The Ofala festival in Ukpo, Anambra state, transformed into an All Progressives Congress (APC) celebration, honoring the national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, with a chieftaincy title.
The community also bestowed the title of Igwe Okofia (friend of Igbo people) upon Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The Ofala festival in Ukpo, Anambra state, transformed into an All Progressives Congress (APC) celebration, honoring the national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, with a chieftaincy title.
The community also bestowed the title of Igwe Okofia (friend of Igbo people) upon Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Ganduje was conferred with the title of Agunechemba 1 of Ndigbo (Lion that protects Igbo people).
It was during the 32nd Ofala festival of Igwe Robert Eze of Ukpo Dunukofia local government area of Anambra state, which took place very late.
The Vice President also attended the burial of pa Nwankwo, the father of Anambra state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo at isuofia, Aguata local government area of the state.
The Ofala festival was organised and sponsored by Prince Arthur Eze,the billionaire oil magnate.
For the monarch, the chieftaincy title was conferred on Ganduje because he was one of the leading detribalized politicians in Nigeria
He narrated how the APC chairman protected the Ndigbo while he was governor of Kano State.
Some prominent Nigerians attended the ofala festival, including governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma and deputy speaker House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, was equally, one of the guests at the event
Ganduje and the VP were accompanied by the Vice Chairman South East, Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu, Deputy Publicity Secretary Hon. Duro Meseko among others
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday, December 21, charged members of the National Economic Council (NEC) to shelve the idea of vacation in the yuletide and carry on with issues of governance to ease the burden of Nigerians hanging on their shoulders.
He charged the council members to be alive to the demands of Nigerians, noting that, “as the year draws to a close, none of us in this chamber should anticipate a vacation. I tend to think so because upon our shoulders rests the weight of responsibilities from which we cannot escape. We are returning to be judged by the promises we made to be here.”
Speaking on Thursday during the 138th meeting of the NEC, which held virtually, the Vice President said his principal, President Bola Tinubu has shown that the challenges inherited by his administration are surmountable, and has offered visionary leadership and presented a coherent development plan to assist in the country’s pursuit of order, abundance, and stability.
According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima explained that government, at all levels, cannot afford to relax at the current stage of things because constituents are waiting to see the manifestation of all campaign promises.
He said: “Each of us owes their constituents the scorecard of their stewardship in these few months of translating ideas into tangible actions. That’s why we can’t afford to fail, and the new year must be, for us, a timeout to reflect on how we have fared so far and what we must do differently to keep the hope of the nation alive.”
Apparently keen about getting results of the government’s ongoing reforms in good time, the VP stressed the need for the citizens to feel the positive impact of fuel subsidy removal and forex unification, noting that high inflation and cost of living are global challenges that have affected the economies of all countries.
Shettima said they should be considered as enough “inspiration for us to come together and tackle ours through realistic interventions”.
Meanwhile, following deliberations on critical economic matters and assessments of potential short-term, medium and long-term strategies for addressing pressing economic issues, NEC set up the committees on Economic Affairs, as well as the committee on Crude Oil Theft And Management.
Both committees are to be headed by Kwara State Governor, Alh AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, and his Imo State counterpart, Senator Hope Uzodimma, respectively.
The Economic Matters committee to be chaired by Kwara State Governor, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, is saddled with the task of preparing a clear roadmap for dealing with petroleum subsidy, including a framework for defending wage negotiations, exchange rate management and fiscal consolidation sustainability, liquidity management and inflation, medium term investment and growth, fiscal transparency and accountability, as well as state of emergency on food production for 2024.
Members of the committee include the Gombe State Governor, representing North East; Governor of Lagos (South West); the Governor of Akwa Ibom (South-South); the Governor of Anambra (South East); the Governor of Niger (North Central), and Governor of Kaduna (North West).
Rukaiya El-Rufai, Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change is to serve as Secretary.
The second committee on Crude Oil Theft and Management, an existing NEC committee, has been reconstituted with Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State as the chairman.
Other members are the Governor of Ogun State representing South West; the Governor of Plateau State (North Central); the Governor of Rivers (South-South) Governor of Borno (North East); Governor of Jigawa State (North West); the Governor of Abia State (South East); Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; CBN Governor; GCEO of NNPCL, NDDC Chairman, and Service Chiefs.
The secretariat will be domiciled at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr Tope Fasua will serve on the committee.
Council also received an update on account balances as at 31st October 2023. The Excess Crude Account as at 31st October, 2023 stood at $473,754.57, while the Stabilization Account was N32,063,186,474.96 during the same period. Development Of Natural Resources Account as at 31st October 2023 stood at N156,770,745,529.74.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima yesterday reiterated the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to poverty reduction and economic revitalisation.
Shettima stated this while inaugurating the corporate headquarters of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in Abuja.
According to him, the Tinubu’s administration is focusing on job creation, capital accessibility, growth, and poverty eradication to revamp the economy.
Shettima said the Federal Government would never shift ground in its determination to protect businesses.
The vice president noted that enterprises are not only the bedrock of a society but also reflect the direction the government is heading to and the speed with which it is doing so.
“Allow me to emphasise the importance of this moment: there is no more fitting time than now to reinforce the protection of enterprises in Nigeria.
“These enterprises not only stand as the very bedrock of our society but also reflect the direction the government is headed and the velocity with which we do so.
“This moment solidifies President Bola Tinubu’s assurance to protect our enterprises. It resonates deeply within our economic revitalisation plan.
“His focus on job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth, and poverty eradication forms the very skeleton of our strategy to invigorate the economy. Inevitably, this path demands tough decisions, yet ones essential to our success,” he said.
Shettima also recalled that he had inaugurated the National MSME Council ten days ago, addinv that it was just the beginning that sets the stage for what is up ahead.
He said that President Tinubu intends to make sure businesses and other economic enterprises prosper in the country.
“Our partnership with the Bank of Industry to unveil a N75 billion, nine per cent interest loan accessible to Nigerian MSMEs as of January 2024 is a pivotal stride.
“This initiative is geared towards fostering a more conducive and enabling business environment.
“This government doesn’t just boast some of the nation’s finest talents; it champions those invested in ensuring our business owners have front-row seats in our journey towards progress.
The goal, he said, would cultivate an ecosystem where Nigerian businesses become regular features in globally recognized publications such as Forbes, Bloomberg, and the Financial Times for the right reasons.
“We are all well aware that Mr. President’s readiness to take action has never faltered, and what we are witnessing here is just a component of the strategies in place to create a future brimming with endless opportunities.”
Shettima lauded the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the leadership of SMEDAN for the project, adding they had proven that they are ready to transform “concepts into tangible actions.
“This initiative renews hope for a critical segment of our entrepreneurial community, and highlights our sensitivity to the economic clock of the nation,” he added.
In her remarks, Uzoka-Anite, thanked the vice president for his unwavering support to MSMEs in the country.
She said the completion and commissioning of the new SMEDAN Complex was a clear demonstration of the commitment of the Tinubu administration to the development of the MSME space.
She also outlined other initiatives of the federal government targeted at building capacity and linking MSMEs to markets at home and abroad.
The Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, also thanked Shettima for his support and guidance in the actualisation of the project and leadership in the MSME space.
He said the agency and the entire MSME community in Nigeria had recorded significant achievements within a short period of time under his stewardship.
Odii assured that the agency will continue to collaborate with sister organisations to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
Also, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Office of the Vice-President, said the federal government would continue collaboration with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to support MSMEs both in grants and loans.
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday, December 20, tasked graduates to embrace their potential and contribute to building a brighter future for Nigeria instead of jetting out of the country in search of greener pastures.
He gave the charge when the Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House Of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, led the graduating class of the second cohort of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative on a visit to him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
This was contained in a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.
“I believe passionately that in this room, there are future Presidents, Vice Presidents, Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, and governors. We also have future drivers and captains of industry,” Senator Shettima noted.
The VP struck a chord of empowerment when he urged the graduates to reject disillusionment and embrace their potential within Nigeria.
“Let no one make you feel inferior as a Nigerian. One out of every four black men is a Nigerian. Let no one deceive you that the grass is greener at the other end. Certainly, we can make it green on our home turf,” he noted.
The Vice President acknowledged the country’s current challenges, offering a resolute vision for overcoming them.
He said: “Our country is going through some difficulties and challenges, but we are going to surmount it. We are going to cross the Rubicon. We are going to cross the Red Sea and take you to the land of opportunities and blessings.”
Shettima specifically praised the graduates’ digital prowess, encouraging them to leverage their skills for national development.
“Most of you here are digital Wizkids – you are digitally savvy. Let no one deceive you about careering out of this country. Let’s stay here and make this country work. This is our country. The future belongs to you.”
He further challenged their perception of leadership, shifting the focus from physical strength to intellectual agility, even as he stated that “the hallmark of true leadership is not the ability to lift a bag of cement, but the ability to come up with robust solutions to a nation’s problems.
“Give us a couple of months, this country will bounce back. Say no to the naysayers and to the prophets of doom. It doesn’t serve any purpose. Our ability to accept each other; and our tolerance threshold will determine how far we can go as a nation. And the quality of governance is crucial to the goal and trajectory of our nation,” he added.
The Vice President called on the LMI graduates to become active participants in shaping Nigeria’s destiny.
“Their digital skills, combined with their newfound sense of purpose and national pride, have the potential to transform the nation’s landscape and certainly, we can make it green on our home turf,” he added.
Responding, the founder of the LMI programme, Hon. Gbajabiamila said the generation of young men and women in the cohort is a generation like no other.
He said: “Things have changed and we of the older generation have to change along with the time. These young people here came from a pot of over 5,000 applicants. These young men and women before us are going to be doing greater and mightier things than those who came before them last year. I wish I had somebody to mentor me when I was growing up. You guys are lucky.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday, December 20, said the Tinubu administration is strategically focusing on job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth, and poverty eradication to revamp the economy.
Vice President Shettima stated this while commissioning the corporate headquarters of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima also said the federal government, under President Bola Tinubu’s watch, will never shift ground in its determination to protect businesses in Nigeria.
According to him, enterprises are not only the very bedrock of a society but also reflect the direction the government is heading to and the speed with which it is doing so.
Shettima said, “Allow me to emphasise the importance of this moment: there is no more fitting time than now to reinforce the protection of enterprises in Nigeria. These enterprises not only stand as the very bedrock of our society but also reflect the direction the government is headed and the velocity with which we do so.
“This moment solidifies His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assurance to protect our enterprises. It resonates deeply within our economic revitalisation plan. His focus on job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth, and poverty eradication forms the very skeleton of our strategy to invigorate the economy. Inevitably, this path demands tough decisions, yet ones essential to our success.”
The VP also recalled that he had inaugurated the National MSME Council ten days ago, saying it was just the beginning that sets the stage for what is up ahead.
Explaining how President Tinubu intends to make sure businesses and other economic enterprises prosper in the country, VP Shettima said, “Notably, our partnership with the Bank of Industry to unveil a N75 billion, 9% interest loan accessible to Nigerian MSMEs as of January 2024 is a pivotal stride. This initiative is geared towards fostering a more conducive and enabling business environment.
“This government doesn’t just boast some of the nation’s finest talents; it champions those invested in ensuring our business owners have front-row seats in our journey towards progress. Our goal is to cultivate an ecosystem where Nigerian businesses become regular features in globally recognized publications such as Forbes, Bloomberg, and the Financial Times for the right reasons.
“We are all well aware that Mr. President’s readiness to take action has never faltered, and what we are witnessing here is just a component of the strategies in place to create a future brimming with endless opportunities”.
The Vice President congratulated the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the leadership of SMEDAN, saying they have proven that they are ready to transform “concepts into tangible actions.
“This initiative renews hope for a critical segment of our entrepreneurial community, and highlights our sensitivity to the economic clock of the nation,” he added.
Earlier in her remarks, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Uzoka-Anite, thanked Vice President Shettima for his unwavering support to MSMEs in the country.
She said the completion and commissioning of the new SMEDAN Complex is a clear demonstration of the commitment of the Tinubu administration to the development of the MSME space.
She also outlined other initiatives of the federal government targeted at building capacity and linking MSMEs to markets at home and abroad.
For his part, the Director General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, thanked the Vice President for his support and guidance in the actualisation of the project and leadership in the MSME space.
He said the agency and the entire MSME community in Nigeria have recorded significant achievements within a short period of time under the leadership of the VP.
He assured that the agency will continue to collaborate with sister organisations to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
Other dignitaries at the event were the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. Fadahunsi Anthony; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong; Chairman of the House Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises, Hon. Mansur Manu Soro; Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Evelyn Ngige, as well as heads of government agencies and parastatals.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged investors, both domestic and international, to avail themselves of the new opportunities created by power deficit and federal government’s bid to drive additional investments in Nigeria’s energy sector.
According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, he also pledged the commitment of the Tinubu administration in addressing the country’s energy deficiency just as it remains focused on enhancing ease of doing business.
The Vice President stated this on Monday during the financial bid opening for the privatisation of the five National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) Plants on Monday in Abuja.
He said the occasion “serves as a robust assurance to bidders and the start of an investment with promising returns.”
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, the VP said, “Nigeria’s power deficit extends an open invitation to domestic and international partners. We are here to urge collaborative efforts to craft enduring solutions.
“The government remains resolute in addressing the energy deficiency and is focused on enhancing the ease of doing business”, the statement said.
Sen. Shettima however urged prospective investors in the plants to “bear the weight of trust in utilizing these resources for the greater good of the nation,” even as he implored them to “adhere to the highest standards of best practices if we must pursue a shared objective.”
The Vice President further assured that the “National Council on Privatisation and the Bureau of Public Enterprises are prepared to ensure that what we do has an effect on President Tinubu’s comprehensive eight-point plan, and a meticulous and transparent privatisation scheme within the power sector inspires confidence in our operations.
“As regulators, our commitment remains steadfast—we must persist as facilitators of these reforms. There are no shortcuts on the path to realizing the dream we’ve promised our beloved nation,” the VP added.
Sen. Shettima noted that the success of the ‘pivotal moment’ underscores government’s commitment, “not just as a friend to our enterprises and investors but as a facilitator of growth and development.
“We are here to fulfil our pledge to the nation and reassure them of our resolve to support initiatives that foster economic vibrancy and sustainability,” he further noted.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared young Nigerians the “pillars of today” and pledged unwavering support for their entrepreneurial dreams.
Addressing the 5th Annual Under 30 CEOs Awards and Gala Night at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja on the theme “A Flower for the Nigerian Youth”, VP Shettima, who was represented by Rukaiya El-Rufai, Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council (NEC) and Climate Change at the Office of The Vice President emphasised the crucial role young people play in shaping the nation’s future.
In a statement issued by his Spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “we believe that none of you belongs to tomorrow, for we are a young nation by our demography, by our history, and by our pursuits,” acknowledging his own inclusion among the “young” while affirming their rightful place at the decision-making table.
Highlighting Nigeria’s median age of 19, the Vice President framed it as a “demographic dividend” ripe for investment. “You are our inspiration to focus on cultivating a robust human capital,” he said, envisioning a future where young Nigerians ascend to corporate heights, build billion-dollar empires, and inspire generations of entrepreneurs.
Recognizing the challenges of managing a nation’s aspirations, Shettima emphasized the need for an enabling environment.
“This is a phase in the life of this nation where the drive for change must meet our commitment to creating an enabling environment,” he stated, vowing to make young people “ambassadors in a world coming to terms with the inevitability of the Nigerian as a pathfinder, a pace-setter, a trend-setter, and a champion.”
He further pledged collaboration, stating, “We are going to work with you because strategic governance isn’t just an interplay of diverse perspectives and synergy; it’s an investment in succession planning.”
This collaboration, he explained, would bridge the gap between generations and sectors, fostering an exchange of ideas and ensuring the best minds contribute to the nation’s progress.
VP Shettima aligned the aspirations of young Nigerians with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he described as seeing “young Nigerians as harbingers of progress, the drivers of whatever reform we have set in place.” This vision, he elaborated, would be realized by creating an ecosystem that spawns “more Aliko Dangotes among you.”
Acknowledging the economic challenges, Shettima countered with optimism and action. “Our vehicle to where we are heu8*aded isn’t just optimism,” he declared. “We are driven by our collective strategic thinking and commitment to putting it into practice.”
The Vice President pointed to the resilience of Nigeria’s business landscape, boasting 23 billion-dollar enterprises even amidst the pandemic. “Today, we take a step forward one more time to declare that we are here for business, literally,” he asserted.
Reassuring the young entrepreneurs of the government’s support, VP Shettima promised, “We will be here to give you your flowers, we will always celebrate your ascent up the ladder, and I want you to see this government as your partner, as your ally.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima, a professor of African History, Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Ibadan, Isaac Olawale Albert, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, among other speakers have called for an attitudinal change among Nigerians as the key to driving economic growth, social cohesion and environmental protection in the country.
They said the call became imperative in order to re-engineer Nigeria for sustainable development.
The stakeholders noted that the problems facing Nigeria are not new but require bold and decisive action to address, adding that attitudinal change will require the buy-in of all citizens and called for renewed commitment to nation-building.
The speakers made the call at the University of Ibadan, during their seperate remarks at the 74th posthumous birthday of a former governor of the state, Abiola Ajimobi, which coincided with the 6th Annual Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable.
The event which held at Senator Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre, Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan held under the chairmanship of Vice President Kashim Shettima while Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and immediate past Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje was the special guest of honour.
While speaking, the vice president, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant (Legal and Compliance matters), Bashir Maidugu, urged Nigerians to take a more active role in improving the country’s social, economic, and environmental well-being.
He stressed that attitudinal change is a key component in transforming the country into a prosperous nation.
According to Shettima, attitudinal change is a crucial element of this effort, as it will require a fundamental shift in the way people think and act.
He, however, highlighted the need for citizens to take responsibility for their own actions and work together for “Nigeria’s future prosperity and sustainability.
“Nigerians must stop the blame game and work together to develop our nation. We must stop pointing fingers and realize that our success as a nation is dependent on each and every one of us. We must change our attitudes and start building a new Nigeria, where every citizen is committed to progress and development.”
He added that the government alone cannot transform Nigeria, and called on the private sector, civil society, and the international community to join in the effort, saying that a collective commitment to attitudinal change is the key to a brighter future for Nigeria.
In his keynote address, the power minister, Adebayo Adelabu noted that re-engineering, implies changing and improving the design of a product or system, adding that, “crritically applied to Nigeria, re-engineering is changing and improving our society with the objective of achieving a better society as contained in parts of the Preambles to the Nigerian Constitution.
“Promoting the good government and welfare of all persons in our country on the principles of freedom, equality and justice, and for the purpose of consolidating the Unity of our people.
“Leadership and followership are the twin problem of Nigerian underdevelopment in the 21st Century. No nations can exist and truly carry out the cause of nationalism without leadership and followership. The two are so interwoven that hardly can you talk about one without the other.”
“It is likened to a thread and the needle which are both needed to function in tailoring a cloth without which no proper sewing can be made. In tailoring a nation, leadership and followership must be involved. For where there is bad leadership, the followership will be grossly contaminated and where there is a bad followership, the leaders will be turned sour.
“Both will lack the necessary inspiration, motivation and encouragement to drive the wheel of national progress and keep the nation on the right track. The 21st century Nigeria is on the threshold of backwardness due to bad leadership and followership.
While proffering recipe, Adelabu said: “We should note that our options are limited to unleashing the vast potential in this country through industrialization. Investing in industries and promoting local production will strengthen the economy. More focus should be on investment in Education.”
He described Ajimobi as his great benefactor who persuaded him to contest the governorship election in 2019.
Also in his lead paper presentation, the guest speaker, and the pioneer dean, Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Albert, stated that re-engineering a society for a sustainable development requires that individuals and groups drop their selfish goals for the higher goals of national survival.
Speaking on the theme: “Re-engineering Nigeria for Sustainable Development: Options, Cost and Prospects,” the don observed that what is needed for the building of sustainable peace and democracy in Nigeria, being a federal state, is a constitution that truly connects the people and that the Nigerian leaders will obey.
He appealed to Nigerians to be mindful of the criticism of the policies of President Bola Tinubu so as not to discourage him from reaching the full potentials of his vision.
According to him, the recent creation of some new ministries by the President, particularly the ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as well as that Art, Culture and Creative Economy among others are indications that that the President saw several things that could take the country forward.
He said: “The President has created some new ministries and one of the most interesting of them is the Blue Economy. The Blue Economy in Nigeria is rich. With oil not properly exploited, divesting into the sea suggested to me that the man saw several things and we should allow him to come up with all that he is looking at that will take this country forward.
“Criticism of the President might prevent him from telling us all that he saw or that he is seeing and therefore, we should encourage him.
“And the next one also is the Ministry of creative industry. Anywhere I go in the world, people talk about Nollywood than any other thing.
“Now, If we have that type of reputation outside as a result of Nollywood, I was asking myself why is it that government cannot see it, invest in it and use it to the advantage of the country. And that we are just seeing”, he added.
Also in a goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor, UI, Prof Kayode Adebowale described the deceased as one of the most highly revered personalities Nigeria has produced.
He added that the former governor introduced some initiatives which helped to ensure the security of lives and property in the state during his tenure.
Adebowale said: “Today, we are here gathered again to honour posthumously one of the most highly revered personalities that this country has produced; an illustrious son of Ibadan, a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the first two-term Governor of Oyo State who served from 2011-2019 and thereafter served as the Deputy National Chairman South of the All Progressive Congress (APC) – the Late Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
“Everyone who knew Oyo State and especially Ibadan before his reign can attest to the high level of crime and insecurity in the state, such as armed robbery, including banks in front of
University; the NURTW perennial crisis in the state, and all manners and forms of insecurity.
“The establishment and equipping of the ‘Operation Burst’ took care of the problems of insecurity in the state. With regards to the NURTW menace, some people went to prison and that brought about peace in the state throughout his eight-year tenure.”
Earlier in her address of welcome, wife of the late former governor, Chief Mrs Florence Ajimobi, said the roundtable further signposts the unflinching belief in the vision behind the budding collaboration, mainly succinctly put as the pursuit of the ideals of good governance and the accelerated development for the Nigerian state.
The event attracted dignitaries from different walks of life, which included Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, captains of industries, All Progressives Congress, APC chieftains, among others.
Some of the notable personalities at the event Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Dr. Zacheus Adedeji; former Minister for Trade, Mrs. Onikepo Akande; former Minister for Finance, Kemi Adeosun; and the deceased’s wife, Florence Ajimobi.
Others are the senator representing Oyo North, Dr. Abdulfatai Buhari; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Saliu Adelabu; Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale; former Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Professor Adeolu Akande; former APC Chairman, Chief Akin Oke; Professor Tunji Olaopa and Professor Tajudeen Akanji.
Also at the event are former Assistant Inspector General of Police Leye Oyebade, former ALGON Chairman Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, friends, family members and associates of the former governor.
President Bola Tinubu led administration, on Friday, December 15, inaugurated the Nutrition Core Working Committee (NCWC), focused on the fight against hunger and malnutrition across Nigeria.
The Committee was inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja, in a bid to address severe acute malnutrition in the country.
According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima also emphasised the importance of coordination and collaboration with the National Committee on Food and Nutrition (NCFN).
“We are determined to upturn the negative nutrition indices of this country,” he declared.
The VP cited his recent visit to Tudun Biri village in Kaduna State where he witnessed the tragic plight of a malnourished child caught in the unfortunate military drone strike, saying “We have no excuse for poverty.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s immense potential for prosperity, the Vice President’s passion for the cause was evident, as he pledged unwavering support to the committee.
“You are our engine room,” he said, urging them to start by tackling the malnutrition crisis from the most vulnerable communities.
“Advise us, draw the roadmap,” he implored, emphasising the crucial role of the members of the committee as expert advisors.
VP Shettima expressed a resolute commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and malnutrition. “Let us do something truly impactful for Nigerians,” he urged.
He reminded the committee members of their shared responsibility, even as he said, “We are all products of the public school system, and history will judge us harshly if we fail to change the narrative of this country.”
On his part, Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Office of the Vice President, Uju Okorocha, noted that the incursion of nutrition in Nigeria is far beyond health.”
“The committee’s mandate extends beyond healthcare, encompassing education and the broader socio-economic impact of malnutrition.
“The committee will focus on a multi-sectoral approach, ensuring coordinated efforts across government agencies to deliver effective solutions and meet multi-sectoral action targets. Innovative financing mechanisms will also be explored to further strengthen the fight against malnutrition,” she said.
Okorocha emphasised the committee’s vital role, just as she said: “The team here has the knowledge that we can leverage on to move the needle on the issue of malnutrition in Nigeria.”
Committee members emphasized the need for a dedicated delivery unit within the Vice President’s office to track progress and hold all stakeholders accountable.
They also advocated the establishment of nutrition departments across all government ministries and agencies, both at the national and sub-national levels.
Members of the committee include representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the World Bank Group, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Nutrition International, the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, and the Civil Society Scaling-up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN).