Tag: Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Saturday arrived Bauchi to inaugurate the 15th Edition North-East Joint Domestic Trade Fair and other viable projects in the state.

Shettima, who landed at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi, at about 10:25 am was received by governors Bala Mohammed, Babagana Zulum and Ahmadu Fintiri of Bauchi, Borno and Adamawa.

Others are Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Agbu Kefas of Taraba and Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe State as well as hundreds of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) supporters.

Read Also: Renewed Hope Agenda repositioning Nigeria as global investment hub – Shettima

Shettima is expected to inaugurate the remodelled Government House, Bauchi, as well as the Accelerated Senior Secondary School Education Programme (ASSEP), and the 15th North-East Joint Domestic Trade Fair. 

(NAN)

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said for Nigeria to reach its full potential,  every Nigerian must thrive, saying the nation’s human capital remains its greatest assets.

Vice President Shettima stated this on Friday while inaugurating the revamped National Economic Council (NEC) Human Capital Development (HCD) Steering Committee, stating that working for a healthy, educated, and productive citizenship will take Nigeria closer to its full potential.

Shettima also noted the determination of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to bolster labour force participation, even as he issued a fervent call to action.

In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima also explained that the federal government reconstituted the committee to reflect the new leadership of the nation and bring all stakeholders together.

Delivering his speech titled, “The burden of trust in leadership transition,” the VP tasked the new committee with the solemn responsibility of delivering tangible progress on the three core pillars of health and nutrition, education, and labour force participation.

He said each phase of their obligation to serve the nation reminded them of the impacts of their choices, pointing out that the current day was no exception.

“This is the future we seek, a future where every Nigerian has the opportunity to fulfil their dreams and contribute to the prosperity of our nation.

“I believe that this alignment of interests signals the approval of what HCD sets out to accomplish—the addition of 24 million healthy, educated, and productive Nigerians to our expanding population by 2030,” VP Shettima stated, declaring that “every Nigerian must thrive under the new administration’s visionary agenda.

“Our human capital remains our greatest asset, and investing in its development is not only a moral responsibility but also an economic necessity,” he added.

Aligning the HCD programme’s objectives with President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda, including eradicating poverty and creating jobs, the Vice President said that “every Nigerian must thrive” for the country to realize its true potential.

“We are going to rely on defined frameworks and data to pursue investment in healthcare systems that are resilient, accessible, and responsive to the needs of our citizens,” Shettima added.

He noted that the Tinubu administration is committed to prioritising preventative care, reducing child mortality and stunting, tackling malnutrition, and improving maternal health.

The Vice President further said it is imperative to ensure access to quality schooling for every Nigerian child, noting that education is a catalyst for unlocking opportunities and fostering a skilled workforce capable of thriving in the 21st-century economy.

“The HCD programme invites each of us to participate in ensuring that every child has access to quality schooling,” he affirmed.

On his part, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen lauded the move, saying, “It is extremely gratifying that the Vice President has deemed it fit to inaugurate this very important group.

“For many years, a lot of Nigerians have been yearning for the resuscitation of this group, having seen the modest contribution it made in the previous administration,” he added.

Speaker Tajudeen affirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to legislative collaboration, noting that “our take in the House of Representatives and, by extension, the National Assembly is to say we would be a worthy collaborator legislatively.

“Coincidentally, most of the sectors captured under this particular group are also embedded in our legislative agenda and the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he further noted.

Also, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said their presence at the event signified the governors’ commitment to human capital development.

Read Also: Govs, Alake to team up for solid minerals sector agenda

“The need for upward integration of various HCD programmes, especially in education, healthcare, and social protection, cannot be overemphasized. The ultimate aim is to improve the lives of our citizens. We are ready to trickle down and right to the local government all the programmes that are necessary to uplift our citizens.”

For her part, Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, underscored the strategic importance of the initiative, saying, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.

“We know where we are today, and we know where we should be. There is very good evidence that investments in education, health, women, and girls are the right investments,” he maintained.

Prof Pate emphasized the need for a “whole of government and whole of society approach to governance where every individual’s productivity is optimized,” calling upon state governors to develop subnational HCD indices to measure progress.

Present at the meeting were Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

Others are Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; a representative of the Minister of Education, and representatives of development organisations, including the World Bank, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ECOWAS, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); Tony Elumelu Foundation and Dangote Foundation.

Meanwhile, after the inauguration of the Steering Committee, the Core Committee went into a working session where Vice President Shettima told them that they “have a window of opportunity to rekindle hope for the millions of destitute Nigerians.”

He said whatever solutions they bring before the table, “President Tinubu has the courage of conviction to implement, otherwise he couldn’t have taken the far-reaching reforms that he took.”

The VP continued: “As we set the ball running I am confident that I can count on the technical expertise that each of you brings to this critical programme. The task ahead is immense, and so are the stakes. The stakes are very high, but I’m absolutely certain that with the calibre of people we have here

“I must also remind us that the responsibility of the Core Working group – the responsibility that you carry- is not just that of the government. It is a collective burden of an entire nation, of an entire continent, of an entire race. Millions of Nigerians look up to us for solutions to our areas of focus, progress in our delivery and a better tomorrow.”

Afterward, the Core Committee went into a closed-door deliberation, which was presided over by the Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change/Acting Coordinator, Core Working Group (CWG) HCD; Rukaiya El-Rufai.

…as UN praises Nigeria’s proress has under Tinubu 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised the significant progress made under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, highlighting the administration’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria as a prime global investment destination.

He said with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda hinged on the core pillars of democracy, development, demographics, and diaspora engagement, the present moment serves as the opportune time to remind both Nigerians and the global community that Nigeria stands ready to embrace the future and conduct business.

Speaking on Friday during a High-level Dialogue on Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda on the theme, “Nigeria’s Global Ambitions: From Hope to Reality,” in Abuja, VP Shettima outlined the administration’s ambitious roadmap, noting President Tinubu’s commitment to bold reforms and strategic partnerships to revive the nation’s economy and enhance security.

He said: “Our reason for this gathering is less about the certainty of our vision for this nation. This has never been in doubt. We are here because of our place in a world of opportunities—a world that can’t afford to neglect or underestimate our place.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a policy framework; it is a statement of commitment, a covenant between us and the people.”

VP Shettima pointed out that at the heart of the administration’s foreign policy approach, dubbed the ‘Tinubu Doctrine,’ is a ‘4-D Diplomacy Strategy’ centred on promoting democracy, driving economic development, harnessing Nigeria’s demographic potential, and engaging with the diaspora community.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima lauded the vital role of Nigerians in the diaspora, who contributed over $168 billion in remittances between 2015 and 2022, surpassing Overseas Development Assistance.

“This is further evidenced by the recently announced $10 billion Diaspora Fund—a multi-sectoral investment initiative set to be launched soon and expected to strengthen ties with our diaspora community while boosting forex inflows to support our national development plans,” the Vice President said.

Shettima also highlighted President Tinubu’s interventions on the economy, including a ₦75 billion investment initiative to revolutionize the manufacturing sector and the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund to facilitate effective infrastructure development across key economic sectors.

On security challenges, VP Shettima affirmed the administration’s commitment to guaranteeing the safety of lives and properties through regional and national interventions.

The Vice President extended an invitation to international partners, emphasizing the need for collaboration in the post-COVID-19 era, saying, “This is the time to partner for democracy, for development, for peace, and for security.”

Earlier, the United Nations (UN) acknowledged that there had been remarkable progress in Nigeria under the Tinubu administration in the last one year, following the reforms targeted at stabilizing the economy and tackling insecurity.

UN Deputy Secretary-General, Hajiya Amina Mohammed, who gave the global body’s position, said: “Over the past one year, Nigeria has witnessed progress from the reforms introduced by this administration to stabilize the economy. And we can see that the country, creditably, has improved. 

“The Nigerian government has also been proactive in addressing security challenges in the country and the sub-regions as demonstrated by the hosting of an African counter-terrorism meeting last month.

“There have also been other notable initiatives such as the nationwide digital literacy programme and the expansion of the broadband infrastructure to bridge the digital divide and empower our people in this digital age”.

Read Also: Shettima to chair high-level dialogue on gains of Tinubu’s first year in office

In his goodwill message, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, said the United Kingdom is impressed by the security strategies President Tinubu has put in place, even as he restated the support of the United Kingdom for the Nigerian government in this direction, including transparency and accountability in governance.

“I’d like to use this opportunity to express the whole lot of support of my government to the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu. We commend his agenda for its focus on priorities and delivery. We acknowledge that you have done a lot to put in place transparency and accountability.”

Also, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, while declaring the forum open, extended warm appreciation to participants, noting that their presence underscored the importance of the efforts towards advancing Nigeria’s economic agenda under President Tinubu.

She stated that the gathering, initiated by the Office of the Vice President, highlights the role of the international corporation in delivering the remarkable goals of the President’s laudable Renewed Hope Agenda.

Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, commended the stakeholders’ efforts led by Vice President Shettima which led to the convening of the high-level forum to mark the first year anniversary of the Tinubu Administration.

He said the gathering was both to reflect on the last one year and look ahead to the next three years, placing emphasis on the role of the International Corporation in achieving Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

On his part, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, said the past one year marking President Tinubu’s one year in office had been successful despite being challenging, assuring that the Tinubu-led government is an administration that will renew the hope of Nigerians.

Noting that the event highlighted the importance of international cooperation, Bagudu thanked VP Shettima for gracing the occasion, saying, “Not surprisingly, you chose to come in person to show importance, particularly to partners in the diplomatic and development world, that Nigeria appreciates them and that international cooperation is important to us and it is rooted in our constitution, is rooted in our development plans and is rooted in our Renewed hope agenda.

“Not surprisingly, Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shetiima, over the last one year, have engaged globally and locally with institutions that represent development partnership, multilateral institutions, and bilateral institutions, consistent with our development agenda”.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, represented by Senior Special Assistant to the President on International Cooperation, Mr. Dapo Oyewole, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to long-lasting partnership with the global community. 

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foreign policy will continue to accommodate the interests of all Nigerians and ensure mutual and beneficial partnerships with all nations,” Oyewole said. 

Oyewole added that Nigeria will continue to work to unlock all hidden economic treasures in the country.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said the event marked a critical reflection point for all who have explored optimally to harness international corporations in achieving the noble goals of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Expressing delight with the theme of the dialogue, “Leveraging International Cooperation to Enhance Trade, Investment and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” he said the Bank of Industry has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of strategic partnership in driving economic growth and fostering inclusive development under the Tinubu administration.

Also in attendance were Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kenedy Ohaneye; European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Amb. Samuel Isopi; Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and Head of Central Delivery Unit, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission; and Acting Country Director of World Bank, Nigeria.

Others were the  Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, among other senior officials.

…presides over 141st NEC meeting

Vice President Kashim Shettima has highlighted President Bola Tinubu‘s administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibilities and management, noting how it has maintained transparency in financial dealings.

To buttress his assertion, Vice President Shettima cited the recent ranking by global credit rating agency, Fitch, which upgraded Nigeria’s credit outlook to positive, describing it as a reflection of increasing confidence in the nation’s economy.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha,

Shettima spoke on Thursday during the 141st meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“There is no doubt that this government has demonstrated transparency in its financial dealings and protections. Therefore, it is not surprising that just a few days ago, Fitch Ratings upgraded Nigeria’s credit outlook to positive, citing reform progress under President Tinubu.

“This reflects the increasing confidence in our economic trajectory, especially in light of policy changes aimed at reducing our debt service burden,” he stated.

NEC also had members of the Institute Chartered Accountants of Nigeria in attendance to “shed light on the accountability index and their ranking of states on public financial management (PFM)”.

This, the VP said, would guide the government at all levels to adjust their “finances and planning for the rainy days based on realistic projections”.

NEC deliberated on the general state of the economy and resolved to do more to improve the situation across the country, especially supporting the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Urging Council members to assess the administration’s journey so far and acknowledge the impact of their decisions, Shettima drew attention to the nation’s MSMEs, describing them as the backbone of the country’s economy.

Read Also: Shettima to chair high-level dialogue on gains of Tinubu’s 1st year in office

“As we plan for stability, we must remember that the backbone of our economy isn’t solely comprised of our big corporations. While these entities play a vital role in tracking the nation’s productivity and employment data, it is our Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that should keep us awake at night.

“Accounting for about 96% of all businesses in the country and contributing 49% of the national GDP, MSMEs are the backbone of our economy. The past few months of our efforts to mend the economy have caused disruptions that have sent shockwaves throughout the industry. We cannot afford to ignore this reality; immediate intervention is essential to mitigate the damage and ensure their survival,” he pointed out.

To achieve President Tinubu’s promise to create jobs and eradicate poverty, VP Shettima noted that access to capital must be a central driver of the target.

“Therefore, our agenda today revolves around the ongoing and proposed interventions we have designed to support our small businesses.

“Whether it is addressing the inflationary impacts of the inevitable solutions proposed to save the economy or tackling the issue of high-interest rates at our financial institutions, our focus is on ensuring the survival and prosperity of these enterprises.”

The Vice President underscored the role of digital technology in the growth and sustainability of small businesses, tipping Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) as “a work in progress to upscale these businesses.

“The potential of our creative and digital economic sector is vast, and iDICE presents an opportunity to explore it and offer our people an advantage to compete fairly with their counterparts from other parts of the world”, he explained.

Senator Shettima also called for proactive measures in tackling flooding this year, cautioning that incident reports of Nigeria’s vulnerability to flooding in 2024 are such that it requires constant vigilance and preparedness.

“We cannot afford to be caught off guard by a disaster that we are all too familiar with, one that has devastated various communities across the nation, including our urban centers.

“We must not merely prepare for a cure; instead, we must take proactive measures to prevent this annual cycle of loss of lives and properties. While the tragedy itself may be natural, the management of the emergency is within our control,” he declared.

On the Human Capital Development (HCD) Programme launched by the immediate past administration, Vice President Shettima disclosed that the federal government “is set to commence its implementation phase tomorrow (today) under this NEC dispensation, with the inauguration of the steering committee and core working group”.

On the account balances, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Yemi Cardoso, briefed the Council on the update of the Excess Crude Account (ECA), Stabilization and Development of Natural Resources accounts.

The CBN Governor put the ECA as at the end of April 2024 at $473,754.57, while the Stabilization account was put at N17,209,155,588.20, during the same period. The Development of Natural Resources Account was put at N62,307,926,804.17, also at the end of April, 2024.

Vice President Kashim Shettima will chair a high-level dialogue on Friday, May 16, to discuss the gains made within the first year of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The event is part of the Tinubu administration’s efforts to leverage international cooperation in delivering on the promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, said the vice president’s keynote address will set the tone for discussions at the forum.

The address, titled “Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda Through Enhanced International Cooperation: Imperatives, Opportunities, and Challenges,” will explore how international cooperation can propel Nigeria towards a future of enriched collaboration.

This was contained in a statement issued by senior special assistant to the president on media and communications, office of the vice president, Stanley Nkwocha.

According to him, the dialogue “is not just a ceremonial gathering, it is a strategic confluence of leaders and thinkers in government, the international development community and civil society, geared towards deliberating on how to advance the gains made in the first year of the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

Read Also: Shettima urges pilgrims to obey Saudis’ laws

Senator Hadejia explained that the event will examine the work done by the administration in the past one year and the areas for consolidation.

 “We have embarked on this path of economic revitalization, social empowerment and infrastructural development while navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving global space,” he stated.

Senator Hadejia added that the high-level dialogue will provide a comprehensive analysis of the government policy priority and delivery mechanisms that have been instrumental in translating the President’s vision into tangible results.

“This introspective analysis will enable us to celebrate our successes, learn from our challenges and refine our strategies moving forward.”

Making further inputs on the objectives of the high-level dialogue, Senior Special Assistant to the President on International Cooperation, Dapo Oyewole, said discussions at the event will focus on how to strengthen international alliances to create a multiplier effect of the administration’s collective efforts.

He listed the objectives of the high-level dialogue to include “articulate and deliberate on the policy priorities, delivery mechanisms, successes and challenges of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the past year and opportunities in the year ahead; highlight and discuss key areas where international cooperation between the government, international partners and investors can significantly catalyse the delivery of the Renewed Hope Agenda, and develop an Action Plan on how to leverage development financing and technical collaboration through international cooperation for enhanced and accelerated impact and achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

•Sultan hails Tinubu on hajj intervention

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday cautioned Nigerian pilgrims to show good conducts and respect constituted authorities as representatives of the country in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Shettima gave the advice while inaugurating this year’s Hajj operation at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport at Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital.

The first flight by FlyNas Airline departed the country with 417 Kebbi State pilgrims and seven officials at 4:54 p.m.

Read Also:House Deputy spokesman Agbese appointed chairman Nigeria-Finland parliamentary group

The Vice President said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration attached immense importance to religious pilgrimage due to the role it plays in transforming behavioural and social lives of believers.

He said it was due to this high regard that the Federal Government carefully selected men of integrity endowed with administrative acumen and records of selfless dedication to manage the affairs of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in the interest of pilgrims.

Shettima announced that the Tinubu administration supported this year’s pilgrimage with N90 billion.

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, thanked the Federal Government for bringing hope to the pilgrims when the exchange rate was high.

He said: “We never lost hope that we would go for hajj. We are in an era of Renewed Hope. So, tell Asiwaju that his real hope is still being expected to shine everywhere. We are looking for more; we want more of good leadership. We want to thank the President for his leadership.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged Nigerians embarking on this year’s Hajj Pilgrimage to maintain national policies aimed at promoting unity, sustainable development and strategic diplomacy throughout the sacred exercise.

Vice President Shettima gave the charge on Wednesday while addressing intending pilgrims at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State, while flagging off 2024 annual Hajj Pilgrimage. 

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said the Hajj pilgrimage is an opportunity for Nigerian Muslims to uphold the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and project Nigeria’s positive national values on the global stage.

“Our Nigerian pilgrims, as you prepare to depart for the Holy Land, I urge you to embody the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by exhibiting humility, perseverance, and kindness during this journey,” the VP stated.

The Vice President noted that the pilgrimage’s essence aligns with government policies geared towards fostering peaceful coexistence and social harmony among Nigeria’s diverse populace.

He also urged the intending pilgrims to serve as good ambassadors for Nigeria by diligently observing all Hajj protocols in Saudi Arabia in line with Abuja’s diplomatic efforts.

“I implore you to be good Nigerian ambassadors by observing the rules and regulations of Hajj,” he said.

Read Also: Tinubu subsidises cost of 2024 hajj with N90bn – Shettima

The Vice President commended government officials and agencies, saying their dedication to ensuring a hitch-free Hajj exercise symbolizes “the Nigerian spirit of resilience and hospitality,” which the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration aims to showcase globally.

He also called on the pilgrims to use the sacred journey as a platform to “pray for peace, unity and sustainable development” in Nigeria.

Earlier, Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasiru Idris, said the state was the first among equals to remit its pilgrims fare for the annual exercise to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

The Governor further disclosed that the state government spent over N953 million on the upgrade of facilities at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport and the Hajj Camp in Kebbi to enable the airlift of pilgrims directly from Kebbi to Saudi Arabia.

“The airlift of Kebbi State pilgrims for last year was carried out in Sokoto due to some very obvious reasons but this administration has been able to overcome such infractions.

“A professional aviation consultant was engaged to holistically undertake a maintenance and upgrade of facilities in our international airport in the total sum of N53 million while infrastructural facilities were provided for the State’s hajj camp in the sum of N900 million,” the Governor disclosed.

On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended the Nigerian government under the leadership of President Tinubu for its efforts toward the success of this year’s Hajj.

“I want to thank the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubum for all efforts put in place to ensure that this hajj takes place. When all hopes were lost, light showed at the end of the tunnel and today we are having this inaugural flight,” he said.

The Sultan, who said the airlift of pilgrims from Kebi was historic, urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves in a good manner while in the holy land.

“You all know the importance of going to the holy land for hajj and I know how disciplined Nigerian pilgrims have always been. I know the pilgrims coming out of Kebbi State will be the best and I want other pilgrims from the remaining states to emulate them,” he added.

The royal father prayed for a successful hajj operation, just as he solicited prayers for leaders at all levels as well as peace and unity in the country.

For his part, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi, assured the pilgrims that arrangements have been concluded for them to have a rewarding hajj exercise.

“Today is undoubtedly a memorable day in the short life of the 5th Board of NAHCON because we are about to put to bed the many strategies we have conceived for the safe delivery of a well-organized hajj season. I assure you that all the essential services provided for the pilgrims are of high standard under the supervision of a well-motivated and dedicated staff, ” the NAHCON Chairman stated.

Mr Arabi noted that the Commission will deploy strategies that will boost the revenue base of NAHCON to be self-sustaining through identifying and utilizing resources embedded in the hajj ecosystem, with no extra cost to the pilgrims.

Dignitaries at the event included Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo; Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Senator Ali Ndume; former Governor of Kebbi State, Usman Dakingari; members of the National Assembly from Kebbi State; Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly,  Hon Muhammad Usman Ankwai, and his Sokoto State counterpart, Hon Tukur Bala Bodinga, among others.