The Nation Newspaper

Tag: The Nation newspaper

  • Adebayo, Dangote to speak on AfCFTA at IoD confab

    THE Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo is the keynote speaker and will lead other top speakers as the Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria 2019 Annual Director’s Conference in Abuja.

    The conference, according to a statement endorsed by the DG/CEO of the Institute, Bamidele Alimi, is scheduled for September 26 2019 at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

    The event, which would be declared open by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as Chairman.

    With  African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as its theme, the conference also has other top participants such as Chairman, Economic Advisory Committee, Dr Doyin Salami,  Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Engr Ahmed Mansur,  Partner, The Law Union, Mr Desmond Guobadia; Engr Chidi Izuwah, Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Ambassador Chiedu Osakwe, Director-General, National Office for Trade Negotiation and Engr Terhemba Nongo, Ag. Managing Director of NEPZA.

    Alimi said the conference, which will host no fewer than 500 Directors from various sectors of the economy who are members and non-members of IoD, is expected to examine the country’s preparation for AfCFTA and the opportunities that the development presents for the economy.

    The speakers and discussants would provide insight into these areas. The event would be closed with a Special Business Meets Government Dinner, where the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El Rufai is the Guest Speaker and the Senate President, Sen. Ahmed Lawan is Special Guest of Honour.

     

  • Atiku heads for Supreme Court as APC files counter appeal

    PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the last presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, and his party have asked the Supreme Court to reverse the decision of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) which upheld President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory.

    Atiku and the PDP made the request in a notice of appeal containing 66 grounds which they filed on Monday.

    They said PEPC erred in law in its resolution of the five issues it identified for the determination of their petition.

    The PEPC, in its judgment on September 11, resolved the five issues against the petitioners and in favour of the respondents – the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has also filed motions challenging sections of the September 11 judgment.

    In a cross appeal, the party is asking the Supreme Court to reconsider PEPC’s decision to accept evidence by three witnesses (numbers 40, 59 and 60).

    They are Atiku’s spokesperson Segun Showunmi, a data expert David Njorga and a data analyst Joseph Gbenga.

    The APC, through its lawyer Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), also wants the court to remove at least 42 paragraphs from PDP’s petition.

    Atiku and the PDP faulted the PEPC for holding that President Buhari did not need to attach his academic qualifications to the form CF 001 submitted to INEC to secure clearance to participate in the election.

    On ground one of the appeal, the appellants argued that the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal erred in law when they relied on “overall interest of justice” to hold that the second respondent’s Exhibits R1 to R26, P85 and P86 were properly admitted in evidence.

    They also faulted the Justices of the Court of Appeal on the other grounds.

    In pointing out the errors, the appellants submitted that the Appellate Court gave restrictive interpretation to Section 76 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) in order to exclude Form CF001 from its provisions.

    Read Also: Why I am pursuing judicial option for my mandate — Atiku

    “The conduct of election by INEC, which is the first respondent, starts with the screening of candidates. No candidate can be screened unless he completes Form CF001 (Exhibit P1).

    “In Form CF001, under the column for ‘Schools Attended/Educational Qualification(s) With Dates’, there is the clear provision: ‘Attach evidence of all educational qualifications.’

    “Certificates are evidence of educational qualifications.”

    The appellants submitted that “Form CF001 is designed to take care of the provision in Section 31(2) of the Electoral Act (as amended)” regarding the “list or information” a candidate is expected to submit and verify by an affidavit.

    “The prescription in Form CF001 for a candidate to attach evidence of all educational qualifications is part of statutory requirements. Form CF001 is made pursuant to statutory provisions.”

    On ground four, Atiku submitted that the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal erred in law when they held thus: “There was/is no pleadings in the petition to the effect that the second respondent’s failure to attach his certificates to Form CF001 amounts to lack of educational qualification to contest the election.

     

     

     

  • No NIN, no UTME in 2020, JAMB tells candidates

    THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has advised candidates wishing to write the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to register with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to enable them obtain the National Identification Number (NIN).

    The board said the NIN would be compulsory for UTME registration next year.

    It insisted that only candidates with NIN would be allowed to sit for the examination next year.

    JAMB said it would no longer capture the biometrics of candidates as information required by the board would be uploaded from the data captured by the NIMC for registration.

    Its Head of Information, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, explained the board’s position on NIN in an interview on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Read Also: JAMB to prosecute exam cheats, impersonators

    Benjamin said the NIN would guard against all forms of registration infractions.

    He said: “Henceforth, the National Identification Number  (NIN) would be compulsory for the UTME registration.

    “All candidates desiring to register for the 2020 UTME, other JAMB processes, are urged to visit the nearest NIMC centre or its licensed agents for the NIN registration ahead of the UTME registration, if they have not done so.”

    Dr. Benjamin stressed that candidates would be required to present their NIN at the point of registration.

    He said the board has made arrangements with NIMC for candidates who do not have the NIN to be registered at the centre by NIMC or its licensed agents.

    The JAMB spokesperson advised candidates who had registered and acquired the NIN before attaining the age of 16 to update their NIN registration status before proceeding for the UTME registration.

    “If a candidate has NIN but has misplaced the number, he/she can retrieve the NIN by either going to any NIMC office/its licensed agents or dialling *346# (USSD Code) on the SIM number earlier used to register for the NIN and the NIN would be sent to the candidate.

    “If he/she does not have the SIM number used for the NIN registration, such a candidate should visit the nearest NIMC centre or any of its licensed agents.

    “Candidate’s name, as arranged on the NIMC data base, would be same on JAMB data after registration.

    “If any candidate has complaints of name arrangement such a candidate should first rectify such issue with NIMC before proceeding for registration,” he added.

     

  • Senate urges economic diversification to boost forex

    THE Senate has advised the Federal Government to accelerate the diversification of the economy to improve the country’s foreign exchange (forex) earnings.

    The call was made in resolutions reached by the Senate following consideration of a motion titled: Urgent need to revive the Palm Oil industry in Nigeria.

    The motion was sponsored by Senator Francis Onyewuchi (PDP, Imo East) and co-sponsored by 15 other senators.

    The Senate, which resumed its plenary session on yesterday, urged the Federal Government to revive the moribund Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) in Benin, Edo State as well as  boost  oil production in order to meet the domestic needs of the market.

    On NIFOR, the motion urged the government to support investment in research and production of quality oil palm seeds. The upper chamber said that the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantity has resulted in the gradual neglect of agriculture by successive governments.

    Senator Onyewuchi said: “Nigeria spends $500 million on oil palm importation annually despite being the largest producer and exporter of the product in the 50s and 60s. “The country is now the net importer of palm oil, importing 400,000 – 600,000 metric tons of palm oil in order to meet local demand.”

    In his contribution to the debate, the Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, bemoaned the lack of discipline and implementation in the agricultural sector.

    Read Also: Lawan: Senate awaits MTEF, budget

    Abdullahi said: “Until this is done, there can be no meaningful development to be achieved economically from the sector.” In his remarks, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, underscored the need and importance to finance the growth of the agricultural sector in Nigeria.

    “In 2005, I was Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture. We funded the Institutes; 22 of them and they did very well. I agree completely that we have not been funding these institutes.

    “So, if we need an economy that will work for everyone, then we must invest in the agricultural sector.

    “Our committee should engage with the ministries departments and agencies (MDAs) so that at the end of the day, we can contribute meaningfully to take agriculture to the next level,” the Senate president said.

  • Stop exploiting consumers, marketers urged

    THE Chief Executive Officer, Petrocam Nigeria Limited,  Mr Patrick Ilo, on Tuesday advised fuel marketers to rid themselves of sharp practices in order to grow nation’s oil and gas industry, especially the downstream sub-sector.

    He said the development would improve profit margins, foster competition among operators, and further contribute to the growth of the economy.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of another fuel outlet in OdoEran area of the state,  he said marketers provide direct and indirect jobs for the economy.

    He said it was imperative for both old and new operators to carve a niche for themselves in the market, urging them to be more transparent in their dealings with customers, in order to increase patronage.

    Speaking on the backdrop of the closure of 53 filling stations, by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Kaduna, Ilo urged operators to comply with best global practices for growth.

     

  • India’s investments in Nigeria hit $15b

    INDIA, through her companies operating in the country has invested $15billion in Nigeria,  its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Abhay Thakur on Tuesday.

    The envoy also said India companies were among the highest employer of labour with about 35,000 under its direct employment in Lagos State alone.

    He spoke during the unveiling of a new showroom by Simba Group and TVS Company in Abuja.

    The envoy said Nigeria had also benefited economically from the Simba Group, adding that such economic relations was not going to stop.

    Read Also: Indian firm eyes transport sector

    Also speaking, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Tayo Alasoadura urged Simba Group to set up factories in the country to create more jobs for the citizens.

    The minister assured the envoy that the Federal Government would encourage whoever is ready to empower Nigerians through job creation.

    He said: “On behalf of the Federal Government, I invite the Simba Group to come and set up factories in Nigeria, so that you can give to us what you do in India and we can replicate it and give to our people.

    “I believe that in the whole of Africa, Nigeria will be your biggest market. You should come down to Nigeria and start manufacturing your products. We have the manpower and land.

    “Our electricity is improving. You can do everything you are doing in India here. It will pay you more. You can empower and employ more people and Nigeria will be happy with you.”

    Also, the Managing Director, Simba Group, Mr. Vineh Grover, said the company has trained about 500 on how to ride motorcycle.

  • Buhari to governors: don’t fix Fed roads if you will ask for refund

    DUE to the huge amount requested by state governors after repairing Federal roads in their domains, President Muhammadu Buhari has asked them to stop fixing such roads.

    Works and Housing Minister Babatunde Fashola stated this at a two-day interactive session with the Francis Uduyok-headed Ad Hoc Committee on Abandoned Federal Government Projects (Works) from 1999 till date.

    Fashola said: “What has happened to states; that’s another thing. The states submitted a bill of almost N1 Trillion when President Buhari was elected. He asked us to work out what was their entitlement and all of that.

    “Ultimately, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) certified about N454 billion. I don’t remember the exact amount now, except for two states. I think Cross River… There’s another state that didn’t have the documents at the time…

    “But the decision to pay those inherited debts, including the ones I contracted as governor of Lagos, was with the caveat that I should tell the governors to leave Federal roads alone. Those were the directives. I was not the one that took the decision.

    “He said, ‘Tell them not to fix my roads again if they’re going to claim compensation. If you want to fix it and not ask for compensation, send me what you want to do. But if you want compensation, go and mind your business while I mind my business. This is because I have inherited enough debts.’”

    Giving a breakdown of the roads, the minister said Federal roads constituted about 18 per cent of the national road network, covering about 200,000 kilometres.

    He said the remaining 16 per cent belonged to the states and 64 per cent to the 774 local government areas.

    Fashola explained that the amount of inherited debts was more than the budget of the ministry. “So, that’s the reality,” he said.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Group calls on Buhari to tighten security in borders

    On the complaint by the National Assembly that the ministry was overstretching itself thin by handling 472 road projects at once, the minister said the incessant demands by lawmakers was partly responsible for the high number of projects in the ministry and conversely, continuous budget cuts was responsible for the abandoned projects.

    The minister said there must be a stop to new projects to allow for the completion of old projects.

    He said consensus and sacrifice were necessary for development “because our money is not enough for what we want to build”.

    To solve the cash flow problem, Fashola said the ministry was looking towards raising capital from the organised private sector (OPS), such as SUKUK and Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund.

    According to him, the SUKUK fund was targeted at about 28 roads out of 472 federal road projects.

    This, he said, was initiated by the Buhari administration to target some important projects, including the Second Niger Bridge, East-West road, Lagos-Ibadan-Abuja-Kano rail projects and the Mambilla Power project.

  • Buhari at UN lashes P&ID for $9.6b swindle attempt

     

    The Federal Government is “vigorously” prosecuting Irish firm Process and Industrial Developments (P&ID) for “attempting to cheat Nigeria of billion of dollars”, President Muhammadu Buhari declared on Tuesday.

    He spoke during his address at the 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.

    It was the first time the President spoke on the $9.6 billion arbitration judgment obtained against Nigeria by the firm in what is generally described as a fraud.

    Officials of P&ID were convicted after a guilty plea at the Federal High Court. The firm and its Nigerian affiliate were liquidated by the court.

    An appeal against the arbitral judgment will be heard in London tomorrow.

    Nigeria has filled 13 grounds why the judgment should not be enforced.

    Read Also: Full text of Buhari’s speech at UNGA

    Presenting Nigeria’s statement as the fifth speaker on the first day of the General Debate, the President said: “We are giving notice to international criminal groups by the vigorous prosecution of the P&ID scam attempting to cheat Nigeria of billions of dollars.”

    He described poverty as “one of the greatest challenges facing our world,” noting that “its eradication is an indispensable requirement for achieving sustainable development,” while highlighting his administration’s efforts to overcome the challenge.

    He added: “In this regard, Nigeria has developed a National Social Investment Programme – a pro-poor scheme that targets the poorest and most vulnerable households in the country.”

    On the 2019 presidential elections, he said Nigerians “backed the politics of tolerance, inclusion and community over the politics of protest and division.”

    The President touched on the challenge of education in Africa, saying it was enormous.

    He highlighted his administration’s Home Grown School Feeding Programme as one of the strategies to address the challenge of out-of-school children.

    Reflecting on UNGA’s theme: Galvanising multilateral efforts for poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion, Buhari said the multilateralism has brought immense benefits to the world.

    He noted that current attempts by industrialised countries to help develop Africa are un-coordinated and plainly incremental.

    Buhari said: “We have the skills, the manpower and the natural resources, but in many instances, we lack the capital – hence my plea for industrial countries to take a long-term view of Africa, come and partner with us to develop the continent for the benefit of all.”

    On climate change, the President emphasised that Nigeria stands resolutely with the international community in observing agreed carbon emission targets which he signed in 2015.

    He said: “We have since issued two sovereign Green Bonds and have added an additional one million hectares of forested land taking our total forest coverage to 6.7 per cent through collective national effort.”

    Buhari spared a thought for New Zealand where a lone gunman killed 50 worshippers.

    He called on major tech companies to be alive to their responsibilities over social media outlets responsible for fuelling major crimes, such as mass killings.

    He said: “They cannot be allowed to continue to facilitate the spread of religious, racist, xenophobic and false messages capable of inciting whole communities against each other, leading to loss of many lives. This could tear some countries apart.”

  • Sanwo-Olu’s unscheduled visit: New vista for public schools

    HOW committed are members of staff of an organisation when not supervised? How can their employer discover loyalty and dedication?

    One of such ways is taking them unawares through unscheduled visits. This exactly, was what Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu did last week when he paid an unscheduled visit to Oregun Junior High School in Ikeja. It was during an on-the-spot assessment of public schools in the Centre of Excellence. After interacting with the students, their teachers and the school’s management, the governor promised to make the environment conducive for teaching and learning.

    It was all excitement at Oregun Junior High School in Ikeja last Friday when Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, paid an early morning visit to the school. The stopover was impromptu and short, but it gave the Governor the opportunity to have first-hand experience about operational procedures in state-owned schools.

    Sanwo-Olu, who was returning from Abuja after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, was on his way to his office in Alausa when he stopped by at the school to conduct on-the-spot assessment of its operations, facility and teaching method.

    It was his first unscheduled visit to any public-owned school.

    The Governor arrived at the school a few minutes after the pupils returned to their classrooms, following morning assembly. For about 35 minutes, the Governor moved round the school premises to inspect classes and assess teaching facilities. He checked seven decrepit classrooms in the school, which, he assured, would be rebuilt and equipped with modern facilities.

    Sanwo-Olu also took a JSS 3 and JSS 2 classes on topics in Agricultural Science and Social Studies subjects, during which he emphasised the importance of technology in modern-day farming. He advised the pupils to take their studies seriously and imbibe good behaviour to make their teachers and parents proud.

    In his interaction with pupils of JSS 2 Class, Sanwo-Olu said: “I personally came here unannounced because I want to know what we need to put in place to make you all do well in school. I want to make sure that you get the best education that will make you realise your potential and also make you become leaders from today.

    “I have gone round your school and I have seen all we need to put in place for you to study in a good environment. Everything will be put in place for you, including free meals that we will be introducing to all public schools. But, I want you to face your studies and pass all your examinations at once. I am not saying you should not play but take your studies serious so that you can also be presidents and governors in future.”

    The Governor also urged the pupils not to be discouraged by their attendance of public school, telling them that most of the great leaders they heard their names attended public schools.

    After his engagement with the pupils, Sanwo-Olu went into discussions with the school administrators and teachers. He promised that all the dilapidated facilities in the school would be fixed before the end of the term.

    Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said the Governor’s unscheduled visit to the school was part of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s strategies to reposition the education in the state, pointing out that the Governor’s observation would reinvigorate the government’s education policies.

    Omotoso said such unplanned visit to public organisations would be regular, noting that such would help the Governor to have first-hand information about welfare of workers and operational challenges of public institutions.

  • ‘We’ve put our house in order’

    Text of the speech delivered by President Muhammadu Buhari at the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York (UNGA), United States…yesterday.

     

    Protocol

     

    Firstly I wish to thank the General Assembly for the honour bestowed on the Government and people of Nigeria by electing our national, His Excellency, Tijjani Muha mmad-Bande to the Presidency of the 74th Session of this august body.

    This is indeed a great honour!

    Nigerians are truly grateful and shall endeavour to live up to the expectations and responsibilities thrust upon us.

    Ambassador Muhammad-Bande is an experienced and seasoned diplomat and I am confident that he will prove to the International Community his suitability for this most demanding assignment.

    Let me also offer my sincere thanks to the outgoing President, Her Excellency Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces for her skill, resourcefulness and endless reservoir of patience in piloting the 73rd General Assembly.

    In the same vein, may I commend the Secretary General, His Excellency Antonio Guterres for his tremendous energy, his genuine international outlook exhibited by his leadership of the United Nations.

     

    Your Excellencies, delegates,

    The theme of the current General Assembly is: “Galvanising multilateral efforts for poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion”

    These are the prime areas calling for collective action which will benefit national and global interests.

    Today the world is at a critical juncture. This year marks the first anniversary of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. This year also marks the 100 years of the founding of the League of Nations, leading eventually to the establishment of the United Nations as part of the post-World War II international order.

    Article 1 (4) of the UN Charter called for “harmonising the actions of nations in the attainment of common ends”. These common ends include:

    1. International peace and security;
    2. Prosperity and social justice;
    3. Respect for human dignity; and
    4. Protection of the environment.

    Multilateralism symbolised by the UN system has brought immense benefits to the people of the world. It has saved lives, prevented wars, restored peace and stability as well as generated economic and social progress in many countries.

     

    Mr President, Your Excellencies,

     

    We must admit that as the world grows richer, there are regrettable signals in the World Economic and Political Order. Millions in Africa and around the world remain in abject poverty. Furthermore, we are witnessing a backlash against multilateralism in the shape of rising tide of racism, xenophobia, resurgent nationalism, populism and tendencies towards protectionism and unilateralism. The pristine principles of the United Nations appear threatened.

    On cessation of hostilities after World War II, the United States in one of the greatest selfless undertakings in history decided to revive Europe through the Marshall Plan and uplift and restore Japan economically. This generous policy catalysed a great economic revival globally.

    This action of the United States not only benefited Europe and Japan but the United States as well through vastly improved trade and cross investments.

    The United States and Europe have become friends and allies since the end of the war. The United States and Japan have also become friends and allies since the end of the war. This example can be replicated with respect to Africa.

    A developed Africa will not be antagonistic to industrialised countries but will become friends and partners in prosperity, security and development. A prosperous Africa will mean greater prosperity for the rest of the world. A poor Africa will be a drag on the rest of the world. Is this what the international community wants?

    A coordinated multilateral effort should be set in motion to utilise and maximise use of the enormous resources on the African continent for the benefit of all nations. Investing partners will be able to recoup their investments manifold over time.

    Current attempts to help develop Africa by industrial countries are un-coordinated and plainly incremental. We have the skills, the manpower and the natural resources, but in many instances, we lack the capital – hence my plea for industrial countries to take a long-term view of Africa, come and partner with us to develop the continent for the benefit of all.

    Africa charges you with the singular task of initiating the effort we are calling for. The United Nations has in place processes for promoting collective action to combat global threats. No threat is more potent than poverty and exclusion.

    They are the foul source from which common criminality, insurgency, cross-border crimes, human trafficking and its terrible consequences draw their inspiration.

    Poverty in all its manifestations remains one of the greatest challenges facing our world. Its eradication is an indispensable requirement for achieving sustainable development. In this regard, Nigeria has developed a National Social Investment Programme – a pro-poor scheme that targets the poorest and most vulnerable households in the country.

    Under this initiative easy access to financial services are facilitated to our traders, artisans, market women and co-operative societies. This type of initiative can help lessen and eventually eliminate mass poverty in Africa.

    At the core of our efforts to build an inclusive society, our programmes are focused on youth and women empowerment. These programmes aim at ensuring women and youth participation in governance, industry, climate action and agriculture.

    On the international scene, Mr President, the United Nations has new opportunities to take the lead on issues that continue to cloud the prospects for international peace and prosperity, namely:

    1. The rights of the Palestinian people to have their own country free of occupation. Mr President, the international community has spoken from Resolution 242 of 1967 to the present day on the rights of the Palestinian people to have and live in peace in their own land;
    2. The risks associated with nuclear proliferation;
    3. Unfair and unjust trading practices notwithstanding the World Trade Organisation Rules and Precepts;
    4. The looming danger of climate change

     

    On climate change Nigeria stands resolutely with the international community in observing agreed carbon emission targets which I signed in 2015. We have since issued two sovereign Green Bonds and have added an additional 1 million hectares of forested land taking our total forest coverage to 6.7% through collective national effort.

    As we advocate and strive for inclusion within our societies, we must also ensure inclusion prevails in our collective action as members of International Community. That is why we support the expansion of the Security Council to reflect the diversity and dynamics of the 21st Century.

     

    Mr President, Your Excellencies,

    From Asia to the Middle East, Africa to South America, violence and the threat of conflict continue to blight the lives of too many people.

    Our own country is no exception. Nigeria is a nation of nearly 200 million people of diverse groups. Our diversity is our source of strength which is why in elections this year, our people backed the politics of tolerance, inclusion and community over the politics of protest and division.

    Our election promises emphasised political stability, freedom and prosperity, tackling poverty, schooling our young and providing them with the tools to build better lives. We are placing special emphasis on the role of women in our female gender advancement programmes.

    Our progress and delivery are deliberate, purposeful and measured. We clearly appreciate there are no quick fixes to complex challenges.

    In particular, the challenge of education in Africa is enormous. On December 3rd 2018, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 73/25 that proclaimed 24 January of every year as International Day of Education. The Resolution which was spearheaded by Nigeria and co-sponsored by 58 other member states marked a watershed in the recognition of the fundamental role of education in building modern societies.

    To ensure access to education for all, our Government has introduced the Home Grown School Feeding Programme to address the challenge of out-of-school and forced-out-of-school children.

    This social intervention programme, Mr President, is aimed at encouraging increased school enrolment through provision of free school meals. The benefits extend beyond the school environment. In addition, we have introduced mainstreaming and implementation of Safe Schools Declaration laws and policies across all educational institutions in Nigeria.

     

    Mr President, Your Excellencies,

    The world was shocked and startled by the massacre in New Zealand by a lone gunman taking the lives of 50 worshippers. This and similar crimes which have been fuelled by social media networks risk seeping into the fabric of an emerging digital culture.

    Major tech companies must be alive to their responsibilities. They cannot be allowed to continue to facilitate the spread of religious, racist, xenophobic and false messages capable of inciting whole communities against each other, leading to loss of many lives. This could tear some countries apart.

    Organised criminal networks, often acting with impunity across international borders present new challenges where only collective action can deliver genuine results.

    This is true in the battle against violent extremism, against trafficking in people and drugs and against corruption and money laundering. The present Nigerian government is facing the challenges of corruption head-on. We are giving notice to international criminal groups by the vigorous prosecution of the P&ID scam attempting to cheat Nigeria of billions of dollars.

     

    Mr President, Your Excellencies,

    As a young man, as a soldier, I witnessed at first hand the terrible legacy of destruction and broken lives that conflict leaves in its wake.

    As the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War approaches, I wish to pay tribute to the sacrifice made by so many millions across the globe in defence of freedom, tolerance and the rule of law.

    In Nigeria, we have made significant strides to put our own house in order. We will work tirelessly to uphold due process. The rule of law remains the permanent, unchanging foundation of the world order.

    Freedom, tolerance and the rule of law are universal values and underline the best that this General Assembly represents. And that binds us all.

     

    Mr. President,

    I will conclude my remarks by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to promoting international peace and security and sustainable development. We are also committed to strengthening partnerships and cooperation with international and regional organisations for the benefit of humanity.