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  • Tinubu back in Abuja after two-day trip to Qatar

    Tinubu back in Abuja after two-day trip to Qatar

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday returned to Abuja after a tow-day business trip to Qatar.

    The trip was on the invitation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

    President Tinubu was received by senior government officials led by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 6:37pm.

    With the vice president were: the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike; All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Department of State Service (DSS) Director General Yusuf Bichi.

    In Doha, the capital of Qatar, the President engaged with the highest authorities, led by Sheikh Al Thani. He also took part in the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum.

    During the engagement, President Tinubu witnessed the signing of multi-sectoral agreements, having to do with the critical sectors of education, enterprise development, investment promotion, youth empowerment, mining, tourism and sports.

    Read Also: Oronsaye report: Labour cautions Fed Govt against job loss

    At the business/investment forum, Tinubu spoke to the Qatari business community about the vast investment opportunities available in Nigeria, with an almost unbelievable return on investment, assuring them of his administration’s resolve to make Nigeria the best investors’ destination anywhere in the world.

    He had told his audience: “There is nowhere in the world where you will find return on investment at the level of what you will see in Nigeria; a massive market of over 200 million skilled Nigerians, always industrious and ready to work.

    “We face some short-term turbulence at the moment, but we have a government today that reflects the dynamism and talent of the Nigerian people. We are implementing the right solutions. This team works collaboratively with each other and our partners. Nigeria is ready for serious business.”

  • Tinubu seeks global partners’ support in Africa’s battle against arms proliferation

    Tinubu seeks global partners’ support in Africa’s battle against arms proliferation

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday tasked global partners to stand with Africa in its fight against growing and socio-political crisis springing up on the continent.

    He gave the task at the opening of a summit on African Regional Dialogue of the Future titled: “The Africa we want and the UN we need” in Abuja.

    Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the President expressed concern over the rising threat of terrorism, insurgency and military intrusions in governance across Africa, particularly in West Africa,

    He, however, pressed the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) to devise innovative strategies to halt the flow of arms and light weapons into the continent.

    Tinubu said: “As part of our collective response to these challenges which have grave global implications, may I urge the participants to find innovative and cost-effective strategies by which the African Union would collaborate with the United Nations and the international community to stem the tide of the proliferation of arms and light weapons into Africa, end terrorism and resurgent insurgency and to check the retrogressive return of the military in governance in Africa.”

    The president commended the efforts of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development and the Stimson Centre for organising the high-level Regional Dialogue, highlighting the global call for reform and democratisation of the UN System.

    “The wide support by many reputable international Civil Society Organisations and research institutions…speaks the minds of honest and progressive global citizens,” he noted, emphasising the collective desire to improve global governance through multilateralism”, Tinubu said.

    The president also acknowledged the severe socio-economic, environmental, and political challenges facing many African countries, making it difficult for them to achieve their development goals.

    He agreed that African perspectives and innovative priorities need to be included in policy debates to enhance the performance of global institutions in addressing sustainable development, peace and security, climate governance, and human rights.

    Highlighting the establishment of a standing Network of African think tanks, President Tinubu, praised the initiative as a visionary move to ensure African voices are heard in resolving global governance challenges.

    He also reiterated his commitment to negotiating the peaceful return of democratic governance in ECOWAS member states affected by military interventions.

    In closing, President Tinubu officially declared the conference open, wishing participants fruitful deliberations.

    On his part, the former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and founder/chairman of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy, and Development, Ibrahim Gambari, said Africans must be vocal advocates for causes that concern them.

    He said: “As Africans, we must be our champions and very vocal advocates. All Africans must desire for each other a continent that is peaceful, secure, united, and prosperous.

    “We must promote constitutionalism and respect for human rights and human dignity. These we must reach a consensus on as our non-negotiables and upon which all else will be built,” said Gambari.

    The ace diplomat called for reforms in the UN saying “Our position for reform of the UN Security Council is to evolve into a body that is not paralysed by the misuse of vetoes as demonstrated in the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

    Read Also: Dangote names Lagos refinery road after Wigwe

    “It must also be a more inclusive body by making changes to the configuration of both permanent and non-permanent member states, and more importantly, Africa deserves two permanent seats at the council.

    “The International multilateral institutions, especially the Bretton Woods institutions, should play a stronger role as an effective partner, understanding where we are in the development lifecycle while promoting trade facilitation, efficient harnessing, and maximisation of Africa’s resources for its economic growth and benefit.”

    Gambari argued that the governance of these multilateral institutions must reflect effective African participation and thus responsiveness to its needs.

    “Africa cannot be asked to defend that in which it did not participate in its definition and design,” he noted.

    The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said the commission has a plan to completely change the continent Agenda by 2063.

     He blamed Africa’s failure to deepen democracy and collective security as a major impediment to achieving sustainable development and progress.

  • Expert advises Tinubu to tackle cabal, business monopoly

    Expert advises Tinubu to tackle cabal, business monopoly

    Notable industrialist and politician, Prince Peter Fasua, has said economic hardship is being promoted by a gang-up of some political cabal, using the business community to frustrate government’s economic reforms.

    He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discountenance calls for his resignation over hardship in the country, but should rather bend over backwards to achieve quick economic recovery.

    Fasua, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, and a director at Lagos Airport Hotel, said this in an open letter to the President.

    He said it was high time the Federal Government applied the big stick on recalcitrant manufacturing companies out to frustrate government regulations on commodity price control.

    Read Also: Dangote names Lagos refinery road after Wigwe

    “Particularly, those diverting food items in the North to neighbouring West African countries, to create food scarcity and force food price increase at home, should be fished out and punished as economic saboteurs.

    “Mr. President, if well investigated, you will discover that some politicians up there, who pretend to be your friends, are behind the problem, because while you want to reform Nigeria, they want the status quo to remain.”

  • Tinubu extols Muslim society on centenary anniversary

    Tinubu extols Muslim society on centenary anniversary

    • Receives award

    President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, congratulated Jam-at-ul Islamiyyah of Nigeria on its centenary anniversary.

    The President commended the group’s services to the nation during its Centenary Merit Award at Eko Club, Lagos.

    Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubu described the organisation’s activities as a step in the right direction.

    He said there is no other way to worship God than the propagation of Islam.

    The President hailed resilience of the organisation’s founding fathers and promised to support the group.

    Those honoured have contributed to development of Islam, the Muslim Ummah and Nigeria.

    Read Also: Why Southeast won’t protest against Tinubu, by Umahi

    They include President Tinubu; former Baba Adinni of Lagos, the late Sheikh Abdul Abou (posthumous); mother of Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaja Lateefat Gbajabiamila; Mohammad Mogaji (posthumous); and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar, Prof. Ish’aq Oloyede.

    Others are Justice of Supreme Court, Habeebullah Abiru; Taofeek Agbaje; Alhaji Abdul-Mumeen Hazeez; Alhaja Rahmat Salako; Dr. Wale Babalakin, Alhaji Abdul-Jeleel Animashaun; and Iyalode of Lagos Dr. Fatimo Tinubu.

    National President of Jam-at-ul Islamiyyah, Alhaji Hashim Oyekan, said the award aligned with the Islamic principles of recognising noteworthy contributions.

    “We hope these awards inspire Muslims and others to be development-oriented and contribute to nation and humanity,” he said.

    He added the founding fathers left a legacy and it is the responsibility of members to appreciate their efforts by sustaining this legacy and passing it on to future generations.

    “Allah is a witness to the legacy left by the late Lawal Agusto and other founding fathers. He will question us about what we have done to preserve Jamaat. Let us work for our hereafter and tomorrow, as we are here today to write our testimonies, so let us write them well,” he said.

    He noted the founding fathers contributed to education, emphasising the importance of preserving this legacy.

    “Jamaat owns substantial land in Magodo Phase 1, with the largest mosque in the community and we plan to utilise the remaining portion to build schools and a mission house…’’

  • Governors urged not to sabotage Tinubu’s efforts on economy

    Governors urged not to sabotage Tinubu’s efforts on economy

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye,

    has urged governors not to sabotage the effort of the Federal Government on the revival of the economy.

    The advice followed ongoing reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the economy.

    Oyintiloye, in a statement yesterday advised governors and civil servants to support the Tinubu administration. 

    He said it was not possible for the President alone to achieve his Renewed Hope Agenda for the people without the support of the governors and top civil servants, who were the engine room of the government.

    Oyintiloye said the governors needed to support the initiatives of the President in fixing the economy by utilising their monthly allocation for poverty alleviation in their states.

    The APC chieftain said the efforts of President Tinubu in fixing the economy might not be immediately visible to many Nigerians if the governors refused to utilise their monthly allocation for the benefit of the masses.

    According to him, “what the governors are earning from the federal allocation since the removal of fuel subsidy is capable of putting smiles on the faces of the people, if judiciously used. This is the time for governors, irrespective of political affiliations, to join the President in fixing the economy by attending to the welfare of the people.

    “What the President is doing at the centre to fix the economy will only be meaningful to the people, if the governors can lend a helping hand. While the masses are shouting the name of the President at every slight discomfort, they should also hold their governors accountable, asking them what they are doing with the improved monthly allocation. 

    Read Also: Tinubu, Anyaoku, others for Awolowo Leadership award March 6

    “In the reckoning of most Nigerians now, the governors are seen as part of those sabotaging efforts of the president to lessen the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy on the people,” he said.

    Oyintiloye, a former member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), also said senior civil servants and permanent secretaries must not allow unnecessary bureaucracy to undermine the efforts of the President in fixing the economy.

    He said they should heed the directive of the president, during his meeting with them in which he warned against ineffectiveness and unnecessary bureaucracy that could result in the delay of interventions in the economy and programmes targeting vulnerable citizens.

    Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, said this was the time for senior civil servants and permanent secretaries to be on the same page with the president towards improving the lives of Nigerians by acting with dispatch on matters that border on the welfare of citizens.

    Oyintiloye hailed President Tinubu on his directive on a monthly briefing by the Head of Service and submission of key performance indicator reports for his review.

    He, however, appealed to the masses to be patient with the president, saying with the interventions he was putting in place, the country would soon attain the height of desired greatness.

  • Oronsaye Report: Pensioners beg Tinubu not to scrap PTAD

    Oronsaye Report: Pensioners beg Tinubu not to scrap PTAD

    The Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pensioners under the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) have called on President Bola Tinubu, to please allow the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to continue existing as an agency that oversees pension issues of all DBS pensioners to avoid the reintroduction of “corruption, another round of harsh treatment and more untimely death of pensioners.”

    The pensioners’ union said that the establishment of PTAD changed the narrative of DBS pension management in Nigeria for good and provided a lifeline for the pensioners of their category. It added that pensioners were subjected to inhumane treatment and their pension “fraudulently stolen by government personnel who managed pensions before PTAD came.”

    Read Also: Why Southeast won’t protest against Tinubu, by Umahi

    “We don’t want anything close to that again, let alone go back to that era under any circumstances,” FEPPPAN said in a statement jointly signed by its Acting President-General and General Secretary, Babaji Magaji, and Franklin Erinle.

    The union said all pensioners under PTAD payroll have been “traumatised since they received the news of scrapping the agency.”

    The union pleaded with President Tinubu to “spare PTAD because the services it renders are saving and prolonging the lives of pensioners, thereby delivering benefits of good governance to the retirees.”

    The statement said: “What happened to pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) before the creation of PTAD was purely ‘man’s inhumanity to man.’ It was the era when some pensioners died either during verification exercises or on their way home after the exercise. That was because of the harsh treatment they were subjected to. Many of those charged with the responsibility of paying pensions then fed themselves fat with pension funds and starved the pensioners. This resulted in irregular payments of monthly pensions and other benefits of the pensioners. We urge Mr. President not to send us back to the ugly past…”

  • Tinubu, Anyaoku, others for Awolowo Leadership award March 6

    Tinubu, Anyaoku, others for Awolowo Leadership award March 6

    President Bola Tinubu; former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, erstwhile Commonwealth Secretary-General, and Chief Emeka Anyaoku are leading other eminent personalities at the 2023 Obafemi Awolowo Leadership award ceremony on March 6.

    The foundation, last December, announced President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, as winner of the prize.

    The award prize, comprising a plaque, medal and certificate, will be presented at the ceremony.

    Adesina will also deliver a lecture at the occasion.

    Read Also: Report any official demanding bribe, inducement to me directly – Tinubu tells Qatari investors

    There will also be special performances, musical celebration, goodwill messages, as well as video documentaries on the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Adesina, and the Foundation.

    The documentary on Awolowo is intended to refresh the national memory on the critical milestones in the political career of the former Premier of defunct Western Region with a view to teaching edifying lessons for a generation groping for direction and leadership renewal, a statement by the Executive Director of the foundation, Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, said.

    Awolowo-Dosumu added: “The high billings of the event centre around the showcasing of the spirit of excellence and outstanding leadership attributes for which Chief Obafemi Awolowo was renowned. The event is also expected to encourage the dignity of labour and signpost the culture of productivity.

    “The idea of the leadership prize, it will be recalled, derives from the special dialogue of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation held in July 2011 with the theme: Transformational Leadership and Good Governance: Lessons from the Awolowo Example.”

  • Report any official demanding bribe, inducement to me directly – Tinubu tells Qatari investors

    Report any official demanding bribe, inducement to me directly – Tinubu tells Qatari investors

    President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, March 2, asked the global business community not to miss out on the golden opportunity for investment that Nigeria is offering now, just because of old perceptions.

    He emphasized that his administration is actively eliminating obstacles to business, including corruption, to facilitate smoother investment processes.

    Speaking at the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum in Doha, the Qatari capital, President Tinubu assured investors of access to him, to be able to get their concerns across to him, including reporting officials who might demand bribes from them.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu assured the international business community that Nigeria is ready for serious business as his administration will deal decisively with any and all entrenched interests in the country, who undermine investor confidence in the Nigerian economy, pledging to remove all bottlenecks standing in the way of profitable and legitimate enterprise.

    The President told Qatari investors that Africa’s largest economy and its systems are being reformed and upgraded, and asked them to report any government official who demands a bribe or any form of inducement at any point in their business endeavour, moving forward, with full assurance of their direct access to the President’s Office.

    “I am here to give you the assurance that reforms are going on; forget about whatever you heard in the past. Whatever is the obstacle or problem that some of you might have experienced; it is in the past, because there is no obstacle in the future.

    “Do not offer a bribe to any of our people, and if it is requested or taken from you, report to us. You will have access to me. Nigeria will no longer be defined by the past, but by what we do now and moving forward. Do not let perceptions become a hindrance to your will to invest. Nigeria is serious about revolutionizing investment promotion.

    “We are removing obstacles today and we are going to continue to remove all obstacles. We have done so much within nine months and I am assuring you, it is free entry and free exit. Your funds will flow smoothly into and out of our country. Bring your investments,” the President stated.

    Moreover, the President noted that the war against corruption and insecurity in Nigeria had been significantly strengthened with the appointment of the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as National Security Adviser (NSA).

    “We have a man who has won many global awards for anti-corruption as an anti-corruption czar.

    “My responsibility is to tell you that Nigeria is open for business, and to assure you that your investments are safe in our hands. We have men and women of great reputation here. And we believe we can forge a good committee that will advance our discussions to fruitful conclusions.

    “A nation is an artificial entity unless there are good people to drive it. People build great nations and we have great people. We are ready,” the President affirmed.

    The President also noted that Nigeria possesses vast opportunities in various fields, telling his host: “We have oil and gas; we have solid minerals. I do not see why we cannot become prolific partners in exploring iron ore, as well as steel production, and energy across the board.

    “I am here to give you assurances in all spheres: tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and in many other opportunities that abound around us. Do not be the investors who miss out on the golden opportunity we present,” the President added.

    Read Also:Tinubu mourns Mr Ibu, Sisi Quadri

    Welcoming the Nigerian delegation in the presence of Qatari captains of industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, said his country looks forward to exploring opportunities in Nigeria, owing to its population demography and market, as it seeks to prioritize new investments in low carbon initiatives, mineral products, petroleum chemicals, industry, and consumables.

    “We look forward to working with our Nigerian counterparts to achieve our joint objectives in these sectors,” the Minister said.

    Accompanying the President to the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum were: Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake.

    Others are the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Youth, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim; and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperipe Ekpo.

    Also at the meeting were the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen; and the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye.

  • Tinubu welcomes historic multi-sectoral agreements with Qatar

    Tinubu welcomes historic multi-sectoral agreements with Qatar

    President Bola Tinubu, along with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on Sunday, March 3, in Doha, witnessed the signing of some multi-sectoral agreements between Nigeria and Qatar. 

    A statement issued by special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said the agreements are focused on opening a gateway for leveraging the potential of mutual cooperation in pivotal sectors of education, enterprise development, investment promotion, youth empowerment, mining, tourism, and sports.

    Before the signing ceremony at the Qatar Presidential Palace, President Tinubu assured his host of Nigeria’s preparedness to welcome investors into the country, noting the ongoing reforms that favour innovation, return on investments, and multiculturalism.

    He further assured the Qatari Emir of access to the pool of skilled and knowledge workforce in Nigeria, citing the capacity of Nigerians as an advantage for intending investor in the country, adding that return on investment in the country is yet unbeaten. 

    “Our greatest strength is our people. Our strength lies in the capacity of Nigerian youths. They have energy, talent, and self-belief. They are quality partners for Qatari industry. 

    “They are educated and reliable, and they are proactively seeking to add value wherever they are. A few cannot give a bad name to the many. Nigerian youths are ready to be unleashed for the mutual benefit of both nations.

    “We have seen clearly the rapid pace and thorough quality of Qatar’s development process. It is impossible not to be moved by what you have accomplished. The leadership in the country has proven its mettle, and we are here to gain deeper insight. 

    “There is nowhere in the world where you will find return on investment at the level of what you will see in Nigeria. A massive market of over 200 million skilled Nigerians, always industrious and ready to work.

    “We face some short-term turbulence at the moment, but we have a government today that reflects the dynamism and talent of the Nigerian people. We are implementing the right solutions. This team works collaboratively with each other and our partners. Nigeria is ready for serious business,” the President stated.

    The Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emphasized that Qatar is open to President Tinubu’s investment push, recalling that he traveled to Nigeria in 2019 owing to his belief that Nigeria is an important and strategic ally on its own and within the context of its role in regional affairs.

    “I have no doubt about the great capacity of the Nigerian people. Everywhere in the world, they are known for their brilliance and hard work. We only need to ensure that this is happening inside of Nigeria rather than outside. The investments we have made around the world have been very fruitful. This is because we take our time and study opportunities before we invest the common wealth of our people. It is not my money. The money we invest belongs to the future generations of Qatar.

    “Mr. President, I am very encouraged by your actions and your passion to create new opportunities. We are very open to this, and follow-up is everything at this point. The will is there for both of us, but we must follow up. I will send a team of officials to Nigeria after Ramadan, and we will advance discussions on what some of the actionable investment opportunities are,” the Qatari leader said.

    President Tinubu immediately named the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun as the team leader of the government team that will interface with Qatari authorities in investment identification and implementation moving forward.

    Furthermore, during the bilateral deliberations, President Tinubu enabled a brief presentation to the Emir by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who spoke in detail about the high-grade of several minerals, including lithium, immediately derivable across the country with an emphasis on imminent opportunities for local mineral processing and value-additive industry in the sector.

    The bilateral engagement was followed by a closed-door meeting between the two Heads of State before they proceeded to the signing ceremony for seven bilateral agreeements across multiple sectors.

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns Mr Ibu, Sisi Quadri

    The seven agreements signed are: cooperation agreement in the field of education; regulation of employment of workers with the Government of Qatar; establishment of a joint business council (JBC) between the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA); in addition to a cooperation agreement in the field of youths and sports.

    The other agreements are: cooperation in the field of tourism and business events, and a memorandum of understanding combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

    The documents were signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and relevant officials in the Government of the State of Qatar, Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education and Higher Education; Dr. Ahmad Hassen Al-Hammadi, Secretary General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI), and Abdullah bin Khalaf bin Hattab Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior (MOI).

    Nigerian ministers who were present at the ceremony were: Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperipe Ekpo.

    Also at the meeting were the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Special Adviser on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen.

  • Tinubu mourns Mr Ibu, Sisi Quadri

    Tinubu mourns Mr Ibu, Sisi Quadri

    President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of two ace Nigerian comic actors, John Okafor, also known as Mr. Ibu, and Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, also known as Sisi Quadri.

    In a state issued on Sunday, March 3, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu, while mourning the two losses with their love ones, noted that both acts would always live on through their works.

    “President Bola Tinubu receives with deep sadness the news of the passing of two of Nigeria’s ace comic actors, John Okafor, famously known as Mr. Ibu, and Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri.

    “President Tinubu condoles with the families of these gifted thespians who brought joy and relief to millions of Nigerians by the exercise of their geniuses.

    “The President exhorts the bereaved to take solace in the truth that even though these beloved Nigerians have passed on, they will always live through their works which will remain an inspiration and a fount of good cheer for many.

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    “The President also commiserates with the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), and the entire creative community, assuring them of his support, thoughts, and prayers in this time of grief.

    “President Tinubu prays for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and comfort for all those in mourning”, the statement said.