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Chieftain: support Tinubu, other leaders

AARE–Onibon Balogun of Ibadan in Oyo State, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke, has said Nigerians should support President Bola Tinubu and other leaders.

Adegoke, chairman of Solution 93.9 FM, urged people to be patient with the President, saying they should use Lent and Ramadan to pray to God so the economy would bounce back.

He spoke while supporting 200 widows with N5 million, N25,000 per widow, to mark Lent and Ramadan.

Read Also: Tinubu writes House, seeks repeal, re-enactment of Student Loan Bill

Adegoke said: “This is to help humanity. We have done it before and we will continue doing it. We should assist mothers, especially widows, during Lent and Ramadan.

“People incur expenses these periods. Even before Lent and Ramadan, people had been finding it difficult to feed. During these periods, we should take care of the needy.”

March 15, 2024
Tinubu to governors: shun political differences, it’s time for governance

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, urged governors of the 36 states of the federation to leave political differences aside and work with the federal government to build the nation.

President Tinubu, who reminded his guests that Nigeria has gone past politics and has reached the phase for governance, noted that the nation is already achieving positive results over initial headwinds.

Speaking during the breaking of Ramadan fast with governors at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of transitioning from politics to governance, noting the need for unity and cooperation among all stakeholders.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu said “since we recognize the need to build our nation together, the time for politics is over. It is now time for governance.

‘’We are of the same family and parents; living in the same house, but sleeping in different rooms. We must cooperate and spread love among each other,’’ the President said.

Highlighting the significance of the holy month of Ramadan and the Lenten season for Christians, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to use this solemn occasion for reflection, prayers, and charity towards others.

Acknowledging the difficulties facing the nation, President Tinubu expressed optimism about the future, noting that the challenges are beginning to respond to the solutions being implemented by his administration.

‘’I am glad that the headwinds are almost over. The tunnel is not as dark as when we started. It is going to be brighter and brighter. We must communicate with each other, stick together, and share joy,’’ the President said.

Read Also: Tinubu urges Senate to confirm Adamu Galunje as CCB chairman

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commended the federal government for distributing 42,000 tons of grains, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts between the national and sub-national governments in addressing collective challenges.

On the payment of wage award to workers, the governor promised that the states would do the right thing.

‘’Wet season farming is almost here, and I want to implore all governors to engage in the farming business, so that we can all appreciate the challenges of ordinary farmers and ensure that we have a bumper harvest at the end of the farming season,’’ the NGF Chairman said.

Besides the governors, other senior government officials in the Iftar include Vice President Kashim Shettima; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Among governors taking part in the Ramadan fast breaking are governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Hyacinth Alia (Benue); Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); Ahmed Ododo (Kogi); Nasir Idris (Kebbi); Bala Mohammed (Bauchi); Babagana Zulum (Borno); and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).

Others are Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa); Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi); Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe); Alex Otti (Abia); Godwin Obaseki (Edo); Uba Sani (Kaduna); Agbu Kefas (Taraba); among others.

March 15, 2024
Tinubu names Ilori NACA DG, Alabo George as BCDA DG
- President appoints CMDs for Yenagoa, Abuja FMCs
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Temitope Ilori to replace Dr. Gambo Gumel Aliyu as the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for an initial term of four years.

The President also appointed Dr. Dakorinama Alabo George as the Director General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA).

A statement announcing Ilori’s appointment yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, reads: “President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Temitope Ilori to serve as the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for an initial term of four years.

“Dr. Ilori is a senior lecturer in the Department of Community Medicine at the University of Ibadan (UI) and a consultant family physician at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan.

“She obtained her MBBS degree from the University of Ibadan and had her residency training at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. She is a fellow of the Faculty of Family Medicine, West African College of Physicians, and won the A. O. Senbanjo Prize in 2012. She is also an associate fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).

“Dr. Ilori has both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Ibadan, and she is a PhD fellow in the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. She has co-authored over 30 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

“She was Commissioner for Health in Osun State from 2011 to 2014 and Chairperson of the Osun State Agency on Control of HIV/AIDS (O-SACA).

“The President expects the new Director General to bring her wealth of experience and expertise into this seminal role to achieve the mandate of NACA, which includes the coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of the implementation of the Strategic National Plan for the control of HIV/AIDS/STDs, as well as the mobilization of resources for an effective and sustainable response to HIV/AIDS/STDs.”

Another statement last night by Ngelale announcing George’s appointment reads: “President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Dakorinama Alabo George as the Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA).

“Dr. George holds a PhD in Construction Management; an MSc in Quantity Surveying and Construction Engineering, and a B.Tech in Quantity Surveying.

Read Also: Tinubu writes House, seeks repeal, re-enactment of Student Loan Bill

“He is a fellow of the Certified Institute of Practising Professionals, U.S.A.; a fellow of the Association of Strategy Professionals, U.S.A., and a member of other distinguished associations.

“Dr. George is a former commissioner for works in Rivers State.

“The President expects that the new Director-General will discharge his duties with integrity, diligence, and dedication for the effective administration of the agency, and management of critical policies and programmes in line with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda for border communities development.”

Also, President Tinubu has appointed Dr. James Enimi Omietimi as the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Also, President Tinubu has approved the reappointment of Professor Sa’ad Aliyu Ahmed as the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal Medical Centre (FCM) in Abuja.

A statement by Ngelale said the appointments are for an initial term of four years.

The statement reads: “President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. James Enimi Omietimi as Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, for an initial term of four years, and the reappointment of Professor Sa’ad Aliyu Ahmed as Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, for a second term of four years…”
March 15, 2024
Tinubu urges Senate to confirm Adamu Galunje as CCB chairman

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday urged the Senate to confirm the nomination of Justice Adamu Galumje (retd) for appointment as

chairman of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

Tinubu in his letter read at plenary by Senate President Godwill Akpabio said the request was in compliance with section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Read Also: Budget padding allegation, a political coup against Tinubu, Akpabio, says Niger Delta youths

According to the President, the nomination was informed by the vacancy created by expiration of tenure and subsequent retirement of the immediate past chairman of the CCB.

Akpabio after reading your letter referred the request to the Committee on Code of Conduct. Ethics and Privileges for further legislative action.

March 14, 2024
Budget padding allegation, a political coup against Tinubu, Akpabio, says Niger Delta youths

Youths of the Niger Delta region have said that the budget padding allegation against the leadership of the National Assembly was a political coup.

They said the intention was to discredit the duo of President Bola Tinubu and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio before Nigerians and the international community.

This was contained in a statement by the Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM) signed by it’s national president, Comrade Prince Boboye Peretu and made available to our correspondent on Thursday, March 14.

The group, which is an umbrella youth body of all youths in the region, said the allegation by Senator Abdul Ningi was politically sponsored by a cabal bent spoiling the image of the current administration.

“Though the unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations of budget padding by Senator Abdul Ningi have been nipped in the bud, we are still worried by the calculated damage of such contrived and malicious accusations.

“It is apparent that such malevolent accusations were aimed at making President Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly look bad in the eyes of the Nigerian public, members of the National Assembly and indeed the international community.

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“We are sure that majority of Nigerians, the international community and partners have seen through the shenanigans of Senator Abdul Ningi and his political sponsors”, the statement reads in parts.

The group further urged Nigerians and the international community to maintain their confidence in the integrity and capacity of Tinubu administration to lead the country progressively and transparently.

“At the level of the Niger Delta Region, the NDYM is wholly satisfied with clarification from the office of the President and the Senate suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi.

“From the foregoing, we implore Nigerians and our international partners to discountenance future unsubstantiated and fictitious accusations by some Nigerian politicians whose only interest is the next elections.

“We in the Niger Delta Youth Movement are committed to the Renewed Hope of Mr. President and the leadership of the National Assembly ably led by distinguish Senator Godswill Akpabio.

“We have the believe, owing to the political and administrative pedigree of President Tinubu that his Presidency has the capacity to right the economic wrongs in Nigeria”, the group said.

March 14, 2024
Tinubu writes House, seeks repeal, re-enactment of Student Loan Bill

…gets expeditious hearing, scales second reading

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, March 14, transmitted a letter to House of Representatives seeking the repeal and re-enactment of the Students Loan Bill.

The letter which was read by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary on Thursday was titled “TRANSMISSION OF STUDENT LOANS (ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION) (REPEAL AND RE-ENACTMENT) BILL, 2024” and dated March 14, 2024.

The President said this seeks to enhance the implementation of the Higher Education Student Loan Scheme by addressing challenges related to the management structure of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELF).

The letter reads, “Pursuant to Section 58(2) of the Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). I forward, herewith, The Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024 for the kind consideration of the House of Representatives.

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“The Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re- Enactment) Bill, 2024 seeks to enhance the implementation of the Higher Education Student Loan Scheme by addressing challenges related to the management structure of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELF), applicant eligibility requirements, loan purpose, funding sources and disbursement and repayment procedures.

“Whilst hoping that this submission will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the House of Representatives, please accept, Rt. Honourable Speaker, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Meanwhile the Bill to repeal and reenactment, which was presented during plenary on Thursday, received expeditious hearing as it scaled first and second reading.

It was titled, “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2023 and Enact

the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Bill, 2024 to Establish the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as a Body Corporate to Receive, Manage and Invest Funds to Provide Loans to Nigerians

for Higher Education, Vocational Training and Skills Acquisition and for Related Matters (HB.1266).

All the lawmakers who debated the matter on the floor were unanimous in their agreement that it should be passed to law as quickly as possible for the benefit of Nigerian education.

March 14, 2024
Academy of Letters hails Tinubu’s directive to establish National Research Fund

The College of Fellows and Members of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), has lauded President Bola Tinubu for directing the establishment of a National Research Fund.

President Tinubu had last week issued the directive when the President of the Nigerian Academy of Science and the fellows of the Academy paid a courtesy visit on him at the State House in Abuja.

The Fund is aimed at serving as a mainstay for development in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the President of NAL, Sola Akinrinade, the body said the Fund will help to accelerate development in all its ramifications in the country.

“NAL also received with delight, the announcement by Mr. President of the establishment of a National Research Fund. We are confident that, properly implemented, the Fund will help to accelerate development in all its ramifications in the country.

Read Also: Reps seek public-private partnership in healthcare financing

“As an Academy, we are prepared to work with all stakeholders to produce effective and skilled citizens that are nationally relevant and globally competitive. With financial support from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), we have in the recent past, worked with the Nigerian Academy of Science to develop a framework for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Education in this country.

“With the growing understanding of the need to assist the next generation of Nigerians to acquire well- rounded skills for an innovative and creative future, NAL is ready to contribute to national development in this regard”, the statement said.

The apex body of all Humanities scholars and scholarship in Nigeria, also celebrated President Tinubu, on the conferment on him as the Grand Patron of Science by the Nigerian Academy of Science on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

The body said Tinubu is well deserving of the award and that it is the acknowledgment of the sterling and astute leadership qualities of the President and his readiness to work with the academia in our progressive search for sustainable development.

“This timely award is an acknowledgment of the sterling and astute leadership qualities of Mr. President and his readiness to work with the academia in our progressive search for sustainable development.

“It is also a recognition of the current administration’s desire to firmly establish an all-encompassing approach to leveraging the capacity of Nigerians to innovate and create solutions to the multiple development challenges confronting the nation.

“Thus, we join the Nigerian Academy of Science to identify with Mr. President in the onerous task of rebuilding this country through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We wish the President and the Federal Government more successes in the years ahead”, the statement said.

March 14, 2024
Tinubu mourns one-time Kaduna administrator, Sambo

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of the one-time administrator of Kaduna Capital Territory, Alhaji Abbas Dabo Sambo.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu acknowledged Alhaji Sambo’s deep sense of patriotism, extolling his sacrifices and fidelity to the cause of a progressive nation.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sympathizes with the family of the administrator of Kaduna Capital Territory in the 1960s, Alhaji Abbas Dabo Sambo, whose life was defined by service and dedication to nation-building.

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“The President condoles with all the leaders in the northern part of the country and other zones, who were mentored by the administrator of the former capital of the Northern Region, with the strong values of integrity and diligence.

“President Tinubu acknowledges the deep sense of patriotism Alhaji Sambo brought into the service of the fatherland, from an early age until his retirement, extolling his sacrifices and fidelity to the cause of a progressive nation.

“The President prays that God Almighty will grant the soul of the departed leader eternal rest and comfort his family in this time of mourning”, the statement said.

March 14, 2024
Tinubu approves setting up of regional coordinating centre of Africa-CDC in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Regional Coordinating Centre (RCC) of the Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa-CDC) in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday, March 14, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in Abuja.

It would be recalled that the African Union (AU), on February 16, appointed President Tinubu as its Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership, in recognition of his “ambitious, innovative and people-focused efforts” in the nation’s healthcare sector.

“President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Regional Coordinating Centre (RCC) of the Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa-CDC) in Nigeria.

Read Also: Reps seek public-private partnership in healthcare financing

“President Tinubu is the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership.

“The President’s approval of the siting of the Centre in Abuja is part of his larger effort to convey Nigeria’s commitment to regional and global health security, while promoting local economic opportunities in the health care delivery value chain and enhancing Nigeria’s and West Africa’s collective capacity to respond promptly to outbreaks which is vital to the overall well-being and stability of the African continent.

“The Centre will also bring with it enormous socio-economic benefits in the form of enhancing aggregate national productivity and reversing human capacity drain, even as the ability of indigenous medical professionals and scientists will be bolstered to respond adequately to old, recent, and emerging diseases, not only in Nigeria, but across the continent”, the statement said.

March 14, 2024
Ibadan Chief seeks support, prayers for Tinubu, political leaders

The Aare-Onibon Balogun of Ibadan land Chief Adegboyega Adegoke has urged Nigerians to continue to support and pray for the success of President Bola Tinubu and other political leaders.

He pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu’s administration, saying they should use the period of Ramadan and Lent to offer prayers for God to guide political leaders aright for the economy to bounce back.

Speaking in Ibadan while supporting 200 widows with N5m in the month of Ramadan and Lent, Adegoke said Islamic and Christianity enjoin believers to always support and pray for people in power.

According to him, praying for the leaders becomes necessary because if the government performs well, it will make the economy to be in good shape which all citizens would also benefit from.

Read Also: Reps seek public-private partnership in healthcare financing

He said praying for the success of the governments at all levels is very important especially during these holy period.

While disbursing N5million at N25,000 per widow, the chief noted that the token given to the widows has no political undertone.

He said: “It is just to help humanity. We had done it before and we would continue to do it. I just feel like helping the needy. We should assist our mothers especially the widows during this Ramadan and Lent.

“People incur a lot of expenses during this period. Also, even before the Ramadan and Lent many people have been finding it difficult to feed themselves. During these period, it is expected that we take care of the needy and that was what necessitated the programme”.

Beneficiaries at the event commended thr gesture of Adegoke, calling on well meaning Nigerians to emulate what he has done to alliviate suffering of people.

March 14, 2024