President Bola Tinubu will, on Thursday, November 8, depart Abuja for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend the Saudi-Africa Summit, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 10.
This was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Wednesday.
At the Saudi-Africa Summit, the President will underscore Nigeria’s commitment to attracting more Foreign Direct Investment and expanding business partnerships, which are strongly reinforced by his administration’s ongoing domestic economic reforms.
Discussions at the first Saudi-Africa Summit will revolve around supporting joint action, enhancing political coordination, addressing regional security threats, facilitating economic transformation through research and the local development of new energy solutions, all while bolstering cross-sectoral investment cooperation.
The President will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu; as well as the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu.
Others are the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Mallam Jalal Arabi.
President Tinubu will return to Abuja following the conclusion of the Saudi-Africa Summit.
President Bola Tinubu has launched the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (e-CRVS), alongside the National Geospatial Data Repository and the National Coordination Committee on CRVS.
The CRVS is the government system to record, in a continuous, permanent, compulsory and universal manner, the occurrences and characteristics of vital and civil status events related to citizens and residents for the purpose of gathering accurate data on the population.
Speaking at the launch and committee inauguration ceremony at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu, who lauded the National Population Commission (NPC), expressed hope that the introduction of the system would aid Nigeria in achieving a 100% in its 2030 SDG target on real-time identity management and population data.
It is hoped that the current drive to reposition this vital registration system, will provide the basis for 100% attainment of our year 2030 SDG targets in respect of real-time identity management and population data.
He also noted that the new population data system, among other things, will provide information to citizens, just as it will be a very useful tool for public service delivery across various agencies of government, especially for the security sector.
The president, however, thanked the private solution providers, Barnksforte Technologies Limited, for the laudable project and assure them that the federal government will always extend a hand of partnership to all private investors that want to partner with it at all level.
The President also vowed his administration’s support for the upcoming national housing and population census.
“It is my honor to be here to launch the digital civil registration and data statistic system, the National Geospatial Data Repository, Digital CRVS System, and Inauguration of the National Coordination Committee for CRVS.
“This launch marks another great step in our efforts to generate accurate and reliable demographic data in Nigeria. We can debate why now, why not before now?
“Let me commend the noble initiative of the National Population Commission, the CRVS system is the basic building-block of an identity ecosystem. It will help to improve service delivery, care and knowledge to Nigerians and shall ultimately become vital source of identity data across federal agencies, such as NIMC, NIS, Road Safety, INEC, Police, EFCC and other security outfits.
“The system will also improve the ability of the federal agencies to generate vital statistics on important population events and migration, further enabling the government to design well tailored, effective and efficient policy, capable of meeting the needs of Nigerian people.
“It is hoped that the current drive to reposition this vital registration system, will provide the basis for 100% attainment of our year 2030 SDG targets in respect of real-time identity management and population data.
“Coming at this time, the commission has made substantial progress in the quest to deliver the first digital population and housing census. It is my hope that the result of the census will provide the nation with much needed data for development planning and the enthronement of good governance.
“I call on the commission to deploy its cutting-edge technology, especially the geospatial data that has been collected through the enumeration area demarcation in implementing the CRVS”, he said.
In his goodwill message at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Health and the Coordinating Minister of Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate stated that the eCRVS system will help the nation better in tracking maternal mortality rate , under 5 mortality rate and under Zero children wellbeing of Nigeria.
Prof. Pate added that the eCRVS complements the administrative records that the Nigerian government holds as major sources of population data which provides the basis for effective planning of program interventions and harnessing demographic potentials that the nation has .
“When we hear of maternal mortality rate under 5 mortality rate or Zero those children and the health of our people in terms of statistics , they are statistics we should care about and use to plan but behind those numbers are real people who suffer.
“This system we are putting in place will help us track that but beyond that at the Fed Min if health has committed to make maternal death in particular reported.
“The 80,000 women who die from maternal crisis should not be forgotten and this system will help make that more visible as part of our efforts to improve as we move forward”, he said.
Speaking on this significant event, the Chairman, National Population Commission, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, expressed his enthusiasm, saying “the aim of this high-level event is to emphasize the commitment of the current government and leadership to strengthen civil registration data capturing, collation, processing, dissemination and timely access to vital statistics in the country.
“It is to accelerate the improved civil registration and vital statistics systems in Nigeria over a period of ten years, from 2023 to 2030 in a bid to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SD): 16.9.2 – legal identity for all, including birth registration”, he said.
UNICEF’s Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, lauded Nigeria’s launch of the system, and the inauguration of the National CRVS Coordination.
Commending the effort, Munduate said the gesture is a beacon of hope for the sustainable development and rights-based future of Nigeria, adding that “it is an affirmation of dignity and rights for every citizen, providing the foundation upon which societies can flourish.
“As we set forth on this ambitious journey to revolutionalize the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system over the next seven years, we are cognizant of the profound impact this will have on achieving Sustainable development goal 16.9.2-a legal identity for all, including birth registration”, she said.
The immediate past national vice chairman (Northwest) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, has alleged that some party leaders who were opposed to the emergence and presidential aspiration of President Bola Tinubu are now being appointed into key positions in government.
He particularly cited the Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma, whom he alleged financed the attempt to manipulate the emergence of former Senate president, Ahmed Lawan as the APC consensus presidential candidate against Tinubu, but eventually became the chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).
Lukman made this observation in a lengthy statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, November 8, titled: “Agonising Experience of Being APC Member; Message to APC leaders”.
The former Director General of the PGF noted those close to the alleged leaders have since been hostile to him following his past recommendations and opposition to their antics.
Lamenting over the development, Lukman noted that the sets of party leaders who were boisterously opposed to the presidential ambition of President Tinubu are today appointees in the federal government.
He said: “When, for instance, party leaders who were boisterously opposed to the Presidential ambition of President Tinubu are today appointees in the federal government, and in the case of Governors such as Sen. Hope Uzodinma, who financed the attempt to manipulate the emergence of Sen. Ahmed Lawan as the consensus Presidential candidate of APC, emerging as the Chairman of Progressive Governors beat the imagination of every founding leader of APC, and in every respect heartbreaking.”
“Pushing for the entrenchment of party supremacy, the former APC zonal leader strongly advised the ruling party to avoid becoming a replica of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”
He emphasized that many party leaders and members expected that the emergence of President Tinubu as the successor to former President Muhammadu Buhari would lead to the party’s reform and return it to its founding vision of becoming a progressive party.
Lukman noted: “APC emerged in 2013 with the historical mission of changing Nigerian politics such that our parties are internally democratic. Incontestably, both former President Buhari and current President Tinubu gave us the needed leadership to inspire Nigerians into believing and committing their votes to the APC.”
He warned that the party should not derail from the promised goals and objectives of reforming the country’s democratic culture and values which endeared Nigerians to the party at its inception 10 years ago.
Lukman, however, observed that “instead of reforming the APC to return it to its founding vision, we are consolidating and emerging as a malfunctioned and despotic party organization, which is increasingly becoming a replica of the PDP by every passing day.
He added: “We can deceive ourselves to imagine that we can continue to succeed in emerging victorious in elections and successful leaders surround themselves with sycophants who only tell them what they want to hear, it will not change the reality of betrayal and it will not protect leaders.
“As loyal party members, we will continue to campaign for the reform of APC and party politics generally in the country.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in North America has commended President Bola Tinubu for clearly laying out his planned pathway to developing Nigeria to his cabinet members with a warning that those who fail to measure up will be shown the way out.
The party, in a statement by its chairman Olalekan Sanni and secretary Adeniyi Adekola, on Tuesday said the three-day retreat held for Federal Executive Council members last week reconfirmed that President Tinubu knows what to do to lift Nigeria out of the woods.
It added that the marching order issued to cabinet members to either perform or “leave us” reinforced his determination and that of the APC to work hard for Nigeria to change the narrative for the better.
He said it: “President Tinubu made Nigerians proud in his speeches to his cabinet members as he clearly laid out the specific plans that will ultimately develop Nigeria and make the country a better place for all. He demonstrated that he understands the problems, has a good idea of the solutions and how to achieve his goals.
“His passion to build a better Nigeria for younger and unborn generations became clearer at the retreat. And his determination to drop anyone that is not ready to run with the vision is commended.
“From his addresses to cabinet members, every doubter saw that President Tinubu loves a united and prosperous Nigeria, and that he is resolute in writing his name in gold.
“The APC North America commends him and his cabinet members for offering hope to Nigerians. Their determination reassured citizens and other stakeholders that this administration is the best for Nigeria at this time.”
Meanwhile, the party also congratulated Tinubu on his victory at the Supreme Court, stressing that the way is now clear for purposeful governance.
Following the affirmation of his victory, the APC North America called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) candidates in the election, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi respectively, to support Tinubu in his efforts to move Nigeria forward.
The statement read: “Now that the highest court in the land has affirmed President Tinubu’s victory, we call on Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to demonstrate statesmanship and join hands with Mr President in his commendable efforts to fix Nigeria.
“One of the beauties of democracy is that the minority will have their say while the majority will have their way. Now that the majority have spoken and their decision has been affirmed, both Atiku and Obi can decide to try their luck again in 2027.
“We restate our confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to turn things round for our dear nation, Nigeria.”
Ahead Saturday’s Imo state governorship election, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement, southeast, Chioma Nweze, has endorsed Governor Hope Uzodinma for second tenure.
She said her support for Uzodinma was for continuous working relationship with the governor on the shared agenda of development and prosperity and other areas of collaboration for mutual benefit to the people of southeast.
Nweze stated this in a statement she made available to journalists on Wednesday, November 8.
She noted that re-election of Uzodimma for a second term will enable him to consolidate on the rapid development of Imo under his watch.
She said: “Having reviewed the emphatic and loud approval trailing your re-election bid which speak of the confidence and trust the Imo people have in your visionary and progressive leadership, the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Development (South East) is pleased to publicly declare our endorsement for your reelection bid.
“Instructively, in the last 46 months, under the watch and direction of Governor Uzodinma, Imo the Eastern heartland has soared in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, rural development, sports and security, and so on.
“We take note and applaud your ambitious digital programme to train 300,000 Imo youths on digital skills.
“We laud you for the construction of over 64 roads spanning over 150 kilometres and ongoing rehabilitation of another 43 routes of over 350 kilometres in both urban and rural areas, revival of hitherto moribund industries in Imo state such as the Adapalm and Acharaugo farms, health insurance programme for Imo residents in partnership with the WHO, to mention just a few.
“Your support base continues to grow on the back of your personal character, integrity and solid performance indexes in office.The Eastern heartland is now experiencing unprecedented economic growth and a generational shift from poor leadership to good governance.
“It is therefore my belief that your re-election for another term will certainly consolidate and expand the gains of your rapidly growing developmental drive.
“My office and my vibrant team and support staff gladly look forward to continuous working relationship with you on the shared agenda of development and prosperity, and other areas of collaboration for the mutual benefit of our people in the South East.
“Warm felicitations and best wishes for your success at the polls”, the SSA stated.
Ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial off-cycle election in Kogi, the Igala Vanguard has urged President Bola Tinubu to promptly reassign Navy Commander Charles Akalieze and his special task force within the state.
Akalezie was accused of orchestrating actions detrimental to the well-being of the people of Kogi.
The group’s demand was expressed in an official statement signed by Lawrence Ankpa and shared with the press in Lokoja on Tuesday, November 7.
Ankpa alleged that in the early hour of Tuesday, political associates of Governor Yahaya Bello, operating under the command of Navy Commander Akalezie and his Special Boat Service (SBS) personnel, forcefully entered the residence of Sheikh Jibrin Usman, who is the Director General of the Muritala Ajaka campaign organization for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Anyigba.
He said: “A confrontation with the police guarding Sheikh Jibrin’s residence ensued, and it was alleged that at least five innocent individuals, including some police officers were killed by SBS team.
“His group took away several young individuals from Sheikh Jibrin’s residence, who were reportedly seen being led into the bush, stripped of their clothing, along the Okabo-Anyigba road shortly after leaving the scene.
“The primary concern raised by the Igala Vanguard is not solely the executive recklessness of Governor Yahaya Bello but also the involvement of Nigerian Navy forces, and Commander Akalezie, in particular, in political criminal activities orchestrated by the governor.
“Astute observers of Kogi’s political landscape are aware of a recurring pattern, wherein Governor Yahaya Bello has allegedly employed Commander Akalezie and his SBS troops to intimidate and eliminate political opponents, many of whom are labeled as criminals and terrorists.
“To comprehend the full extent of this situation, it is vital to revisit how the Nigerian Navy Special Forces became entangled with Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.
“The SBS forces were originally deployed to Kogi State in 2020 after the Nigerian Army, under the leadership of the former Chief, General Burutai (RTD), withdrew all Army troops from internal security duties.
“This withdrawal aimed to strengthen efforts in the war against insurgency and banditry in the North East and North West regions.”
Ankpa noted that over time, Commander Akalezie and his troops found themselves integrated into Governor Yahaya Bello’s personal security detail.
“The presence of naval SBS troops accompanying Yahaya Bello’s official and unofficial convoys raised concerns among vigilant Nigerians, who quickly questioned this deviation from standard procedure.
“Nigerians and, specifically, the people of Kogi East are now demanding a comprehensive explanation for the involvement of Navy Commander Akalezie with Governor Yahaya Bello.
“Failure to provide such an explanation should result in his immediate removal from his position, as a matter of urgency.
“The world is closely monitoring the events leading up to the off-season gubernatorial elections in Nigeria, with particular focus on Kogi State.
“Those involved in politically motivated extrajudicial murders and arson in Kogi State will not evade justice. Not even Governor Yahaya Bello, who will soon transition to an ordinary citizen, will escape accountability for the crimes committed during his tenure.”
Members of Nigerian communities in the United Kingdom have held a unity rally. They urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu to enable him deliver the dividends of democracy.
The rally held at two prominent locations in London – Nigerian High Commission and Trafalgar Square, Central London.
Under the banner of ‘Nigerians have spoken; Bola Tinubu is our president,’ the rally demonstrated support for Tinubu’s administration.
Tayo Shodeinde, chairman of Lagos APC UK and coordinator of TSO Diaspora, said: “Tinubu is the embodiment of the people’s aspirations and the leader who can navigate the country through these times. President Tinubu is the torchbearer who can guide Nigeria to its long-awaited promise.
“Our message of solidarity resounds. We stand united in our support for Asiwaju and encourage him to continue his commendable efforts.”
President Bola Tinubu has appointed three new executive commissioners and approved the redeployment of an existing one for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, informed those appointed are Bashir Indabawa, Dr. Kelechi Ofoegbu, Enorense Amadasu, and Babajide Fasina.
“President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of three (3) new Executive Commissioners to serve in the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the redeployment of one current Executive Commissioner, pending their confirmation by the Nigerian Senate:
“Mr. Bashir Indabawa — NW — Executive Commissioner, Exploration & Acreage Management Dr. Kelechi Ofoegbu — SE — Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services & Administration (Redeployed); Mr. Enorense Amadasu — SS — Executive Commissioner, Development & Production; Mr. Babajide Fasina — SW — Executive Commissioner, Economic Regulation & Strategic Planning.
“The President approves this reshuffling and replacement based on his deeply informed assessment of all factors concerning the sector with a view to establishing a regulatory framework and culture that comprehensively disincentivizes errant behaviour and incentivizes diligence and rules-based business practice across the industry,” the statement reads.
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr Abdu Mukhtar as the National Coordinator of the Presidential ‘Unlocking Healthcare Value-Chain’ Initiative.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Ajuri Ngelale, the strategic approval seeks to unlock billions of dollars of new investment into the nation’s healthcare-delivery system, through a time-bound and cross-ministerial collaboration.
The statement further said the collaboration is aimed at restructuring the ecosystem of Health Product manufacturing, Health Logistics services, Health Technology services, Health Retail services (e-Commerce), Health Provider facilitation, and Health Payor reform (Third Party Administrators & Insurers).
It further said the new office will focus on achieving “Measurable increase in the domestic manufacturing of generic pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biologics, and devices.
“Reduction of outbound medical tourism by enhancing service quality in Nigeria while catalyzing alternative health ecosystems in-country.
“Measurable increase in quantity of quality jobs across the value chain through enhanced FDI and local capital mobilization”, the statement said.
According to the statement: “Dr. Mukhtar comes to the task as the immediate past Director of Industry & Trade Development at the African Development Bank (AfDB). Prior to joining the AfDB, Dr. Mukhtar served as the Group Chief Strategy Officer of the Dangote Group of Industries, where he played a key role in the conglomerate’s expansion of its cement production footprint into fourteen African countries, in addition to important joint ventures in the power, oil & gas, and agriculture sectors. This followed a four-year tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of the FCTA’s Abuja Investment Company Limited from 2007 to 2011.
“Dr. Mukhtar holds a Doctorate in Biotechnology from Boston University (USA); a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School (USA); a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and a Medical Degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
“The President expects that the National Coordinator of this new cross-ministerial initiative will bring to bear his vast experience and academic qualifications in the effective execution of this essential national assignment such that the massive economic boon represented by Nigeria’s healthcare-delivery system can move from potential and theory into reality and practice in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.”
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Tuesday restated the non-partisanship of the body in its approach to national issues.
Okoh said the religious body will not play an opposition role to the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
However, he said that CAN will seriously engage the government from the point of clear knowledge about national issues and continue to raise prophetic voices to guide those in authority, and also pray for them to succeed.
These were contained in a message he delivered in Abuja at the 2023 Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON), an annual programme of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
He said: “We have no other country other than Nigeria, hence we must continue to work to achieve sustainable peace and development. Undoubtedly, we are in difficult and uncommon times but there is nothing that the Power of Jesus cannot cure.
“The passion and zeal with which members attend this event every year gives hope and indeed, there is hope for our nation, Nigeria. In the world of today, in which we wage war against poverty, disease, hunger, corruption, immorality and ignorance, Christians must not only pray but seek ways to pull our forces together and defeat all that challenge our very existence”.
He appreciated Christians and church leaders in Nigeria for their sacrifices for the Body of Christ, as well as the wellbeing of the people and the nation, and solicited more from them.
He said: “In Nigeria, God has given us a platform that has an elaborate structure through our fathers of faith, which makes work for Christian Unity easier. That platform is the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Nigeria is the only country in Africa where all Christians agree to come under one single umbrella in fellowship.
“Hence, CAN must be seen as a gift to the Body of Christ in Nigeria. It is a place where we find rare opportunities to collaborate on issues of mutual concern at all levels down to the grassroots. Therefore, I urge all believers to get more involved in the activities of the Association especially now that the Ecumenical space has been widened to encourage a deeper engagement of professionals from all fields of human endeavour.”
He commended the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, and the other leaders of the church for sustaining the DIVCCON vision and for adopting the National Christian Centre as the venue every year. “The choice of this venue makes this event more open and more inclusive.”
He prayed that the 2023 edition of DIVCCON will be a huge success. “I urge you to continue to support this programme with your resources despite the harsh economic conditions, for we shall reap the fruits of this programme if we do not relent if we do not faint.”
