Bringing to you News letters and memo from the Aso Villa

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

ESP UPDATE:
OVER 2,000 HECTARES READY IN 24 STATES FOR FG’S SOCIAL HOUSING SCHEME AS 17 STATES SHOW INTEREST IN SOLAR POWER NAIJA PROGRAMME

VP: We'll continue creating more jobs, improving access to power & affordable housing for Nigerians

After Jigawa, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, Kano to pilot next phase of solar power initiative

Titled documents secured for building of first set of 65,000 homes across Nigeria, very discounted cement prices set


Over two thousand hectares of land with titled documents have been given by 24 States for the Buhari administration’s Social Housing programme, while 17 States have indicated interest to participate in the Solar Power programme, both important elements of the ongoing Economic Sustainability Plan.

Equally agreement has now been reached with at least one major cement manufacturer in the country to sell at significantly discounted prices as low as N2600 per bag of cement for the social housing projects. This was after a meeting the Vice President held with three major cement manufacturers in the country namely Dangote Cement, Bua Cement and Lafarge Cement manufacturers.

These were some of the highlights emerging from a review meeting on the Economic Sustainability Plan implementation presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, at the Presidential Villa over the weekend.

Commenting on the implementation of components of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), Prof Osinbajo said the Buhari administration will continue to focus on creating more jobs, while improving access to power and affordable housing for majority of Nigerians.

Highlighting the progress so far, the Vice President assured that the Federal Government will ramp up efforts to so more Nigerians have access to electricity and affordable housing.

According to the presentation made by the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Alhaji Ahmad Salihijo, the Solar Power Naija team has had engagements with the 6 states who have identified private sector developers. The team has also selected Akwa Ibom, Ekiti and Kano as pilot states for the state-guarantee transaction model for the solar power programme.

He explained that REA is currently tracking transactions worth N55 billion potentially contributing the first two million connections in Nigeria and providing thousands of jobs

For instance, the programme is currently tracking four transactions in the commercial bank upstream channel contributing 3,500 jobs and 100,000 connections.

The MD added that 9 participants have submitted applications for over N4 billion of the N20 billion allocated with three companies close to receiving disbursements.

According to the MD, “Bleu Camel Energy with a loan amount of N3 billion is targeting to create 600 jobs; Sunking, another investor with a loan amount of N3 billion will create 1,500 jobs; Auxno Solar with N300 million loan amount targets 100 jobs while Emerald Industrial Co. is seeking N3 billion funding to manufacture 100,000 Solar Home Systems and smart meters.

On the other hand but in the same vein, the Managing Director/CEO of the Family Homes Fund Limited (FHFL) - the implementing agency for the Social Housing scheme, Mr. Femi Adewole, stated that 17,584 units across 16 locations are now on the pipeline.

“We are having a successful push in assembling land to feed the housing construction. So far about 2156.4ha have been assembled ready for development. This has the capacity to accommodate about 65,000 homes,” he said.

Adewole further said that under the ESP Social Housing programme, Nigerians would be given at least a 15-year period with a monthly payment at six per cent interest rate to pay for each housing units.

While the rates are significantly low, the MD noted that this period can also be extended through refinancing.

“This will help to improve access to housing for low income people in the informal sector who-(otherwise) will not have an opportunity to access a mortgage,” he stated.

He further said that in addition to the typical 2, 3 and 4 bedroom housing units, the FHFL was considering a “Students and Young People’s Housing – to address the needs of young people.”

An  agreement with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has now been finalized and signed by Family Homes Funds, he disclosed while drawdown is subject to a guarantee from the Ministry of Finance.

It would be recalled that the CBN had committed to a N200B facility with a guarantee by the FG via the Finance Ministry for the Social Housing scheme

Speaking further, the FHFL MD noted the agency has struck partnerships with Dangote Cement for the provision of cement at subsidized rates to construct the ESP homes, adding that “we expect to reach a similar agreement with the other two majors shortly.”

He added that the FHFL has signed an MoU with the ESP Solar Power project including 3 suppliers to provide low-cost solar panels to the homes.

Adewole stated that the delivery of the units would be through SME Delivery Partners – who are being encouraged to register on the Housing Portal.

He said, “So far about 7,333 SME groups and individuals are registered on the online portal. Up to 2,000 of these will be involved in current projects.

“We will be drawing from ongoing experience on our project in Yola where the construction of 3,600 homes are ongoing and a partnership between FHFL and the Ministry of Housing is implementing a large-scale youth employment scheme currently employing 1350 young people. The young people are manufacturing interlocking tiles, paving, screeding etc.

For the ESP Social Housing Adewole said “about 228 Manufacturers of Building Components have expressed interest in supplying inputs including doors, glazing, paint, roofing sheet etc. We are now engaging with these to secure bulk supply of key materials which in turn will provide opportunity to grow their production capacity.”

Already sites for early start projects have been identified in all the 6 geo-political zones in addition to the FCT. The sites include those in Ekiti and Ogun in the Southwest, Enugu, and Abia in the Southeast, Delta, and Edo in the South-south, Yobe, and Bauchi in the Northeast, Kaduna and Katsina in the Northwest and Nasarawa and Plateau in the North-central. Sites have also been identified in Abuja including at Dei Dei where the VP earlier visited to see the sample designs of the Social Housing homes.

Speaking specifically on the mass housing scheme, Prof. Osinbajo emphasized that the focus must be on providing affordable housing for the masses.

According to him, “if the Federal Government is going to intervene in housing, most of it should be social housing. Everybody else, including the private sector can build N9.6 million worth houses, but nobody else will do social housing.

“All over the world, when government intervenes, it is social housing...those who cannot afford housing are the ones we must focus attention on.

“I think that we have enough problems with finding homes for the vast majority of Nigerians who cannot find a home. The people who are poorest who have no houses, are the people we should target because that is what government should do. Let’s focus on this social housing.”

The Vice President added that the Federal Government will continue to collaborate with States to ensure more Nigerians benefit from the Social Housing scheme.

Under the Social Housing Programme, the Federal Government plans to support 1.5 million Nigerians to acquire low-cost houses through a mortgage options and also Rent to Own option. The scheme is expected to also generate 1.8 million jobs and deliver houses to about 1.5 million Nigerian families. The houses are to be priced around and about N2m and N4m each putting it within the reach of the low income earners, depending on the number of rooms. There are one, two and three bedrooms options.


Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President

9th May 2021

The NESP generally has been commendable so far, the social housing and the solar power are amongst the most crucial tools, ones that can improve the livelihoods of the people, OVP should ensure these two are not hijacked by Political actors, ensure those who the programmes are designed for, get them.

Buhari/Osinbajo administration is a problem keeper and the ESP has gone wide in changing the life of the populace

This is highly commendable. The ESP looks to create jobs, make life easier for Nigeria and drive development. I hope this program is well supervised in order to achieve its aim. Good job!

PROGRESS REPORT ON THE VICE PRESIDENT PROFESSOR YEMI OSINBAJO ON HOUSING.


• The National Social Housing Programme (NSHP) is the housing component of the Buhari /Osinbajo Economic Sustainability Plan to deliver affordable housing and millions of jobs for Nigerians.
• Under this programme, 300,000 homes will be constructed in all states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and to create up to 1.5 million jobs in 5 years.
• The government disclosed that low-income earners can become homeowners easily under the new NSHP initiative, which seeks to deliver affordable housing pegged at 300,000 units and millions of jobs for Nigerians.
• The Social Housing Programme is expected to play a huge role in reducing the socioeconomic challenges that emerge from the development of slum settlements.
• This takes avid steps towards making the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs 11) a reality, as it the NSHP aimed at making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
• In response to the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, President Muhammadu Buhari established the Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC) led by the Vice President; Yemi Osinbajo. The committee delivered the Nigerian Economic Sustainability Plan outlining objectives and key projects for various sectors.
• The mass housing strategy expects to create 1.8 million jobs. The strategy will be rolled out in two phases; the first phase is aimed at easing bottlenecks in the delivery of social housing while the second phase will deliver affordable homes through direct government interventions in house construction.
The first phase plans to:
1. Develop standardized home designs to streamline production costs.
2. Target 100% local input for the construction of 400 homes in each Local Government Area.
3. Engage with state governments to provide suitable land banks.
4. Create a ‘Homes Warehouse’ to buy any completed homes from delivery partners, in the absence of ready off-takers.
5. Mortgage or sell homes to the public through the Homes Warehouse.
6. Encourage private sector involvement and facilitate the maturity of the mortgage market that will cater to the needs of middle-class Nigerians while the government addresses the needs of low-income earners and the poor.
7. Give construction contracts with guaranteed off-take to a mix of established developers, small and medium scale contractors and consortiums of young professionals in the building sector.
The second phase plans to:
1. Build 10,840 units of low, medium and high-income units across the six geopolitical zones.
2. Build additional 12,008 houses under the Public Building and Housing Development Programme.
3. Provide construction financing through the Federal Mortgage Bank for up to 2,667 housing units per year.

• Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is perplexed some people believe it is impossible to build 300,000 housing units across the country in a year, breaking it down to 400 homes per local government area.
• Last month, the vice president announced the federal government's desire to implement a Social Housing Scheme where 300,000 one and two-bedroom houses will be constructed under the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) for low income earning Nigerians.
• "It was quite puzzling to me when people said that our plan to build 300,000 houses under the ESP was too ambitious a target. After all, this just amounts to 400 houses per local government. "Yet, many of our local governments are larger than some African countries who would not consider building 400 houses in one year as too onerous a task."
• Vice President Osinbajo stated this recently in a keynote address at a virtual one-day economic summit organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Banker's Committee, and the Vanguard Newspaper.
• The vice president said it was important to think big when considering national development, stating "in order to engender sustained economic growth, we must think in terms of scale. I am quite concerned when I hear that national interventions are classified as pilots involving sometimes no more than 1000 people. Given the size of our population, we cannot afford the luxury of pilot projects. We should design our interventions very carefully and then go big.
• "The task of national development requires that we fire on all cylinders. After all, at one stage, China was building 1.9 million housing units per year over a number of years."
• Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is perplexed some people believe it is impossible to build 300,000 housing units across the country in a year, breaking it down to 400 homes per local government area.
• Pice president announced the federal government’s desire to implement a Social Housing Scheme where 300,000 one and two-bedroom houses will be constructed under the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) for low income earning Nigerians.
• “It was quite puzzling to me when people said that our plan to build 300,000 houses under the ESP was too ambitious a target. After all, this just amounts to 400 houses per local government. “Yet, many of our local governments are larger than some African countries who would not consider building 400 houses in one year as too onerous a task.”

• Vice President Osinbajo stated this recently in a keynote address at a virtual one-day economic summit organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Banker’s Committee, and the Vanguard Newspaper.
• The vice president said it was important to think big when considering national development, stating “in order to engender sustained economic growth, we must think in terms of scale. I am quite concerned when I hear that national interventions are classified as pilots involving sometimes no more than 1000 people. Given the size of our population, we cannot afford the luxury of pilot projects. We should design our interventions very carefully and then go big.
• “The task of national development requires that we fire on all cylinders. After all, at one stage, China was building 1.9 million housing units per year over a number of years.”
• Model houses under the Social Housing Scheme have been built in Dei Dei in the Federal Capital Territory, and after inspecting them last month, Osinbajo declared they were of good quality and design, as well as affordable.
• He said, “On the average, anybody who is earning N30,000 a month and is ready to spend a third of that amount, will be able to afford one of these houses. That is the plan. What I have seen so far, there is a one-bedroom unit and there is a two-bedroom unit, both coming under N2 million.
• “I think that this is a very good thing indeed. And a point has been made that it is possible to build good, decent accommodation that isn’t out of the reach of practically everyone.”
• The grand plan, he said was to implement a Mass Housing Programme across the country. “We are hoping that we will be able to replicate this not just in Abuja but all over the country. So far, the Family Homes Fund is in 11 States, and they have given up land for the project.
• “We are hoping that this year, we will be able to very rapidly improve the scale and speed of putting these houses in place. Once we are able to get moving quickly, we think we can make available several thousands of houses across the country and more people can afford to live in such houses.”
• The nation’s cement manufacturers are in on it, he said, adding that “they have agreed to give cement for this project at considerable discount which is a very helpful thing to do and we really commend and thank them for the contributions they are making, it is a very patriotic thing on their part. They also see the importance of this Mass Housing Programme.”
• The government, he said intends to provide more infrastructure with its establishment of the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria Limited. “The President has now approved the establishment of InfraCo which will be a public-private partnership chaired by the CBN Governor to overcome our infrastructural deficits.
• “I expect that this is a project that will excite the interest of financiers and bankers and I encourage you all to lend support to make it a success,” Osinbajo to the conference’s participants.
• The CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele said with the decline in revenues due to federal and state government, alternative ways of funding infrastructure remained critical if the government was to generate sustained growth of the economy.
• “As we are all aware, a well-built infrastructure system can have a multiplier effect on growth by enabling the expansion of business activities in the country. That is why I am delighted that Mr. President has continued to give all the necessary approvals and support to establish the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria Limited.
• “InfraCorp will be co-owned by the CBN, the African Finance Corporation and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority and would become fully operational by the second quarter of 2021. This vehicle would enable the use of private and public capital to support infrastructure investment that will have a multiplier effect on growth across critical sectors.”




• About 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory have indicated an interest in joining the federal government’s 300,000, low-cost National Social Housing Plan (NSHP), the presidency has said.
• States have indicated interest for the construction of the first phase of the housing scheme are those who have provided free land in their various states. Osun, Ogun, Enugu, Delta, Bauchi, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory are the states where the first set of construction sites have been indicated. Other states like Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, Cross River, Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Borno and Yobe States are now working towards joining.
• In the release that the portal to invite Nigerians interested either as beneficiaries of the Social Housing or as delivery partners would be launched by the Family Homes Fund, the federal government agency designated to implement the scheme this week.
• “A housing portal that allows all interested parties in the scheme to get more information on the programme and express their interest in it will be launched on the 16th of December. Possible interested parties include individuals and organized groups interested in homeownership under the scheme, as well as delivery partners including developers, young professionals in the building industry, suppliers, and manufacturers” the statement said.
• President Muhammadu Buhari had in June approved the N2.3 trillion Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) prepared by the Osinbajo-led Economic Sustainability Committee.
• The federal government’s N200 billion facility social housing scheme is one of the planned schemes under the ESP approved by the Federal Executive Council and supported by the Central Bank of Nigeria. It is targeted at providing 300,000 low-income houses and creating 1.8 million jobs in the process.

• “About 1.8 million jobs would be created from the N200 billion CBN funds to kick start the projects.” Vice President Yemi Osinbajo
• Cement manufacturers have reached an agreement with the Buhari administration to charge discounted prices as the federal government commences its plan to build 300,000 houses for low-income Nigerians.
• The plan is under the Econ Sustainability Plan (ESP) of the administration and it is managed by Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL). Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visited one of the sites on Saturday, January 2 to monitor the progress of work done so far.
• Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, says the Federal Government will remain committed to addressing housing deficits in the country. Osinbajo disclosed this in an address on Friday in Abuja at the inauguration of the 2020 two-day (Oct. 9 and 10) National House fair, being organised by Bstan Homes Ltd.

• “Since the establishment in 2017, the National House Fair has pursued the task of pulling together key stakeholders in the real estate industry towards addressing the housing bottlenecks.
• “It is understood that the house fair is a veritable platform for facilitation of housing deals, we are aware that the challenges bedeviling housing development in the country require emphasis. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

• “Nonetheless, I acknowledge the choice of the theme of this housing fair ‘Gateway to better life; affordable housing solution’ which I consider apt is an opportunity for assessment of our housing journey.” Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

• “President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to take 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years and housing has been identified as a major tool for the realization, due to its multiple efforts.
• “Consequently, in line with the FG sustainability plan, CBN has recently approved the sum of N200 Billion for 300,000 households, the facility is to enable Family Funds ltd finance construction of social housing units for low income earners.
• “The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has introduced a programme tagged, Affording Housing Development and Management Initiative, aimed at reducing housing deficit through collaboration with public and private entities.”

• He said the initiative would boost the housing economy, increase National Housing stores and promote cooperatives, management of public buildings, hostel accommodations, deployment of unoccupied houses for either development schemes or rental initiatives.
• More so, he said, it would encourage development/modelling of all buildings to modern needs and cities, urban renewal/generation community upgrading among other things.
• He mentioned that the pilot project is expected to commence in October 2020 in Gwagwalada, with the construction of about 2500 housing units under Public Private Partnership involving private developers.

Mr Ife Adebayo, Special Assistant to the President on Innovation breaking down Nigeria's partnership with Microsoft and how it will create jobs and impact the country on Channels TV's Sunrise Daily on 10 May 2021

https://twitter.com/i/status/1391755637466480644

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

DARE ADEBOYE REPRESENTED FUTURE OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY WITH HIS COMMITMENT TO PREACHING UNVARNISHED GOSPEL - OSINBAJO

VP attends Service of Songs celebrating life of Pastor Adeboye's son at Redemption Camp.

Pastor Dare Adeboye lived a life filled with zeal, speed, and emphasized what was important and needed to be done at the right time according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof Osinbajo stated this in a tribute to the pastor and son of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E.A Adeboye who passed on last week

The Vice President's tribute was read at a service of songs that was held this afternoon at the Redemption Camp by Pastor Bisi Akande, Pastor in Charge of Lagos Region 35, although the VP was in attendance at the event alongside his wife, Her Excellency, Pastor Dolapo Osinbajo.

Describing the attributes of Pastor Dare, the Vice President stated that “he knew what was important to do and to emphasize and he worked very hard, everywhere, with the zeal and speed of one who knew that we don’t have all day.”

“He understood the dynamics and urgency of reaching young people with the gospel, especially because of their fundamental role in the sustainable growth of the church of God.”

According to the Vice President, Pastor Dare was in many ways, a representative of the future of Christian Ministry, “a new generation birthed in a period of great turbulence in ideas and doctrines, a surfeit of distractions, but committed to ensuring that the unvarnished gospel is preached to that generation.”

He further went on to say that despite the late pastor’s position of privilege, “he was deeply and unpretentiously respectful, not just of elders and those in authority, but of everyone, even his subordinates.”

Speaking on his personality, Prof Osinbajo noted that “everyone has a story to tell of Dare’s warmth, compassion, friendliness and his open displays of affection for others.”

The Vice President once again offered his condolences to Pastor Dare’s wife, Temiloluwa; his children, Oluwatishe, Ireoluwa and Araoluwa; Daddy and Mummy G.O, his siblings, family members and the entire RCCG family.

At the event were the former Governors of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; of Ondo State Mr. Segun Mimiko; the wife of former Imo State Governor, Mrs. Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha and the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Bishop Wale Oke, and several other dignitaries.

Laolu Akande,
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,
Office of the Vice President.
10th May 2021.

Theoretical government

Social media trends for Tuesday 11th May, 2021

Aso Rock, Armed Robbery
An online platform had reported that both Gambari and Maikano were robbed inside Aso Rock Villa.

According to the report which has been trending online, armed robbers had invaded Aso Rock and emptied the residences of Gambari and Maikano.

The news which was received with shock and disbelief generated series of reactions from a cross-section of Nigerians on Twitter.

Clarifying the misconception, those who are familiar with the area argued that 'Aso Rock' is actually different from 'Presidential Villa' - a fact most Nigerians do not understand or know.

They further explained that Aso Rock is just like any other Estate or residential zone and clearly demarcated from the Presidential Villa, and that the Chief of Staff to the president lives in Aso Rock, not Presidential Villa, as erroneously flown by some media outlets.

They also added that although Aso Rock enjoys extended security and amenities from the Presidential Villa, the estate has hardly recorded such unfortunate security bridge before now.

Affirming this, a Twitter user, @OgbeniDipo said "The Presidential Villa is actually inside Aso Rock. Aso Rock is huge. Armed Robbers that attempt to rob inside Aso Rock want a death wish. Armed Robbers that attempt to rob inside Presidential Villa? Maybe they offended their evil stepmother or they want to die a painful death."

Another user, @cchukudebelu said "I don't believe "armed robbers invaded Aso Rock", this is a cock and bull story, if I've ever heard one.
Somebody, somewhere is trying to hide something."

Meanwhile, the Presidency was reported to have confirmed the incident.

This is as some Nigerians hoped that the government would act fast on insecurity in the nation following the attack.

The trend generated over 90,000 reactions.

*TheNPAPlot*
Many Nigerians are still insisting that disagreements between the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, and Hadiza Usman Bala caused the suspension of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

According to them, months before her suspension, Ms Bala repeatedly had a face-off with her supervisor, Minister Amaechi, over the award of contracts.

They added that her exit was the culmination of a two-year war of attrition between the duo.

The trend got about 1,800 tweets.

*David Hundeyin*
David Hundeyin's extensive report on Hiny Umoren is said to have exposed the possible politicians behind the killers who murdered the young job seeker in Akwa Ibom.

Some of those who reacted to the report on social media said in a sane society, after that David Hundeyin's investigation, the IGP would've queried the Akwa Ibom CP by now. And that the CP would've sacked the policeman in that unholy alliance with the killer-kidnapper.

They, however, regretted that none of these would be done because it is in Nigeria where anything goes.

This administration is indeed a problem solver

Joyce95:
This administration is indeed a problem solver

People are just misinformed

Photos; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN launches the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety at the State House, Abuja. 18th May, 2021.

Photos; Tolani Alli

PRESS STATEMENT



Support Group Reaffirms Commitment to Osinbajo’s Presidential Bid



Osinbajo Grassroots Organisation (OGO), one of the major supporting groups rooting for possible emergence of the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead 2023 election has restated its commitment to the course.

The group which attracts membership from various geo-political zones, especially youths, has also re-established that the Vice President or any of his relations have no hand in how the organization was formed.

The Convener of the group, Folusho Ojo ‘Fosh’ , who stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, said regardless of whether Osinbajo has shown interest or not to run for presidency in 2023, OGO remains solidly committed to its conviction that Osinbajo has all that it takes to lead the country to her promised land.



His words: “Yes, he didn't mandate us to do this. He didn't commission us to mobilise for him. We are young men and women who believe in him. It is in him we can entrust our future. Therefore and not withstanding his stand for now, regarding 2023, we shall continue to promote him, we shall continue to let the world know those qualities we have seen in him that has attracted many of us to him,”



Speaking further, Ojo who announced that the organization has made inroads into various geo-political zones and states added that OGO has gone beyond any personality and become an idea. He also expressed optimism that it will cut across the entire 36 states of the federation before the end of the year.

“Considering its spread and acceptability, we therefore call on our members across the country to continue to promote the ideas and ideals that Vice President Osinbajo stands for. “ The youths , he said requires and demand a role model and we have found in him a man we can model our lives after”



“ It is in Osinbajo we believe and we shall continue to stand by him either now or in the near future, in or out of power, contesting or not contesting.”



=============================================

ABOUT OGO

A voluntary organization initiated by Folusho Ojo ‘Fosh’ a young Nigerian entrepreneur, early last year, to deepen political awareness at the grassroots as well as taking the organisation’s message about Osinbajo to all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, OGO has been in the forefront of various supporting groups playing up the vice president’s unique selling points and commitment to the Unity of Nigeria.





As the name suggests, OGO is a grassroots movement, established to drive a political campaign where people are organically organized as the basis for supporting Vice President Osinbajo for President. As an organization of volunteers, grassroots mobilizers and ordinary Nigerians from all walks of life, ethnicity and gender, the organisation relies on collective action and array of strategies to position Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as a man who is naturally and intellectually capable to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE



HER PATRIOTIC FERVOUR WILL BE REMEMBERED ANYTIME THE NATIONAL PLEDGE IS RECITED, PRESIDENT BUHARI PAYS TRIBUTE TO PROF. ADEDOYIN,NATIONAL PLEDGE COMPOSER



President Muhammadu Buhari has paid heartfelt tribute to Professor Felicia Adebola Adedoyin, renowned professor of Education and composer of the National Pledge, saying her patriotic fervour will be remembered anytime the national pledge is recited.



President Buhari asserts that the thoughtful and solemn words of the National Pledge by the iconic composer, have become an invocation to every citizen of the country to serve our fatherland with faithfulness, loyalty and honesty.


The President submits that Nigerians will continue to honour the memory of this legend who in 33 words gave us a timeless promise to keep for the nation.



President Buhari extends his commiseration to the Adedoyin family, friends and associates as well as the Government and people of Oyo State on the passing of the academic and writer, whose immense works will remain indelible in our minds.



He prays Almighty God to grant the departed eternal rest.



Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

May 19, 2021

Federal Ministry of Information & Culture
PRESS RELEASE

Work For National Unity, Minister Tasks NIPR
“I have decided to take up the (NIPR) President on this offer, by appealing to the NIPR, which I consider a key stakeholder on national issues, to use its powerful platform to work for the unity of this country.
That task has never been more urgent than now, against the
background of discordant voices in the country and growing calls for separation.
“I see the NIPR as a capable partner in the government's efforts to douse the tension in the land and beat the drum of unity, rather than the drum of war,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammed said while it is alright for citizens to call for restructuring and true federalism, what is not acceptable is the call,
in certain quarters, for secession, stressing that whatever challenges we face today, as a nation, can and will be surmounted.
“In fact, the Federal Government has set in motion the necessary machinery to frontally tackle the challenge of insecurity. We should
therefore not allow today's challenges, whether in the area of the economy or security, to jeopardize our unity,” he said.
The Minister said without a country that is peaceful and secure, there can be no development, adding: ''That’s why this administration is doing everything possible to return peace and security across the country.''
He also sought the partnership of NIPR in the fight against fake news and misinformation, which he described as a clear and present danger to the peace, security and development of any nation.
“Another area in which I want to task the NIPR is the Federal Government's fight against fake news and misinformation. The NIPR can and should leverage its powerful platform to ensure that the menace of fake news and misinformation is confronted squarely.
This is because this twin evil is a clear and present danger to the peace, security and development of any nation,” Alhaji Mohammed said.
He urged NIPR to assist the government by ensuring that members of the Institute do not become accessories to the spread of fake news and misinformation.
“I say this because some of your members have been found waiting in this regard, as they have placed pecuniary interests and motives above professional ethics and patriotism.
''If you recall the sad incident of the P&ID saga, it was a member of this Institute, a firm of Public Relations Consultants, that was hired to give the impression to the world that Nigeria indeed entered into an agreement with P&ID and actually reneged and as such Nigeria should pay over US$9 billion.
''It took this Ministry and others to go to the UK to debunk the misinformation and change the narrative. I have no doubt that NIPR can prevent a recurrence of this kind of behaviour on the part of its members,'' the Minister said.


Segun Adeyemi
Special Assistant To The President (Media)
Office of the Minister of Information and Culture
Abuja
20 May 2021

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
NIGERIA WILL CONTINUE PROMOTING AFRICAN BROTHERHOOD, SAYS OSINBAJO

VP receives The Gambian President’s Special Envoy

We thank Nigeria for all the support – President Barrow’s Envoy

Nigeria will continue to support the aspirations and activities of the government and people of The Gambia especially in ways that promote African brotherhood, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today when he received, at the Presidential Villa, the Special Envoy of President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, Hon. Mamadou Tangara who is also the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.

The Special Envoy came to personally deliver a message from The Gambian President to President Muhammadu Buhari.

“We strongly remain in support of all of the activities of the government and people of The Gambia and stand with you in all ways,” the Vice President said while receiving the message on behalf of the President.

“The Nigerian government remains committed to its relationship with The Gambia. It is a long-standing relationship of brothers of so many years, and we consider it an important relationship not just within the ECOWAS sub-region but also we consider that as African brothers, we owe a responsibility to ourselves and to the world, to work together for the best purposes and for the best objectives that we have set for ourselves as a people.”

Extending Mr President warm regards to his The Gambian counterpart, Prof. Osinbajo assured that President Buhari will treat President Barrow’s request with “all the urgency it deserves”.

Speaking shortly after presenting President Barrow’s special message, Mr Tangara said he is in Abuja to solicit Nigeria’s support for his country’s quest to produce the next President of the ECOWAS Commission.

The Special Envoy said Nigeria’s support will be instrumental in actualizing his country’s ambition, and noted that The Gambia is committed to serving the commission with dedication and in accordance with the ideals advocated by Nigeria, especially in repositioning the commission for better results.

Appreciating Nigeria’s contributions to the prosperity and progress of The Gambia, Mr Tangara said his country owed much of its growth in the different sectors to the immense assistance provided by Nigeria.

He noted Nigeria’s support to The Gambia in the areas of the judiciary, military, and education, among others, stating that if Nigeria was to withdraw its technical support, for instance, “The Gambia’s judiciary will crumble and be in total chaos… We thank Nigeria for all the support.”

Other members of The Gambian delegation included the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Mohamadou Musa Njie, while the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda led other officials from the ministry to the meeting.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
19th May 2021

Armed Forces of Nigeria Mourns after Losing COAS, 10 Others in Air Mishap
Admin 21-May-2021 Defence
By Olayemi Esan, Abuja

The Armed Forces of Nigeria on Friday was thrown into mourning when 11 of its personnel died in an ill-fated Aircraft near Kaduna International Airport.

Acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement said, "It is with a heavy heart that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) regrets to announce that this evening at about 1800 hours, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru in the company of his entourage, who were on an official trip from Abuja to Kaduna, were involved in an air mishap".

Nwachukwu said the unfortunate incident occurred after landing at the Kaduna International Airport due to inclement weather.

He added that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Lucky Irabor has therefore directed that an Accident Investigation Board be constituted to unravel the immediate and remote cause(s) of the unfortunate accident.

"As we pray for the repose of the souls of our gallant and committed Chief of Army Staff and other personnel on board with him, the AFN solicits the support and understanding of all Nigerians in the face of this tragic incident.

"We wish to state that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in combatting the security challenges bedevilling our nation. The sacrifices of our dearly departed heroes will not be in vain" he said.

Meanwhile, the CDS urges all military personnel and their families to take heart and be condoled on this tragic loss.

The CDS also reassures all Nigerians of the commitment and loyalty of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the Constitution and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as it continues to carry out its responsibilities.

[url]https://abujacityjournal.com/news.php?a=Armed-Forces-of-Nigeria-Mourns-after-Losing-COAS,-10-Others-in-Air-Mishap[/url]

Has bokoharam arrived there yet?

Bialegend:
Has bokoharam arrived there yet?

It was aircraft malfunctioning

UPDATED: How Chief of Army Staff Attahiru, 7 Others Die in Beachcraft 350 NAF Aircraft Crash.
Olayemi Esan, Abuja

The NAF Beachcraft 350 aircraft crashed at the Kaduna International Airport on Friday had claimed all eight lives onboard.

The Abuja City Journal Defnece Correspondent learnt that the ill-fated aircraft crashed at the airport’s runway about 6 pm due to bad weather.

Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria, Akin Olateru, confirmed that the eight souls died onboard.

“Beachcraft 350. 8 souls on board. Unfortunately all dead,” Olateru wrote in a WhatsApp note

Also, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed that there was an accident involving one of its aircraft in Kaduna but did not provide details.

“An air crash involving a @NigAirForce aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport. The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. More details to follow soon,” the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Edward Gabkwet, said in a statement.

Details later…

Gen. Attahiru's Wife not in the Crashed Aircraft, Army Confirms COAS Death
by Olayemi Esan and Arome Attah

Contrary to earlier reports carried initially, Mrs Fati, wife of late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru is not amongst those that died in the military aircraft that crashed landed at the Kaduna International Airport. Mrs. Fati Attahiru, ACJ can now confirm is alive and in Abuja.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has announced the passing away of its Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru

In a statement signed by Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima and made available to Defense Correspondents on Friday, the sad event occurred following an air crash in Kaduna which also claimed the lives of 10 other officers including the crew.

Yerima added that the COAS was en route Kaduna from Abuja on Friday, 21 May, 2021 when the unfortunate incident happened.

"Details of the sad incident and burial arrangements will be communicated soon", the statement reads.

17 Killed as Three NAF Jets Crash Within Three Months
21-May-2021
Defence, Special_Report
By Arome Attah and Olayemi Esan

Within three months, (February- May 2021) 17 military officers have lost their lives in three crashes involving Nigerian Air Force jets. These incessant crashes of NAF jets have raised concerns as it relates to the safety of military aviation in Nigeria, which development experts say is not good for the safety record of the country.

Recall that on Sunday, February 21, 2021, seven NAF officers died onboard a Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft when the jet crashed in Abuja. The jet which was en route to Minna in Niger State crashed close to the runway of the Abuja airport. The cause of the crash was said to be engine failure.

As if that was not enough, on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said an Alpha-Jet aircraft involved in the anti-terror war against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province lost radar contact in Borno State. Though the aircraft was declared crashed, the two airmen on board the crashed aircraft have not been found to date.

These two air accidents are almost nothing compared to the sad and tragic crash involving the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and ten others onboard a NAF Beachcraft 350 aircraft on May 21, 2021 when the automobile bird crashed near the Kaduna International Airport

Commenting on the latest crash, the NAF spokesman said in a statement that “An air crash involving a Nigerian Air Force aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport. The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. More details to follow soon,”.

Observers and stakeholders are worried over the frequent crashes of NAF jets in Nigeria, this is more so as civil aviation has not recorded any crashes involving commercial flights in about a decade.

https://abujacityjournal.com/news.php?a=17-Killed-as-Three-NAF-Jets-Crash-Within-Three-Months

Names of 11 Personnel on board Crashed Military Plane Finally Emerge
21-May-2021
Nigeria_News, Defence
By Olayemi Esan, Abuja

Names of Personnel onboard the ill-fated NAF Beachcraft 350 aircraft that crashed on Friday evening near the Kaduna International Airport which claimed all 11 lives onboard. Names of personnel on board have been revealed. They are:

COAS ENTOURAGE

1. LT GEN I ATTAHIRU.

2. BRIG GEN MI ABDULKADIR.

3. BRIG GEN OLAYINKA.

4. BRIG GEN KULIYA.

5. MAJ LA HAYAT.

6. MAJ HAMZA.

7. SGT UMAR.

CREW

8. FLT LT TO ASANIYI.

9. FLT LT AA OLUFADE.

10. SGT ADESINA.

11. ACM OYEDEPO.

The Abuja City Journal Defense Correspondent learned that the ill-fated aircraft crashed at the airport’s runway about 6 pm due to bad weather.
Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria, Akin Olateru, confirmed the incident.
Also, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed that there was an accident involving one of its aircraft in Kaduna but did not provide details.
“An air crash involving a @NigAirForce aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport. The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. More details to follow soon,” the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Edward Gabkwet, said in a statement.


http://abujacityjournal.com/news.php?a=Names-of-11-Personnel-on-board-Crashed-Military-Plane-Finally-Emerge

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE VICE-PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, PROFESSOR YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, AT “AN AFTERNOON OF TRIBUTES FOR DEPARTED MEDIA LEADERS” ORGANIZED BY THE NIGERIAN PRESS ORGANIZATION (NPO) AND THE BROADCASTING ORGANIZATION OF NIGERIA (BON).

(Friday, 21st May 2021 at the MUSON Centre, Lagos)

Protocol

Let me begin by stating how privileged I am to be here at this unique gathering to honour the memory of recently departed leaders in the media. The roll call of these leading lights  that have left us is a truly impressive one and it can  be said without exaggeration that eternity has claimed a rich harvest. These men were remarkable and outstanding – giants of their craft in every right. While we recognize that their exit leaves a significant vacuum, this gathering serves a threefold purpose.

It is at once a celebration of their lives and the illustrious tradition to which they belonged, a reflection on their legacies, and an affirmation of the great values for which they stood.

The Nigerian press has deep roots going back about 150 years. Indeed, the Nigerian press came into existence before the Nigeria itself and was instrumental to the birthing of this nation.
The pantheon of the heroes of  free speech as an institution to which our honorees belong is rich.  Several luminaries of the anti-colonial and nationalist movement were also leading figures in the press. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ernest Ikoli, Anthony Enahoro, Herbert Macaulay first established themselves as journalists of repute. Indeed, at one point, Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo controlled five and ten newspapers respectively.

Considering its origins as a bastion of the nationalist struggle, it is not surprising that relations between the Nigerian press and the Nigerian state were largely adversarial in the years after we gained our independence from the British. This dynamic was accentuated by the succession of military dictatorships that seized power following the collapse of the First Republic in 1966.

Since military rule is defined mainly by the abbreviation of civil liberties and in particular the right to freedom of expression, the press found itself on the opposite side of a confrontation with the military regimes of that era. The apogee of the tensions between the press and the military in the 1970s was the nationalization of the Daily Times. Those with long memories will remember the 1970s as the era in which Gbolabo Ogunsanwo and Eddie Aderinokun came into their own as editors of the Sunday Times and Daily Express respectively. Both of these giants held court as two of the most respected journalists and public commentators of their time.    

Who can forget  Ogunsanwo’s interventions on the Joseph Tarka-Godwin Daboh affair; the cement importation scandal or Cement Armada; Kuku-TOS Benson tango etc.

Eddie Aderinokun was exceptional , an accomplished poet, Ebony on Snow, Dance of the Vulture and the prescient Dark Days are Here. He was one of the earliest and most influential  promoters  of Nigerian music and entertainment.

Broadcast journalism also had its shining exemplars of professional excellence.  Thus, the late Ben Egbuna was the golden voice of the network news of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in the 1980s and 1990s that guided the nation through a turbulent period.  A forty-year veteran of the broadcast industry, he would serve as news director of the Voice of Nigeria and rise to be the Director-General of the FRCN and also serve as the president of the African Union of Broadcasters. But what will live long in our memories is the rich texture of his voice interpreting national events for millions of Nigerians for nearly two decades.

And there was also in that era Another iconic figure  Bisi Lawrence, a.k.a Uncle Bizlaw, whose multifaceted career saw him write a hugely popular long-running column in Vanguard, serve as General Manager of Radio Lagos from where he midwifed the establishment of Lagos Television which pioneered 24-hour broadcasting in Nigeria. He also earned acclaim as a seasoned sports administrator. Having begun his career at the Nigeria Broadcasting Service, the precursor to FRCN, Bizlaw’s remarkable footprint of excellence spanned spanned Radio, Television and print journalism as well as sports administration.

In the illiberal and hostile climate of the 1980s and 1990s, many journalists took to the front lines of civil society’s struggle against tyranny at great risk to their personal wellbeing and safety, using their publications to advocate for democracy. Many of you in this room and your absent colleagues are veterans of that period and paid the price of voluntary deprivation, imprisonment, exile and in some cases the ultimate price.

Mallam Ismaila Isa, for example, who served as president of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) from 1995 to 2002 – possibly the darkest era in the life of the Nigerian media – was right in the trenches at the time rallying the press corps against official censorship of the press.   There are many stories of how he helped many news publications to stay alive in difficult times .

That we have a democracy today owes in large part to the sacrifices of the media, of those of you gathered here and those that have departed. These are sacrifices that should never be forgotten.

As I said earlier, your departed colleagues were true giants of their craft whose significance in public life loomed larger than their chosen vocations might have indicated. Alhaji Lateef Jakande is best remembered now for serving with great distinction as the first elected Governor of Lagos between 1979 and 1983. But even before then he had an accomplished career as a journalist that started in 1949 from the Daily Service and led him in 1953 to join the Nigerian Tribune where he rose to become editor-in-chief. He was also the first President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, (NPAN). 

Tony  Momoh  was an authentic prince of Auchi, Edo state. He was the 165th child of King Momoh I of Auchi. (The king had ‘just 257 children’).  Tony Momoh’s personal battle for press freedom earned him a place in the constitutional annals of Nigeria in the famous case of Tony Momoh and the Senate. Joseph Wayas, former senate president, summoned him to appear before the chamber over an “uncomplimentary” and “contemptuous” publication. The senate sought to compel  him to disclose his source of information. Momoh sued the Senate at the Lagos High Court over what he described as an attempt to infringe on press freedom in the country.
Momoh argued that a journalist  had the constitutional obligation to hold the government accountable at all times and that this duty would be jeopardized if he had to disclose his  sources. The High  Court agreed  that an individual had the right to refuse to disclose their source of information.
However , an appellate court, overruled the high court  holding that the 1979 constitution did not shield a journalist from disclosing his source of information. Tony Momoh went on to become one of  founding fathers of the APC.

Sam Nda-Isaiah was also another media icon whose path led from journalism to politics. Though originally a pharmacist, what earned Sam national acclaim were his forthright and uncompromising columns, first in Daily Trust and then in Leadership, the paper he founded in 2004. And he carried that principled forthright disposition into politics. In the years before and after his presidential bid in 2015, he established himself firmly as one of the most principled voices in the media.

One remarkable attribute of the luminaries we are celebrating today is the wide-ranging nature of their careers. Their vocational pursuits cut across the public and the private sectors and they scaled impressive heights of accomplishment in both domains. I have in mind a gentleman like Mallam Wada Maida who served as Chief Press Secretary to President Muhammadu Buhari back when he was Head of State. He went on to serve as Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, between 1985 and 1994 before becoming the Agency’s Managing Director in 1994. He would go on to co-found the Daily Trust and was Chairman of the Board of NAN until his passage. Such was his work ethic that he was at work right until his last day on earth. 

I am gratified that members of the media profession are honouring the memory of their departed colleagues. There is a great need to memorialize those who have gone before us and ensure that their words and deeds are kept aflame as a guiding light for successive generations especially so that the young Turks grasp the significance of the tradition to which they belong.

I have gone to these lengths in exploring history because the true character of an institution and the true weight of its calling is revealed by its past – by its trajectory through time. At times, it may seem that the media and the government are mortal foes but the occasionally turbulent nature of our relationship is part of the natural creative tension between our institutions arising from our differing mandates. Those of us who govern must do so with the understanding that power is a public trust and it is your calling as journalists to invigilate us and hold us accountable. I urge you to continue to do so relentlessly, fairly and unapologetically. When we are both true to our respective callings, our democracy is strengthened.

However, there is a reason why the media is described as the fourth estate of the realm. In terms of the sheer ability to influence hearts and minds and direct the public imagination, no other institution comes close to its power. You can shape how people think and you can interpret reality in a way that animates our most constructive public-spirited instincts or in a way that summons our darkest and most destructive impulses. You have the power to elevate public debate in a way that no other institution can.

It is said that journalism is the first rough draft of history. It is true that reportage shapes the perception and understanding of events. It shapes memories. And because of all this it can influence behaviour. There are arguably no bigger influencers than those who report and interpret the world to us. This is considerable power and it comes with responsibility.

And I emphasize this because we are at yet another defining moment in  history.  The age of the  technology  revolution . Where, once the dissemination of news was the preserve of states and corporations, the information revolution has completely democratized the media environment. The very meaning of the term “media owner” has changed and no longer refers to people with your profile. In this era of citizen journalism, everyone now has a voice whether through blogs, websites, online publications and podcasts.

The democratization of information unleashed by the information age has also introduced related risks with implications for economic and sociopolitical stability. Individuals and private interests now control means of information dissemination that were once the exclusive preserve of corporations and governments. These capabilities are increasingly used in all sorts of maligning ways by those that harbour ill-intent. Fake news is being trafficked on a scale that is capable of warping the perception of reality by huge numbers of people and inducing social conflict. 

I believe that media leaders must use the  considerable influence you have to seek ways of achieving a consensus on the responsible use of social media. But that is a matter for a much fuller discussion. For the moment, these developments converge with this period of turbulence in the life of our nation, there is really only one question that matters – are we building up our country or are we tearing her down? This is a question that we must ask ourselves in every sphere of endeavour. It is the plumb line with which history will judge our generation. Because there is really only one divide at this point. It is the line between those who are committed to constructive action and those who are pursuing a destructive course.   

Our country is not perfect and we all know this. But the cure for her imperfections is most certainly neither destruction nor a heedless descent into anarchy being promoted by some voices. We all have a share in the much needed work of rebuilding, redesigning, reforming and healing our nation.

Creating commonality of purpose in ethnically and culturally diverse societies is challenging the world over. However, nation-building is not the sole preserve of politicians and governments; in fact, it is just as much a task for civil society of which the media is an important member.

The giants we are celebrating today understood that journalism operates in a social context and cannot be value-neutral.  This same cognitive commitment is incumbent upon all media practitioners. We are at a time in our national odyssey in which retailers of discord and merchants of strife are working assiduously against our collective potential as a people.

Among the powers of the press is the ability to amplify and drown out voices. Media practitioners have a responsibility to exercise discernment in their deployment of their platforms. In this regard, we must ask ourselves whether we are empowering and amplifying the most insensate, intemperate and incendiary voices in our midst while marginalizing voices of reason. It is true that freedom of expression is enshrined in our constitution. But we all agree that society, progress and order depend upon the responsible exercise of freedom, otherwise the end result will be anarchy.

As we struggle to build our nation with the bricks of mutuality, plurality and tolerance, I would suggest that those of us that stand as gatekeepers in the fourth estate must demonstrate a greater awareness of the sensibilities and sensitivities of our society. Debates over our country’s future will always be intense and passionate but they need not be toxic or polarizing. The media can help to promote a climate of civility in which even the most contentious national issues can be discussed in full and frank terms without degenerating into chaos. Let us reject the temptation to fracture our society and chose instead to elevate those constructive elements in our midst that can promote justice, healing and togetherness.   

The media has been at the forefront of all our epochal struggles from the fight against colonialism to the struggle to entrench democracy. A third struggle is now underway. It is the quest to deepen democracy and to realize our collective possibilities as a just, prosperous and progressive nation. I remain unyielding in my belief that we have a common destiny and that we, the constituents of this nation, are stronger together. I believe that all of us have a stake in advancing the cause of justice, equity and progress. This is a task that is incumbent on all of us.

The media leaders in whose name and memory we have gathered today are giants precisely because they understood the struggles of their times and embraced their roles in them. In so doing, they wrote their names in gold and remain reference points for succeeding generations. Today, we too must embrace the quest before us, make common cause with progressive nation-builders across all divides, take ownership of our country and build a sustainable future for our children.

Finally, let me commend the NPO and BON who conceived of a memorial of such taste and magnitude. Among our people, there is a common saying that the care or loyalty demonstrated by those championing our cause when we are long gone is far more genuine than the obsequiousness of those engaged in “eye-service” when we are still in a position to pay back.

For this, let me therefore salute the exemplary leadership exhibited by NPO and BON. With this, you have really lived up to expectation as the ultimate custodian of the finest of Nigeria’s own media tradition. Well done.

Thank you for listening.

The Nigerian Army regrets to announce the passing away of its Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru. The sad event occurred following an air crash in Kaduna which also claimed the lives of 10 other officers including the crew.

The COAS was enroute Kaduna from Abuja on Friday, 21 May, 2021 when the unfortunate incident happened.

Details of the sad incident and burial arrangements will be communicated soon.

Mohammed Yerima,
Brigadier General,
Director Army Public Relations.
21 May 2021.

Press Statement

Subscribers Not Required To Submit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) Number.

The attention of the Nigerian Communications Commission has been drawn to several media publications to the effect that the Commission will require Nigerians to submit the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of their phones to it from July, 2021.

At no time did the Commission issue a Statement regarding the registration of IMEI by subscribers and it has no plans to do so.

The reports in question have emanated from a section of the Revised National Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration recently launched by President Muhammadu Buhari and which has been uploaded on the Commission’s website.

It is pertinent to state that the Commission is in the process of deploying a Devise Management System (DMS). The DMS will essentially protect subscribers against phone theft and will identify and enable the elimination of fake devices from the networks. The system will capture IMEI automatically without any requirement for subscribers to submit same.

The general public is advised to disregard the said publications, which have created the erroneous impression that telephone subscribers will be required to register their IMEI with their networks.

Signed:
Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde,
Director, Public Affairs,
NCC.
May 21, 2021.

Can the senate just ban religious activity from governance...

Friends mourn as newly married NAF pilot dies in Kaduna crash
Kayode Oyero
22 May 2021




Friends, family members and associates of a Nigerian Air Force pilot, Flt Lt Alfred Ayodeji Olufade, are inconsolable at the moment as the young officer, who recently got married, died when a Beachcraft 350 aircraft crashed at the Kaduna International Airport on Friday.

Olufade and the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, as well as nine other military personnel were onboard the jet when it crashed around 6pm on Friday. The 11 souls died in the tragic incident.

Friends and associates of Olufade have since taken to the social media to express raw grief over the sad demise of the officer.

A tweep, @Sir_KB, wrote, “My heart is in pain. I lost my friend. Flight Lt. AA Olufade. He got hitched months back and often teased me to get out of the bachelorhood. Rest well Freddy.”

@OvieNews said, “Rest in Peace Alfred. Flight Lt. AA Olufade just married two months ago. Our Heroes.”

Also, @SodyBar stated, “Olufade is a close associate. He got married February this year. We’re all disheartened!”

“We’re all saddened by his death. Everyone affiliated with Kuje seminary will surely miss him. May the Almighty grant you eternal rest,” @EmekaWilfred wrote.

NITDA DG URGES AFRIONE TO CRASH PRICES OF SMART DEVICES FOR AFFORDABILITY

Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has urged the smart device manufacturing and assembling company, Afrione to crash prices for more affordable devices.He made the demand during a visit to Afrione corporate head office on Thursday in Lagos state.

Abdullahi said that reduction of the price of the smart devices is possible, citing the example of sim cards which were expensive at the beginning but now they are almost free. Similarly, the mainframe and early computers were of high prices but today they are affordable.
Abdullahi said “as regulators we stimulate demand for digital devices and what can you do to crash your prices so more Nigerians can have access to smart devices”.
DG NITDA commended Afrione for their improvement especially in the aspect of the new device as he was taken on a tour of the factory.

Abdullahi also presented the strategic Road Map and Action Plan and encouraged them to do more.

While responding to Abdullahi's demand, the CFO Afrione, Suloch Raja, said the company’s smart devices “can be compared to Samsung or any other device in the world in terms of affordability and quality with a year warranty.”
Raja added that “Afrione being the first African brand and first manufacturer and assembler in Africa as of today, is also planning to introduce new devices such as laptops which could be out by the end of the year.”
“Not a single tablet was sent back for anything regarding quality so we are confident that we will be able to get to your needs in cost and quality, slashing it down without compromising the quality,” said Raja.

He added that, “The devices will have specific educational applications that are being worked on, according to institution such as universities, polytechnics and so on.”

“We are focusing on the universities and schools as of now so we can target the students in such a way that after the government subsidies, it becomes very standardized, affordable at the best price and quality and in two years, we should have a class room in each polytechnic”.

“We would love to partner with NITDA, we assure you on our quality and would love to prove it.”“We are currently working on getting after sales service in every state, once the device has an issue in 24hours it should be repaired and we engage Nigerians in the Factory as 80% of the workers are Nigerians” CFO Afrione stated.
Raja also stated that their initiative is to provide employment opportunities, develop skills, empower Nigerian youth and Nigerian Economy which is in line the NITDA’s mandate.

PRESIDENT BUHARI SPEAKS WITH FATI ATTAHIRU, PRAISES MILITARY’S EFFORTS TO FIGHT TERRORISM AND BANDITRY

President Muhammadu Buhari has described Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, the late Chief of Army Staff as an outstanding soldier and an institution builder, who fought valiantly for Nigeria until he breathed his last.

In a telephone conversation Sunday evening with Mrs. Fati Ibrahim Attahiru, the wife of the late COAS and the spouses of the other deceased officers through her, President Buhari hailed the sacrifices of the military men who lost their lives and the Armed Forces in general, saying that Nigerians will continue to appreciate and support the fearlessness with which our courageous soldiers are confronting the threats facing the nation.

He gave the grieving spouses assurances that the nation will never forget the supreme sacrifice of their spouses, urging them to take solace in the surge of extraordinary feelings of emotions across regions, religions and tribes all over the country in appreciation of their sacrifices.

The President who had earlier given directives to the Defense headquarters and the Ministry of Defence to do everything a government can do to provide comfort and ease the hardships of the families of the deceased, prayed to Almighty God to repose their souls and grant their families the fortitude to bear the losses.

Mrs Attahiru, on behalf of the rest of the families thanked the President for the love and care he has shown to them.



Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 23, 2021