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  • Hold governors accountable for palliatives, says Tinubu

    Hold governors accountable for palliatives, says Tinubu

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that governors and Local Government chairmen should be held responsible if the distribution of subsidy removal palliatives is poorly managed.

    “Nigerians must hold them accountable,” he said while responding to a request by Muslim clerics (Ulama) to be allowed to monitor the distributions nationwide.

    Responding to the  Islamic scholars’ request to be allowed to monitor the distribution of subsidy removal palliatives to states, the President promised that more palliatives were coming for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).  

    He said: ”  Even if I set up a panel, I will have to go through the governors and the local governments. We will continue to talk to the governors. Nigerians must hold them accountable. 

    Read Also: NBA advises AGF Fagbemi on judicial reform

    “It’s unheard of that in a constitutional democracy, a president will sit here and give orders to states. I can only appeal to them to implement.

    “The people reside in the states, and if a governor is not doing well, the people should  vote them out.” 

    The Federal Government had nine days ago approved N5 billion for each of the 36 states of the federation for procurement of food items and fertilisers for sharing to  less privileged households. and farmers.

    It also released  60 metric tonnes of grains from the national reserves and 180 truckloads of rice for distribution.  

  • Afro-Caribbean tourism group hails Tinubu on creation of tourism ministry

    Afro-Caribbean tourism group hails Tinubu on creation of tourism ministry

    The president of the Afro-Caribbean Chamber of Culture and Tourism (ACCCAT), Quadri-adu Shakir Kehinde, has commended President Bola Tinubu on the creation of a stand-alone ministry of tourism.

    He also called on Nigerians, especially stakeholders in the culture, arts and tourism industry to give maximum support to the new government.

    While addressing a press conference on the formation of the ministries for Culture and Creative Economy and the Ministry of Tourism, Kehinde said, “It’s high time we forgot about the last election and started thinking out of the box for the development of our dear country. For creating the two ministries, President Tinubu has listened to our clarion call in the industry. Kudos to the president for listening to the voice of reason.”

    Kehinde equally used the medium to congratulate the two newly appointed ministers, Hannatu Musawa of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy and Lola Ade-John of the Ministry of Tourism. He pledged the support of the chamber to the two ministers.

    He advised the government to diversify the economy from oil and gas to other sectors, stating: “This will drive sustainable growth, increase revenue sources and create job opportunities for the teeming unemployed young Nigerians”.

    Read Also: Reps committee begs Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu

    He said: “The unique and multi-cultural structure of Nigeria even before independence in 1960 avails us of the rich cultural and tourism potentials that can drive growth if properly harnessed and sustainably developed. Nigeria with over 250 ethnic groups with diverse cultures, languages, arts and unique environmental endowment by nature implies that each ethnic group can leverage areas of its comparative creative and tourism advantage to grow their local economy”.

    Kehinde added: “The creative and art industry possesses huge income-generating potential and also shows the diversity of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. The art and creative designs are increasingly gaining prominence in homes, offices and art galleries within and outside Nigeria.

    “The creative industry, especially the entertainment aspect, has a far more reaching impact of portraying Nigeria’s cultural values, beliefs, traditions, food, languages and dressing to the world, beyond just entertainment.”

  • JUST IN: Tinubu in meeting with Islamic leaders

    JUST IN: Tinubu in meeting with Islamic leaders

    President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with a delegation of Nigerian Muslim leaders, (Ulama), led by Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The group of Islamic leaders recently offered to interface with the coup leaders in the Niger Republic on behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), got the approval and actually interacted with the junta’s head, General Abdourahamane Tchiani.

    The Ulammas are meeting President Tinubu, who is the chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, at the Presidential Villa to brief him on the outcome of their visit to Niger over the political situation in the country.

    Read Also: Akande, Omisore, others hail Tinubu over Oyetola’s appointment

    It would be recalled that the ECOWAS had taken steps to show its disapproval of the military takeover of power in Niger by imposing a series of sanctions and an ultimatum, which the body threatened could lead to an armed response.

    The Ulammas, who are opposed to war with the Nigerien military, as threatened by ECOWAS, said that apart from the dire consequences of armed conflict, they were enjoined by their religious faith and the Quran to seek mediation first in cases like this before resorting to war.

    Details shortly

  • ‘Nigerians must be patient with Tinubu’

    ‘Nigerians must be patient with Tinubu’

    • Association gets president

    The outgoing National President of Jama-at-tul Islammiya of Nigeria, Arc Taofeeq Agabje, has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    Agbaje said the new administration needs time to settle down and come up with its programmes.

    He spoke during the 11th Triennial delegates’ conference of the association at Magodo, Lagos.

    Agbaje said: “Things can’t turn around overnight. However, it is important that the government also cut down costs so that the citizens will realise that everyone is affected,”

    He called on Muslims to unite to confront their challenges.

    Read Also: NLC threatens to pull out workers from NHF

    Chairman on the occasion, Justice Habeebullah Abiru, said: “Muslims should fight for their people and shouldn’t wait until they hold political positions before helping other Muslims. Christians help one another whether or not they hold political positions.

    “The political landscape in the last election has shown that we need to stand together and bring about a society that allows Muslims to exercise their rights without any discrimination.”

    Abiru said there is a need for Muslims to leverage on the development in the country to protect their rights.

    Guest speaker and Chief Imam of Unilag Muslim Community, Prof Ismail Musa emphasized that diversity is not limited to the Muslims but the non-Muslims too.

    Prof Musa said: “Our country is pluralistic and in most cases, the Muslims and non-Muslims are always at loggerheads. The problems and conflict in Nigeria is a manifestation of lack of diversity in Islam because we look at diversity in negative ways. The commonalities are much more than the diversities. There are a lot of things we have in common.”

    Prof. Musa reiterated that Muslims are not well represented in governance like the Christians.

    “The injustice we suffer today is because of our lack of unity.  May Allah continue to strengthen and support us,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the association on Sunday elected Alhaji Ashim Adebowale Oyekan, an engineer as the new president.

    Oyekan will run the affairs for the next three years.

    He promised that he and other members of the National Executive Council (NEC) will be forthright in the tasks ahead, consolidating the gains made by the Islamic organisation.

    Oyekan was a former Commissioner of Environment and Physical Planning and Agriculture, Co-operative and Rural Development in Lagos State, between 1992-1993.

  • ‘Nigerians must be patient with Tinubu’

    ‘Nigerians must be patient with Tinubu’

    • Association gets president

    The outgoing National President of Jama-at-tul Islammiya of Nigeria, Arc Taofeeq Agabje, has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    Agbaje said the new administration needs time to settle down and come up with its programmes.

    He spoke during the 11th Triennial delegates’ conference of the association at Magodo, Lagos.

    Agbaje said: “Things can’t turn around overnight. However, it is important that the government also cut down costs so that the citizens will realise that everyone is affected,”

    He called on Muslims to unite to confront their challenges.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Sultan of Sokoto on 67th birthday

    Chairman on the occasion, Justice Habeebullah Abiru, said: “Muslims should fight for their people and shouldn’t wait until they hold political positions before helping other Muslims. Christians help one another whether or not they hold political positions.

    “The political landscape in the last election has shown that we need to stand together and bring about a society that allows Muslims to exercise their rights without any discrimination.”

    Abiru said there is a need for Muslims to leverage on the development in the country to protect their rights.

    Guest speaker and Chief Imam of Unilag Muslim Community, Prof Ismail Musa emphasized that diversity is not limited to the Muslims but the non-Muslims too.

    Prof Musa said: “Our country is pluralistic and in most cases, the Muslims and non-Muslims are always at loggerheads. The problems and conflict in Nigeria is a manifestation of lack of diversity in Islam because we look at diversity in negative ways. The commonalities are much more than the diversities. There are a lot of things we have in common.”

    Prof. Musa reiterated that Muslims are not well represented in governance like the Christians.

    “The injustice we suffer today is because of our lack of unity.  May Allah continue to strengthen and support us,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the association on Sunday elected Alhaji Ashim Adebowale Oyekan, an engineer as the new president.

    Oyekan will run the affairs for the next three years.

    He promised that he and other members of the National Executive Council (NEC) will be forthright in the tasks ahead, consolidating the gains made by the Islamic organisation.

    Oyekan was a former Commissioner of Environment and Physical Planning and Agriculture, Co-operative and Rural Development in Lagos State, between 1992-1993.

  • Tinubu celebrates Sultan of Sokoto on 67th birthday

    Tinubu celebrates Sultan of Sokoto on 67th birthday

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has felicitated with the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Sokoto Sultanate Council, as the revered royal father and spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria turns 67 on Thursday August 24, 2023.

    According to a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the president shared in this moment of joy and thanksgiving with the leader of the Qadiriyya Sufi Order, who also serves as Head of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (Society for the Support of Islam) and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs.

    Read Also: Akande, Omisore hail Tinubu over Oyetola’s appointment

    President Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices and selflessness of the Sultan of Sokoto, who has, since his assumption of office in November 2006, worked assiduously for the sustenance of peaceful co-existence in the country, and beyond, personally traveling, intervening, mediating, and chairing meetings on the need for harmony.

    The president extolled the Sultan’s magnanimity, friendliness, and neighbourly outlook on life, seizing every opportunity to educate citizens on the benefits of amity in the society, while providing platforms for solidifying Nigeria’s unity, such as instituting the Peace Accord for elections as a member of the National Peace Committee.

    President Tinubu said: “As the revered former military officer, who served the nation meritoriously, clocks 67, the President believes his wealth of experience will continuously be an asset for the steady progress of the nation with a particular emphasis on bridging religious, ethnic, and cultural divides.

    “President Tinubu prays for more years of strength, health, and wisdom for His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto”, the statement said.

  • Tinubu’s list excites youth coalition

    Tinubu’s list excites youth coalition

    Tinubu Support Team (TST) has said it is impressed with the team appointed by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as right pegs in right holes.

    It added the timely appointment of seasoned ministers showed Tinubu is ready to hit the ground running and tackle leakages and corruption.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, National Coordinator, John Lawal said: ‘’Indeed, the concept of hitting the ground running by blocking conduit pipes of economic leakages and wastage, which has impoverished the masses with stringent policies and factory resetting of our governmental institutions and establishments is positive towards rebuilding a nation. 

    Read Also: First Lady to Nigerians: better days coming

    “As a resilient coalition that believes in  the gains of electing President Bola Tinubu, we applaud, commend and thank Mr. President for not only appointing his ministers on time, but for putting right pegs in right holes.

    “Consequently, TST appreciates, commend and thank the President for appointing Zephaniah Jisalo, former AMAC chairman and member of House of Representatives representing Abuja Municipal/Bwari Constituency as minister of Special Duties & Intergovernmental Affairs. 

    “This has shown the dexterity of the President as a nationalist, who identifies ‘political technocrats’ that have carved niches for themselves, irrespective of tribe or religion when national servitude beckons.”

  • Kumuyi: expect new things from Tinubu’s govt 

    Kumuyi: expect new things from Tinubu’s govt 

    • ‘Ministers carefully selected, have good track records’

    The Founder and General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, has urged fellow Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    The cleric said new good things would happen under the new administration. 

    He assured that God would reform the hearts of Nigerian leaders to have the wisdom to lead the people well and prioritise their welfare. 

    Kumuyi spoke yesterday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, ahead of monthly Global Crusade of his church scheduled to hold later in the week.

    The cleric noted that the new ministers in the Tinubu administration were carefully chosen, considering their good track records.

    He urged Nigerians to cooperate with them so that they could function effectively and deliver dividends of democracy to the nation.

    Kumuyi said: “Let’s forget the past. This is a new day. I believe we all believe that we’re going to see new things for our country through our President and through the members of the cabinet. Good things will happen.

    “What we’re saying is that God will perform a miracle in the hearts of our leaders and their hearts will be towards the people and the wisdom to lead us and do everything that will benefit us as a country. The Lord himself will work in their hearts.”

    “You will see that those ministers that have been chosen in the cabinet are not new people that have never done anything. If you look at them one by one, you’ll see the good things they’ve done, either as state governors of the past or as other ministers. I would say they have been carefully chosen.

    “If we support and accept them, and if we are not criticising their every step, we believe that God will walk through them and use them as instruments to build our nation.”

    Commenting on the planned crusade, he said: “At the ministers’ conference, we will talk to ourselves heart-to-heart. We’ve talked to ourselves heart-to-heart, and with the grace of God, as the Lord touches people at the crusade, He’s going to touch the ministers too.

    “We will see something better, higher and different from where we have been before. The Lord will help us and touch me and you and everyone and transform our ministers as well as our churches.”

  • BREAKING: Niger coup: Tinubu in meeting with Touray, Abubakar, Ribadu

    BREAKING: Niger coup: Tinubu in meeting with Touray, Abubakar, Ribadu

    As part of efforts to defuse the political crisis in Niger Republic, President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with some critical stakeholders in the ECOWAS intervention in the crisis.

    President Tinubu is the chairman of the authority of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Read Also: Niger coup: Giving strategic diplomacy a chance

    Attending the ongoing meeting are the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray; leader of the ECOWAS delegation to Niger Republic’s military junta, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

    Though there was no brief to the media on the agenda for the meeting, a source revealed that the reason would revolve round averting armed conflict over the Niger Republic crisis.

    Details shortly…

  • How we will implement Tinubu’s agenda, by ministers

    How we will implement Tinubu’s agenda, by ministers

    • Cabinet members lay out priority areas
    • President demands performance, urges restoration of faith in govt

    Ministers got the Presidential directive to perform and restore faith in government.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spoke after 45 ministers took the oath of office and oath of allegiance before him at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

    The ministers left the venue and hit the ground running by resuming at their various ministries.

    They also spoke on how they would actualise the Renewed Hope agenda.

    Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, assured Nigerians on resumption at the Ministry of Finance that the discomfort as a result of the government’s bold steps to reform the economy would soon be over.

    Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, said he would prioritise health security and reduce medical tourism.

    Read Also: Ministers lay out plans for nation’s development

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, promised to restore the Abuja Master Plan and step on toes in the process if necessary.

    Works Minister, Dave Umahi, said he will not jettison his national outlook. 

    He promised to be a hands-on minister who would not allow bureaucracy to be a spoke in his wheel.

    The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said he would confront the national grid challenge and meet the universal metering of households.

    Under him, he added, electricity supply will be stable and accessible.

    Also coming are renewable and alternative energies.

    The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, said President Tinubu sent him to the ministry because he intended to pursue diversification. 

    He said: “Now if you all can sit down to analyse the global trend of economic development, you would note that hydrocarbon, that is oil, is fading out.

    “The world is moving towards alternatives like gas, electric cars and the rest. So, what is the next economic growth factor? It is solid minerals.”

    Marine and Blue Economy Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the blue economy is estimated globally to be worth more than $1.5 trillion annually.

    He said considering the size of the country’s blue economy, it should contribute to the revenue drive and provide jobs for the unemployed.

    Opportunities in the sub-sector will be fully harnessed, he added.

    Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN) said he would build on the existing aviation roadmap.

    Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo warned para-military agencies against infractions, adding that internal security will be business unusual under his watch.

    Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Minister Betta Edu explained that she will vigorously pursue the government’s goal of lifting 133 million Nigerians out of poverty.

    The ministers were sworn in in nine batches of five in alphabetical order.

    But priority was accorded the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

    His office is the only one mentioned in the Constitution.

    The invitation for oath-taking preceded the reading of the resume of the ministers.

    At the end of the oath-taking, the President read his address and proceeded to take a group photograph with all 45 ministers.

    The inauguration was witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abass, Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF) Senator George Akume and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Abdulaziz Abdulrahman of Kwara State.

    Others were governors, political leaders, family members of the ministers, and top government functionaries.

    Tinubu: Nigerians expect results

    The President noted that the ministers came on board at a time when the country needed renewal and reforms across the sectors. 

    He said: “Nigerians expect you to hit the ground running just as we had promised them during our campaigns. 

    “With your inauguration today (yesterday), you have become ministers of the Federal Republic, not ministers of a particular state or region.

    “Nigerians expect a lot and they deservedly want to see changes in their lives. 

    “You are now in the same boat with me, and they expect that their lives will take a new and better turn.” 

    Noting that the new ministers reflected the national diversity, the president said they were chosen because of their records in their various fields. 

    Tinubu said despite the ministers’ track records, he would be behind the wheels of the vehicle conveying Nigerians on the journey to a greater country while they serve as conductors.  

    His words: “In line with the constitutional obligations, the Senate has screened and confirmed 45 ministers who will superintend over the ministries of Federal Government in this administration of renewed hope.

    “The men and women who have been sworn in have been carefully selected by me for their track record of excellence and achievement in the public and private sectors.

    “They reflect the diversity of Nigeria and bring to their new role an assortment of experience and expertise to help guide the nation’s affairs and also continue to rebuild the nation and re-engineer all our finances and defects, building blocks of Nigeria today and the future.

    “The challenges we face today are very daunting, yes. Amidst this evident challenge, we have the opportunity to implement long overdue reforms that will improve the operation of government, transform our nation’s economy and ensure peace, safety and prosperity for our people.

    “These are the objectives that underpin the renewed hope agenda. These are the objectives that inspired the selection of a lot of these distinguished ladies and gentlemen ministers.

    “Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you are not a minister of a region or minister of a particular state. 

    “Since my inauguration on May 29, I have taken steps to begin implementing the agenda from which I campaigned and for which I received the mandate of the Nigerian people.

    “With the inauguration of ministers today (yesterday), we are about to accelerate our governing efforts to move forward, highlighting our best aspiration for Nigerians. It is all about a great team. And I believe we have them here.

    “It is the highest honour to be chosen to serve as the minister in the Federal Executive Council of our beloved Republic. With such high honour comes tremendous responsibility. 

    “In this moment of abundant promise and peril in equal measure, all of you who have been sworn in have been called to distinguish yourselves. 

    “All of you who have been sworn in have been called to distinguish yourselves. It is me who knows you. I delegate this authority, but the greatest number of Nigerians are highly expecting delivery, accountability and transparency.

    “I expect that you will serve with integrity, dignity and deliver. I will hold you to that standard we all promised Nigerians.

    “Your assignment begins immediately. As your country honours you by this call to service, you must each work to make yourself worthy in the eyes of God and all our nation’s people.

    “Your highest obligation is to restore public faith in government so that our people can once again believe.

    “I believe in you that the government can be a positive force for transformation and a vehicle for collective progress of this country. 

    “I congratulate you and welcome you to the administration of renewed hope. I wish you success in this new assignment. 

    “We must hold each other responsible. We have to do the job to meet the expectations of all Nigerians.

    “As I said earlier on, you are not a minister of a particular state, colony, region or ethnic nationality. You are a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God be with you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,”  

    The ministers

    The ministers are Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkiruka Onyejeocha; Minister of State (Gas), Ministry of Petroleum Resources Ekperikpe Ekpo; Minister of State (Oil), Ministry of Petroleum Resources Heineken Lokpobiri; Minister of Women Affairs Uju Kennedy; Minister of Education Tahir Maman; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Ali Pate; Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Joseph Utsev and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari.

    Others are Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Betta Edu; Minister of Sports Development John Enoh; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo (SAN); Minister of Works Dave Umahi and Minister of Niger Delta Development Abubakar Momoh.

    Also in the new Federal Executive Council (FEC) are the Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake; Minister of Innovation Science and Technology Uche Nnaji; Minister of Transportation Alkali Sa’id; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite and Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru.

    Others are Minister of State Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Gwarzo; Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mariya Mahmud; Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Dangiwa; Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu.

    Others are Minister of State Education Yusuf Sunumu; Minister of Steel Development Shuaibu Audu; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Tunji Alausa; Minister of Tourism Lola Ade-John and Minister of State, Police Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

    Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; Minister of Information and National Orientation Muhammed Idris; Minister of State Environment Ishak Salako; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun and Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani are the others.

    Also sworn in are Minister of Interior Bunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of Power Adedayo Adelabu;  Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Lalong and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike.

    Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation Bello Goronyo; Minister of State for Steel Development Maigari Ahmadu; Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Geidam; Minister of State for Defense Bello Matawalle and Minster of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs Zephaniah Jisalo complete the 45.