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  • Tinubu heads to Addis Ababa Thursday to attend AU Summit

    Tinubu heads to Addis Ababa Thursday to attend AU Summit

    President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday, February 15, for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government.

    According to a statement issued by his special adviser on media and public, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu will at the event join other African leaders in deliberations aimed at institutional reforms of the AU.

    The statement added that the President will also preside over an Extraordinary Summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of (ECOWAS) on the sidelines of the AU Summit.

    The statement said: “President Bola Tinubu will, on Thursday, February 15, depart Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).

    Read Also: You taught us lessons in resilience, diversity, Tinubu tells Eagles

    “The theme of this year’s summit is ‘Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa’.

    “The President will join other African leaders in high-level meetings on institutional reforms of the African Union; peace and security; specific thematic issues such as climate change, as well as modalities of participation and priorities of the continental body in the G20.

    “On the margins of the summit, President Tinubu will also attend an extraordinary summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in his capacity as the Chairman of the regional body.

    “President Tinubu will be accompanied on the trip by some ministers and other top government officials, and he is expected to return to Abuja following the conclusion of the summit.”

  • Tinubu seeks confirmation for CBN board directors

    Tinubu seeks confirmation for CBN board directors

    President Bola Tinubu yesterday forwarded the names of five directors for the board of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for confirmation by the Senate.

    Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter addressed to President of Senate, Godswill Akpiabio and read at the plenary in Abuja.

    The board members are Robert Agbide, Ado Wanga, Muritala Sagaley, Urom Eke and Olayinka Aliyu.

    Mr. President stated that the appointment was in compliance with the provisions of section six, sub section 1b and section 10 sub section 1 and 2 of the CBN Establishment Act 2007.

    “I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of the under listed as Directors of Board of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    “Robert Agbide, Ado Wanga, Muritala Sagaley, Urom Eke and Olayinka Aliyu.

    Read Also: Tinubu moves to stop brain drain in health sector

    “While hoping that the request will receive expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept the distinguished Senate President, the assurance of my highest regards,”Tinubu stated.

    Akpabio, thereafter referred the matter to the senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions for further legislative inputs and urged them to report back to plenary in four weeks.

    Meanwhile, in another letter, Tinubu also sought for the confirmation of Mr. Hamidu Rahim as Commissioner for National Population Commission (NPC) representing Osun.

    The president stated that the request was in accordance with the provisions of section 154 sub-section one of the 1999 constitution as amended.

    Akpiabio, however, referred the matter to the Senate Committee on National Population and National Identity for further legislative action urged the committee to report back to plenary in one week.

  • Enoh salutes Tinubu for bestowing National Honours on Eagles

    Enoh salutes Tinubu for bestowing National Honours on Eagles

    Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for bestowing the esteemed Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) on  the Senior men’s national team in recognition of their remarkable performance at the recently concluded AFCON 2023 tournament held in Cote d’Ivoire.

    Senator Enoh in a message  signed  by his media assistant, Diana-Mary Nsan,  appreciated Mr. President and the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike for gifting the players and officials apartments and a plot of land each in the FCT.

    “President Tinubu’s gesture underscores the nation’s deep appreciation for the tireless efforts and achievement of our Super Eagles. The team’s courageous display in the last 30 days has not only brought pride and joy to the hearts of Nigerians but has also earned them a well-deserved place of honour in the annals of Nigerian sports history,” Enoh reportedly said.

    Read Also: Consider our mental health while criticizing Super Eagles – Musa begs Nigerians

    The delegation, led by Minister John Owan Enoh, alongside officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), had the distinct honour of presenting the team to President Tinubu at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja. The reception, held on Tuesday morning, marked a momentous occasion as the nation collectively celebrated the achievements of our football heroes.

    President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, commended the team, the coach, the crew, and the entire management staff for their passion, perseverance, and resilience throughout the tournament. He highlighted their remarkable journey to the final, overcoming numerous challenges with grace and determination, and ultimately capturing the hearts of Africa and the world.

    Enoh  further extended  his heartfelt appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering support and encouragement of Nigerian sports, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the development and advancement of sports at all levels. Together, let us continue to celebrate and support our athletes as they strive for greatness on the global stage.

  • Tinubu moves to stop brain drain in health sector

    Tinubu moves to stop brain drain in health sector

    President Bola Tinubu is taking decisive steps to halt the brain drain in the nation’s health sector.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Salma Anas-Ibrahim, said this when she received an award of excellence from the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists (ANHeJ) at the State House yesterday in Abuja.

    The presidential aide said the Federal Government, through its Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, was putting measures in place to retain medical personnel.

    She said the government was ensuring the successful execution of its programmes and policies under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

    Anas-Ibrahim said President Tinubu has consistently prioritised healthcare delivery which has led to significant strides towards revitalising the health sector.

    According to her, the government is aware of the negative effect a depleted and unmotivated healthcare workforce could have on the UHC goal.

    The presidential aide said this was the reason the President set up a high-powered committee to holistically address the issues mitigating against retention of medical officers in the country, including their welfare, equipment, and working environment.

    Read Also: FG tongue lashes PDP Govs, demands impact of increased revenue

    She said: “Nurses are the faces of the health facilities because when you enter a healthcare facility, it is the nurse or midwife that does so much for you. And they spend more time with our patients than any other persons.

    “So, they are very important to us and very critical in terms of nursing care and the delivery of health care, even when there are no doctors. We do recognise their contributions to healthcare development in Nigeria.

    “A lot of issues are coming in from different disciplines of the hospitals, not only in the nursing profession but across the board.

    “We are committed in this administration and it is part of the priorities under the human resources issues. One area we want to address in creating an enabling environment is to also address the issue of rivalry.

    “We are working assiduously to address all the conflicts and all the areas that will motivate our nurses and midwives and all other health workers at the same time.

    “We are on top of the game and we are going to resolve all the issues and ensure that we retain the nurses and midwives.”

  • Onjeh commends Tinubu for ‘well-deserved’ reward of Super Eagles

    Onjeh commends Tinubu for ‘well-deserved’ reward of Super Eagles

    Benue South senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2023 general elections, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his heart-warming reception and generous rewards on the Super Eagles after their return from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

    “President Tinubu’s gesture in personally receiving the Super Eagles and honouring them each with the National Award of the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and gifts of plots of land in Abuja is not only commendable but also deeply appreciated.

    “This act exemplifies true leadership and recognition of exceptional performance that serves as a source of national pride,’’ Onjeh stated.

    He lauded the President for acknowledging the team’s unwavering spirit and dedication throughout the tournament.

    “The Super Eagles, despite the ultimate outcome, displayed remarkable talent, sportsmanship, and an unwavering fighting spirit that captivated the entire nation,” he said.

    “Their efforts galvanized the country, united Nigerians across divides, and rekindled a powerful sense of patriotism like never before.”

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa vows to curtail security threat

    He further emphasised the team’s unifying role, stating, “The Super Eagles are arguably the single strongest force that unites Nigerians. They embody the very essence of what it means to be Nigerian: tenacity, excellence, relentlessness, hard work, talent, and perseverance. Their determination and fighting spirit resonate deeply with every Nigerian, serving as a constant reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as one nation.”

    Onjeh, the former Chairman of the Governing Board of PRODA, Enugu, also extended appreciation to the team’s coaching staff, acknowledging their crucial role in shaping the team’s performance.

    “We must not forget the invaluable contribution of the coaching staff who tirelessly guided and molded the players into the formidable team we witnessed on the field,” he added.

    “President Tinubu’s recognition of the Super Eagles goes beyond individual rewards; it serves as a powerful message to all Nigerians that excellence and dedication will be recognised and celebrated.”

    He argued: “This act will undoubtedly inspire future generations to strive for greatness and contribute to the progress of our nation.”

  • AFCON: Our strength lies in diversity – Tinubu tells Super Eagles

    AFCON: Our strength lies in diversity – Tinubu tells Super Eagles

    President Bola Tinubu has said that the Super Eagles of Nigeria showcased the strength of diversity through their team spirit and discipline at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

    The President said this while speaking at a reception in honour of the players at the State House in Abuja, on Tuesday, February 13.

    He commended the squad for their exceptional on-field display of cohesion, tenacity, and persistence, highlighting the pride felt by Nigerians in the Super Eagles’ remarkable journey throughout the competition.

    He said: “It is a great honour for me to receive you, our Super Eagles. As a team, you taught us lessons on resilience, togetherness, diversity, and excitement in competitive games.

    ”You started the tournament as if Nigeria would not assert itself, but you progressed to the finals. Through all the challenges and dealing with great humidity in the host country, you left your clubs and honoured your country. You gave us great excitement.

    ”You were determined. We salute your resilience. You lifted our spirits, and you made us proud. You made us smile as Nigerians.

    ”It is not easy to absorb a loss, particularly when the expectations are high. But you have demonstrated sportsmanship, resilience, and team spirit throughout the entire tournament. That is what AFCON stands for, the unity and resilience of the continent. You have done a great job, and I am very proud of you.”

    President Tinubu pledged to continue investing in sports and youth development, adding: ”We will consult with you on how to facilitate and promote sports development. As your President, I will go out to attract greater private sector investment in the Nigerian Professional Football League.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu honours Super Eagles with MON award

    “We have to grow our local league, and I promise to be a super promoter of sports in our country. Many of you may in the future become managers of our local premiership system. I want to say once again that I am proud of you, and Nigeria is proud of you. You are a lifter of spirits.”

    Speaking on behalf of the team during the ceremony, William Troost-Ekong, the vice-captain, promised to work hard to surpass their achievements by winning the gold medal in the next competition.

    He said: ”We are very grateful for your support during our time in Ivory Coast. We did our best until the final. I wish that we were here carrying the trophy for you.

    ”In 2019, I was here with a bronze medal. Now we are here with a silver medal. I have two gold-medal winners beside me here and all we can promise is that we will continue to work hard, and the next time we meet, hopefully, next year, we will be bringing home a gold medal.”

  • JUST IN: Tinubu appoints five directors for CBN Board

    JUST IN: Tinubu appoints five directors for CBN Board

    President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, February 13, urged the Senate to screen and confirm the nomination of five persons for appointment as directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) board.

    Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter addressed to the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpiabio, and read at plenary on Tuesday.

    The letter reads in part: “In compliance with the provisions of Section 6, subsection 1b and section 10 subsection 1 and 2 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Establishment Act, 2007.

    “I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of the under-listed five persons as Directors of the Board of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    “Robert Agbide, Ado Wanga, Muritala Sagaley, Urom Eke and Olayinka Aliyu.

    “While hoping that the request will receive the expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept the distinguished Senate President, the assurance of my highest regards.”

    Akpabio thereafter referred to the request to the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions for further legislative action and to report back to plenary in four weeks.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Buhari’s signature forged to withdraw $6.2b from CBN, says ex-SGF Mustapha

    Similarly, Tinubu in a separate letter sought the confirmation of the Senate for the appointment of Mr Hamidu Rahim as Commissioner for the National Population Commission (NPC) representing Osun State.

    Tinubu said the request was following provisions of Section 154 sub section 1 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended).

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpiabio referred the request to the Senate Committee on National Population and National Identity for further legislative work and to report back to plenary in one week.

  • Tinubu seeks Senate confirmation of chairman, members of Hajj Commission

    Tinubu seeks Senate confirmation of chairman, members of Hajj Commission

    President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, February 13, urged the Senate to screen and confirm the nomination of the chairman and board members of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCOM) for appointment.

    Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter read on the floor by Senate President Godswill Akpiabio at plenary.

     The letter reads: “In accordance with the National Hajj Commission Act, 2006, I am pleased to present to you for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of the under-listed persons as Chairman and members of the National Hajj Commission.

    “Jalal Arabi as chairman, Aliyu Abdulrazaq, Commissioner, Policy Personnel and Finance, Anofi Elegushi — Commissioner, Operations and Prof. Abubakar Yagawal — Commissioner, Planning and Research.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu honours Super Eagles with MON award

    “While hoping that the request will receive the expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept the distinguished Senate President, the assurance of my highest regards.”

    In his remarks, Akpiabio said he had looked at sections of the National Hajj Commission Act 2006.

    He said the Act also required members of the commission to be drawn from the six geo-political zones of the country.

    He said contact was expected to be made to the office of the Chief of Staff to the president, saying that the Senate expects a list of names of the six members from the zones.

    Akpabio, thereafter referred the request to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for further legislative inputs to and report back to the plenary in 10 days.

  • Economic hardship: Group urges Tinubu, NASS to rescue Nigerians

    Economic hardship: Group urges Tinubu, NASS to rescue Nigerians

    A human rights organization, Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative (SPANCI), has urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to address the current economic crisis plaguing the nation before it leads to casualties on the streets.

    SPANCI advised Tinubu and the National Assembly to take urgent measures to alleviate the hardship faced by Nigerians due to inflation, insecurity, and the scarcity of essential goods across the country.

    The group emphasised the unbearable level of hardship experienced by citizens and its detrimental effects on the economy and the people.

    The concerns were conveyed in an open letter signed by SPANCI’s president, Comrade Yemi Ezekiel Bello, and addressed to Tinubu and the National Assembly.

    In a letter disclosed to journalists on Tuesday, February 13, in Ibadan, Bello urged Tinubu, the Senate president, Goodswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, to urgently intervene before it gets out of hand.

    He emphasized the critical need for immediate action to alleviate the escalating hardship in the country, citing its unbearable effects on the populace.

    Bello stressed the necessity for swift adjustments to mitigate the prevailing hardship, highlighting the exorbitant rise in the prices of essential goods and commodities.

    He lamented that this surge has inflicted severe hardships, making access to medical treatment financially burdensome and resulting in avoidable loss of life.

    Read Also: Tinubu committed to road infrastructure revolution, safety – Umahi

    He stated: “Act now before people begin to die on streets. The effects of the hardship is unbearable. We, in Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative (SPANCI) hereby humbly say that the hardship in the country and its effect on the economy and people is grossly unbearable.

    “We therefore appeal to Mr President and the National Assembly to immediately intervene and act now before people begin to die on the streets and take necessary adjustments in bringing down the hardship because the effects of the hardship in the country are unbearable.

    “We wish to say that the cost and prices of consumables and other commodities in the market have gone up beyond reasonable and this has brought life-threatening hardship on people as people die easily now considering the cost of medical treatment and sustainability for those in medical needs and hunger has killed and may still kill more if immediate solution is not provided.

    “A situation where a bag of rice is sold for almost eighty thousand naira, a bag of yam flour is sold for about two hundred thousand naira, gaari Oyo for one thousand naira, a bag of cement is now around eight thousand naira, sumo roofing sheet about one hundred thousand, Petro six hundred and forty naira, cooking gas one thousand three hundred naira per kg will bring more hardship on people. Our economy needs urgent attention.

    “We would also like your Excellency to immediately increase the salary of workers to conformity with the present economy and as well improve the welfare of our security operatives as we humbly request our national assembly to cut down their salary and make other necessary adjustments to excessive spending because they are representing the masses and people of their constituency and use the money to improve the welfare of their people as this will reduce the rate of kidnapping, banditry, and armed robbery and to also act now before people begin to die on streets according to section 14 (1) (2) (a) and (b) of the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria as amended.”

  • Tinubu commissions geometric power plant February 24

    Tinubu commissions geometric power plant February 24

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to be in Abia State on Friday, February 24 for the official commissioning ceremony of the Geometric Power Generation Plant at Osisioma local government area.

    The commissioning of the plant is expected to boost power generation and make business thrive in Aba and environs and other areas within the Aba ring fenced.

    Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu stated this after this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s response to rising food cost excites Barau

    He said Tinubu is expected to be in Abia State to commission the power project.

    Prince Kanu stated that commissioning the Geometric Power Plant was a dream come through for both Geometrics and Abia State Government.

    “The State Government has worked assiduously behind the scenes to ensure that the project is realized because when that plant comes on stream, it will benefit our people,” he said.

    The power project, the commissioner stated underscored the commitment of the State Government to boost the economic fortunes through the encouragement of private sector investment in infrastructure.

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