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Tag: tinubu

  • JUST IN: Renewed Hope Initiative donates N1b to end TB by 2030

    JUST IN: Renewed Hope Initiative donates N1b to end TB by 2030

    Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has donated N1b towards Nigeria’s target of ending Tuberculosis by 2023.

    The donation was made through the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in Abuja on Thursday, March 28, following her investiture as the Global and National Stop TB Champion.

    Wives of the 36 state governors were also honoured as State Stop TB champions at the event.

    The First Lady said the investiture is a call to more action while urging that ending the scourge would not be a reality without the contribution of everyone.

    Read Also: First Lady stresses education to actualise women’s rights

    World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFTAM), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Global Stop TB Partnership Geneva all assured of their continued support for Nigeria towards realizing the goal.

    Details shortly…

  • Tinubu’s tax reforms to reduce taxes from 62 to nine

    Tinubu’s tax reforms to reduce taxes from 62 to nine

    • New tax system to support businesses

    Ongoing tax reforms by President Bola Tinubu’s administration will lead to drastic reduction in number of taxes payable by businesses in a major move to redirect tax management focus from unwieldy charges on businesses to a more growth-focused, supportive system.

    There are currently some 62 taxes in the country with the major ones being Company Income Tax (CIT), Personal Income Tax (PIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Withholding Tax (WHT), Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Capital Gain Tax (CGT)-a tax on the profit obtained from disposal or exchange of chargeable assets; Stamp Duties (SD); Education Tax (EDT); National Information Technology Development Levy (NITDL) and Tenement Rate.

    The reforms aimed at creating a single-digit tax system, a situation where the total number of taxes a business or individual has to pay will be reduced to nine or fewer.

    The goal of the president’s reforms is to simplify the tax code and potentially lower the overall tax burden, making it easier and potentially cheaper for businesses to operate in Nigeria.

    The goal will be realisable after the work of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms is completed.

    Read Also: Tinubu raises two critical economic coordination teams

    Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, said the president’s directive aimed at creating a conducive environment for businesses to flourish and grow the economy.

    Speaking during a visit by the management team of Guinness Nigeria, Adedeji outlined Tinubu’s strategic plan to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.

    According to him, the president gave a directive that he wants a single digit tax in the country, meaning that the maximum number of taxes we will have after the work of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms will be nine taxes.

    He said the FIRS was committed to growing the national tax base rather than introducing new taxes or increasing existing ones.

  • Tinubu raises two critical economic coordination teams

    Tinubu raises two critical economic coordination teams

    • Panels to monitor, evaluate key initiatives
    • Report outlining rejig within six months to be submitted in two weeks

    To rejig the economy, two committees for ensuring comprehensive coordination and implementation of the Federal Government’s plan were yesterday set up by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    They are the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC) and the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce (EET).

    Their inauguration followed their approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday.

    Announcing the two economy-focused initiatives in a statement, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said the PECC, which will be chaired by President Tinubu, will consist of 31 members made up of key government officials and members of Organised Private Sector (OPS).

    The EET is headed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr Olawale Edun.

    He said the setting up of the PECC and EET was a strategic move to bolster the economic governance frameworks and ensure robust and coordinated planning and implementation.

    Apart from President Tinubu (Chairman), other members are Vice President Kashim Shettima (Vice-Chairman); Senate President; Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy; Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, Aviation and Aerospace Development and Budget and Economic Planning.

    Others include Ministers of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Industry, Trade and Investment; Labour and Employment; Marine and Blue Economy; Power; State, Petroleum Resources; State, Gas; Ministers of Transportation and Works.

    The PECC’s 13 key members of the organised private sector will serve on the committee for a period not exceeding one year, subject to the President’s directive.

    They include Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Ms. Amina Maina, Mr. Begun Ajayi-Kadir, Mrs. Funke Okpeke and Dr. Doyin Salami.

    Others are Mr. Patrick Okigbo, Mr. Kola Adesina, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Mr. Chidi Ajaere, Mr. Abdulkadir Aliu and Mr. Rasheed Sarumi.

    President Tinubu also established the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce (EET), which underscored his determination to address immediate economic challenges and ensure the streamlined execution of economic strategies.

    Ngelale said the taskforce, which will formulate and implement a consolidated emergency economic plan, comprises key government officials and industry leaders.

    It said the EET has the mandate to submit a comprehensive plan of economic interventions for 2024 to the PECC covering the next six months, for immediate implementation within two weeks of its inauguration.

    Members of the task force, which will meet twice weekly, include Edun (as chairman), Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Minister of Power, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.

    Others are CBN Governor, National Security Adviser, Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum; Governors of Anambra, Ogun State and Niger states; Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service; Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation; GCEO, NNPC Limited; Director-General, Nigeria Economic Summit Group; Special Adviser to the President on Energy, and economists Dr. Bismarck Rewane and Dr. Suleyman Ndanusa.

    Read Also: Tinubu announces scholarships, housing for families of slain soldiers

    The Economic Management Team, established in October 2023, and chaired by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, will serve as the working group under the PECC, “playing a crucial role in the economic governance structure established by the president.”

    According to Ngelale, the EMT, which traditionally meets monthly or as required, will now suspend its meetings for the duration of the EET’s six-month mandate.

    The EMT is made up of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance (EMT Chairman), CBN governor; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Minister of Works, and Minister of Labour and Employment.

    Other members are the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; Minister of State, Petroleum Resources; Minister of State, Gas; Minister of Power, Minister of Transportation, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

    The statement added: “The Chairman of the EMT may, as needed, call on any federal minister or head of agency to brief the EMT on key programmes and developments affecting the economy.

    “The President’s formation of the PECC, under his chairmanship, alongside the creation of the EET led by the Chairman of the EMT, and the EMT itself, is the manifestation of a unified strategy aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s economic management architecture for verifiably improved performance.

    “The formation of these teams will complement existing economic governance structures, including the National Economic Council (NEC), which is chaired by the Vice-President.

    “Over the next six months, the EET will focus on the rapid implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of critical initiatives, strengthening the Tinubu-led administration’s collective approach to advancing Nigeria’s economic objectives.”

  • ‘Be patient with Tinubu’

    ‘Be patient with Tinubu’

    The Baale of Dopemu community in Lagos State, Alhaji Shuaib Afogunlowo, has appealed to Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He said the President would take the country to the promised land and redeem its lost glory.

    Addressing reporters in his palace on behalf of other Baales in Agege Local Government, Afogunlowo said the former administrations had bastardised the economy, with other challenges inflicted on millions of Nigerians.

    Read Also: Tinubu congratulates Senegal’s Faye on electoral victory

    He said the problems in the country  could not be solved overnight, adding that they needed the efforts of monarchs, religious leaders and all Nigerians.

    Afogunlowo said: “These challenges are economic doldrums, insecurity, corruption, galloping inflation, dollar swallowing Naira, greedy politicians, nepotism and religious bigotry militating against the country. Nigerians should continue to pray for President Tinubu so that these problems will be solved.”

  • Tinubu announces scholarships, housing for families of slain soldiers

    Tinubu announces scholarships, housing for families of slain soldiers

    President Bola Tinubu has announced federal government’ scholarships up to the university level for all the children, including the unborn, of the Army personnel killed in action at Okuama community in Delta State.

    The President, who announced this at the funeral of the personnel at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, also directed the military authorities to ensure benefits of the departed are paid to their families within 90 days. 

    The President also declared that the Federal Government would provide a house in any part of the nation to each of the families of the four officers and thirteen soldiers.

    At the solemn event attended by some Governors, the military hierarchy and families of the deceased, the President bestowed posthumous National Honours on the 17 fallen heroes.

    A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, explained Lt Col Ali, Major D.E Obi, Major S.D. Ashafa, and Captain U. Zakari were given the award of Member of the Order of Niger (MON).

    Staff Sergeant Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Danbaba Yahaya, Corporal Kabir Bashir, Lance Corporals Abdullahi Ibrahim, Bulus Haruna, Sole Opeyemi, Bello Anas, Private Alhaji Isah, Clement Francis, Abubakar Ali, Adamu Ibrahim, Hamman Peter, and Ibrahim Adamu, were awarded the honour of the Federal Republic Medals. 

    “On the 14th day of March, Lt. Colonel A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, led three other officers and 13 soldiers to the Okuama Community to mediate in the lingering dispute with Okoloba Community.

    “They went as peacemakers and peacekeepers respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.  

    “They did not go with tanks, machine guns, and other weapons. They were on a mission of peace.

    “Before the dastardly attack, Lt. Colonel Ali, as the Chief of Army Staff narrated to me, achieved great operational exploits; fighting terrorists and insurgents in the North East and North West before his deployment to the Niger Delta. 

    “Ali kept faith with his military calling until the end. 

    “On behalf of a grateful nation, we honour the sacrifice of Ali and the other gallant patriots who died that day. They will forever be remembered as heroes who answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price,” the President said.

    Reaffirming government’s commitment to justice, President Tinubu vowed to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to account. 

    While commending the military for not embarking on a reprisal attack on the community, the President declared: “I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them, and our departed heroes will get justice. 

    “The elders and chiefs of Okuama also must help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men.

    Read Also:Tinubu approves six-month extension of service for FCT HoS

    “I wish to commend our Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks on Okuama or its neighbouring communities. We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuama are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them,” the President stated.

    President Tinubu, while commiserating with the families of the fallen heroes and the entire Armed Forces, prayed God Almighty to comfort the bereaved.

    “It is worth restating the debt of gratitude we owe these valiant soldiers and their families. 

    “As Commander-In-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces for granted. I recognize your valour and bravery. I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers, and insurrectionists. 

    “While we continue to grieve for the courageous men we lost that day, let us also, on this solemn occasion, be reminded of the unfinished business of working for peace and harmony in our communities. We must begin to rebuild our communities and make them into places where love, tolerance, and harmony will reign. 

    ‘‘Leaders at all levels, especially community leaders and traditional rulers, must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must end the cycle of violence and bloodletting,” the President said.

    President Tinubu urged the Armed Forces not to be discouraged by the death of their fellow compatriots but to honour their memory by rededicating themselves to the service and defence of the nation.

    “As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have a message for you: Do not let the death of your compatriots discourage you.

    ‘‘There is no higher honour than the vocation you have chosen to pursue. We cherish you. We cherish your labour of love. We salute your daily sacrifice in protecting your fellow citizens from danger. We acknowledge your sacrifices to defend our nation,” the Commander-in-Chief affirmed.

  • UPDATED: Tinubu confers national honours on 17 slain soldiers

    UPDATED: Tinubu confers national honours on 17 slain soldiers

    President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on 17 soldiers murdered in Okuoma community in Delta State last week. 

    He announced this during the burial of the soldiers at the National Military Cemetery on Wednesday.

    Read Also: Tinubu establishes comprehensive economic coordination, planning systems for Nigeria

    The four military officers Lt.Col Ali, Major Obi, SD Ashafa and Captain Zakari earned the posthumous award of Member of the Order of the Niger(MON).

    Sergeant Yahaya Sule got Federal Republic Medal 1 while the rest got Federal Republic Medal 11. 

  • Bad governance rendered Nigeria a weak African giant- Tinubu

    Bad governance rendered Nigeria a weak African giant- Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu has lamented Nigeria’s inability to fully manifest its potential as the giant of the African continent was down to several years of leadership failure. 

    Tinubu, who expressed the regrets on Wednesday when he received a delegation from the United States Congress led by Senator Cory Booker at the State House in Abuja, vowed to change the state of affairs. 

    According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President also said his administration is committed to deepening democracy by ensuring adherence to the rule of law and expediting the sustainable provision of good governance, justice, and fairness to all Nigerian citizens.

    He,  however, said that while democracy must be defended, it must translate into tangibles of quality healthcare, good education, food security, shelter, and overall economic prosperity for the people of Nigeria.

    Tinubu assured the Congressmen that Nigeria is a necessary partner for the sustenance of democracy in Africa and beyond, noting that as the continent’s biggest economy and largest democracy, Nigeria is well-positioned to set the best continental example by delivering good governance to its people.

    “Nigeria, as the giant of Africa, had suffered leadership elephantiasis years back. I am determined to change that. Adhering to the principles of democracy and the rule of law is very important to us. I wonder how democracy will survive if we do not fight for it. I fought for this democracy. I risked my life for it. Military truncation of democracy is unacceptable. The power of our citizens is and must remain supreme,” the President said.

    Emphasising the need for the United States to evolve a more prudent and pragmatic partnership with Africa, the Nigerian leader told the U.S. Congressional delegation that the United States should consider upscaling critical development programmes to strengthen ties with the continent.

    “It is important for our partners to help strengthen democracy in Africa. Our developmental programmes need serious capital. We are not asking for freebies. All we are asking for is understanding. After the Second World War, Europe was impacted. America developed and executed the Marshall Plan to pull them back up. Today, Europe is standing firm and tall as a result. What about a Marshall plan for Africa? 

    “How can we be categorized and thrown into IMF’s basket of trickle-down slices? We are blessed in Africa, but these are the same resources causing conflicts because of exploitation and a lack of alignment. The presence of the resources does not reflect in the living conditions of the people. We must not use yesterday’s methods to address today’s challenges. Nobody wants to risk their life to run away from Africa.

    Read Also: Tinubu establishes comprehensive economic coordination, planning systems for Nigeria

    “America needs to look at the situation in Africa critically. What is happening in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger emanates from a helpless feeling people have that they are not being helped economically. They find that their former colonial masters are not letting go and are still seeking to exploit them. We have mineral resources. 

    “What technology can you bring to help turn that into economic prosperity? Can you put de-risking finance in place to incentivize John Deere to assist us in massively mechanizing our food production processes? There is so much we can do in the advancement of education. See Africa as a necessary partner for the sustenance of democracy.

    “We are capable and willing to lift our own people out of poverty,” President Tinubu affirmed.

    Senator Cory Booker described Tinubu as a visionary leader who took tough but necessary decisions for the good of Nigerians.

  • Tinubu establishes comprehensive economic coordination, planning systems for Nigeria

    Tinubu establishes comprehensive economic coordination, planning systems for Nigeria

    In furtherance of his administration’s efforts at re-engineering the nation’s economic governance framework, President Bola Tinubu has established the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC). 

    President Tinubu has also created the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce (EET), which was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday. 

    Announcing the two economy-focused initiatives in a statement on Wednesday, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said the PECC, which will be chaired by President Tinubu himself, will consist of 31 members, made up of key government officials and members of the organized private sector. 

    According to the statement, the setting up of the PECC and the EET is a strategic move to bolster the nation’s economic governance frameworks and ensure robust and coordinated economic planning and implementation. 

    Membership of the PECC include President Tinubu as Chairman, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Vice-Chairman; President of the Nigerian Senate; Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum; Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance; Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security; Aviation and Aerospace Development and Budget and Economic Planning.

    Others include Ministers of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Industry, Trade and Investment; Labour and Employment; Marine and Blue Economy; Power; State, Petroleum Resources; State, Gas; Ministers of Transportation and Works.

    The PECC, which also comprise 13 key members of the organized private sector, joining for a period not exceeding one year, subject to the President’s directive include Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Ms. Amina Maina, Mr. Begun Ajayi-Kadir, Mrs. Funke Okpeke and Dr. Doyin Salami.

    Other PECC members from the private sector are Mr. Patrick Okigbo, Mr. Kola Adesina, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Mr. Chidi Ajaere, Mr. Abdulkadir Aliu andMr. Rasheed Sarumi.

    Meanwhile, President Tinubu also established the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce (EET), which the statement said, is in his determination to address immediate economic challenges and ensure the streamlined execution of economic strategies. 

    It informed that task force with the mandate to formulate and implement a consolidated emergency economic plan comprises key government officials and industry leaders. 

    It said the EET is now mandated to submit a comprehensive plan of economic interventions for 2024 to the PECC, covering the next six months, for immediate implementation within two weeks of its inauguration. 

    The membership of the task force, which will meet twice weekly, includes Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance who is the Chairman, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Minister of Power, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. 

    Others are Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, National Security Adviser, Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor of Anambra State, and Governor of Ogun State. 

    The rest are Governor of Niger State, Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, GCEO, NNPC Limited, Director-General, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Dr. Bismarck Rewane, Economist, and Dr. Suleyman Ndanusa, Economist.

    The statement said that the Economic Management Team, established in October 2023, and chaired by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, will serves as the working group under the PECC, “playing a crucial role in the economic governance structure established by the president.”

    The statement said the EMT, which traditionally meets monthly or as required, will now suspend its meetings for the duration of the EET’s six months mandate. 

    The EMT is made up of Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance (EMT Chairman), Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Minister of Works, and Minister of Labour and Employment. 

    Other members are Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Minister of State, Gas, Minister of Power, Minister of Transportation, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

    Read Also: Tinubu congratulates Senegal’s president-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye on victory

    The statement added: “The Chairman of the EMT may, as needed, call on any Federal Minister or Head of Agency to brief the EMT on key programmes and developments affecting the economy.

    “The President’s formation of the PECC, under his Chairmanship, alongside the creation of the EET, led by the Chairman of the EMT, and the EMT itself, is the manifestation of a unified strategy aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s economic management architecture for verifiably improved performance. The formation of these teams will complement existing economic governance structures, including the National Economic Council (NEC), which is chaired by the Vice-President.

    “Over the next six months, the EET will focus on the rapid implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of critical initiatives, strengthening the Tinubu-led administration’s collective approach to advancing Nigeria’s economic objectives”, the statement said.

  • FULL TEXT: President Tinubu’s speech at burial ceremony of 17 slain soldiers

    FULL TEXT: President Tinubu’s speech at burial ceremony of 17 slain soldiers

    Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff and other military officers.

    It is with heavy heart that I join you today to commit to earth, the remains of our officers and men who died in the course of duty on 14 March 2024 in Okuama Community, Delta State.

    The officers and soldiers who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats. Their sacrifice will be remembered and honoured for generations to come and their.

    On 14 March, Lt. Colonel A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, led three other officers and 13 soldiers to the Okuama Community to mediate in the lingering dispute with Okoloba Community.

    They went as peace makers and peace keepers respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.

    They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns and other weapons.

    They were on a mission of peace.

    Before the dastardly attack, Lt. Colonel Ali, as the Chief of Army Staff briefed me, enjoyed great operational exploits; fighting terrorists and insurgents in the North East and North West before his deployment to the Niger Delta.

    Ali kept faith with his military calling till the end.

    On behalf of a grateful nation, we honour the sacrifice of Ali and the other gallant patriots who died that day. They will forever be remembered as heroes who answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price.

    Lieutenant Colonel Ali,
    Major D.E Obi,
    Major S.D. Ashafa,
    Captain U. Zakari,
    Staff Sergeant Yahaya Saidu,
    Corporal Danbaba Yahaya,
    Corporal Kabir Bashir,
    Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim,
    Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna,
    Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi,
    Lance Corporal Bello Anas;
    Private Alhaji Isah,
    Private Clement Francis,
    Private Abubakar Ali,
    Private Adamu Ibrahim,
    Private Hamman Peter, and
    Private Ibrahim Adamu,

    Each man now belongs to the hallowed list of servicemen and women who defended our country and protected their fellow Nigerians not minding the risk to their own lives.

    They have all been awarded posthumous national honours. The four gallant Officers have been accorded the Award of Member of the Order of Niger (MON). The thirteen courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been Awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic Medal.

    I commiserate with the families of our fallen heroes and the entire Armed Forces. I share in the pain and grief you carry today. It is my prayer that God will comfort all who are bereaved as a result of this tragedy.

    It is worth restating the debt of gratitude we owe these valiant soldiers and their families.

    As Commander-In-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces for granted. I recognise your valour and bravery. I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers and insurrectionists.

    While we continue to grieve for the courageous men we lost that day, let us also, on this solemn occasion, be reminded of the unfinished business of working for peace and harmony in our communities.

    We must begin to rebuild our communities and make them into places where love, tolerance and harmony will reign. Leaders at all levels especially community leaders and traditional rulers must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must endthe cycle of violence and bloodletting.

    I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice.

    The elders and chiefs of Okuoma also have a duty to help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men.

    I wish to also commend our Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities. We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuoma are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.

    To the entire armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have a message for you: Do not let the death of your compatriots discourage you. There is no higher honour than the vocation you have chosen to pursue. We cherish you. We cherish your labour of love. We salute your daily sacrifice in protecting your fellow citizens from danger. We acknowledge your sacrifices to defend our nation.

    Within our continent, our sub-region and across the world, the Nigerian Military has remained a force for good, embodying a great example and keeping our democracy safe.

    It is now our duty to protect the families of our departed heroes.

    The Federal Government will provide a house in any part of our country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers.

    Read Also: Tinubu congratulates Senegal’s president-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye on victory

    The Federal Government has also approved scholarships to all the children of the deceased up to the University level.

    The Military must, within the next ninety days, ensure that all the benefits of the departed are paid to their families.

    May the families of the departed and all their loved ones find the strength to bear the pain of this loss.

    May God grant our heroes eternal rest.

    May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep our troops safe, always.

    Bola Ahmed Tinubu
    President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
    Commander-in-Chief, Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • JUST IN: Tinubu promises houses, scholarships for families of slain soldiers

    JUST IN: Tinubu promises houses, scholarships for families of slain soldiers

    President Bola Tinubu has said that the families of the soldiers who were murdered in the Okuama community of Delta would be provided housing and full educational scholarships to the university level.

    He said this during his speech at the burial ceremony held for the 17 deceased soldiers at the National Cemetery, Abuja.

    This was announced in a post by the special assistant to President Tinubu on social media, Dada Olusegun.

    Read Also: Tinubu congratulates Senegal’s president-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye on victory

    He wrote: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says the federal government will provide housing to each of the families of the fallen heroes anywhere they choose within the country.

    “The federal government also awarded the children of the fallen heroes full educational scholarships to the University level including the ones still in the womb of their mothers. FG also appeals to the Military Pensions Board that all their emoluments must be paid within 90 days.”