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  • Ohanaeze pledges allegiance, loyalty to Tinubu

    Ohanaeze pledges allegiance, loyalty to Tinubu

    President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has declared the resolution of the Igbo community to extend their unwavering support to President Bola Tinubu. 

    He emphasised that the Igbo are committed to pledging their allegiance and loyalty to President Tinubu, acknowledging him as the president of Nigeria and also their brother.

    Iwuanyanwu spoke on Saturday, December 16, when he visited Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, at the Iga Idugaran Palace. 

    He stressed the need for collaboration and support from President Tinubu in addressing the legitimate concerns of the Igbo community.

    He said: “Let him believe us, this statement is being made by the leader of Igbos. What we want from the leadership is justice, fairness, equity. 

    “We don’t want to take another person’s state, whatever is our right should be given to us. We are will support him and be loyal to him. Anybody who fights him unjustly, we will join him to fight such a a person, but we want him to help us get whatever is our right.”

    Dispelling any misconceptions regarding the relationship between the Yoruba and the Igbo, Chief Iwuanyanwu said there is no rift between the two communities. 

    Read Also: Tinubu, govs, Ohanaeze, others mourn Ezeife

    He also stressed the need for peaceful co-existence and respect for the law, and emphasised the importance of upholding the values ingrained by their forefathers in obeying the laws of the land and promoting harmonious relationships.

    Reflecting on the recent political landscape, Chief Iwuanyanwu acknowledged the Igbos’ historical alliance with President Tinubu during his time as Governor of Lagos, applauding the favourable treatment extended to the Igbo community.

    Oba Akiolu noted the belief of Lagosians in the value of forming connections and maintaining peace, emphasising that those who come to Lagos will prosper and contribute to the progress of the city and the nation as a whole.

    The monarch hoped that the current leadership will do right by everyone, saying it is only a matter of time before all efforts come to fruition, particularly with President Tinubu. 

    He also restarted that genuine contributions from individuals towards the success and progress of the country will lead to collective well-being and prosperity for all.

    He said: “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Any leader anywhere, if you have the fear of God, you’re disciplined and you’re prayerful and you wish the best for your fellow being, all will be well with you. 

    “I have said it times without number, we have no problem in this country, it is just problem of closeness to God, discipline and love for all. 

    “With the emergence of this our present president, it is just a question of time, all will be worth it. Everybody must have to contribute genuinely to the success and progress of this country and all will be well.”

  • Tinubu mourns Kuwaiti King’s death

    Tinubu mourns Kuwaiti King’s death

    President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passage of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who died on Saturday in Kuwait City at the age of 86 years.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu recalled the departed royalty as a man of great compassion, peace, and mercy.

    “President Bola Tinubu sympathizes with the ruling Sabah family, the government, and the people of the State of Kuwait over the passing of the Emir,  Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah. 

    Read Also: Tinubu, govs, Ohanaeze, others mourn Ezeife

    “Applauding the achievements of the late Emir in such a short time, President Tinubu describes the monarch as a man of great compassion, peace, and mercy, who granted amnesty to political prisoners and dissidents, fashioning a progressive and stable state.

    “The President condoles with the ruling House of Sabah, and all those who mourn this painful loss while praying to Almighty Allah to show the Emir mercy and grant him a place in Aljannah Firdaus”, the statement said.

  • Tinubu celebrates ‘peerless’ Buhari at 81

    Tinubu celebrates ‘peerless’ Buhari at 81

    President Bola Tinubu has celebrated his friend and ally, former President Muhammadu Buhari, as he clocks 81 years of age,  describing him as an icon of truth, justice, and patriotism.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu extols the peerless leadership credentials and feats of the former president, recalling his meritorious service to the nation at various times as Head of State and as President.

    Reeling out former President Buhari’s unparalleled record of infrastructural provision, comprising several new international airports, multiple standard-gauge railway lines, new seaport development, dozens of new dams, power stations, oil and gas infrastructure, expressways and mega-bridges, in addition to establishing Nigeria’s first-ever national social investment and protection programme, amongst many other feats, President Tinubu fondly recalled the former President’s aggressive push to modernize Nigeria’s defence architecture while working towards import substitution with the empowerment of millions of Nigerian farmers in his progressive initiative to enhance food security in the country.

    The president described former President Buhari as the finest paradigm of sacrifice, devotion, patriotism, and fidelity to the national cause.

    Read Also: Tinubu, govs, Ohanaeze, others mourn Ezeife

    “President Buhari is from the rarest phylum of virtuous servant-leaders. He has devoted his life to the service of the nation, even earning himself detention for his patriotism and service to our Fatherland. The emergence of leaders like my good friend, Buhari, happens only by divine orchestration. He is a man of absolute and undiluted integrity. His yea is yea, and his nay is nay,” the President says.

    He expressed appreciation to his predecessor for his friendship and vote of confidence shown through his stalwart support for the administration. 

    While wishing the elder statesman longevity and strength, President Tinubu assured the former President that the hope of a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Nigeria, which he has always worked for, will not be dashed.

  • Nigerian students donate pens to Tinubu to assent anti s3xual harassment bill

    Nigerian students donate pens to Tinubu to assent anti s3xual harassment bill

    Students across Nigerian tertiary institutions in partnership with Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI) have donated their pens to President Bola Tinubu in order for him to speedily assent to the Anti-sexual Harassment Bill before him.

    The pens, which were collected across different campuses, were presented to President Tinubu through his Senior Special Assistant on Students Engagement, Sunday Asefon.

    The students said they assumed that shortage of pens was a likely factor for the delay in assenting to the bill.

    A student of the University of Abuja, Abdul Fatima Zara said: “The most symbolic tool for students is pens and that is why we have donated these pens to the president.

    “We decided to donate these pens because students are in school to learn to be better versions of themselves and if sexual harassment is in place to restrict every form of students’ zeal to learn, that should not be so and that is why we solicit that the president assent to the bill so that students will now have a voice to speak out.”

    Read Also: Tinubu, govs, Ohanaeze, others mourn Ezeife

    The Lead Director of GMI, a non-governmental organisation that works in addressing sexual and gender-based violence, particularly in educational settings, Omowumi Ogunrotimi said they partnered Nigerian students to launch the “#DonateAPenToMrPresident Campaign,” across campuses nationwide with the aim of contributing pens, urging the President to sign the bill promptly, thereby safeguarding students in educational institutions.

    She said the sexual harassment prevention, prohibition, and redressal bill in tertiary institutions has been transmitted to the President’s desk for assent as constitutionally required.

    She said: “Sadly, this Bill has lingered on the President’s desk for some time, a delay reportedly attributed to a shortage of pens. In response to this, we present pens to the President as a symbol of our collective power to end sexual harassment in environments of learning.”

    The presidential aide, Asefon, admitted that the case of sexual harassment had been persistent in the citadel of learning and that the bill would address such and ensures that the right punishment was meted to the perpetrators. 

    He said: “My office is not unmindful of the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence against female undergraduates in tertiary institutions in Nigeria and the widespread allegations of sex-for-mark in some educational institutions in the country and the fact that most students who are targeted hardly come forward with complaints.

    “I want to assure Nigerian Students today that, Mr. President will assent to the bill that seeks to criminalise the act of neglect or failure of administrative heads of tertiary educational institutions to address complaints of sexual harassment.”

  • Tinubu mourns ace broadcaster, Kabiru Fagge

    Tinubu mourns ace broadcaster, Kabiru Fagge

    President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief over the passing of ace broadcaster, Kabiru Usman Fagge, who died on Friday, December 15, in the United States of America.

    President Tinubu’s message was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Saturday, December 16.

    Fagge, aged 77, was an enduring name across the Hausa-speaking world for his long career with the Hausa Service of the Voice of America (VOA), spanning 25 years.

    Read Also: Tinubu, govs, Ohanaeze, others mourn Ezeife

    In a condolence message, President Tinubu lauded the contributions of the deceased to nation-building, particularly his sensitization on and advocacy for education through the well-known weekly education programme he anchored. 

    He said: “His desire to serve humanity through journalism started quite early from his days as a freelancer while teaching. We are grateful for his services through his chosen career and for being a good ambassador of Nigeria on such a global platform.”

    President Tinubu condoled with the family of the deceased, the government, and the people of Kano State, as well as the Nigerian journalism community over the loss. 

  • Tinubu receives ambassadors, mandates them to focus on new investments

    Tinubu receives ambassadors, mandates them to focus on new investments

    President Bola Tinubu has charged foreign ambassadors in Nigeria to prioritize the exploration of new frontiers of trade relations that will be mutually beneficial as they carry out their duties in the country.

    President Tinubu gave the charge on Friday after receiving Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Hungary, Lorand Endreffy; High Commissioner of Rwanda, Christophe Bazivamo, and Ambassador of Ukraine, Ivan Kholostenko, at the State House, on Friday.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President also assured foreign investors of diligent and predictable fund repatriation and the streamlining of the tax system.

    Speaking when he received the High Commissioner of Rwanda, the President said the long-standing concerns over trapped funds are receiving attention and that the funds will be processed expeditiously for release.

    “We are one family on the continent. We will continue to promote democracy and good governance. I will maintain an open-door policy, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff are also available.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, we are already working on the issues of double taxation, and it will be properly streamlined to favour business growth. Nigeria is home and a haven for investors,” the President affirmed.

    Read Also: National Assembly commends Tinubu’s 4D Foreign Affairs Policy

    The Rwandan High Commissioner said the government of Rwanda was prepared to enhance bi-lateral relations with Nigeria, with new visa policies and trade agreements.

    At the ceremony, President Tinubu asked the Ambassador of Hungary to explore all opportunities of building partnership, especially in the areas of agriculture and food security, and how to leverage the experience of the country in technology.

    “Thank you so much for taking care of our students who are in your country. We are a very big country, with huge potential to sustainably spur economic growth. We are ready to improve relations, especially in the areas of agriculture and food security,” the President said.

    The Hungarian Ambassador commended the President for his bold, courageous, and strategic decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy, listing some areas of collaboration to include education, agriculture, food security, security, and medical technology.

  • Tinubu is tackling banditry – Ansar-ud-Deen

    Tinubu is tackling banditry – Ansar-ud-Deen

    The Ansar-ud-Deen society of Nigeria has commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for tackling insecurity in the county.

    The Deputy National President of the association, Dr Adebayo Ibrahim, who gave the commendation while briefing reporters in Abuja on the commencement of the association’s centenary celebration, said banditry has reduced. Ibrahim urged Nigerians to continue to offer prayers for the leaders.

    He said: “Insecurity has been before this government. The previous government has done their best.

    “It is our duty as an Islamic organisation to offer prayers for our leaders. This administration has started very well. You can see that banditry is reducing. We can see that the budget of this year is a little better than last year. I’m sure in the near future security challenges will be over.”

    Read Also: Shettima inaugurates core working group on fight against malnutrition

    The Ansar-ud-Deen society of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to provide quality education for the growing youths to enable them to be better citizens.

    Ibrahim, who expressed delight at the celebration, said that achieving a century was a significant milestone by any measure and by any organisation.

    According to him, a legacy that encompasses the paths of Islam and education, as advocated by Prophet Mohammed (SAW), which means to “read, read, and read.”

  • National Assembly commends Tinubu’s 4D Foreign Affairs Policy

    National Assembly commends Tinubu’s 4D Foreign Affairs Policy

    The National Assembly has lauded the President Bola Tinubu administration’s 4D Foreign Affairs Policy, describing it as dynamic and articulate.

    The chairmen of both the Senate and House of Representatives’ committees on foreign affairs, Senator Abubakar Bello and Hon. Abdulmumini Jibrin, gave the commendation while speaking to journalists at the State House, Abuja, after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

    Bello affirmed that the nation will soon witness changes in foreign policy adding that the National Assembly is working on imminent restructuring to effect the changes in line with global best practices.

    The immediate past governor of Niger State, Bello stated: “Essentially, we discussed our foreign policies and how to improve and have a robust clear foreign policy for the understanding of everyone and the benefit of Nigerians and Nigeria as a country.

    “We strongly believe that necessary steps must be taken to improve the image of Nigeria and Nigerians internationally. And I am glad Mr. President has taken bold steps towards ensuring that.

    “So, going forward in the next coming months, hopefully, we’ll start seeing some changes with regards to our foreign policies that will be clear and well understood by all concerned to ensure that Nigeria and Nigerians are given the right place in the international scene.

    “So, essentially, without waste of time, that is the reason we saw Mr. President today, and I think we had a perfect meeting. And we agreed to join hands between the executive arm and the legislative arm to work together towards achieving these goals.”

    Speaking specifically on how the changes will affect Africa as the centrepiece, Bello added: “You know, as I said, Mr President is very much interested in changing dynamics of our foreign policy which has been, if you may call it for, for a while now, obsolete. There hasn’t been any major review of foreign policies.

    “The time has come now to take the bold step towards working out some of our foreign policies to have them in line with best practices and to international standards.

    “So, yes, I believe going forward, we’re going to be working very hard with the executive arm to look at all our previous agreements and treaties or what have you, to see those that need to be amended or that one needs to be implemented.

    “So yes, there’s there’s a lot of work to be done. And by God’s ways, I think we’ll sail through.”

    Corroborating the Senate committee chairman, Jibrin in his remarks, said they advised the president on how to improve the policy.

    Read Also: Tinubu receives ambassadors, directs emphasis on new investments, trade expansion

    He explained: “Building from where my colleague stopped, we commended the President for his very articulate and dynamic foreign policy captured in the four Ds – democracy, development, demography and of course, diaspora.

    “Everybody who is a follower of International Relations and foreign policy will agree that it’s a well-articulated foreign policy. And we assured him of all the necessary support from the National Assembly and gave some advice on one or two things, how things can be improved, which of course, my colleague has already delved into.”

    Recall that the Nigerian government launched a new 4D policy that provides dynamic and unique concepts, which is anchored on democracy, developments, demography and diaspora.

    The 4D policy showcases President Tinubu’s principles and the opportunities that will attract foreign direct investment.

    Kano Politics

    The Kano state legislator said he used the opportunity of the meeting with the president to discuss the political crisis in his state arising from the last gubernatorial tussle, hoping that it can be amicably resolved even before the final determination by the court.

    Jibrin said: “But of course, you know, he’s my baba, everybody knows my relationship with him. There’s no way I will come here without also discussing politics.

    “So, I also had my chat with him, particularly on how to ensure that we continue to have peace and harmony in Kano and also proffer some recommendations in that regard.

    “Hopefully, we believe that the burning crisis in Kano, as regards the governorship seat, will be resolved amicably without prejudice to the cases that are in court.”

    He stressed that the president is interested in peaceful resolution of the crisis, noting that the stakeholders will support him to achieve it.

    He said: “Well, of course, you know, the President, what he wants is peace and he will continue to support and encourage peace.”

  • Tinubu receives ambassadors, directs emphasis on new investments, trade expansion

    Tinubu receives ambassadors, directs emphasis on new investments, trade expansion

    President Bola Tinubu has charged foreign ambassadors in Nigeria to prioritize the exploration of new frontiers of trade relations that will be mutually beneficial as they carry out their duties in the country.

    President Tinubu gave the charge on Friday, December 15, after receiving Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Hungary, Lorand Endreffy; High Commissioner of Rwanda, Christophe Bazivamo, and Ambassador of Ukraine, Ivan Kholostenko, at the State House, on Friday.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President also assured foreign investors of diligent and predictable fund repatriation and the streamlining of the tax system.

    Speaking when he received the High Commissioner of Rwanda, the President said the long-standing concerns over trapped funds are receiving attention and that the funds will be processed expeditiously for release.

    “We are one family on the continent. We will continue to promote democracy and good governance. I will maintain an open-door policy, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff are also available.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, we are already working on the issues of double taxation, and it will be properly streamlined to favour business growth. Nigeria is home and a haven for investors,” the President affirmed.

    The Rwandan High Commissioner said the government of Rwanda was prepared to enhance bi-lateral relations with Nigeria, with new visa policies and trade agreements. 

    At the ceremony, President Tinubu asked the Ambassador of Hungary to explore all opportunities of building partnership, especially in the areas of agriculture and food security, and how to leverage the experience of the country in technology. 

    “Thank you so much for taking care of our students who are in your country. We are a very big country, with huge potential to sustainably spur economic growth. We are ready to improve relations, especially in the areas of agriculture and food security,” the President said.

    The Hungarian Ambassador commended the President for his bold, courageous, and strategic decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy, listing some areas of collaboration to include education, agriculture, food security, security, and medical technology.

    “My Prime Minister always says that our relations are based on mutual respect,’’ he said. 

    President Tinubu told the Ukrainian Ambassador that Nigeria will always work for global peace and harmony. 

    “We are with you in prayers. We will continue to support good governance and democracy,’’ the President stated. 

  • Tinubu committed to police reforms, says minister

    Tinubu committed to police reforms, says minister

    Minister for State, Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reiterated the commitment of  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implementing comprehensive police reforms to elevate the force to modern standards.

     Speaking during a visit to Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, she noted  that the current administration was poised for comprehensive and effective reforms.

    According to her, a reform committee, which includes her, would work on 18 key targets to strengthen and modernise the Nigerian Police Force.

     “I’m sure you may all be aware we’ve had eight reform papers since 1999, but none has been implemented to a satisfactory level but we have to at this point, put our heads together, speak with one voice, be very clear about our priorities, look at the low hanging fruits, the reform will happen across every area of our operations,” she said.

    Read Also; Inflation, exchange rate to decline, says CBN

     The  minister stressed the need to address training deficits, policy gaps, infrastructure limitations, and welfare and retirement plans for police officers.

    She underscored her commitment to advocating for the well-being of officers, while assuring them  that the reforms would pave the way for a better future for retired personnel.

     Sulaiman-Ibrahim said a reformed police force would  enhance security,  boost confidence in Nigeria, and create an enabling environment for potential investments and business growth. 

    She appealed for continuous commitment and perseverance, highlighting the pressing need for reforms to address the various challenges faced by the Force.

    Sulaimoa-Ibrahim pledged to collaborate actively to ensure a successful reform process.

     Acting Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, DCP Waheed Ayilara, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone Two, AIG Mohammed Ali pleaded with the minister  to ensure that police barracks in Lagos are upgraded and made befitting for officers.