The Nation Newspaper

Tag: tinubu

Better days ahead for Nigerians, Tinubu assures

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, said the current challenges facing the nation are only temporary, assuring Nigerians that better days are in the offing.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu gave the assurance during an audience with a delegation of South-West Muslim faithful, led by Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, at the State House in Abuja.

“We have to believe in one country; we have to believe in Nigeria. We will do our best, and our economy will get better for the benefit of Nigerians. I am very sure of that, and we are putting in the work to ensure that,” the President said.

The President noted that the policies and programmes of his administration are aimed at achieving a fairer, better and honest society where hard work is rewarded and laziness reaps little.

“It is about our future. We must guarantee our future. Almighty Allah will not give us a burden that we cannot bear. He has put us here for a purpose. It may look difficult; even rough, but it will get better. We avoided it (removing petroleum subsidy) for 40 years. We are all going through the pain now, but for Nigeria not to collapse, we had to remove the subsidy.

Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu approves payment of four months of withheld salaries to ASUU members

“In the history of successful nations, there is nothing more vital than the leadership of a nation taking difficult decisions at the right time and for the right reasons. There would have been no money for the sub-nationals,” the President declared.

President Tinubu commended the leaders for their prayers and support, assuring them that his administration is determined to empower the youth with skills and create an enabling environment for them to prosper.

The President of the Ummah, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, in company of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, commended President Tinubu for his courage in removing the petroleum subsidy and for initiating necessary, even if difficult reforms.

“There had been no leader, military, or civilian that could break this hard nut of removing petroleum subsidy for us to grow as a country. You have done it. God will see you through,” Oladejo said.

October 20, 2023
Tinubu appoints Aina, Ohiri NPHCDA, NHIA bosses

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Muyi Aina as new Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu also appointed Dr. Kelechi Ohiri as the new Executive Secretary (ES) of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

The statement said the President tasked the two new appointees to prioritise quality, fairness and accountability in discharging their tasks at the two very critical healthcare agencies.

“President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of two (2) new Chief Executive Officers of Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare:

Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu approves payment of four months of withheld salaries to ASUU members

“Executive Secretary / CEO, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) — Dr. Muyi Aina; and Director-General / CEO, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) — Dr. Kelechi Ohiri.

“Dr. Muyi Aina is a globally renowned public health leader with a Masters in Public Health degree from Harvard University (USA) and a Doctorate degree from Johns Hopkins University (USA), following his first medical certification at the University of Ilorin.

“Dr. Kelechi Ohiri most recently served as the Managing Director for Strategy at Global Alliance for Vaccines in Geneva, Switzerland. He obtained a Masters in Public Health degree from Harvard University (USA) and another Masters degree in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government following his first medical certification from the University of Lagos. He has obtained significant experience serving in the World Bank, McKinsey & Company, and has shaped reforms to the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom.

“President Bola Tinubu urges the new leadership of these two critical agencies in the sector to prioritize quality, fairness, and accountability in the provision of world-class health care to all segments of the Nigerian society,” the statement reads.

October 20, 2023
Tinubu approves establishment of seven new tertiary institutions

President Bola Tinubu has approved the staggered establishment of four colleges of education to be converted to federal universities of education.

The President also approved two Federal Universities of Agriculture, two Federal Universities of Medical and Health Sciences and five colleges of education.

The President made the announcement in a statement by the Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Obialor-Dur Augustina Okechi on behalf of the Minister.

The statement said the approval was in line with the present administration’s commitment to ensure continuity in governance and policy consistency.

Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu appoints Shaakaa Choral as Auditor-General of the Federation

It said the approved institutions for which the establishment process would commence immediately include: Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale, Delta State and Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, Adamawa State.

Colleges of education converted to federal universities of education are Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo State and Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo State.

The newly approved colleges of education are Federal College of Education, Ilawe Ekiti State; Federal College of Education, Ididep, Ibiono Akwa Ibom State and Federal College of Education (Technical), Yauri, Kebbi State.

“The establishment and conversion of these institutions is a further demonstration of President Tinubu’s Education for the Renewed Hope Agenda and will help in improving access to tertiary education in the country,” the statement added.

October 20, 2023
BREAKING: Tinubu appoints Shaakaa Chira as Auditor-General of the Federation

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr Shaakaa Chira as the substantive Auditor-General of the Federation (AGF).

A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu appointed Choral, following his emergence as the most suitable candidate screened by the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

He will be assuming the office which has not had a substantive AuGF since the last occupier, Mr Aghughu Adolphus, over a year ago.

The statement read: “By powers vested in him by Section 86 of the 1999 Constitution (Amended), President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Shaakaa Chira as the substantive Auditor-General of the Federation, as recommended by the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu appoints Olusi as BOI CEO

“The president approved Mr. Chira’s appointment after the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) conducted a screening exercise that identified Mr. Chira as the most qualified candidate who had also scored the highest in the examination amongst all qualified candidates for the office.

“President Bola Tinubu expects the new Auditor-General to justify the confidence reposed in him and to live up to the high expectations that Nigerians have concerning the execution of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.”

October 20, 2023
BREAKING: Tinubu approves payment of four months of withheld salaries to ASUU members

President Bola Tinubu has approved a partial waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” order invoked against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for their eight months of industrial action in 2022.

The approval, which was contained in a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, given on a Principle of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy and will see the university lecturers receiving salaries of four months out of eight.

According to the statement, the president granted the partial waiver with a mandatory requirement that both the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment must secure a Document of Understanding (DoU) that this would be the last of such waiver by the federal government.

Read Also: Tinubu’s policies will be impactful, says leadership institute

The statement said: “Invoking the Principle of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, President Bola Tinubu has approved the partial waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” Order that was instituted against striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) following the commencement of their eight-month industrial action which began on February 14, 2022, and was terminated on October 17, 2022.

“In view of his determination to mitigate the difficulties being felt during the implementation of key economic reforms in the country, as well as his recognition of the faithful implementation of terms which were agreed upon during the fruitful deliberations between ASUU and the Federal Government of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has directed the grant of an exceptional last waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” Order on ASUU, which will allow for the previously striking members of ASUU to receive four (4) months of salary accruals out of the eight months of salary which was withheld during the eight-month industrial action undertaken by the union.

“The president has directed the grant of the waiver with a mandatory requirement that the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment must secure a Document of Understanding (DoU) establishing that this exceptional waiver granted by the President will be the last one to be granted to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and all other Education Sector Unions.”

October 20, 2023
JUST IN: Tinubu grants waiver for release of withheld resident doctors’ pay

President Bola Tinubu has directed an exceptional last waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” order instituted against members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), following their 17-day industrial action between July 26 and August 12.

In a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu waived the order, invoking the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, adding that he had also considered the faithful implementation of the terms agreement by both parties.

He, however, has tasked both the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to ensure it is clear to doctors that exceptional waiver would be the last that would be granted the association.

According to the statement, the exceptional waiver granted will, in effect, pave the way for the withheld part of salary to be released to members of the association.

He said: “Invoking the Principle of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, President Bola Tinubu has approved the waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” Order that was instituted against striking members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on August 1, 2023, following the commencement of their industrial action which began on July 26, 2023.

Read Also: Atiku, Obi versus Tinubu: Legal fireworks on Monday

“After several constructive engagements between the Federal Government and NARD, the Resident Doctors called off their strike on August 12, 2023. The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation was directed to withhold all salaries accrued by striking NARD members during the 17 days of their strike action.

“In view of the faithful implementation of terms which were agreed upon during the fruitful deliberations between the Resident Doctors and the Federal Government of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has directed the grant of an exceptional last waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” Order on Resident Doctors, which will allow for the members of the NARD to receive the salaries, which were previously withheld during the 17-day strike action.

“The president has directed the grant of the waiver with a mandatory requirement that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment must secure a Document of Understanding (DoU) establishing that this exceptional waiver granted by the President will be the last one to be granted to the National Association of Resident Doctors and all other Health sector unions.”

October 20, 2023
Tinubu will strengthen Nigeria’s relationship with other African nations – Idris

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has assured the international community of President Bola Tinubu‘s commitment to deepening the relationships between Nigeria and other African countries.

Idris also demanded reciprocatory gesture from the international community.

The minister spoke at the First Angola-Nigeria Interactive Business Forum organized by the Angolan Embassy in Abuja on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

He revealed that Nigeria is implementing its foreign policy agenda, built on four main pillars: Democracy, Demography, Diaspora, and Development.

The minister said: “The policy aims to strengthen Nigeria’s position as an African leader, increase its global influence, and take advantage of strategic autonomy. Additionally, these pillars aim to drive important multilateral reforms, improve national security, and boost trade and investment.”

Read Also: ‘Nigerians should be patient with Tinubu’

According to a statement signed by Suleiman Haruna, Deputy Director, Press Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the minister also elaborated that Nigeria’s foreign policy will play a key role in achieving President Tinubu’s domestic priorities, outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the government will continue to advocate for policies and programmes at the global level that align with Nigeria’s domestic objectives and aspirations.

The minister therefore called for synergy amongst African countries to confront the challenges facing the continent, noting that the President’s dream and vision is that African countries forge deeper and stronger connections that allow the continent a bigger and more forceful positioning on the global stage and a greater chance at achieving true and lasting freedom and prosperity.

The statement read: “Even against the backdrop of differing languages, cultures, and social and political systems, we must find ways of agreeing on and pushing unified narratives about who we are as a continent and what we want to achieve across all spheres of endeavor.”
Idris also urged Angola to partner with Nigeria in playing key roles in the success of Africa as both countries rank among the two important economies on the continent, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would continue to strengthen mutual brotherhood between the two countries through the deliberate pursuit of productive bilateral relations.

On his part, the Angolan Minister of External Affairs, who was represented by Mr. Tete Antonio, Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Angolan Communities, said Angola intends to invest more in strengthening economic and commercial relations with Nigeria to gain from its vast experience in the diversification of economic production.

He said the Angolan government is working on structural reforms to change the paradigm of depending on petroleum, thereby making its economy less vulnerable to the volatility of oil prices, and the country is counting on the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other friendly nations to achieve that objective.

He urged the Nigerian business community to take advantage of the Angolan market, which, he said, is open for business and investment, adding that it presents various competitive advantages.

The Angola-Nigeria Interactive Business Forum was attended by the Nigerian Business Community, Captains of Industry, the Diplomatic Community, friends, and well-wishers of the Republic of Angola.

October 20, 2023
Be patient, pray for Tinubu’s administration, Buratai’s foundation tells Nigerians

The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has urged Nigerians to exercise patience and offer prayers for the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The foundation highlighted the significance of laying a strong foundation for a nation, which is the current focus of Tinubu and his team.

The foundation, under the chairmanship of Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, the Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi, expressed its confidence that the hope and change anticipated by Nigerians will eventually come to fruition, emphasizing the importance of citizens to exercise patience and understanding with the present administration.

According to a statement issued by the foundation, its Grand Patron of the Foundation, Ambassador Tukur Buratai, has consistently stressed the need for unity among opposition parties and all Nigerians, especially after the elections.

It said: “With a duly elected and sworn-in leader in office, it is paramount for all Nigerians to unite and provide essential support to President Tinubu for the greater good of the country. This call for unity underscores the principle that national interests should always take precedence over personal or sectional interests.

Read Also: Tinubu’s policies will be impactful, says leadership institute

“By rallying around and supporting the president, Nigerians can collectively work towards the development and progress of the nation. It is essential to set aside political differences and focus on the common goal of building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria. This unity will not only strengthen the government but also create an environment conducive to effective governance and the implementation of policies that benefit all citizens.”

The Foundation also emphasized the need for the wealthier individuals in society to extend a helping hand to the less privileged, highlighting the significance of humanitarian services such as free medical outreaches, educational scholarships, and organizing orientations in various fields.

The foundation stressed that no government can fully satisfy its citizens without the support of the people as it encouraged both financial and moral support to assist one another.

It also stressed the unity of Nigeria and called upon citizens to be their brother’s keepers and helpers, saying that “this is a critical moment in Nigeria’s history, where the decision to embrace peace and unity or succumb to disintegration lies in the hands of the current generation.”

October 20, 2023
‘Nigerians should be patient with Tinubu’

The Planter, Christ Apostolic Church, Adamimogo Grace of Mercy, Prayer Mountain, Worldwide, Prophet Olu Alo has advised Nigerians to be patient with the government of President Bola Tinubu, saying who will turn things around.

He spoke after the burial and thanksgiving service of Pa. Joseph Alo at his house and Christ Apostolic Church, Okesegun, Ido District Coordinating Council Headquarters, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Alo donated a block of classrooms to Temidire High School and St Benedict Catholic Primary school, Ekiti State, laid the foundation of the maternity hospital at CAC, Okesegun, Ekiti, as part of events to mark the burial.

Read Also: Why President Tinubu is big on Policy Coordination

He said “nobody can do a miracle in three months. Let us give Tunubu and his team time and we believe they will develop the nation”.

Alo advised the government to make food available, and determine prices instead of monetary palliative.

Pastor Isaac Eyebiokin extoled the virtues of humility and selfless service to God and mankind exemplified by tPa Joseph Alo, stressing we should live worthy lives.

At the event were, Attoney-General, Ekiti State, Dayo Apata (SAN); wife of former Ogun State governor, Mrs Olufunke Daniel; former National Youth Pastor, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Pastor Anu Ojo; Ogun State and Benin Republic Essien Regional Superintendent, Pastor Isaac Eyebiokin among others.

October 20, 2023
Tinubu’s policies will be impactful, says leadership institute

Institute of Leadership Assessment and Development has said tat President Bola Tinubu has taken steps in rebuilding the economy in 100 days.

Director-General, Dr. Baba Adamu, who spoke at 2023 Leadership Conference/Awards in Lagos, said the government removed the fuel subsidy to avoid a national economic catastrophe.

Adamu noted President Tinubu unified multiple foreign exchange markets and implemented intervention programmes to cushion the impacts of the reforms.

The reforms, he said, included salary raise, support for vulnerable states and local governments, and plans to roll out over 11,000 CNG buses for public transportation.

Read Also: Why President Tinubu is big on Policy Coordination

He said: “The government has also set up a Tax and Fiscal Reforms Committee to deepen reforms and reposition the national economy for long-term sustainability. Tinubu has worked to promote political stability, manage ethnic and religious tensions, and ensured appointments into key government positions.

“We also want to commend the government for the proposed 470-kilometre Abuja-Lagos greenfield superhighway, and the Lagos – Calabar superhighway.”

Quoting Ari Aisen, International Monetary Fund (IMF) representative to Nigeria, he said “the administration should focus on reducing the naira in circulation’’.

The IMF representative noted efforts by the government to bring more foreign exchange into the market.

“He said there are too many Naira chasing yet too few dollars, as he alluded before in previous conversations. It’s very important to reduce the amount of Naira, reduce the growth rate of money supply domestically in Nigeria.”

Dr Adamu the conference represents the convergence of leadership, knowledge, and camaraderie.

Adamu further observed that Investiture ceremonies were moments of great significance, where they honour and recognize individuals who had displayed exceptional leadership qualities, unwavering commitment, and a dedication to furthering the principles of leadership assessment and development.

He said: “These honorees have demonstrated not only their expertise but also their passion for inspiring positive change, both within our institute and in the broader community. Moreover, today’s event is not just about celebrating individual accomplishments. It is an opportunity for us to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and forge new connections. This conference serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices in leadership assessment and development.

“The Institute of Leadership Assessment and Development is not just an organization; it is a community of thought leaders, practitioners, and learners committed to shaping the future of leadership.

“As we gather here, we also emphasize the importance of fellowship—the sense of unity, support, and shared purpose that binds us together. Our institute is not merely a collection of like-minded professionals; it is a family that thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence. It is through our collective efforts that we have made significant strides in the field of leadership development.

“In our pursuit of excellence, let us not forget the core values that define our institute: integrity, innovation, inclusivity, and a relentless dedication to growth. These values are the pillars upon which our organization stands, and they guide us as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of leadership.

“Before we embark on this inspiring journey of recognition, learning, and collaboration, I extend my deepest appreciation to each member of our institute for their unwavering dedication. Your commitment has been instrumental in propelling our organization to new heights, and I am confident that together, we will continue to drive positive change and foster leadership excellence.”

October 20, 2023