provided a platform for future growth. These factors encouraged us to consider Edo State as the right destination for this investment.

“By this investment, Dangote is increasing its production capacity, thus maintaining its leadership in the industry. The Okpella six million capacity plant will take our local capacity to 35m mtpa, and with the coming on stream of the 6m mtpa plant at Itori in Ogun State, our local capacity will go up to 41m mtpa.”

The project, he added, “is only one of our several successful projects in parts of the country and outside in more than 15 other locations in African countries, in line with our Pan African investment strategy”.

Edo State Governor Adams Governor said his administration has created enabling environments for businesses to strive in the state.

However, impressed at the continuous investments in cement production despite having met local demands, the Federal Government said the gains of backward integration in the cement sector, as championed by the Dangote Group, is saving the nation billions of foreign exchange.

Minister of Solid Mineral Development Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his counterpart in Trade and investments, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, said government was pleased with Dangote Cement in ensuring that the nation frees itself from endless importation and becoming net exporter.

This said tallied with the change agenda of the Buhari government to substitute importation with local production and consume only products produced locally.

They said the volatility in the international oil market and the excessive dependent on importation have put pressure on the naira, adding that the government would free the naira from such pressure.

Fayemi said the Federal Government would meet with the 36 governors to simplify access to land by investors in solid minerals.

He said continuous investment in the mining sector would earn the nation $25 billion annually by 2025.

The $1 billion cement plant has the capacity to hire 6,000 new jobs.

The new six million metric tonnes per annum capacity cement plant is coming on the heels of similar arrangements in Itori and Ibeshe, Ogun, with 12 million metric cement in combined capacity.

By this investment, Dangote cement’s production capacity will increase to 41metric tonnes per annum in Nigeria alone.

April 11, 2016
Buhari gets 2016 Budget details

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday received the 2016 Appropriation Bill details from the National Assembly.

Buhari had insisted on getting and scrutinizing the budget details before assenting the bill passed by the National Assembly.

The 1,800-page budget details was signed for and collected on behalf of the President by the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He received it from the President’s Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang; and the Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Samaila Kawu.

After getting the document in his office, Kyari led Enang and Kawu to President Buhari’s office where they met briefly.

They came out from the President’s office few minutes later with Enang still holding on to the document.

Briefing State House correspondents later, Enang said that constitutional procedure will now follow the formal submission of the document.

He said: “The budget details has been transmitted to His Excellency, Mr. President today, the constitutional process begins thereafter.

“We have transmitted it to the Office of the President and the constitutional process of timing starts.” he added.

April 7, 2016
Photos: Obasanjo, Buhari meet in State House

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday visited President Muhammadu Buhari in audience at the State House, Abuja.

April 7, 2016