The Nation Newspaper

Tag: President

  • President hails Danish initiative on dairy farming

    President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that an initiative on dairy farming, being championed by Denmark and Kaduna State government, would curb clashes between cattle herders and farmers.

    He spoke when he received the Denmark ambassador, Mr. Torben Gettermann, at the State House, Abuja.

    The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, noted that the establishment of dairy farms, as being promoted by Denmark, would save the country from clashes between herders and farmers, worsened by population explosion.

    He said when the farms “are economically viable, herders will see the need to stay in one place, as they will realise that productive considerations, rather than the number of herds of cattle, are more important.”

    On the concept of dairy farming, Gettermann said the plan was to have 1,000 families of herdsmen with 12,000 herds of cattle in a location, where they would have veterinary attention, schools for their children and live as a small community.

    A Danish company, Arla, he said, would buy the milk.

    “The Danish government will bring investors through its Agriculture counsellor in the country, while the Kaduna State government will provide initial infrastructure and funding.

    “Dairy farming is not the same thing as ranching. It will yield better meat, and the Danish company will buy the milk from the farmers. A pilot project will start in Kaduna, and then move to other locations, as it becomes commercially viable,” the ambassador, who spent four years in Nigeria, said.

    After 40 years in the service of his country, Gettermann is proceeding on retirement.

  • 800m trek not meant to score cheap political point, says President

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday spoke on his decision to walk some distance after observing Eid prayers at Kofar Arewa Eid Ground in his Daura hometown and the humbling hero’s welcome from the well-wishers that lined the street.

    In a meeting with representatives of the five local governments in Daura Emirate, the President explained that the walk was not about proving his fitness level or scoring any cheap political point.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said: ”This is my constituency. The people came out in their large numbers to see me and the car in which I was being driven had tinted windows.

    ”They were not seeing me, so I came down so they could see me. I didn’t need to convince anyone about my health and the decision to contest for a second term; a decision that I made public in April this year.”

    The President used the opportunity of his meeting with his kinsmen to inform them that he had directed the Ministry of Agriculture and the CBN to review the processes on the issuance of loans to smallholder farmers.

    ”We want to make it easier for them to assess the loans, particularly the underprivileged people in the society.

    “It has become necessary for the government to do this because banks will insist on collaterals which majority of farmers do not have.

    ”For our agriculture policy to succeed, we must be able to reach small farm holders with loans without collaterals.

    “Collaterals are always a problem with smallholder farmers,” he said.

    The President also highlighted the achievements of the administration on local rice productions which had expectedly led to the reduction of imports by over 90 per cent.

    He expressed delight that young people are returning to the farms and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to implement policies to promote agriculture.

    Speaking on behalf of the civil society groups in Daura Emirate, the spokesman of the group, Yusuf Bello Maiadua, applauded the President on his numerous achievements.

    ”You have made us proud. The economy is back on the path of growth and you have laid a solid foundation for the development of the country,” he said.

    Maiadua, who hinted the President of plans by the Daura Emirate to organise a massive rally for his 2019 campaign as soon as the ban on political campaign is lifted, asked him to make out time to attend.

  • President to attend FOCAC summit in China

    •Attends UN General Assembly next month

    Barring last minute change, President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to join world leaders in Beijing, China for the 2018 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in the first week of September.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping is to chair the forum scheduled for September 3rd and 4th.

    The summit will have the theme: “China and Africa: toward an even stronger community with a shared future through win-win cooperation.”

    Besides African leaders, representatives of related regional organisations in Africa and international organisations will participate in the summit.

    The objectives of FOCAC include equal consultation, enhancing understanding, expanding consensus, strengthening friendship and promoting cooperation between African countries and China.

    The FOCAC follow-up mechanisms are built at three levels: The Ministerial Conference is held every three years; the Senior Officials Follow-up Meeting and the Senior Officials Preparatory Meeting for the Ministerial Conference are held in the year and a few days before the Ministerial Conference is held.

    The consultations between the African Diplomatic Corps in China and the Secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up Committee are held at least twice a year, while the Ministerial Conference and the Senior Officials Meeting are held alternately in China and an African country, with China and the African host being co-chairs presiding over the meetings and taking lead in implementing the outcomes of the meetings.

    The Ministerial Conference is attended by foreign ministers and ministers in charge of international economic cooperation, and the Senior Officials Meeting by director-general level officials of the competent departments of China and African countries.

    President Buhari is also billed to attend the United Nations General Assembly in the United States next month.

     

     

     

     

  • Atiku: I’m not desperate to be president

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said he is not desperate to be president.

    Atiku, a presidential aspirant in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who noted that he would not leave the party even if he lost the primaries, said he would have become president in 2003 if he were desperate.

    Addressing reporters after meeting Benin monarch Oba Ewuare II, as part of his nationwide consultation tour, Atiku said he stepped down for the late MKO Abiola because of the country’s interest.

    He said: “What do you expect my critics to say? I can run as many times as I want. I am fit and qualified and I still have ideas to put this country in the right path. What is wrong in trying again and again?

    “I am not desperate to become president. If I were desperate, I would have taken the presidency in 2003. If I were desperate, I would not have stepped down for Abiola. I have the interest of this country at heart.”

    Oba Ewuare II said he would pray to God and his ancestors for the emergence of leaders, who would cater for the poor.

    He urged politicians to tackle insecurity, saying Nigeria would remain underdeveloped if security matters were not prioritised.

    The monarch, who spoke when Atiku visited his palace, said Nigeria would remain indivisible despite the security challenges.

    A woman, Grace Osagie, collapsed at the Benin Airport while waiting for the arrival of Atiku.

    The woman slumped while standing in the sun alongside other PDP supporters to give Atiku a rousing welcome.

    Sympathisers poured water on her to revive her.

    Atiku later met Edo PDP delegates at the party secretariat.

     

  • Rotary Gbagada South inaugurates president

    ROTARY Gbagada South has inauguratedBiliamin Sanni, an accountant, as its president. The event held at Lydia Hall, Ojodu, Berger, Lagos.

    By the inauguration, Sanni becomes the 16th president of the 53-member club chartered in 2003. The event also marked the 20th anniversary of Sanni’s membership.

    As is customary with Rotary’s installations, the event kicked off with the filing of all past presidents and their spouses to the podium. These included the immediate past district governor, Wale Ogunbadejo and his wife, Adedoyin Oguntade (the only female), Jeje Babatunde and Sanni’s predecessor president AdemolaOlutusin. As they were called, they danced amid music.Sanni and his wife were the last to file out.

    Olutusin said he executed 36 projects and added 18 members. The club won seven awards. They include First in Significant Achievement (Water and Sanitation), Third Overall Best Club, Second Best Club in Service Projects and Third Best Club in We Care. He thanked his colleagues for their support, urging them to extend same to his successor.

    Sanni promised to build on the good works of Olutusin. Specifically, his focus, he said, would be inter-house quiz contest, donation of reading and writing materials in primary schools and empowerment. ‘’We shall focus attention on membership development, Rotary Foundation and public relations to raise funds for our worthy projects…,’’ he said.

    Rotary International 9110 District Governor Kola Sodipo called for assistance for Rotary’s projects and programmes, saying: ‘’There are a lot of problems in our country. No matter how, do little things here and there. Help traders on the street so that they can fend for themselves … You can donate or sponsor a project.’’

  • Why I want to be president, by Dankwambo

    •PDP aspirant visits Obasanjo

    Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo yesterday visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Presidential Library Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    Although the governor declined to speak on what he discussed with the former president, it is believed the visit was in connection with his presidential ambition, ahead of the 2019 general election.

    Dankwambo was accompanied by members of his campaign organisation.

    Addressing leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, he said he had “practicable solutions” to the problems confronting the country.

    The governor said he had acquired experience as an Accountant-General of the Federation under three presidents.

    “I served as the Accountant-General of the Federation under three presidents, starting from Obasanjo in 2005.

    “So, I understand the workings of the government. I will appoint my cabinet the moment I am sworn-in as president because there is no time to waste.

    “In PDP, many are qualified for this job, but the best must be presented by our party in 2019,” he said.

    Dankwambo promised to “willingly” step down and support any candidate, who has a better pedigree and leadership credentials.

    During his visit to Lagos yesterday, the governor said the country needed to renegotiate the existing structures for fairness and justice.

    Addressing party members, he said: “I want to say that from what is happening in the country, there is no doubt that the call for restructuring must stand. The call does not mean breaking away.

    “It is not out of place to sit down and renegotiate because things are almost getting out of hand. There is need for devolution of power, state police, address the financial problem and put the political structure in place that will assist the country in development.”

    Dankwambo said he decided to contest for the highest office after consultation with stakeholders, noting that his visit to Lagos was to get the support of Lagosians.

    He said no politician could afford to ignore Lagos because of its population, which placed it at a vantage position in political matters.

    “We have done lots of consultation and have made our impact felt through developmental projects in the country. We are determined to better the lives of our people.

    “Let me formally declare that I am running for the highest office in the land. We have been well prepared to occupy that position. Having worked in Lagos, a place known to drill tested people, I think it is important to seek the support of Lagos people.

    “Lagos is very important in the decision that affects the destinies of men in the country. I have worked here at the apex bank, I have more friends in Lagos and it has taught me the good, the bad and the ugly.”

    With a population of over 20 million people, Lagos is in a vantage position to shape the prospect of anybody, who is desirous of attaining any high office.

     

  • FACAN seeks more exports of non-conventional produce

    The Federation of Agricultural Commodities Association of Nigeria (FACAN) President, Dr. Victor Iyama, is seeking increased export of non-conventional agricultural produce to  contribute to the government’s strategy of diversifying foreign earnings.

    Speaking  with The Nation,  Iyama  noted  that trade in non-traditional agricultural exports, including fruits and vegetables and selected speciality and processed products,such honey  can  fetch Nigeria  more foreign exchange, urging  the government and  producers  to embrace produce other than  cocoa and cashew.

    He said beekeeping and products derived from it could generate income for the country.

    He  said Nigeria needed to diversify into the production and export of produce with higher unit values, and build capability to become large scale, very low cost exporters across a wide range of non-traditional products.

    According to him, there was substantial trade in mangoes, other fresh and tropical fruits, and the  global market for non-traditional agricultural produce is both valuable and dynamic.

    He explained that supermarkets and international buyers play an important role in increasing the opportunities for developing countries to produce and supply agric produce.

    Against the backdrop of falling prices for primary commodities, he urged  the  sector  to diversify its  production and/or export base, including improving measures to address issues  such as phytosanitary rules and other  criteria perceived as the major barrier to trade for local exporters.

    According to him, there are several important pre-conditions for the successful agro exports trade, including technical expertise, a well-structured production and export sector and a highly efficient supply chain from the field through to port or airport.

    In practice, the greatest challenge for existing and new entrants to the agro exports market is to meet the high standards of compliance set by the supermarkets and large retailers.

  • You’ll perform as president, Obasanjo tells Lamido

    FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has hailed the bid by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido to contest for the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP’s)  presidential ticket.

    Obasanjo spoke yesterday when Lamido and members of his national campaign council visited him in Abeokuta, Ogun State over his 2019 presidential ambition.

    A statement by social media aide to Lamido, Mansur Ahmed, quoted the former president as saying: “As a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sule knows the world and knows how to relate with other countries of the world. I was so happy and elated by what I saw in Jigawa State when you became a governor.

    “Sule, I don’t have any doubt about your attributes, your capacity, your courage, your interest about your state and Nigeria at large. Sule, you can do it and you can do it well.”

    Lamido, why speaking on the reason behind his visit, said: “I have nothing to tell you about me because you know me more than anybody. I have come to greet you, brief you, seek for your blessings and ask for your fatherly advice.”

    The statement added that the meeting was part of the consultation with relevant stakeholders, elders, party officials and key political actors.

    The aspirant made similar visits to former military head of states Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

    Lamido visited Obasanjo last year as part of his nationwide consultations on his presidential aspiration in 2019.

    Before then, Lamido met with the PDP governors in their respective states, the 36 PDP state chairmen, including the party’s zonal vice chairmen, former Speakers, where he told them of his aspiration and urged them to pick the best for the party at the PDP national convention.

    Lamido is accompanied by his campaign’s Director-General Musa Elayo, Senator Josephine Anenih, Ambassador Joe Keshi, AIG Kayode Theophilus (rtd), Alhaji Umaru Mai Shadai, Rahman Owokoniran and Ogun State PDP Chairman.

  • Obasanjo to Atiku: God will never forgive me if I support you for president

    FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has ruled out the possibility of his support for the presidential ambition of his former deputy, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    Obasanjo told online publication, Premium Times, in Abeokuta, that the former vice president should not count on his support in next year’s election, or at any other time.

    Atiku recently formally declared his interest to seek the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)   for the election.

    “How can I be on the same side with Atiku? To do what?,” Obasanjo asked rhetorically in response to a question during the interview.

    He added: “If I support Atiku for anything, God will not forgive me. If I do not know, yes, but once I know, Atiku can never enjoy my support.”

    Obasanjo dismissed suggestions that he had personal grudges against Atiku, saying: “If you do not do well for Nigeria, you do not do well for all of us.

    “It is not a question of working with or not working with an individual.

    “If you are working for the good of Nigeria, I am working with you. If you are not working for the good of Nigeria it does not matter who you are I am not working with you.”

    Obasanjo fell out with Atiku midway into their  tenure as president  and vice president between 1999 and 2003 but managed to patch up their differences to contest the 2003 election together.

    But once they emerged winners in that election, their hostilities resumed full blast and have not  been able to mend fences ever since despite pretensions from  both sides.

    The former president recently formed what he called Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) to, in his words, rescue Nigeria from its present mess.

    The group  has since adopted a political party, African Democratic Congress, for the purpose of  realizing  its dream of a new Nigeria and take  over from President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The ADC has gone into an alliance with the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and others to present a common candidate against Buhari next year.

    Asked if he would support Atiku in the event he emerged as the coalition’s candidate, Obasanjo retorted: “I know Atiku very well. And I have mentioned my position with Atiku. My position has not changed.

    “If my children are getting married, he has sent representatives. If his children are getting married, I have sent representatives. That is social. That is not political.

    “On political ground, my position has not changed. If I support Atiku for a political office other than the one I supported him in the past when I did not know him, maybe, but not now that I know him, God will not forgive me.”

  • No growth without stability, says President Buhari

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has said that development is usually the first casualty in an unstable polity.

    The President made the declaration while receiving President Adama Barrow of The Gambia at State House, Abuja.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said: “The best route to national development is stability. When a country is not stable, you spend most of your financial resources on security.

    “That is the money that should have gone into education, infrastructure, and generating employment for the people, particularly youths,” President Buhari said.

    He congratulated President Barrow for stabilising The Gambia after his emergence, following the impasse caused by his immediate predecessor, Yahya Jammeh, who initially refused to vacate office, after losing the presidential election in December, 2016.

    The Gambian President thanked President Buhari for the role Nigeria played in helping his country return to the path of constitutional democracy.

    He also congratulated the Nigerian President on his emergence as the new Chairman of ECOWAS, noting that he was the first foreign leader to visit Abuja after the development.