₦airaland Forum

PRESIDENT TINUBU'S CHICAGO UNIVERSITY SAGA: PUTTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT

By

Ademola Bello, New York, US based Journalist

Judge Nancy Maldonaldo will only rule whether she would grant partial release of Tinubu transcript or academic records without jeopardizing the privacy laws in the US which states that students academic records cannot be released to anyone without the students consent.

The first Judge ruled that Tinubu's partial academic record should be released to Atiku without jeopardizing his privacy.

However, Tinubu appealed that. And the Judge agreed with him.

Tinubu attended Chicago State University. The University had confirmed that.

The issue is whether someone else can get access to someone’s academic records.

Forget all these fake news.

Even Barack Obama fought for his academic records from Columbia University and Harvard Law School not to be released to Republicans and Donald Trump who asked for them.

Ditto for former President Trump and President W Bush

There is a law called FERPA ( Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. FERPA safeguards students privacy by limiting who may access student records.

Tinubu is not hiding anything regarding his Chicago State University.

He attended the institution. But like any student or former student he has a right to academic privacy under the U.S. law and he can ask the University not to release his academic records. Obama and Trump did the same thing.

They believe their political opponents will use their academic records for mischief.

Security Crackdown: Ogun State Governor Orders Swift Action Against Cult Menace in Sagamu.

Today, we have issued a directive to the state's security agencies to eliminate the menace of cultists and related activities in Sagamu and its surroundings.

Despite the ongoing efforts by security agencies, supported by our administration, to combat cultism in the state, we have reinforced this directive due to a recent clash between rival cult groups in Sagamu. This unfortunate incident triggered violence, causing distress and fear among the town's residents.

We deeply regret this situation, the loss of innocent lives, and the extensive property damage caused by these criminals.

It's important to emphasize that security personnel, including @OgunPoliceNG and other sister agencies, are already on the ground working to restore peace in Sagamu. They have received clear instructions to take strong and decisive action against those disrupting the town's peace.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU ADVANCES STRONGER ECONOMIC TIES WITH SOUTH AFRICA; SEEKS REFORM OF BRETTON WOODS INSTITUTIONS TO STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC RESILIENCE OF DEVELOPING DEMOCRACIES

President Bola Tinubu has on Monday advanced his economic development diplomatic drive for investment attraction as he engaged extensively in a bilateral discussion with South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, in New York City, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.

President Tinubu asserted that Africa must have a consensus view that the hundreds of billions of dollars spent through International Development Finance Institutions over the years must meet the specific needs of developing democracies in Africa, even if it is done with exclusive regard for their own enlightened self-interest.

"During the end of the Second World War, the Marshall Plan was established for the reconstruction and economic restoration of European nations through Bretton Woods institutions. Where has this presence been for Africa? We have to be careful not to replace the broken shackle of yesterday with a new set of shackles. You can not have a stable democracy in the presence of a poverty of knowledge and a starvation of people. Democracy without food on the table is a breeding ground for what will consume us, if care is not taken. We must join hands and agree that International Finance Institutions require reform as Africa is not to be a ground for economic scavenging any longer, but it is a place with gifted people that is ready for investment and cooperation.

"We have all the human and natural resources required between our nations. We can collaborate in a mutually beneficial way that enriches our populations. South African Mining industries have a role to play in the Nigerian solid minerals development sector. Your business community has done well in Nigerian Telecommunications. We have great mineral wealth across our land, and you have good expertise in this area. We expect to deliver jobs and mutually beneficial results in this area as brother and sister countries," the President affirmed.

Referencing President Tinubu's quick implementation of what he called "brave" economic reforms, the South African President agreed that the two countries have much more wealth to create together in close and intentional partnership, with each nation leveraging on each other's respective strengths.

"We are two major economies on our continent, and it is important that we deepen economic ties, particularly in light of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. We are very keen on the deepening of our economic relations," the South African President said.

The South African President emphasized that history has proven that Nigeria and South Africa can move the world on matters of mutual concern when the two nations operate on the same wavelength.

"We would love to see Nigeria and South Africa working closely together on a number of issues because whenever we join hands, we have made an impact globally through those joint positions. Together, we can move the global south forward. We are a continent that has been plundered. And wealthy nations made so much of it from us, and we must seek out partners who will help us to advance our own interests," the South African President emphasized.

Recognizing President Tinubu's effective stewardship as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, the South African leader said that Southern Africa needed to emulate the solidarity being demonstrated in West Africa, following the Niger Crisis.

"We believe that we have a lot to learn from ECOWAS and its unity in reaching consensus positions on sub-regional matters. This is something we seek to emulate in the Southern African sub-region in view of events in Mozambique and other areas," President Ramaphosa said.

The South African leader also used the opportunity of the bilateral engagement to extend an invitation to President Bola Tinubu to visit South Africa, following President Ramaphosa's recent visit to Nigeria, as part of efforts to deepen economic ties and the broader relationship between both countries.

While accepting the invitation, President Tinubu affirmed that an Africa, in which Nigeria and South Africa are working in synergy to advance their common interests, is the strongest version of the continent, which can make more impact on global affairs for the benefit of over one billion Africans with its enormous human and natural resource wealth.

"Our continent is the last untapped ground for accelerated, massive growth and new economic opportunity on earth. We must be in charge of our own resources, and we must work to use each other effectively to achieve what is best for all of us, Mr. President. We look forward to an era of economically productive relationship," the Nigerian leader concluded.



Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 18, 2023

Veterans Demand Timely Welfare Improvements and Recognition Amidst Political Changes.

As the former Nigerian government, which included military veterans, concludes its term, concerns arise over the neglect of veterans' rights and benefits. The veterans' community, divided along political, religious, and ethnic lines during elections, now seeks five fundamental improvements:

1. Free Education and Job Opportunities for Veterans' Children
2. Safe and Secure Housing with Adequate Security
3. Proper Medical Care for Injured Soldiers
4. Discounts and Recognition for Service
5. Equitable Pension Adjustments

Despite watching the government appoint new officials and address other demands, veterans' concerns remain unaddressed, leading to growing impatience. The plea is clear: veterans deserve timely recognition and support for their sacrifices.

Warning: January 2024 - Armed Forces Remembrance Day - Will Veterans' Needs Be Met?

Amb. (Dr.) Okhidievbie, Oamien Roy
National Secretary, Retired Members of Nigerian Armed Forces (REMENAF)
Director Media, Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV)

Hon Minister Of FCT Hon Wike write to EFCC and ICPC to Invite former Minister of FCT Mallam Muhammed M Bello to explain how he Award 1 kM Road from Gaduwa Estate juntion to NCDC Office at the Cost of 4Billion Naira and paid in full and Award a contract of 10 Billion later jack up to 119 Billion , award Contract of 50 Billion later jack up to 200 Billion, award contract of 6 Billion and later jack up to 70 Billion, Award of emergency maitanance of Usman Dam at the cost of 9 Billion and paid in full without any BOQ and so many procurement infraction.

Leave debt of over 1.2 trillion to FCT without anything show.approval of green areas to residential houses and Converting Residential Houses in Wuse 2, Maitama Gana Street, Garki into Commercial in contrary to the Abuja master plan.

Good afternoon, Gentlemen of the Press.

I am here today to give my official reaction to the judgment delivered yesterday by the Presidential Election Petition Court on the 2023 presidential election.

As you already know, I approached the court following the declaration by INEC that the APC and its candidate are the winners of the February 25, Presidential Election.

My decision to go to court is anchored in my belief that the court is the sanctuary of justice. The journey of my political career, as you know, holds so much to the courage and fearless decisions of our judiciary.

Indeed, I am no stranger to legal battles, and I can say that I have a fair idea of how the court system works. All through my career as a politician, I have been a fighter, and I must say that I have found the judiciary as a worthy pillar to rest on in the pursuit of justice.

The last presidential election in our country and the way it was managed by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, leaves behind unenviable precedents, which I believe the courts have a duty to redress. Our gains in ensuring transparent elections through the deployment of technology was heavily compromised by INEC in the way it managed the last presidential election, and I am afraid that the judgement of the court as rendered by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal yesterday, failed to restore confidence in our dreams of free and fair elections devoid of human manipulations.

Like I did say at the beginning of this legal battle when I instructed my lawyers to file my petition challenging the outcome of the presidential election, my ultimate goal in this pursuit is to ensure that democracy is further strengthened through the principles and processes of fair hearing.

Gentlemen of the press, I take great pains to tell you that the decision of the court of first instance on this matter utterly falls far short of that expectation. I am therefore here to tell you that, though the judgment of the court yesterday is respected, it is a judgment that I refuse to accept. I refuse to accept the judgment because I believe that it is bereft of substantial justice. However, the disappointment in the verdict of the court can never destroy my confidence in the judiciary.

Consequently, I have asked my lawyers to activate my constitutionally guaranteed rights of appeal to the higher court, which, in the instance, is the Supreme Court. It is my conviction that the electoral process in Nigeria should be devoid of untidy manipulations and that the outcome of every election should be a perfect reflection of the wishes of the electorate. I believe that such is the only way through which our democracy can have a manifest expression of its true meaning. Whether I prevail in this quest or not, the record of my effort in ensuring an order of credible elections in Nigeria shall remain for the future generations to evaluate.

On this note, I urge all my supporters to remain steadfast. I urge them to take solace in an immortal lesson I learned from my leader and mentor, the late Shehu Yar’Adua, that losing a battle is less important than losing the war. We might have lost a battle yesterday, but the war is well ahead of us. And I believe that with our hopes in God, we shall win the war of restoring confidence in our electoral system.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the Press, I thank you for your attention.

Atiku Abubakar, GCON
Waziri Adamawa
Vice President of Nigeria (1999 – 2007)
2023 PDP Presidential Candidate

Happening Now!

Press Conference by the Acting PDP National Chairman, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagun along with the Presidential Candidate, H.E. Atiku Abubakar, GCON.

Happening at the NEC Hall (PDP) National Secretariat Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, in Abuja.

Live Link: https://fb.watch/mVzQkjw5xK/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Nuru Shehu Jos.
Personal Assistant to the acting (PDP) National Chairman.
Today, 7th September 2023.

Press Conference!!!

This is to invite you to a World Press Conference by H.E. Atiku Abubakar, GCON scheduled to hold as follows:

Date; Thursday, September, 7th
Time: 2:30pm
Venue: NEC Hall (Ground Floor), PDP National Headquarters, Wadata Plaza.

The governorship candidate of the People's democratic Party in Imo Sen. Samuel Samuel Anyanwu has postponed his guber campaign flag-off due to lack of fund. an insider who pleaded anonymous revealed while speaking to our correspondent earlier today.

In a press release signed by the Chief Press secretary to the candidate of the PDP state's that reasons for postponement was due to issues rising from the national leadership of PDP. According to our source he said "their reasons are watery, false, pretentious and deceptive". He further raised questions why most members of the campaign council are resigning from their various committees as we see in recent times.

One of the members of the media committee name withheld further confirmed that non of the committees has been funded even a Penny to begin with. Support groups in disarray, only a few members of the divine mandate group are seen acting up as if something is going on but deep down nothing is actually happening within the party and the campaign council members.

In all this the question that comes to mind is why is Sam Daddy deceiving his few followers? why can't he come out straight to tell them the truth about not being serious about the guber contest? for How long will he keep deceiving the few remaining in PDP? When will he tell those who had fall for his cheap lies that he only came to play the spoiler game for more serious contenders like Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

The earlier he begins to speak the truth the better for his headless followers who thinks he contesting to win.

Atanda Modupe Deborah a Student of nursing department stream A, Faculty of basic medical science in FUOYE was reported missing in early September .

According to the report, She was last seen infront of pharmacy twin hall inside Federal University Oye Ekiti on the 4th of September 2023.

Deborah who reportedly went out to read but later found her lifeless body today at Oye Ekiti with injuries on her head also her eyes were allegedly plucked out.

On the Obi/LP petition, the tribunal said the petitioners only made "generic accusations of irregularities" in the election but failed to specify the anomaly, the places where it occurred and those affected.

"They failed to state the number of votes affected and the number of people disenfranchised," says Justice Abba Mohammed on the LP/Obi petition.

The court said although Peter Obi and LP claimed to have scored the majority of lawful votes cast, they failed to state the number of lawful votes they scored.

"The determination of election is about figures," the court held.

"They also failed to prove that their votes were suppressed by failing to specify the number of votes suppressed."

"LP's petition of election malpractices is hereby struck out...."

LP's prayer that Peter Obi be declared winner is incompetent and hereby struck out...."

The Presidential Election Tribunal in Abuja has announced date to deliver judgment on petitions challenging the election of President Bola Tinubu."

However, the tribunal today Monday, announced that it would deliver judgment on the petitions by Wednesday, September 6.

Both the candidates of Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party, Peter Obi are challenging the outcome of the election.

The Tribunal, merged the petitions submitted by the various political parties while giving the pre-hearing report on the petition and presenting the trial schedule.

It had also reserved judgment on the petitions filed by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party in order to deliver the judgements on the same day as that of Peter Obi of the Labour Party

Recall that it had denied fixing September 16 for the judgment."

Today IBB is 82yrs, Happy Birthday Maradona.
- He created Yobe state,
- He created Katsina state,
- He created Taraba state,
- He created Jigawa state,
- He created Kebbi state
- He created Enugu state,
- He created Edo state,
- He created Delta state,
- He created Osun state.
- He created Akwa Ibom state,

- He created Federal Road Safety Corps

- He created State Security Service (SSS),
- He created National Intelligence Agency (NIA),
- He created Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

- He built Asorock Villa

- He built Third d Mainland Bridge , the largest bridge on the continent at the time.

- He completed the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station .

- He constructed Toja Bridge in Kebbi,

- He created the Jibia Water Treatment Plant,

-He built Challawa Cenga Dam in Kano.

- Kano - Abuja Dual Carriageway FCT, Abuja
- Dam in Kano Others includes:

1. ECOWAS Hdqtrs Secretariat Abuja

2. International Conference Centre Abuja

3. Constr.FHA Estates Nationwide

4. Constr.High Court Bldgs in the States

5. Constr.Fed Secretariat in 36States/Abuja

6. Constr.2 Political Party Office in 36 States

7.Constrd the 4 Divisional Hdqtrs,Nig Army

8.Constr.Military Barracks in Abuja

9. Constr .Army School of Armour Bauchi

10.Nigeria Army Amphibious sch.Calabar

11.Constr.Quarters for the 4 GOCs

12.Constr.Nigerian Navy Dockyard

13. Constr.Nigeria Dockyard Snake Island

14.Constr .Estate for workers of Federal Ministry of Works Housing & FMWH)Nationwide + FCT&Gwagwalada

15. Constr. Site & SVC’s Satellite towns of 20.Constr.Federal Supreme
Isheri,Lagos,Gwagwalada,Abuja,& Prototype Housing Schemes

16.Constr.FEPA Hdqrt,Abuja

17. FEPA Zonal Offices Nationwide & Central Laboratory,Yaba Lagos.

18.Constr.National Eye Centre,Kaduna.

19.Aluminium Smelter Coy Ikot Abasi

20.Constr.Federal Supreme Court,Abuja.

21.Constr.the Ajaokuta Steel Project Engineering Works

22.Constr.Abuja International Airport Phase 1&2

23.Constr.the National Assembly Abuja

24.Constr.the Presidential Villa Abuja

25.National Intelligence Agency(NIA)Hqrtr

26.State Security Services(SSS) Abuja

27.Constr.Federal Mortgage Bank Hqrtr,Lagos 29.Federal Mortgage Bank branches nationwide

30. Constr. CBN Hdqrtr Abuja

31. Security & Minting Hdqters Abuja

32.Constr.Jabi District Abuja

33.Abuja Central Area Phase 1&2

34.Constr.Asokoro Area

35.Constr.Secretariat Bldgs for States created in 1991

36.Houses of Assembly Complex for each States created in 1991

37.Judiciary Buildings for States created in 1991

38.Constr.Maitama Gen Hospital Abuja

39.Wuse Gen Hospital Abuja

40.State Hse Hospital Abuja

41.National Hospital in the States

42.Gusau Water Supply Scheme

43.Asokoro Water Supply

44.Kubwa Water Supply

45.Abuja Municipal Water supply

46.Gboko-Yadav Water Works

47.Boreholes for 1004 Housing.

A meeting between the candidate of the People’s democratic party, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, Sam Daddy and a former governor of Imo state whose identity will be revealed in our subsequent communication has been held in cotonou of Benin Republic as they perfect plans to rig the November 11, 2023 governorship election in the state, a source privy to the meeting has authoritatively revealed.

Sam Daddy's Meeting With A Former Governor of Imo State in Cotonou, Benin Republic as we are meant to understand is to perfect his rigging plans as he continues to grow unpopular in the state among the electorates.

Worried by his apparent rejection by Imo electorates, the PDP National Secretary is said to have deviced another means by getting this former governor on his side on ways they can rig the election.

The good work of the #PeoplesGovernor has continued to speak for him as his surging popularity among Imo electorates unsettles the opposition as they are devilishly devising other means such as rigging plots having failed to win the heart of the people.

In no distant time, all those involved in this unpatriotic acts, including the identity of the governor will be revealed for Imo people to see those plotting to take Imo State back to Egypt.

The PDP and indeed Sam Daddy should be aware that their evil plans against Imo State has been bursted as we are now fully aware of such plots as we are going to do everything to resist them.

Lunch from the DSS dark room.

Suspended Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele has unilaterally been operating a separate foreign reserve account on behalf of the country without the knowledge of the Federal Government, a security report has revealed.

Emefiele, according to the report, masterminded the creation of two foreign reserve accounts for Nigeria with the second one the Federal Government is not aware of, having about $47billion.

CBN under Emefiele, the report further revealed, has also been running no fewer than 527 private bank accounts with public monies running to several billions stashed in them without the government being in the know.

These allegations, amongst several others against Emefiele, are contained in a security report submitted by the Department of State Services to former president Muhammadu Buhari since January this year.

The security report was sighted by our correspondent over the weekend.

The report handed over to former President Buhari by the DSS Director General, Yusuf Bichi, in January, it was learnt, contains more damning evidence against the suspended apex bank boss over a series of some fresh allegations.

The submission of the security report to the then President, First News had reported, necessitated Emefiele’s visits twice on Thursday January 19, 2023 to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. The then CBN governor, First News had reported, was summoned by the then President Buhari following his receipt of the DSS security report on the fresh allegations and “overwhelming evidence” against the apex bank boss earlier that day from the DSS DG.

Emefiele had earlier that same day visited the Presidential Villa as part of the delegation of the Arab Bank for Economic Development led by its Director General, Dr Sidi Ould Tah.

But Emefiele’s second meeting that same day with Buhari was held behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, where he was confronted with the fresh allegations leveled against him by the DSS. At the end of his closed door meeting with the then President Buhari, Emefiele declined to comment on the issues discussed when approached by State House correspondents.

Earlier, the DSS had accused Emefiele of aiding and abetting terrorism, insisting that the then CBN Gov must be prosecuted for the alleged crimes.

According to the report, DSS’ preliminary investigations revealed Emefiele’s involvement in various acts of terrorism financing, fraudulent activities and economic crimes of national security dimension.

But the already embattled Emefiele continued to employ all means to escape arrest and interrogation by the DSS. He even had to delay his return to Nigeria after a trip abroad. He was also said to have engaged some close associates of the then President Buhari to help him prevail on the DSS to let him off the hook. He was also alleged to have been employing propaganda through organised public protests and demonstrations by CSOs, all in a bid to stop his investigations by the DSS.

A nephew and close confidant of the then President Buhari, Mamman Daura and the then Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai were said to be the arrowheads of the highly influential and powerful politicians pressuring the DSS DG, Yusuf Bichi to let go of Emefiele, resulting in the inability of the secret police to interrogate the apex bank boss on the allegations leveled against him while Buhari’s tenure lasted.

First News, however, learnt that unknown to Emefiele, while he was out of the country, the DSS had interrogated and obtained documentary evidence from his deputies at the apex bank, external auditors to the bank and managing directors of 27 commercial banks regarding the monumental allegations of corruption and fraud being levelled against him by the secret police regarding forex allocations and other corruption allegations.

It was in the course of these widened investigations that the DSS unearthed 12 fresh allegations against the CBN Gov, First News reported.

It was gathered that during interrogation, the CBN external auditors, who have been working for the apex bank in the past six years, “gave evidence under caution” to DSS interrogators and provided documents to back their claim that Emefiele paid them to prepare “doctored audit reports” which the Federal Government under Buhari was inadvertently relying upon.

It was also learnt that during investigations, the DSS discovered that the controversial Ways and Means approval requested by the Finance Minister was actually in the region of N23.7trillion as against the N7.3trn presented to the National Assembly.

Some of the new allegations Emefiele was then being investigated for by the DSS include the N3.6bn COVID-19 palliative funds given Nigeria by the IMF two years ago to cushion the effects of the pandemic.

Emefiele, it was learnt did not inform the Federal Government about the IMF palliative but only allegedly diverted the money into a private account in China.

The demand for acknowledgement letter by the IMF from the Finance Minister let the cat out of Emefiele’s bag. The CBN Gov was however said to have told the then Finance Minister that he invested the money for the country.
The then Finance Minister on her part, was said to have demanded for about $700m out of the IMF palliative to enable her Ministry to “offset staff salary.”

The remaining $3billion, it was gathered, is still being kept in a bank in China without the Federal Government being aware of this development.

Also, the much-vaunted Single Treasury Account (TSA), it was learnt, has been discovered by the DSS to be a phantom device by Emefiele to deceive the Federal Government and all Nigerians. “There’s nothing like TSA account. Only Emefiele knows what he means by this,” a source said.

The DSS, it was further gathered, while grilling bank chief executives in January, also unearthed an allegation that the CBN boss directed all commercial banks’ managing directors to give him N30bn each every year as his own “pocket money.” Only a newly established bank (names withheld) allegedly paid Emefiele the least sum of N5bn. The bank MDs involved, it was learnt, wrote statements and provided the DSS with documentary evidence.

This was part of the reasons Emefiele, on January 18, 2023, through a CSO, approached an Abuja High Court presided over by Justice Belgore to obtain an interim injunction to restrain the DSS from obtaining information from the CBN and the commercial banks regarding forex allocations in the past six years.

But unknown to Emefiele, the DSS had already obtained a comprehensive list of all those involved in the forex distribution deal, including some highly placed Presidency officials and which was included in the security report on the CBN boss submitted to former President Buhari.

This security report, which former President Buhari refused to act upon, it was learnt, was recently dusted by the DSS and re-submitted to the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, which last Friday night suspended Emefiele from the office of the CBN governor and subsequently appointed an acting governor in his stead.

This action by President Tinubu against Emefiele gave the DSS the needed clearance and the green light to move in and arrest the suspended CBN governor on Friday night in his Lagos home, flying him to Abuja, where he’s currently being detained to answer questions on the various allegations leveled against him.

The former governor of Imo state, Senator Rochas Okorocha has endorsed the incumbent Governor of Imo state, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma to contested for a second term in office.

In a meeting summoned by the new party National Chairman of APC, Alhaji Umar Ganduje and in the presence of the Vice president, Senator Kashim Shettimma, the former Imo Governor endorsed his successor as he noted that he will fully support the governor whom he referred as his party man.

With the successful meeting, APC is now united to go into the November 11 election as one united body.

Meanwhile, feelers from the camp of the candidate of the PDP Sam Daddy has it that the camp is currently in mourning moods since the news of the reconciliation of the governor and his predecessor and the former Governor's endorsement broke out in the media.

Sam Daddy who was banking on the supports of people like the former governor are now in tears as their ticket has confirmed early defeat.

President Bola Tinubu has disclosed the assignments for 21 out of the 45 confirmed ministerial nominees. Among these appointments, former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike has been designated as the head of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Ministry, while Dele Alake is entrusted with the role of Minister of Solid Minerals Development.

See the full list below:

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani,
Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management, Ishak Salaco
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Bunmi Tunji
Minister of Power, Adedayo Adelabu
Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare, Tunisia Alausa
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake
Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John
Minister of Transportation, Adegboyega Oyetola
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite
Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji
Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha
Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy
Minister of Works, David Umahi
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
Minister of Youth, Abubakar Momoh
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu
Minister of State, Gas Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo
Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri
Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh
Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike

The Federal Government has issued a list of eligible companies for government contracts, valid until December 2023, based on adherence to employee pension and insurance obligations. President Tinubu has instructed the Ministry of Education to finalize preparations for launching student loans, beginning in September 2023.

Meet the CEO of Green Africa airline Babawande Afolabi, an American returnee who launched a new airline in Ibadan and taken delivery of the new airplanes in Lagos.

Babawande who is in his 30s, was an investment banker in the United States.

The airline is based in Lagos state and will begin affordable air transportation to Abuja (ABJ), Akure (AKR), Enugu (ENU), Ilorin (ILR), Owerri.
I celebrate you.

Congratulations to this great Nigerian youth.

Confirmed ❤️❤️❤️

The National Executive Council (NEC) of PDP New Generation has approved the appointment of a Chairman and Secretary, for the Youth Campaign Council for Kogi State Guber Election, schedule for November 11, 2023.

Engr Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi, the former Kogi State PDP Deputy Publicity Secretary and a notable figure who previously contested the state assembly election for Ofu State Constituency has been chosen to lead the Youth Campaign Council, while Prince Adamu Ibrahim, a political analysts and grassroot mobilizer will serve as the Campaign Secretary.

The Youth Campaign Council, with approval and endorsement from the office of the National Youth Leader, has Prince Moh’d Suleiman Kadade, MON and Arch Olumodeji Idowu as PATRONS.

The Formidable Youth Campaign Council has 180 members, comprising of 10 to 15 young men and women selected from every local government of Kogi state.

The mandate of the youth campaign council is to work in partnership with all existing PDP structures of Kogi state to deliver Senator Dino Melaye and Hon. Habeebat Deen, as the next Governor and Deputy Governor of Kogi state, in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

Signed

Idris Olawale
National Secretary

CBN borrowed $13.8 Billion from U.S Banks (JP Morgan & Goldman Sachs).

Buhari and Emefiele “secretly” used Nigeria’s Foreign Reserve as Collateral. They printed N32 trillion in Ways & Means as well.

Both men sabotaged Nigeria’s Sovereignty, they wrecked the Naira and your Economy.

Do you realize the magnitude of this Economic Sabotage?

Your Foreign Reserve was $33 billion in July 2023.
Debit is $13.8 billion from this CBN managed asset.

What do you have left?

If you pay off the debt, Nigeria will be left with less than $20 billion for a 200 million population.

A quick breakdown of the Debt:

$7 billion to JP Morgan Chase, & $500 million to Goldman Sachs under a “Classified Securities Lending.” $6.3 billion exposure to Foreign Currency Forwards.

“Foreign Currency Forwards” are CBN’s obligations to foreign investors.

Obasanjo grew your Foreign Reserve from $5.4 billion in 1999, to $51.3 billion by 2007. He cleared your Foreign debts as well.

Buhari has sank Nigeria back into humongous debt.

May God help President Bola Tinubu to succeed in his quest towards economic recovery.

The National Executive Council (NEC) of PDP New Generation has approved the appointment of Rev. Dr Enaikato Robert Azibedia as Chairman and Hon. Mrs Onimiya Johanthan as Secreatry, of the Youth Campaign Council for Bayelsa State Guber Election, schedule for November 11, 2023.

The Youth Campaign Council, with approval and endorsement from the office of the National Youth Leader, has Prince Moh’d Suleiman Kadade, MON with Chief Mrs Shimite Bello as PATRONS.

The Formidable Youth Campaign Council has 106 members, comprising of over 10 young men and women selected from every local government of Bayelsa state.

The mandate of the youth campaign council is to work in partnership with all existing PDP structures in Bayelsa state to deliver His Excellency, Sen Diri Douye in the forthcoming guber election.

Egbeda, Arugo and Graceland Estates Endorsed SamJones2023 For Imo Governorship Election

The residents of the most prominent housing Estates in Imo State namely; Egbeda, Arugo, Graceland Estates unanimously ENDORSED SAMJONES2023 as their Consensus Candidates for the November 11th, 2023 Imo Governorship election amidst happiness by all and sundry.

Speaking during the Endorsement ceremony, the Leader of the Estates, Amb. Kelvin Obinna, said, it's time for all well meaning Imo sons and daughters to queue into the Guber project of SamJones for us to collectively MAKE IMO SAFE AGAIN for the good of Ndi Imo and Imo State.

The incoming Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Sen Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu and the incoming Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Jones Onyereri , Ph.D. thanked the residents of Egbeda, Arugo and Graceland Estates for Endorsing them as their Consensus Candidates for the 11th November, 2023 Imo Gubernatorial Election. He promised not to let Ndi Imo down but reassured the residents of the aforementioned Estates of a Better Imo where Businesses shall thrive, Safety of Lives and Properties guaranteed , Imo Youths Adequately and Meaningfully Engaged, Freedom of Movement, Infrastructural Development and Economic growth in all sector of Imo Economy, these and more we shall do in partnership with Ndi Imo.

The highpoint of the Endorsement was the presentation of Branded T-shirts to the Governor And Deputy Governor with a caption "SamJones Go For Us".

Together, We Will Make Imo Safe Again.

#LetsMakeImoSafeAgain
#VoteSamJones2023
#VotePDP2023

©️ Ezekwe, Uche
12th August, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

On the occasion of the 2023 International Youth Day (IYD), President Bola Tinubu reaffirms the commitment of his administration to creating meaningful opportunities for Nigerian youths.

From job creation, education and skills development to digital innovation, financial technology, and youth participation in governance, President Tinubu emphasizes that youth empowerment is a fundamental pillar of all reform actions being implemented across sectors, in order to create an environment where Nigerian youths can thrive and contribute to the growth and development of the nation.

The President acknowledges the growing interest and impact of many young Nigerians in technology-related fields the world over and vows to honour his campaign commitment of generating one million new jobs in the digital economy for their upliftment and national economic development more broadly. He strongly believes in the principle, “to whom much is given, much is expected,” and remains undeterred in his focus on delivery.

As agents of change, President Tinubu urges the youth to champion national progress, unity and collective prosperity for all citizens of our beloved country.

In tandem with the theme of this year’s event: “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” the President implores young Nigerians to spearhead efforts aimed at achieving the highest quality of sustainable development, which will shape the future of our planet in conformity with his agenda of expanding green job opportunities and advocating for renewable energy solutions as an integral part of Nigeria’s current and future energy mix.

On this International Youth Day celebration, the President assures the younger generation that his administration will consistently engage with and listen to them with a view to implementing their important and forward-looking feedback.

Highlighting his commitment to active listening and engagement, President Tinubu notes that the enactment of The Student Loan Act and the provision of buses to the Student Bodies of all Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education nationwide stand out as tangible examples of his administration’s responsiveness.

The President heartily extends his best wishes to all Nigerian Youth on this joyous International Youth Day Celebration.


Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 12, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday in Abuja reassured Nigerians that no stone will be left unturned in his administration's multifarious efforts to stimulate the economy and make it work for the greatest good of all Nigerians. 
 
The President stated this in a meeting held at the State House with the Board of Trustees of the All Progressives' Congress (APC) Professionals Forum led by former Bauchi State Governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda.
 
“This economy must recover for the good and greatest number of Nigerians, and we are seriously committed to seeing through a change for the better," he said. 
 
To steadily ensure measured growth and enhanced public enlightenment on policy outcomes, President Tinubu said every effort across sectors will be documented and periodically reviewed for performance verification and public presentation.
 
“So far, we have taken some baby steps and pushed some aggressive positions," the President told the APC professionals, who had earlier pledged their support for the reforms. 
 
While thanking President Tinubu for his bold interventions on the economy, the former Bauchi State Governor said more than two million people have been registered as professionals in different fields since 2018 and stood ready to provide structures for mobilisation and sensitization on government policies. 
 
"Foreign capital is a coward that does not move into unsafe areas, so with your successful interventions so far, we look forward to better security that will attract investors," Yuguda added.
 


Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity) 
August 11, 2023

https://punchng.com/economy-must-recover-for-good-of-nigerians-tinubu/

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
 
The Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, says the regional bloc will continue to champion diplomacy and dialogue, as well as earnest discussions with all parties involved, to restore constitutional governance in the Republic of Niger.
 
The ECOWAS Authority chairperson spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the opening of the 2nd Extraordinary Summit on the socio-political situation in the Republic of Niger.
 
"In reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach.
 
"We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum.
 
"It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger." he said.
 
Underscoring the significance of the meeting, President Tinubu stressed the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of progress thus far.
 
''More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognize that the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the stability of the nation but also has far-reaching implications for the entire West African region.
 
''By remaining steadfast in our adherence to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, we can restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the Republic of Niger, thereby fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all," he said.
 
Building upon commitments from the initial Extraordinary Summit held in Abuja ten days ago, President Tinubu recollected the ECOWAS leaders’ collective condemnation of the military coup that toppled Niger's democratically elected government.
 
Highlighting the firm and coordinated efforts already undertaken, President Tinubu outlined ECOWAS' deployment of mediation teams and Special Envoys to engage with key stakeholders within and beyond the region.
 
The Nigerian leader also pointed to the recent meeting of ECOWAS Chiefs of Defense Staff, the meeting of the Chiefs of Staffs Committee and the ECOWAS Commission's memorandum on current developments in Niger as crucial sources of insight to guide the decisions of the Heads of State and Government at the meeting.
 
"Today's Summit provides a significant opportunity to meticulously review and assess the progress made since our last gathering. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions and identify any gaps or challenges that may have hindered progress.
 
"It is only through this comprehensive assessment that we can collectively chart a new sustainable path towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger," President Tinubu emphasized.
 
The ECOWAS Chairperson expressed confidence that the 2nd ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit would be a defining moment in the journey towards a stronger, more resilient, and integrated West Africa.
 
He, therefore, rallied fellow leaders to seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of Africans by fostering a future characterized by peace, progress, and prosperity.
 
The opening ceremony was attended by the Presidents of Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Cote 'd' Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Sierra Leone, and Togo, while Liberia and the Gambia were represented by their Foreign Ministers.
 
Non-ECOWAS leaders, such as the Mauritanian and Burundian presidents, also attended.
 
Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 10, 2023

A former rebel leader in Niger Republic has launched an opposition movement to challenge the military government. The leader, who is known for his past involvement in armed rebellion, aims to mobilize support and advocate for a return to civilian rule. The military government took power in a coup, and the opposition movement seeks to restore democracy and ensure the protection of human rights. This development signals a growing resistance against the military regime and highlights the ongoing struggle for political stability and democratic governance in Niger Republic.

Follow us on Twitter @Naija_Fuse

Press Statement

PDP Constitutes Special National Media/Publicity Committee for Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi Governorship Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has constituted a Special National Media/Publicity Committee (SNPC) for the November 11, 2023 Governorship elections on Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States respectively.

The Special National Media/Publicity Committee, headed by the National Publicity Secretary, pursuant to Section 40 (1) (a), (b) and (c) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) is to liaise with the various Campaign Councils and Committees for the elections to ensure effective media and publicity actions for the victory of our Party in the elections.

Members of the Committee are as follows:

1. Hon. Debo Ologunagba - Chairman
2. Hon. Emmauel Ibeshi - Member
3. Kola Ologbondiyan - Member
4. Hon. Emmanuel Ogidi - Member
5. Otunba Segun Sowunmi - Member
6. Richard Akanmode - Member
7. Don Evarada - Member
8. Alfred Kemepado - Member
9. Arthur Ugochukwu - Member
10 Ezekwe Uche - Member
11 Richard Ihediwa - Secretary
12 Ibu Thomas - Tech/ICT Assistant

The PDP charges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States to continue to work hard to ensure the victory of our Party in the elections.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary,
Chairman, SNPC

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/615294-pdp-constitutes-national-media-publicity-committee-for-bayelsa-imo-kogi-poll.html

PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE GODSWILL AKPABIO ANNOUNCES SENATE
STANDING COMMITTEES AND LEADERSHIP OF THE 10TH SENATE

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AIRFORCE
AKWASHIKI GODIYA

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ANTI CORRUPTION AND FINANCIAL CRIMES
UDENDE EMMANUEL

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AVIATION
BUHARI ABDULFATAI

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CAPTAL MARKET
OSITA IZUNASO

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ESTABLISHMENT AND PUBLIC SERVICES
CYRIL FASUYI

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
SERIAKE DICKSON

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING AND URBAN DEVT.
AMINU TAMBUWAL

SENATE COMMITTEE ON INTERIOR
ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE

SENATE COMMITTEE ON DOWNSTREAM PETROLEUM

SENATE COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE
AHMED LAWAN

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS
WADADA AHMED

SENATE COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL DUTIES
KAKA SHEHU LAWAN

SENATE COMMITTEE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVT GOALS
IDIAT OLURANTI

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WORKS
PATRICK NDUBUEZE

SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATION
SOLOMON ADEOLA

COMMITTEE ON FERMA
USAINI BABANGIDA

SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
MUSA MOHAMMED SANI

SENATE COMMITTEE ON BANKING INSURANCE AND OTHER FINANCIAL INST.
ABIRU ADEYOKUNBO

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ARMY
ABDULAZIZ YARADUA

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CUSTOMS EXCISE AND TARIFF
ISA JIBRIN

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COOPERATION AND INTEGRATION NEPAD
YAU SAHABI

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND TOURISM
ISHAKU ELISHA

SENATE COMMITTEE ON DIASPORA AND NGO
VICTOR UMEH

SENATE COMMITTEE ON DRUGS AND NARCOTICS
DANKWAMBO IBRAHIM

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION BASIC AND SECONDARY
LAWAN ADAMU USMAN

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY
DIKET PLANG

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT
AKINTUNDE YUNUS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ETHICS PUBLIC PETITIONS
IMASUEN NEDA

SENATE COMMITTEE ON FCT
IBRAHIM FOLARIN

SENATE COMMITTEE ON FEDERAL CHARACTER AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
ALLWELL IHEANACHO

SENATE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SANI BELLO

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GAS
JARIGBE JARIGBE

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
BANIGO HARRY IPALIBO

SENATE COMMITTEE ON UPSTREAM PETROLEUM
ETANG WILLIAMS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WATER RESOURCES
ABUBAKAR YARI

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND INVESTMENT
SADIK UMAR

SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOLID MINERALS
OSITA NGU

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TERTIARY EDUCATION AND TETFUND
DANDUTSE MUNTARI

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATES AND LOCAL GOVT AFFAIRS
PATRICK IFEANYI UBAH

SENATE COMMITTEE ON OIL AND GAS HOST COMMUNITIES
BENSON AGADAGA

SENATE COMMITTEE ON POWER
ABARIBE EYINNAYA

SENATE COMMITTEE ON POLICE AFFAIRS
ABDULHAMID MALAM MADORI

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL AND FOREIGN DEBTS
MAGATAKARDA
WAMMAKO

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ICT CYBER CRIMES
AFOLABI SALISU

SENATE COMMITTEE ON INEC
ALI SHARAFADEEN

SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIES
FADAHUNSI ANTHONY

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAND TRANSPORT
ADAMU ALIERO

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL CONTENT
OHERE SADIKU

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL IDENTITY AND POPULATION COMMISSION
AHMED NINGI

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PLANNING AND ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
YAHAYA ABDUL

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE
UMAR SHEHU

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NAVY
DANIEL OLUGBENGA

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NIGER DELTA
BARI MPIGI

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC PROCUREMENT
MONDAY OGBERU

SENATE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND BUSINESS
TITUS ZAM

SENATE COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION
EZE EMEKA

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY HUMAN RIGHTS AND LEGAL MATTERS
MOHAMMED TAHIR MONGUNO

SENATE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AND SPORTS
ADARAMODU ADEYEMI

COMMITTEE ON SENATE SERVICES
SUNDAY KARIMI

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WOMEN AFFAIRS
IRETI KINGIBE

SENATE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECH.
AMINU IYA ABBAS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL WELFARE AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION
DAVID JIMKUTA

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NTER PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
GOJE DANJUMA

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PRIVATIZATION
KALU ORJI

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IBRAHIM LAMIDO

SENATE COMMITTEE ON MEDIA AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
ADARAMODU ADEYEMI

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE
MUSA MADOBI

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRIC PRODUCTION SERVICES AND RURAL DEVT
MUSTAFA SALIU

David Opeyemi Oke doubles as the Director General (Nigeria🇳🇬), Global Council for Promotion of International Trade and the Executive Director of Equip Africa Integrated Development Initiative; a nonprofit working to improve the socio-economic well-being of young people in Africa through human capital development initiatives and sustained advocacy for improved infrastructures, access to economic opportunities, and greater youth participation in policy and decision-making.

Opeyemi is a forward-thinking team leader and experienced policy analyst with diverse experience of over 10 years in policy development, community engagement, issue advocacy, grassroots organizing, and program development.

Keynote Speaker: David Opeyemi Oke
Date: 26th - 27th August 2023
Time: 7pm

Register: 👇
http:///EmergeConference2023

TEXT OF THE NATIONAL BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU TO NIGERIANS ON CURRENT ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

AFTER DARKNESS COMES THE GLORIOUS DAWN

My fellow citizens,
I want to talk to you about our economy. It is important that you understand the reasons for the policy measures I have taken to combat the serious economic challenges this nation has long faced.

2. I am not going to talk in difficult terms by dwelling on economic jargon and concepts. I will speak in plain, clear language so that you know where I stand. More importantly, so that you see and hopefully will share my vision regarding the journey to a better, more productive economy for our beloved country.

3. For several years, I have consistently maintained the position that the fuel subsidy had to go. This once beneficial measure had outlived its usefulness. The subsidy cost us trillions of Naira yearly. Such a vast sum of money would have been better spent on public transportation, healthcare, schools, housing and even national security. Instead, it was being funnelled into the deep pockets and lavish bank accounts of a select group of individuals.

4. This group had amassed so much wealth and power that they became a serious threat to the fairness of our economy and the integrity of our democratic governance. To be blunt, Nigeria could never become the society it was intended to be as long as such small, powerful yet unelected groups hold enormous influence over our political economy and the institutions that govern it.

5. The whims of the few should never hold dominant sway over the hopes and aspirations of the many. If we are to be a democracy, the people and not the power of money must be sovereign.

6. The preceding administration saw this looming danger as well. Indeed, it made no provision in the 2023 Appropriations for subsidy after June this year. Removal of this once helpful device that had transformed into a millstone around the country’s neck had become inevitable.

7. Also, the multiple exchange rate system that had been established became nothing but a highway of currency speculation. It diverted money that should have been used to create jobs, build factories and businesses for millions of people. Our national wealth was doled on favourable terms to a handful of people who have been made filthy rich simply by moving money from one hand to another. This too was extremely unfair.

8. It also compounded the threat that the illicit and mass accumulation of money posed to the future of our democratic system and its economy.

9. I had promised to reform the economy for the long-term good by fighting the major imbalances that had plagued our economy. Ending the subsidy and the preferential exchange rate system were key to this fight. This fight is to define the fate and future of our nation. Much is in the balance.

10. Thus, the defects in our economy immensely profited a tiny elite, the elite of the elite you might call them. As we moved to fight the flaws in the economy, the people who grow rich from them, predictably, will fight back through every means necessary.

11. Our economy is going through a tough patch and you are being hurt by it. The cost of fuel has gone up. Food and other prices have followed it. Households and businesses struggle. Things seem anxious and uncertain. I understand the hardship you face. I wish there were other ways. But there is not. If there were, I would have taken that route as I came here to help not hurt the people and nation that I love.

12. What I can offer in the immediate is to reduce the burden our current economic situation has imposed on all of us, most especially on businesses, the working class and the most vulnerable among us.

13. Already, the Federal Government is working closely with states and local governments to implement interventions that will cushion the pains of our people across socio-economic brackets.

14. Earlier this month, I signed four (4) Executive Orders in keeping with my electoral promise to address unfriendly fiscal policies and multiple taxes that are stifling the business environment. These Executive Orders on suspension and deferred commencement of some taxes will provide the necessary buffers and headroom to businesses in manufacturing sector to continue to thrive and expand.

15. To strengthen the manufacturing sector, increase its capacity to expand and create good paying jobs, we are going to spend N75 billion between July 2023 and March 2024. Our objective is to fund 75 enterprises with great potential to kick-start a sustainable economic growth, accelerate structural transformation and improve productivity. Each of the 75 manufacturing enterprises will be able to access N1billion credit at 9% per annum with maximum of 60 months repayment for long term loans and 12 months for working capital.

16. Our administration recognises the importance of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal sector as drivers of growth. We are going to energise this very important sector with N125 billion.

17. Out of the sum, we will spend N50 billion on Conditional Grant to 1 million nano businesses between now and March 2024. Our target is to give N50,000 each to 1,300 nano business owners in each of the 774 local governments across the country.

18. Ultimately, this programme will further drive financial inclusion by onboarding beneficiaries into the formal banking system. In like manner, we will fund 100,000 MSMEs and start-ups with N75 billion. Under this scheme, each enterprise promoter will be able to get between N500,000 to N1million at 9% interest per annum and a repayment period of 36 months.

19. To further ensure that prices of food items remain affordable, we have had a multi-stakeholder engagement with various farmers’ associations and operators within the agricultural value chain.

20. In the short and immediate terms, we will ensure staple foods are available and affordable. To this end, I have ordered release of 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains from strategic reserves to households across the 36 states and FCT to moderate prices. We are also providing 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, seedlings and other inputs to farmers who are committed to our food security agenda.

21. Our plan to support cultivation of 500,000 hectares of farmland and all-year-round farming practice remains on course. To be specific, N200 billion out of the N500 billion approved by the National Assembly will be disbursed as follows:

-Our administration will invest N50 billion each to cultivate 150,000 hectares of rice and maize.
-N50 billion each will also be earmarked to cultivate 100,000 hectares of wheat and cassava.

22. This expansive agricultural programme will be implemented targeting small-holder farmers and leveraging large-scale private sector players in the agric business with strong performance record.

23. In this regard, the expertise of Development Finance Institutions, commercial banks and microfinance banks will be tapped into to develop a viable and an appropriate transaction structure for all stakeholders.

24. Fellow Nigerians, I made a solemn pledge to work for you. How to improve your welfare and living condition is of paramount importance to me and it’s the only thing that keeps me up day and night.

25. It is in the light of this that I approved Infrastructure Support Fund for the States. This new Infrastructure Fund will enable States to intervene and invest in critical areas and bring relief to many of the pain points as well as revamp our decaying healthcare and educational Infrastructure.

26. The fund will also bring improvements to rural access roads to ease evacuation of farm produce to markets. With the fund, our states will become more competitive and on a stronger financial footing to deliver economic prosperity to Nigerians.

27. Part of our programme is to roll out buses across the states and local governments for mass transit at a much more affordable rate. We have made provision to invest N100 billion between now and March 2024 to acquire 3000 units of 20-seater CNG-fuelled buses.

28. These buses will be shared to major transportation companies in the states, using the intensity of travel per capital. Participating transport companies will be able to access credit under this facility at 9% per annum with 60 months repayment period.

29. In the same vein, we are also working in collaboration with the Labour unions to introduce a new national minimum wage for workers. I want to tell our workers this: your salary review is coming.

30. Once we agree on the new minimum wage and general upward review, we will make budget provision for it for immediate implementation.

31. I want to use this opportunity to salute many private employers in the Organised Private Sector who have already implemented general salary review for employees.

32. Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us and there is no doubt about it that it is tough on us. But I urge you all to look beyond the present temporary pains and aim at the larger picture. All of our good and helpful plans are in the works. More importantly, I know that they will work.

33. Sadly, there was an unavoidable lag between subsidy removal and these plans coming fully on line. However, we are swiftly closing the time gap. I plead with you to please have faith in our ability to deliver and in our concern for your well-being.

34. We will get out of this turbulence. And, due to the measures we have taken, Nigeria will be better equipped and able to take advantage of the future that awaits her.

35. In a little over two months, we have saved over a trillion Naira that would have been squandered on the unproductive fuel subsidy which only benefitted smugglers and fraudsters. That money will now be used more directly and more beneficially for you and your families.

36. For example, we shall fulfill our promise to make education more affordable to all and provide loans to higher education students who may need them. No Nigerian student will have to abandon his or her education because of lack of money.

37. Our commitment is to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of our people. On this principle, we shall never falter.

38. We are also monitoring the effects of the exchange rate and inflation on gasoline prices. If and when necessary, we will intervene.

39. I assure you my fellow country men and women that we are exiting the darkness to enter a new and glorious dawn.

40. Now, I must get back to work in order to make this vision come true.

41. Thank you all for listening and may God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria.

#statehousepressbriefing #breaking #breakingnews #update #news #guardian #pulse #pulsenigeria #pdp #apc #lp #today #thenation #vanguard #saharareporters #instablog #instablog9ja #instablogger #spynaijamedia_blog #channel #channels #instadaily #lagosnigeria #nationwide

President Tinubu's Ministerial List, 28 Nominees Makes First Badge Of The List

- Abubakar Momoh
- Ambassador Yusuf Miatama Tukur CON
- Arch. Ahmed Dangiwa
- Barr. Hannatu Musawa
- Chief Uche Nnaji
- Dr. Berta Edu
- Dr. Dorris Aniche Uzoka
- H.E. David Umahi
- H.E. Nyesom Wike
- H.E. Badaru Abubakar CON
- H.E. Nasiru Ahmed Elrufai
- Rt. Hon. Ekperipe Ekpo
- Hon. Nkiru Onyeojiocha
- Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo
- Hon. Stella Okotette
- Hon. Uju Kennedy Ohaneye
- Mr. Bello Muhammad G.
- Mr. Dele Alake
- Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN
- Mr. Muhammad Idris
- Mr. Olawale Edun
- Mr. Waheed Adebayo Adelabu
- Mrs Iman Suleiman Ibrahim
- Professor Ali Pate
- Professor Joseph
- Senator Abubakar Kyari
- Senator John Eno
- Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi