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Tag: Sanusi

  • JUST IN: Fubara hails Sanusi’s reinstatement as 14th Kano Emir

    JUST IN: Fubara hails Sanusi’s reinstatement as 14th Kano Emir

    Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has congratulated His Royal Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II on his reinstatement as the 14th Emir of Kano.

    Fubara said that he received the report of the reinstatement of the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), with great excitement.

    He said it came at a time when Khalifa Sanusi II was in the state to add impetus to his administration’s initiative to reshape the economic trajectory of the State.

    The governor in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, said the reinstatement by the Kano State Government showed that Sanusi’s dethronement on March 9, 2020, was against the wishes and aspirations of the great people of Kano.

    He commended the Kano state government for listening to the yearnings of the people and acting to correct the wrongs of the past.

    Read Also: BREAKING: New law reinstates Sanusi as Emir of Kano, dethrones Bayero, four others

    The governor urged the people to give the Sarki of the ancient city of Kano the maximum support to succeed.

    He also urged the spiritual leader of the Tijanniyah Sufi order of Nigeria, Emir Muhammad Sanusi II, to lead the over 50 million adherents of the Sufi order in Nigeria with love, wisdom and courage while bringing lasting peace, justice, equity and fairness to all in the city of Kano.

    He wished the 14th Emir of Kano a successful and fruitful reign that would bring progress and prosperity to the people of the State.

  • BREAKING: New law reinstates Sanusi as Emir of Kano, dethrones Bayero, four others

    BREAKING: New law reinstates Sanusi as Emir of Kano, dethrones Bayero, four others

    The proposed Kano State Emirate Council Law 2024 passed by the Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday, May 23, technically dethroned Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano.

    The law recognised former CBN governor, Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano.

    Sanusi’s portrait has since been adorning the giant wall of the Coronation Hall of Government House, Kano, while that of Aminu Bayero was since removed in a fashion that signalled Sanusi’s return to the palace.

    A prelude to Sanusi’s official reinstallation was the amendment of the Kano State Emirates Council Law 2024 (1441 A.H) by the House of Assembly after the bill scaled third reading on Thursday.

    “All traditional office holders and title holders elevated or appointed to an office created under the repealed Principal law, dated 5th December 2019 shall revert to their position where such positions previously existed under recognised custom and traditions prior to the enactment of the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December 2019.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Fubara hails Sanusi’s reinstatement as 14th Kano Emir

    “The Commissioner responsible for Local Government shall oversee all transitional arrangements including how best to deal with assets and liabilities of the abolished emirates and new structure created under the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December 2019,” said the amended law 2024.

    According to the new law, “The governor shall take all necessary measures to restore the status of the Kano Emirate System to its positions prior to the enactment of the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December 2019.”

    Governor Abba Yusuf is expected to give assent to the proposed (amendment) law on Thursday before making announcements.

    Aminu Bayero reportedly on Wednesday, May 22, fled the palace and Kano to Ijebu and is presently in Ilorin.

    Another source said Sanusi’s appointment as Emir of Kano by the Abba Yusuf administration has already been written.

    Sanusi, who became emir in the final term of Kwankwaso as governor, was dethroned by outgoing Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who was deputy governor at the time the monarch was installed.

    Sanusi, the 14th emir of Kano, was removed on March 9, 2020, banished from Kano and sent to Loko, a remote community in Nasarawa State. The expenses of the Kano emirate under him were probed.

    The Ganduje administration also added four new emirates to make it five: Bichi, Karaye, Rano, Gaya, and Kano all as First Class Emirs.

    The present state Assembly however on Thursday “abolished” all the new emirates created by ex-governor Ganduje.

    Governor Abba Yusuf has yet to make an official announcement as of the time of filing this report.

  • Emir Sanusi for Crescent Schools’ N8.5b fund raising

    Emir Sanusi for Crescent Schools’ N8.5b fund raising

    The Muslim Ladies Circle (MLC), founder of foremost school, Crescent Schools on Victoria Island, Lagos, has concluded arrangement to raise N8.56 billion.

    The fund is for the construction of another Crescent Schools at Bera Estate, off Chevron Drive, Ajiran, Lekki, Lagos.

    MLC Amirah, Alhaja Sherifat Adeyemi, during a briefing at Crescent Schools, 1004 Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos, said prominent Muslim personalities in the private and public sectors are expected to grace the event.

    She was joined by the pioneer Head of School of Crescent Schools Alhaja Fatima Oyekan; Chief Executive Officer of Baytuzeenah Hajia Saidat Otiti; Alhaja Kudirat Brimah and Alhaja Hidayat Odunsi.

    The launch, she slated, is slated for March 24 at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The 14th Emir of Kano and Khalifa of the Tijaniyyah Sufi Order of Nigeria and the neighbouring countries, Khalifah Muhammadu Sanusi II will be the Keynote Speaker.

    Alhaja Adeyemi revealed that the 1.5 hectares (36 plots) of land was acquired in 2002 with the support of members through the money generated by Crescent Schools over the years.

    According to her, the schools comprises a nursery, primary section and a college, has grown in leaps and bounds, producing reputable professionals who are contributing immensely to society.

    She said: “We hope to build a 500 student-capacity boarding school. All necessary documentations from the Lagos State Land Bureau and Town Planning Authority for the land have been obtained. It is instructive to note that all the money generated by Crescent Schools over the years, is ploughed back into the system.”

    Alhaja Adeyemi said the boarding school project is coming at a time there is a growing demand and desire among parents in Nigeria and beyond, to incorporate Islamic and Qur’anic teachings into their children’s education within a structured environment that upholds high standards.

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    “The project will meet the goal of producing wholesome persons who are academically sound and spiritually upright”, she added.

    According to her, the complex will house classrooms, administrative offices and staff rooms. Additionally, another building with three floors will serve as the hostel.

    The land, she said, will also accommodate the Head of School’s residence, a mosque, dining and multipurpose halls, staff quarters, recreational areas, car parking lots, and other necessary facilities.

    “The estimated project cost is N14.6 billion. The total value of investment to date by MLC in the development is N6 billion, with N8.6 billion as the estimated cost of the construction phase which we envisage will be raised through this fundraising initiative.

    “We call on well-meaning Nigerians, local and international philanthropic organisations to support this laudable project by donating generously towards its realization,” she said.

  • Sanusi named Legend’s Ryde Ambassador

    Sanusi named Legend’s Ryde Ambassador

    Rave-making e-hailing ride company, Legend’s Ryde has appointed the General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, MON as its Ambassador.

    At a modest but colourful ceremony inside the NFF Secretariat, Abuja, vice chairman of Legend’s Ryde, Hajia Raolah Usman said the company opted for Dr. Sanusi based on the NFF scribe’s high level of integrity, adorable character, charisma and excellent personality.

    “We are convinced about the great mileage that Dr. Sanusi will bring to our organization and products as our ambassador. He is not only an eminent personality; he is a man of unblemished character with a great record of performance in office,” Hajia Usman said.

    The company’s managing director, Mohammed Mustapha explained the company’s operations: “Legend’s Ryde has 99.9% Google location accuracy. We have partnership with 10 restaurants for now so you can book your meal and order a ride to bring it to you. We are also the first ride company to institute a pension plan for our drivers; your pension starts the minute you begin to ride our car and you can collect it after six months.” Other services offered by the company are VIP cars-for-hire, mini-cabs, logistics (van/bike) and tricycle.

    Legend’s Ryde has also decided to give back to the society by offering free ambulance and fire-fighting services to the general population. “Our company covers the length and breadth of Nigeria,” Mustapha added.

    In his acceptance speech, Dr. Sanusi said he was “highly excited” and attributed the honour to the good outing of the Super Eagles at the recently-concluded 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire, where the team finished as runners-up in the 24-nation tournament.

    Read Also: Be patient, Tinubu’s policies yielding results, Bagudu begs Nigerians

    “Success has many fathers. I accept this honour not just for me, but for the Nigeria Football Federation. I am happy that the outing of the Super Eagles at the AFCON has continued to bring good news and good tidings to Nigeria Football. I will do all within my power to be a good and great ambassador of Legend’s Ryde.”

    Also at the event were NFF’s Director of Finance and Admin, Mr. Babatunde Akinsanya; Director of Media and Communications, Ademola Olajire; Director of Legal Services, Barr. Okey Obi; Director of Competitions, Ruth David; Deputy Director (Technical), Mrs Faith Ben-Anuge; Head of Women’s Football, Hajia Amina Daura and; former Chairman of Edo State Football Association and CEO, Sportsville Awards, Mr. Frank Ilaboya.

    PHOTO 1: Dr. Sanusi (m) with Hajia Usman (l) and Mustapha (r).

  • Why Tinubu should not be blamed for Nigeria’s economic hardship – Sanusi

    Why Tinubu should not be blamed for Nigeria’s economic hardship – Sanusi

    Former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi has stated that it would be unfair for him to criticise President Bola Tinubu over the country’s economic hardship.

    Sanusi, however, blamed the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari for its badly managed economic policies.

    He averred that Buhari’s administration ignored his advice on how to take Nigeria out of its economic woes.

    Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), spoke during a virtual religious event on Sunday, February 11.

    He said Nigerians expecting him to speak about the country’s economic hardship deliberately wanted him to oppose the president.

    Sanusi said: “I have been, over the years, talking about the pending crisis ahead of the current economic hardship. Any economist who has studied monetary policy in the last eight years knows that Nigerians will fall into this difficult situation.

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    “The difficult situation Nigerians are facing is just the beginning (if the right decision is not put in place) because Nigeria is not exceptional; such situations happened in Germany, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Venezuela.

    “The previous administration turned adamant about our appeal for corrective measures (on the economic policy). I have said in the presence of the now sitting president in Kaduna state, any politician who tells you that things will be easy, don’t vote for him because he is lying. People merely dismissed my advisory as a political statement.

    “If I am to be fair and just to President Bola Tinubu, he is not to blame for the current hardship; for eight years, we were living a fake lifestyle with huge debt from foreign and domestic debts. The Central Bank of Nigeria owes over N30 trillion, which resulted in debt service surpassing 100 percent.

    “I can’t join other Nigerians criticising Tinubu on the current economic hardship, and I am not saying he is a saint free from wrongdoing, but in this current economic situation, President Tinubu is not to be blamed. I will also speak if I see any wrong economic policy of the Tinubu administration in the future.

    “It’s injustice for anyone to blame the Tinubu administration for the current economic hardship because there is no other alternative than the removal of the fuel subsidy. After all, Nigeria cannot even afford to pay the subsidy. In the last eight years, the Central Bank continued to print more money, and the Naira continued to depreciate. There is too much naira in circulation because the CBN is printing the currency without restraint.

    “The economy was poorly managed, and they are not willing to take advice; in the last eight years, apart from sycophancy, nothing has been done; those sycophants are those buying the dollar at the rate of N400 and selling it at the rate of N600 to N700.

    “A boy who has no record of service has a private jet and owns houses in Dubai and England just because he is buying dollars at so a rate and selling them.

    “I can only plead with the people to endure the hardship, and those who have the means to help the downtrodden should do so.

    “I am also pleading with commoners to live according to their earnings; we must not peg our lives above our earnings in this difficult situation where people are looking for what to eat.”

  • Sanusi backs relocation of CBN units, departments to Lagos

    Sanusi backs relocation of CBN units, departments to Lagos

    Former Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has supported the relocation of some departments of the apex bank from Abuja to Lagos. 

    He said it was right thing to do, dismissing those against the relocation as playing dirty politics. 

    There have been criticisms in some quarters since the CBN announced the relocation of some departments and units to Lagos. 

    Some northern politicians kicked against the move, warning it would have political consequences. 

    But Sanusi, who was 14th Emir of Kano, in a statement said the relocation is an “eminently sensible move”. 

    According to him: “Moving certain functions to the Lagos office ( which is bigger than the Abuja head office) is an eminently sensible move.” 

    He said he had it in mind to do the same thing while in office but didn’t have sufficient time to see it through. 

    “In my mind what I would have done was to move FSS and most of Operations to Lagos such that the two Deputy Governors would be largely operating out of Lagos or, even if they were more in Abuja , the bulk of their operational staff would be in Lagos. 

    “Economic policy, Corporate services and all the departments reporting to the Governor directly such as Strategy, Audit, Risk management, Governors’ office etc would remain in Abuja. 

    Read Also: CBN battling to restore naira to its real value, says Cardoso

    “It makes eminent strategic sense. And I would have done this if I had stayed.” 

    He dismissed the opposition against the policy as “absolutely unnecessary” because “The CBN has staff manning its branches and cash offices across the Federation.” 

    Sanusi added: “Moving staff to the Lagos office to streamline operations and make them more effective and reduce cost is a normal prerogative of management. 

    “The problem we have now is that many employees are children of politically exposed persons and their Abuja life and businesses are more important than the CBN work.  

    “The CBN is just an address for them and if they have to choose between their spoilt Abuja life and the job, they would gladly leave the CBN. 

    “All the more reason for the Governor to put his foot down and get rid of those elements they are dangerous for the bank’s future

    “The question of locating functions is a STRATEGIC and not tactical one. A proper analysis should be done to identify which roles are best suited to Lagos and which to Abuja.  Once the logic is clear the people then follow. Non communication of strategic intent opens the door to mischievous misrepresentation and arbitrariness. 

    “I don’t like the idea of arguing that the office structure can not handle the staff numbers. I am sure Julius Berger would refute that if they wanted to engage.”

    On how the relocation of staff should be done, he suggested: “Individual situations should be considered. As much as possible we should be empathetic. For example young mothers with kids in school who do not need to move can be prioritised to stay in Abuja or those with medical conditions etc.”

    He advised the CBN not to bend to political pressure, saying it must push through decisions hoe matter tough. 

    According to him: “My advice to the Governor is to go ahead with his policy. Once the CBN starts bending to political pressure on one thing it will continue doing so. 

    “Northern politicians will shout that this is moving from Abuja to Lagos. Abuja is a federal capital not a northern issue. So long as this is a principled decision the noise should be ignored. 

    “When i was about to license Jaiz bank there was a lot of religious noise from CAN etc. Even enlightened people like Okey Emelamah were going to sue me to court on religious grounds. I ignored it and licenced the bank. Nothing happened. 

    “A christian Governor after me licenced at least two more non- interest banks. No one is even noticing again. 

    “Ethnic and religious bigots will always shout. The CBN should rise above it and just do what needs to be done. It is a very unpopular and difficult job and the Governor needs to be tough.”

  • Sanusi seeks stable exchange rate to support businesses, economy

    Sanusi seeks stable exchange rate to support businesses, economy

    The rate at which the naira exchanges against dollar is not as important as the stability of the naira at official and parallel markets, former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Muhammadu Sanusi II has said.

    Speaking as a special guest of honour at the seventh Financial Markets Dealers Association of Nigeria (FMDA) Annual Conference in Lagos, he advised the apex bank to pay more attention to achieving exchange rate stability for the growth and development of the businesses and economy

    Sanusi, who was the 14th Emir of Kano, spoke on the theme: Impact of Forex Policies in the Nigerian Economy”. He said the primary task of CBN is to provide exchange rate stability, not growth but should create environment that supports growth.

    He said: “There is nothing we are facing today, that was not foreseen. Exchange rate should be predictable. The rate at which the naira exchanges to dollar is irrelevant, what is key is stability of the exchange rate.”

    Sanusi said although the CBN does not generate dollar, it should create an environment that attracts dollar investment into the economy.

    The former CBN boss kicked against free float of the naira, saying the naira exchange rate should not be left entirely to market forces to determine.

    He advised the apex bank team to keep naira around N850/$ and reduce the gap between the official and parallel market rates.

    Speaking on the role Central Bank in Macroeconomic Stability & Financial System Supervision, Chairman, Titan Trust Bank and former CBN Deputy Governor, Operations, Tunde Lemo,  said the financial system is sound, but requires close monitoring.

    “We should support the planned recapitalisation of banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria, but one cap fits all is not correct. Banks should be recapitalised based on the risks they want to take,” he advised.

    Read Also: NANCES: Sanusi honoured with Outstanding Leadership award

    Lemo said the recent forex reform, which paved the way for a fully liberalized FX market, is laudable, but more efforts should be geared toward improving FX availability to reduce the rate of currency depreciation and inflation pass-through.

    “Good as forex liberalization may seem, care should be taken to prevent foreign exchange crisis because of forex liquidity scarcity. CBN should also watch the activities of forex speculators. Nigerian naira is not internationally convertible. CBN should therefore use “Managed-float” for its forex management,” Lemo advised.

    Also speaking, Managing Director/CEO Guaranty Trust Bank Limited, Miriam Olusanya, said Nigeria is shifting to a more market-driven economy that should be supported with the development of strong credit market.

    She said as agents of financial markets, banks have continued to support the economy and businesses through deposit mobilisation.

    “Banks enable capital to move to areas of support. Safety and soundness of financial markets should be of concern to regulators,” she said.

    Olusanya said Nigeria needs financial institutions that are strong and fit for the purpose, adding that regulatory environment should also be able to punish unethical behaviors within the financial system.

    In her opening remarks, President, FMDA Ms. Nadia Zakari, said FMDA has also for years, helped to guide the financial services sector and supported markets growth. She said that role will be sustained in the interest of the economy. The central theme of the conference was: “The Role of Financial Markets in Repositioning the Economy”

    CEO, Graeme Blaque Advisory, said Nigeria’s growth is tied to dollars because we have not developed key industries in the country. He said that infrastructure bottlenecks has limited business growth and development.

  • NANCES: Sanusi honoured with Outstanding Leadership award

    NANCES: Sanusi honoured with Outstanding Leadership award

    The National Association of Colleges of Education Students (NANCES) yesterday honoured the General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi with the National Outstanding Leadership award, describing him as “an icon of peace and national development.”

    At a simple ceremony in his office within the NFF Secretariat, the student leaders said they were honouring the chief operating officer of Nigeria’s supreme football-governing body with the award as a result of his “unequal commitment, youth/students’ mentorship, diplomatic leadership excellence, human capital development, peace promotion and commitment to national unity both in Nigeria and beyond.”

    They noted the credible performances of most of the national football teams in the past one year, including the bronze medal-winning effort of the Flamingos at the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India, the Super Falcons’ impressive outing at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia & New Zealand, the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and the Flying Eagles’ giant-killing exploits at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Argentina.

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    Responding, Dr. Sanusi thanked the student leaders for the honour, saying that he remains proud of his College of Education background, and there and then dedicated the award to the NFF President, the NFF Executive Committee, NFF Management and NFF Staff. He disclosed that as the sitting president of the Nigeria Colleges of Educations Games (NICEGA), he has decided to step down and hand over to a new president once the next Games are successfully concluded.

    The student leaders promptly announced his appointment as Chairman of the Sports Committee of National Colleges of Education.

    Also at the occasion were NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; Head of International, Dayo Enebi Achor; Special Assistant to the General Secretary, Mohammed Adebayo Ameenu; NANCES president Comrade Aminu Habibu; former NANCES president Ambassador Mahmud Abubakar; vice president, external affairs Ayuba Dhikirullahi; public relations officer Kur Isaac Ushahemba; treasurer, Fatima Abdulsalam; Member, Rachael Opeyemi Ogunremi and; financial secretary, Tunji Olagunju.

  • 2027: I have no gubernatorial agenda – Ibadan-born billionaire Sanusi

    2027: I have no gubernatorial agenda – Ibadan-born billionaire Sanusi

    The Ibadan-born billionaire and Chairman/CEO of Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort, Dotun Sanusi on Tuesday, November 21, said contesting the 2027 governorship election in Oyo state was not on his agenda.

    He urged well-wishers and friends across the state to halt the subtle campaign and open display of affection to drag him into the 2027 gubernatorial contest.

    Sanusi, the Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland with over 2,000 employees spread across his business interests in hospitality, agriculture, tourism, sports, oil and gas advised those pressuring him to contest for the office of the governor to stop it forthwith.

    A statement personally signed by him thanked people for their support and encouragement, saying, “I am preoccupied with my life, business, and continuous support for our President and the Governor of the state for them to succeed in piloting the affairs of our nation and the State.

    The statement read: “Our people should know that my involvement in mobilizing support for the election of our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the re-election of our amiable Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde was based on their track records of service, outstanding achievements in life and compassionate disposition to all and sundry.

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    “I joined the team of other great people to ensure their successes at the polls because they shared my vision in the area of philanthropy, quality service delivery, and welfare of our people.”

    “Pressures on me to contest the gubernatorial election in our dear State in 2027 is assuming an alarming dimension especially when those we voted in office are just stabilizing to deliver on their campaign manifestos.”

    “Both the President and our Governor have since hit the ground running and their impacts since May 29, 2023, are being felt everywhere across the federation and the 33 local government areas of the State, respectively.”

    “I don’t even have the party card of any of the existing political parties, let alone being a partisan entity who can aspire for that office. Our people should allow us to enjoy good governance of our leaders and stop touting the 2027 agenda.”

    “My philanthropic contributions should not be mistaken for political agenda because philanthropy is my life and has been part of my upbringing since childhood days.”

    “For me, philanthropy is an innate passion to help others to grow and fulfill their potential. And it is too late in the day for me to stop showing kindness to all manner of people. So I can’t change because it is my calling and ministry.”

    “I appreciate everyone for their love but only God knows what would happen tomorrow, let alone in 2027.  There is time for everything and we must constantly put our future in the hands of our creator who knows what’s best for us.”

  • South/ West YSFON lauds Sanusi for Ilaji U-16 soccer tourney

    South/ West YSFON lauds Sanusi for Ilaji U-16 soccer tourney

    Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria ( YSFON) South/ West zone has commended the Chairman/ CEO of Ilaji Hotels and Sports, Ibadan, Engr. Dotun Sanusi for hosting the forthcoming Ilaji Football tournament for U-16 boys.

    In a goodwill message signed by the South/ West Vice President of YSFON, Rafiu  Abayomi Akanbi, described him as a true sports lover and philanthropist who has used his resources to impact positively on the youths through his various sponsorship of grassroots sports programmes.

    “We at YSFON are happy that you accepted to host this tourney which is a further testimony of your commitment to grassroots sports development as well as creating more opportunities for young lads aspiring to realize their dreams of making a living in the round leather game and we shall always be grateful to you.”

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    He appealed to other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Engr. Sanusi and invest more in grassroots sports development as a way of empowering the youths.

    He also assured all participating states that the South-West zone is working round the clock to ensure they enjoy the best hospitality Ibadan in particular and Oyo State generally is noted for throughout the duration of the competition. The tournament serves off on November 27, 2023.