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  • Tinubu believes Nigerians must be well informed, says Shettima

    Tinubu believes Nigerians must be well informed, says Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday, March 26, said President Bola Tinubu is an advocate of citizen communication, who believes that Nigerians must, by right and necessity, be well-informed.

    Shettima said the policy is the most practical way of dealing with fake news and misinformation.

    The vice president spoke in Abuja at the opening of the 1st national spokespersons’ summit, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, with the theme, “Change Narrative, Change Society.”

    The summit brought together spokespersons from both the public and private sectors, spanning national and sub-national levels.

    Speaking in the “Constructing Narratives Amidst Chaos”, Shettima stressed the power of a single word to either stabilise or disrupt a nation.

    He therefore charged spokespersons and image makers to bridge the information gap by providing timely and evidence-based information.

    He said: “Time and again, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reassured the nation of his belief in citizen communication and engagement.

    “He believes that the citizens of Nigeria must, by right and necessity, be well-informed—truthfully, accurately, and in a timely manner. This is the most practical antidote to the waves of partisan and sectional agendas promoted by hacks invested in tearing the nation apart. As experts and professionals, this is an invitation for you to partner with us in crafting the right narratives to change the Nigerian story and reinvent our society.”

    “In the life of a nation, the power of a single word to stabilise or disrupt cannot be underestimated, therefore, it is crucial that as we exchange ideas, as we share knowledge, and as we build relationships, we do so within a framework of order, not chaos.

    “This maiden summit of spokespersons arrives as a timely intervention in a world where lies and propaganda vie for dominance amidst the complexities of our daily existence.

    “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, those of us in the public sphere know very well that at some point, falling prey to false narratives and targeted agendas is inescapable.

    “These are usually aimed at undermining and misrepresenting one’s ideas or perceptions. The importance of diligent and objective communication is never more evident than when confronted with the deceptive tactics of fake news merchants, those who dedicate their lives to casting shadows on noble efforts and aspirations to inform and enlighten the world.

    He therefore charged the spokesperson to be the voice of their organisation or principals, which is their unique responsibility.

    He added: “You bear the burden of bridging divides, fostering understanding, and inspiring change. Through your commitments and sacrifices, the voices of the misrepresented and the misunderstood are amplified, and the vision of a better tomorrow is brought to fruition.

    “The power of the spokesperson comes with great responsibility to communicate with clarity. The evolving global media landscape makes your job more complex than ever before. The rise of social media has not only given birth to a 24/7 news cycle, where information spreads at lightning speed, but it has also stretched your sanity to another dimension. Today, you are not only the spokesperson, a gatekeeper of truth, but also a defender of the public at the mercy of fake news merchants and their impressionable mercenaries.

    “Every day, we become further convinced that we can never win the war against misinformation and disinformation unless our responses to them are timely and evidence-based. You don’t need to be reminded that you are a pillar of the nation’s security framework.

    “While your combat operations only require your pens and electronic communication devices, the threat you neutralise saves the lives of even our military and para-military operatives fighting a different type of war.

    “As experts, there’s not much I can ask of you other than to remind you to always listen and internalise feedback. You must engage with people of diverse perspectives, foster dialogues, and build consensus.

    “This is a small price to pay for aggregating the needs and expectations of this diverse nation. So, always leave a seat empty for any group to join your table and don’t treat anyone as inconsequential because their views don’t align with yours.

    “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the ultimate wisdom of this gathering lies in its significant investment in national integration through effective communication. When spokespersons from across all platforms, sectors, and industries come together to share best practices, learn from one another, and forge new partnerships, the outcome can only be in the national interest.”

    He hopes that the summit “will strengthen the enthusiasm of all spokespersons to bridge divides, inspire commitment, and induce actions that drive the change we desire.”

    In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stressed the important role of the spokespersons in shaping perceptions, disseminating accurate information, and fostering trust.

    Idris said: “Nigeria, a diversely blessed and vibrant country, grapples with the need to create a cohesive national identity; one that transcends ethnicity, religion, and political affiliations.

    “Crafting a compelling national narrative becomes paramount as we strive to live up to our vast potential.”

    The summit therefore, he said “is a pivotal event aimed at transforming the landscape of communication in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Delta killings: Tinubu to attend burial of slain soldiers Wednesday

    “The theme of the summit, “Change Narrative, Change Society,” he said resonates deeply with the challenges facing us as a people.

    He added: “Indeed, the nation’s peace, stability, growth, and development can only be attained by how we communicate.”

    He was, therefore, the hope that the summit “would facilitate the emergence of a national consensus for effective communication, based on a collective narrative of our shared values, regardless of our backgrounds.”

    He also reminded his audience that the ministry “will be unveiling the Nigeria Values Charter, which embodies a social contract between the country and its citizens and will serve as a blueprint and policy for a national value system, defining us as Nigerians and reinforcing our.”

  • Gowon lauds Tinubu’s foreign policy for uniting ECOWAS

    Gowon lauds Tinubu’s foreign policy for uniting ECOWAS

    Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon and founding father of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has lauded President Bola Tinubu for uniting the bloc under his watch.

    Gowon spoke at the inauguration of the Academy of International Affairs (AIA), a foreign policy think-thank founded by former Foreign Affairs Minister, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, on Monday in Abuja.

    He said the inauguration of AIA with President Tinubu as ECOWAS Chairman and who recently achieved a foreign policy milestone by making efforts to forestall its disintegration, was highly commendable.

    Gen. Gowon said that the event resonated with him, and was reminiscent of when he laid the foundation for the establishment of ECOWAS on May 27, 1975 alongside 14 other West African leaders.

    “I must commend President Bola Tinubu for all the foreign policy initiatives he made, which have kept ECOWAS together in the face of recent challenges.

    Read Also: No ransom paid for school children’s release – Fed Govt

    “I implore the President to continue to ensure that Nigeria’s voice remains audible and its influence felt in international relations.”

    The former leader, who was the chairman of the occasion, also lauded the President of AIA, Prof Akinyemi for his tireless efforts towards birthing the academy.

    “I have closely followed Prof. Akinyemi’s international relations career over the years. His intellectual prowess is unmatched, he is resolute and undaunted in whatever he does,” he said.

    Gowon, who also conferred an Honorary Fellow of the academy on Afreximbank President, Prof. Benedict Oramah and other distinguished Fellows, said the event was a recognition of deserved persons.

    Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, commended  Akinyemi for his vision, efforts and dedication towards ensuring that Nigeria’s Foreign Policy was constantly put on the front burner through various intellectual activities.

  • CLO urges Tinubu to direct AGF to pay N1.1trn damages to Niger community over flooding

    CLO urges Tinubu to direct AGF to pay N1.1trn damages to Niger community over flooding

    The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) on Monday, March 25, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the federation and minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to comply with a court order that awarded the sum of N1.1trillion to a community in Niger state over damages caused by the overflow of Zungeru Dam.

    The Executive Director of CLO, Ibuchukwu Ezike, made the plea at a press conference in Abuja.

    Ezike said the sum represents the cost of damages awarded to

    Samboro Community which was “forcefully displaced and their livelihoods destroyed due to the construction of the Zungeru Hydro-electric Power Dam in the state.”

    According to him, the press conference was meant to “draw local and international attention to the prevailing plight of the inhabitants of Samboro Community in Madaka District, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State who were forcefully ejected and displaced from their communal land due to the poor design and construction of the Zungeru Hydro-electric Power Dam in the state by the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Mines and Power.”

    He explained: “Trouble started for the hapless Samboro Community when Zungeru Hydro-Electric Dam overflowed and released unimaginable volume of water into the community and within hours and days, washed away the livelihood and homes of the inhabitants.

    “As the devastating effects of the Dam raged, our sources informed us that the Federal Government of Nigeria neglected/failed to come to the aid of its people who were left to survive on their own.

    “Dissatisfied with the government’s behaviour, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, the village head of Samboro Community and 2,844 other community members on April 27, 2023, filed a complaint with the court in case number NSHC/ Kut/6/2023.

    “The Samboro Community Lawyer, Muhammed Ndarani Mohammed, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, who filed the suit challenged the government on the damaging impact of the Dam on the community and demanded compensation.

    Read Also: Ajaka hails Tinubu, Sani, others over rescue of Kaduna pupils

    “Justice Mohammed Adishetu Mohammed of High Court 4 in Minna, Niger State after hearing all the parties ordered the Federal Ministry of Mines and Power to pay N1.1 trillion as compensation for damages caused to the affected Samboro Community.”

    He added: “While the CLO notes that the Federal Ministry of Mines and Power has been cited as the main culprit, we are concerned that there may be surreptitious actions by the Federal Government to delay or deny the affected community the benefit of the Court judgment.

    “The Civil Liberties Organisation hereby appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold the rule of law as a critical component of democracy by directing the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation to ensure full compliance with the court judgment without further delay. We caution the Nigerian state that a stitch in time saves nine.”

  • Tinubu pledges safer schools after rescue of Kaduna pupils

    Tinubu pledges safer schools after rescue of Kaduna pupils

    • DHQ to hand over 137 Kuriga school children today •Teacher dies in captivity

    A safer school environment will be provided to prevent kidnapping of pupils and abduction of teachers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised yesterday.

    The President, who expressed delight at the release of kidnapped 17 pupils of Tsangaya Islamic School in Sokoto and 137 pupils and teachers of Kuriga School in Kaduna State, saluted the National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Armed Forces and the state governments for the successful rescue operations.

    According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the Kaduna school children would be handed over to their parents today, 17 days after they were kidnapped and taken to an unknown location in Zamfara State.

    Hailing the safe return of the pupils, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi commended the military and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani who announced the children’s release.

    President Tinubu said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, that a conscious effort would be made to prevent a repeat of the sad scenario.

    He assured Nigerians that his administration would deploy detailed strategies to keep institutions of learning safe across the country.

    The President said federal and state governments should work together to ensure security.

    The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu welcomes the news of the release of the Kuriga school children in Kaduna State and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the Federal Government and states for expected outcomes, especially on matters of security.

    “The President commends the National Security Adviser, the security agencies, and the Kaduna State Government for the dispatch and diligence with which they handled this situation, noting that incipient urgency, meticulous attention, and tireless dedication are critical to optimal outcomes in cases of mass abductions.

    “President Tinubu also welcomes the release of pupils of a Tsangaya school in Sokoto State, commending all the parties to the feat for their valiant effort.

    “The President assures Nigerians that his administration is deploying detailed strategies to ensure that our schools remain safe sanctuaries of learning, not lairs for wanton abductions.”

    Bandits had on March 7 stormed the LEA Primary School, Kuriga, a facility which is also temporarily accommodating GSS Kuriga and whisked away hundreds of schoolchildren and their teachers.

    One of the secondary school teachers, Sani Abdullahi, who briefed Governor Sani at Kuriga, said 287 were marched into the bush by the armed attackers.

    There was no independent confirmation of the number of pupils.

    Neither the police nor the Kaduna State government gave a figure of those kidnapped.

    The bandits, a week after the abduction, reached out to the community, demanding N1 billion ransom as they handed down a 20-day ultimatum for the ransom payment.

    However, 17 days after the abduction, the Defence Headquarters issued a statement, saying that troops rescued 137 pupils.

    DHQ confirms rescue of 137 pupils

    DHQ, in a statement by its Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, confirmed the release of the Kaduna school children, comprising 76 females and 61 males.

    He said the students, who were rescued in Zamfara, would be handed over to the Kaduna government for further action.

    Gen. Buba said: “The hostages are the same persons that were abducted from the school at Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.

    “The military, in collaboration with local authorities and government agencies nationwide, conducted a coordinated search and rescue operation to secure the hostages.”

    Gen. Buba added: “On 7 March 2024, troops received information that terrorists had invaded LEA School Kuriga in Chikun LG of Kaduna State. During the incident, an unconfirmed number of pupils were abducted.

    “Following the incident, the military committed to leaving no stone unturned until all the hostages were rescued.

    “Accordingly, in the early hours of 24 March 2024, the military, working with local authorities and government agencies across the country, in a coordinated search and rescue operation rescued the hostages.

    “The hostages are the same persons that were abducted from the school at Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.

    “The rescued hostages totalling 137 comprise 76 females and 61 males. They were rescued in Zamfara State and would be conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further action.

    “Relatedly, it would be recalled that on 21 March 24, troops equally rescued 16 pupils (Almajiris) with a woman taken hostage in Gada LGA of Sokoto State. These hostages were handed over to the Sokoto State Government.

    “These efforts demonstrate the armed forces’ resolve to find other innocent hostages and track down the terrorists that perpetrated these crimes.

    “These efforts would continue until other hostages are found and the terrorists arrested, tried, and brought to justice by Nigerian law.

    “Troops are employing similar efforts to track down the culprits responsible for the killings of 18 soldiers in Okuama Community in Delta State. Justice awaits the culprits, as they can not go unpunished.”

    Abbas hails Tinubu, security agencies

    Speaker Abbas lauded Tinubu’s efforts in securing the release of the children, saying that he is living up to the task of protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.

    The Speaker also lauded the Kaduna governor for his relentless efforts, adding that he has demonstrated good leadership.

    Abbas also hailed Ribadu and security agencies for their determination and commitment.

    He, however, urged the Armed Forces to be more steadfast and determined in their operations and ensure the rescue of other Nigerians captured by criminal groups in different parts of the country.

    Abbas also called for preventive measures against mass abductions.

    Read Also: Intervene in cooking gas hike, APC chieftain begs Tinubu

    Arewa group hails govt

    The President of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, hailed the government for the rescue operation.

    He lamented that the children were subjected to a traumatic experience.

    Shettima said in a statement that the abduction of school children is a serious threat to education in the North.

    He commended the collaborative efforts of the government, security agencies, and local communities that led to a successful rescue.

    Shettima reiterated the need for government and security agencies to redouble their efforts towards flushing out the criminals once and for all.

    Atiku, Obi: no Nigeria should be captive

    Atiku, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in last year’s election, and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart Peter Obi hailed the release of the pupils in separate statements.

    They said Nigerians should not be captives in their country.

    Noting that the news of the children’s release is comforting, Obi urged the Federal Government to ensure the release of every Nigerian still being held by kidnappers.

    He said: “It is comforting to hear that school children abducted in Kaduna have been released. It is hard to imagine the mental pain and trauma the children must have gone through at the hands of their abductors.

    “Efforts should also be made, not just to release many of our people in the different kidnappers dens across the country, but to end the scourge of insecurity completely.”

    Atiku called for the overhauling of the nation’s security architecture and the “strengthening of the Safe School Initiative that prioritises the protection of schools, especially in the areas that are most vulnerable to mass kidnap of school children.”

  • Tinubu salutes Team Nigeria’s indomitable spirit  at African Games 

    Tinubu salutes Team Nigeria’s indomitable spirit  at African Games 

    President  Bola Ahmed Tinubu  has hailed the performance  of Team  Nigeria at the 13th  African Games  which came to an end on  Saturday  as the country’s contingent  finished in second position behind , Egypt.

    Welcoming the contingent  back from the African Games held in Accra, the Minister  of Sports Development Senator John Owan  Enoh on behalf of President Tinubu, said Team Nigeria’s  athletes  displayed  ‘the indomitable Nigerian spirit’  in order to win laurels  for the country, adding the government  and Nigerians  in general  are proud of  the  achievements  of the ‘gallant sports men & women’ at the  continental’s multi-sports event. “On behalf of His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu ,GCFR , I welcome you back to our dear country,”  Senator Enoh said.“ I congratulate you for your outstanding performance in the just concluded 13th African Games that held in the Republic of Ghana. 

    “For two weeks, fifty-two countries fiercely contested for honours in twenty-nine sports;  dwelling in the most competitive manner to win laurels for their countries and Nigeria was involved in twenty five of those.

    “From our world class athletes who burnt the tracks and triumphed, to our dazzling wrestlers, boxers, weightlifters, and indeed other deserving sportsmen and women who were in imperial form, the indomitable Nigerian spirit was on full display, leaving behind whatever pre games inadequacies. The nation is thankful for the hardwork and sacrifice of your individual and collective efforts.”

    Read Also: Tinubu pledges safer schools after rescue of Kaduna pupils

    Altogether, Team Nigeria won  a total of 121 medals  including 47 gold, 33 silver and 41 bronze which  Enoh reckoned that  the achievement  was not a mean feat,  adding  the government  and Nigerians remains proud.  

    “ This indeed is an unforgettable  testament for which the government of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians will remain proud  of. Thank you great athletes for showcasing the Nigerian strength, resilience and excellence,” he said. “Our sports loving President and the vast majority of Nigerians warmly felicitate you for your gallantry and achievements for putting the country on the firm pedestal as a leading sports powerhouse on the continent of Africa.”

    The minister assured  that preparations for the 14th  African Games to hold in Egypt  would begin in earnest , so that  Team Nigeria  will finish in  pole position like it did  in 2003 when the country hosted  the rest of the continent at Abuja  2003. 

    He  further said the  Ministry was  work ing out ‘a sustainable package of incentives that will continue to put the welfare condition of our sportsmen and women at the  forefront’.

  • Tinubu opts for low-key 72nd birthday

    Tinubu opts for low-key 72nd birthday

    • ‘Donate resources to charity in my name’

    President Bola Tinubu has said his family, friends, associates, and well-wishers should not host elaborate events on his 72nd birthday anniversary.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, announced the President’s resolve.

    The statement reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will turn 72 on Friday, March 29, 2024. The day will be another important milestone in his life as a leader and a statesman.

    “During an auspicious occasion as this, it is customary for family members, friends, and associates to celebrate him in different ways.

    “As the leader of our country, President Tinubu, in deference to these challenging times, will not host any birthday event and does not want any of his associates and numerous well-wishers across the country to organise any celebratory event on his behalf or in his name.

    Read Also: Intervene in cooking gas hike, APC chieftain begs Tinubu

    “President Tinubu appreciates the honour of being the leader of Africa’s leading nation at this time and he is working very hard to make life better for the generality of our people.

    “According to him, because of the present mood of the nation and recent killing of the officers and men of our army and police in Delta State and recent spate of security breaches by criminal elements in different parts of Nigeria, there should be no form of birthday event and placing of birthday goodwill advertorial messages in newspapers. Goodwill messages should not be placed on radio and television stations too.

    “President Tinubu enjoins friends and associates who may wish to place goodwill advertorials to kindly donate the money to charity organisations of their choice in his name.

    “Although the President appreciates the gallantry of our Armed Forces in freeing our children kidnapped in Kuriga, Kaduna State, and in Sokoto State, he will use the opportunity of his birthday to reflect and re-dedicate himself to the task of building a more stable, more secure, virile, prosperous and united Nigeria.”

  • Tinubu welcomes safe release of 287 Kuriga school, 17 Tsangaya abductees

    Tinubu welcomes safe release of 287 Kuriga school, 17 Tsangaya abductees

    … Salutes NSA, armed forces, state govts for successful operations

    President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the release of the 287 persons, including school children and teachers, abducted earlier this month in Kuriga, Chikun council area of Kaduna State.

    President Tinubu also praised the rescue on Saturday of the 17 pupils of Tsangaya Islamic School in Sokoto State and the efforts of those who worked hard for the success in both cases, especially the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the security forces.

    According to a statement issued Sunday morning by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the also assured Nigerians that his administration deploying detailed strategies to keep institutions of learning safe across the country.

    Read Also: Laju Iren: It hurts to see pastors portrayed badly in movies

    He also used the success stories in both cases of abduction to emphasize the importance of the federal and state governments to work together collaboratively to achieve desired ends, especially in security matters.

    “President Bola Tinubu welcomes the news of the release of the Kuriga school children in Kaduna State and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the federal government and states for expected outcomes, especially on matters of security.

    “The President commends the National Security Adviser, the Security Agencies, and the Kaduna State Government for the dispatch and diligence with which they handled this situation, noting that incipient urgency, meticulous attention, and tireless dedication are critical to optimal outcomes in cases of mass abductions.

    “President Tinubu also welcomes the release of pupils of a Tsangaya school in Sokoto State, commending all the parties to the feat for their valiant effort.

    “The President assures Nigerians that his administration is deploying detailed strategies to ensure that our schools remain safe sanctuaries of learning, not lairs for wanton abductions”, the statement said.

  • Why Ndi Igbo must support, defend Tinubu’s govt – Kalu

    Why Ndi Igbo must support, defend Tinubu’s govt – Kalu

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has challenged the South East to defend and support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving them a sense of belonging.

    Kalu said that the President means well for Ndigbo and indeed, the country at large, while appealing to critics to soft pedal and endeavour to understand the polices of government.

    In statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu said the economy is gradually rebounding with an increased number of investors coming into the country now, assuring that in a few months, the value of naira will improve by at least 25% against the dollar.

    Kalu spoke at a dinner in honour of former Abia Speaker, Martins Azubuike, who was recently appointed a pioneer federal commissioner in the newly established Civil Service Commission for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to represent

    south east geopolitical zone.

    Kalu said: “Support this government. Tell those criticizing the government on social media to stop.  It is time we got integrated into the scheme of things.

    “This President has to come to reengineer the nation and we are partners in progress and I am boldly stating it. We are partners to make sure we fix things in this country. And I can assure you it won’t be long.

    “If you read between the lines, the international financial organizations are now projecting that the Naira is going to improve by about 25% against the dollar in a few months, coming. That is raising our confidence and I can tell you that the number of investors are increasing. They are rushing in despite the challenges we are having. There is hope. So, let’s be patient.

    “Let’s thank him wherever we see him for all he has done for us. An Igbo man is handling the protection of our oil and gas. Navy is the chief security agency, protecting our water ways. So, the resources of the country are in the hands of an Igbo man protecting it and you said the president doesn’t like you?

    “This is a very important position he gave to us. And then, you said the roads in Igboland are not well constructed. He said, come and be the Minister. Go and fix your place. And then, he gave your own brother and son the number 6 position in the country. So, we are part of this government and must defend it.”

    Read Also: NAFDAC bursts syndicate producing fake Eva water in Rivers

    Kalu challenge Azubuike and his team to lend their support to the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, asking them to sanitise the civil service to be more goal-oriented.

    “Governor Wike means well for the  FCT. Don’t be among those that will sabotage his efforts. Try to instil discipline in the civil service of the FCT.  Set a standard that people will copy because all his policies and dreams if the civil service don’t carry them from point one to point 2, it means nothing. Some of them will tell you we have seen this before.

    “Is it not 4 years you leave here? Let him do and go. We will remain here. That attitude is not a patriotic attitude for nation building. You must change that mindset if you really want to build our nation.

    “So, if you are going to work with the civil service, my message to you and your team is to sanitize the civil service. Let it be a place of giving service to the nation. Support Governor Wike. Support the President of the republic of nation. Give a proper advise when they run to you.

    “And I know the federal government will not regret constituting this Civil Service Commission for the FCT from the quality of the people that are there to push the vision to become a mission for the FCT. Have a team spirit. Remember it is not just for Abia. This position is for the entire south east. Be accessible. Be fair. That’s only way we can set the right example. That’s what I believe in and that’s what I am doing. We should be equitable and fair,” Kalu said.

  • Cancer treatment: Tinubu approves NSIA’s involvement in upgrade of six Oncology centres in teaching hospitals

    Cancer treatment: Tinubu approves NSIA’s involvement in upgrade of six Oncology centres in teaching hospitals

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, has said that President Bola Tinubu has approved the involvement of the National Sovereign Investment Authority’s (NSIA) upgrade of six Oncology centres for the treatment of cancer in six Federal University Teaching Hospitals across the geo-political zones.

    He emphasized that NSIA’s involvement in the Oncology initiative was imperative due to the project’s stagnation four years ago, which could no longer be tolerated given the current volatile local and global inflationary trends.

    The project will recommence utilizing the remaining N17.9b from the initial appropriation, along with the N30b allocated for it in the 2024 budget for the six centres, totalling N37.9b.

    In addition to bridging the funding gap, the NSIA collaboration would also ensure the provision of infrastructure and training of personnel, among other variables to the project.

    Pate spoke on Friday, March 22, in Abuja during the signing of the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry, the NSIA and the six Federal University Teaching Hospitals, where he also confirmed the NSIA Board’s approval of the project.

    Present at the event was the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Daju Kachlllom; NSIA Managing Director, Aminu Sadiq; the Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, Suleiman Mohammed; Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Prof. Hamidu Umdagas; Jos University Teaching Hospital, Pokop Bupwatda; the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Prof. Obinna Onodugo; University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin, Prof. Darlington Obaseki; and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo as well as the representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

    Pate who noted that upon reviewing the project upon assuming office and considering the current economic realities, said the government had no choice but to eliminate all obstacles hindering the project, including ‘vested interests’.

    According to him, having identified the activities of the middleman in the procurement of the equipment as one of the factors that have been inhibiting the implementation of the project, the involvement of NSIA has eliminated the middlemen.

    Read Also: Nigeria poised to be Africa’s tech leader, Tinubu tells Meta reps

    As such, the country would be saving approximately N10b as NSIA’s direct involvement with equipment manufacturers would guarantee the country a 30% discount on procured equipment, he added.

    He said: “This is a milestone that brings to the end of a tragic story for thousands of Nigerians who have all kinds of diseases who struggled to get care every day, especially for those who had cancers, from when they are diagnosed, it’s a tragedy by itself.

    “And for us, for, to see in three, four years where the money would be appropriated for cancer equipment but for one reason or the other we have not been able to move forward, that is another tragedy.

    “But that tragedy is being brought to an end now and President Bola Tinubu must be commended for changing the narrative by approving the implementation of the project’s 2024 appropriation funding gap in collaboration with NSIA, for six newly upgraded cancer infrastructure equipment.

    “I understand that the delays this project encountered in the last three to four years are largely attributable to vested interests but for us, it is Nigeria and people’s interest first, particularly when it comes to cancer.”

    He acknowledged that some individuals might be displeased because the resources would no longer flow into the pockets of those hindering Nigeria’s progress.

    The minister underscored the project’s seriousness, stating that the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) would be actively involved in monitoring and evaluating it.

    This proactive approach, according to him reflects the government’s commitment to preventing vested interests from derailing the project.

    While emphasizing that the project implementation would prioritize transparency, the Minister stressed that mere announcements of significant fund allocations to projects are insufficient; thus, he urged the EFCC, CSOs, and everyone to vigilantly monitor fund allocation and project progress.

    “Please, keep an eye, make sure you track this. We are very focused, and we are ready to do what is right”, Pate emphasized.

    Earlier, the NSIA DG highlighted the organization’s experience and achievements with LUTH, illustrating the transformative potential of world-class equipment in Nigerian health facilities.

    He, however, noted that the success story would be the commissioning of the six centres in 18 or 20 months with the right infrastructure and trained personnel while emphasizing that the onus is on all the parties to ensure that the project is actualized.

    All the CMDs commended the political will of the government to get the project back on course considering the difficulties they faced to see its actualization and the plight of cancer patients in their facilities.

    The Chief Medical Officer (CMD) of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, one of the beneficiary Teaching Hospitals, said it was a new dawn for Nigeria and the beginning of the end of medical tourism abroad.

    He said though LUTH pioneered the project, it would, with the new project benefit from more advanced cancer treatment monitoring equipment from the project.

    Maintaining that with LUTH’s experience since the inauguration of its own centre where it now records 150 cancer patients daily, the CMD believed that going abroad for cancer diagnosis and treatment would soon be a thing of the past while saving the country’s capital flight due to medical tourism.

    He said: “When LUTH has what the others are trying to get to know, state-of-the-art cancer equipment, why are we getting involved, that has always been the question, but the answer is what about the monitoring of treatment and making diagnosis?

    “When you have this kind of centre like ours (LUTH), you need Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan, cyclotron radiopharmacy.

    “What this translates to in practical terms is that let’s say the nearest country to Nigeria, Ghana, when you go for such treatment, an average of $ 10,000 is spent excluding accommodation and flight cost, but with what LUTH will get from this project, Nigerians won’t spend more than $3,000. That’s huge for Nigeria’s huge foreign exchange.

    “I will say this is unprecedented in cancer care and the equipment we have in LUTH and which others will acquire too are modern and comparable to any other in the world.”

  • Stronger Naira: Tinubu tasks Nigerians to buy made-in-Nigeria goods, services to sustain gains

    Stronger Naira: Tinubu tasks Nigerians to buy made-in-Nigeria goods, services to sustain gains

    …Asks citizens to blow the whistle on currency manipulators

    To sustain the unfolding positive showings of the Naira at the foreign exchange markets, President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to intentionally turn to patronizing made-in-Nigeria products and services.

    President Tinubu, who noted that the fair development around the Naira’s exchange value does not call for celebration yet, but more work and efforts to sustain the gains, also charged citizens to blow the whistle and expose those they see engaging in currency sharp practices.

    Special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, who delivered President Tinubu’s message during a briefing of State House Correspondent on Friday, further said part of the reason for the administration to achieve a strong Naira is to achieve ease for the working Nigerian, especially when the new minimum wage comes to effect.

    The exchange rate of the Naira to other international currencies had steadily slid into a weak position since the government introduced a policy to float the currency last year, in an attempt to curb currency arbitrage 

    However, the Naira maintained a steady appreciation against the United States Dollar on Thursday, gaining N18 to close 1,382/$ at the official market.

    “I’m certain that everyone seated here and indeed Nigerians at large have witnessed the seismic shifts that have taken place within the nation’s foreign exchange market over the course of the last several days and the strengthening of the Nigerian Naira against the United States Dollar.

    “This is clearly the direction all of us have wanted to head and we are very sober to the fact that this is no time to rest or to clap, this is a time to deepen our efforts to dig in and to work harder, which is why His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved a series of interventions to ensure that we see a mass strengthening of the Nigerian Naira against all other global currencies.

    “One, President Bola Tinubu, wants to communicate very clearly to our people that there has never been a more important time in our history to actively agree together that we will patronize and purchase made in Nigeria products across all value chains, across all sectors.

    “There is an intentionality that we must have on this issue that we want a strong currency, we want the spending power of our people to go up. We want every Naira and kobo we earn to be more valuable, not just here, but when we travel abroad, the way to achieve that is by doing just this.

    “In addition to that, His Excellency Mr. President, beyond the appeal to Nigerians to actively and intentionally make that decision every day to patronize made-in-Nigeria products and services, across the board, he is also wanting to ensure that Nigerians fully understand that the momentum that we are now seeing, with respect to the strengthening of our currency, is not going to slow down.

    “The efforts that Mr. President has put in place, in collaboration with other agencies of government, as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria, in dealing decisively with sharp practices on certain crypto-currency trading platforms, dealing decisively with sharp practices within the parallel market of the foreign exchange ecosystem, that these things are now yielding fruit.

    “What we now will need to see is an active effort on the part of our people to blow the whistle wherever they see any of these sharp practices taking place, to communicate with the agencies that deal with these issues directly and understand that this is not a government versus malign actors issue. This is a Federal Republic of Nigeria versus malign actors issue and the activities of these actors negatively impact everybody seated in this room and everybody watching this broadcast and all Nigerians, both at home and abroad. So all of us have to take up the mantle and agree that we will collaborate together to deal with these issues.

    “He is also ensuring that we bring a sustainable strength to the currency so that when we talk about a new minimum wage because many of our people have asked, you know government officials about when the new minimum wage is coming in, those negotiations are ongoing. But what we do not want is a situation in which the minimum wage continues to be what it has always been in the history of our country, which is a moving goalpost.

    Read Also: Nigeria poised to be Africa’s tech leader, Tinubu tells Meta reps

    “If we do not get a firm grip on the value of our currency and it continues to be a volatile, devaluing asset, then whatever we do with the national minimum wage is going to essentially become a moot point, a nullity. And so we are focused on ensuring that yes, we arrive at a new minimum wage that states can afford, and that will deal with all of the needs of Nigerian families across the country.

    “But we also want to ensure that what we peg it at is something that is sustainable over a number of years based on the long-term, you know, the stability that we want to bring to the Nigerian Naira with the interventions we’re presently making”, he said.

    Meanwhile, Ngelale explained that the federal government expects to save N5 billion quarterly by imposing a strict three-month ban on all foreign trips funded by public money for ministers, heads of government agencies, and other officials.

    It would be recalled that in a major cost-cutting move, President Bola Tinubu had imposed a strict three-month ban on all foreign trips funded by public money for ministers, heads of government agencies, and other officials.

    The ban, which takes effect from April 1, 2024, is aimed at reducing the rising expenses incurred by ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) on international travel and ensuring that cabinet members and heads of MDAs focus on their respective mandates for effective service delivery.

    “So the President is doing everything he can to ensure that he steps in to ease the burden on families while also ensuring that he holds the public sector and the federal government of Nigeria accountable to prudent spending, ensuring that we cut down drastically on travel expenditures,  ensuring that with the temporary ban that is being put in place from April 1 on all but unnecessary foreign travel, we’re expecting to save over N5 billion per quarter.

    “This is going to be one out of several initiatives the President is taking to ensure that we reduce waste in the public sector in such a way that we can actually steer these very needed recurrent resources into the hands of those who are doing important work on behalf of the Nigerian people.

    “For example, Nigerians are well aware that judicial officers in the country are going to finally have internationally competitive pay rates, salary skills, which is very important for us very strategic in the sense that we can dramatically reduce the impact that corruption has always played in the judiciary, which has an impact on not just the ability of Nigerians to you know, get effective justice in the country, but also to ensure that businesses who we are now asking around the world to invest in Nigeria have a judicial system that they can trust concerning any litigation that could arise from business practice in the country.

    “The effects are huge and the President is taking a multi-sectoral and comprehensive approach to ensuring that we bring prudence to government expenditure at a time when we are restructuring the economy of the Federation in such a way that sectors that are employing our people that are empowering our people are those sectors that will be able to more easily access lending both commercially and from public sector sources”, he said.

    To complement the recovery programme of the administration, Ngelale recalled the various measures introduced by the President to ease the pains of the current harsh economic realities, saying the programmes are about going live.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is going to ensure that our micro small and medium-scale enterprises in the country have what they need to get through this difficult period which is why he has approved the Presidential conditional grant scheme in which over 1 million Nigerian businesses will be empowered with conditional grants this is money they will not have to pay back of up to N50,000 per nano enterprise, with over 1 million Nano enterprises being selected and granted these funds within every local government area of the Federation.

    In addition to this, Ngelale stated that over N150 billion is being disbursed from the Bank of Industry and Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency while also approved is the single-digit interest rate loans of up to N2 million to hundreds of 1000s of small and medium scale enterprises across all local government areas of the Federation.

    “And of course, the President is determined to ensure that we steer lending toward labour intensive and including the developing sectors of the economy, ensuring that sectors like agriculture and manufacturing get the bulk of lending moving forward and sectors like construction.

    Ngelale added that President Tinubu has prioritized intervention of the sum of N75b to 75Industries and manufacturing companies with staff strength of over 1000 workers to ensure necessary support is given to such firms thereby expanding their hiring strength.

    “We want to ensure that those industries and sectors that are massively employing our people are those industries that are prioritized concerning government intervention, which is why the President has approved over N75b billion to be dispersed to 75 large-scale manufacturers across all states of the Federation.

    “These are going to be manufacturers who employ over 1000 Nigerians in each of their facilities and industries. We are going to ensure that they have the support that they need at the large scale so that Nigerian families who rely on these large-scale businesses are protected.

    “We want to see our large-scale industries, not just refuse to fire people, but actively increase and expand their hiring at this difficult time”, he added.