– Seizes consignment hidden in noodles packs going to Bayelsa creeks, razes over 3 tonnes of cannabis in Edo forests
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have detained a 35-year-old lady, Chidinma Chinenye Agbazue after she was caught attempting to export 20 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 10.70 kilograms concealed in African salad popularly called Abacha and dried vegetables to Doha, Qatar through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos state.
NDLEA officers at the Lagos airport working in partnership with men of the Department of State Security had on Thursday 28th March intercepted Chidinma, an outbound passenger from Lagos to Doha, on Qatar Airways during clearance of passengers at the screening point of terminal 11 of the MMIA.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Chidinma was based in Qatar but returned to Nigeria last December for Christmas celebration. She said preparatory to her return to Doha, she was lodged at Club Dice Hotel in Ikotun area of Lagos where the consignment was handed over to her for trafficking to the Arab country.
Two suspects: Monday Okeke and Chigozie Emeka were on Tuesday 26th March arrested by NDLEA operatives in Oniwaya, Yaba and Agege area of Lagos, where they recovered from them 842,560 pills of opioids especially tramadol in addition to 15 litres of codeine syrup and 596 grams of Molly. Attempt by Okeke to bribe the NDLEA officers with N5 million cash was rebuffed while the money was documented as part of exhibits to prosecute the suspects in court.
In Bayelsa, the bid by three suspects: Ebuka Eze, 31; Ugochukwu Okoro, 44; and Kingsley Uzim, 27, to smuggle opioids including codeine, molly, tramadol and diazepam weighing a total of 73.425 kilograms to the creeks in Southern Ijaw area of the state was thwarted on Wednesday 27th March by NDLEA operatives at Swali jetty, Yenagoa where Ebuka and Ugochukwu were arrested while Uzim was nabbed at Amasoma in a follow up operation.
The drugs were concealed in jumbo sacks and conveyed to the jetty in a tricycle.
While two suspects: Eniola Muyideen and Bankole Shuaib were arrested with 137 blocks of cannabis weighing 71kg during a raid at Orile Imo, Ogun state on Friday 29th March, NDLEA operatives in Taraba recovered 39,980 pills of tramadol from a suspect, Abubakar Mohammed, 33, in Lankaviri village, and another suspect, Apaji Vincent, 29, arrested in Wukari on Thursday 28th March with 131kg cannabis sativa.
In Abia state, Nwachukwuu Chinedu, 28, was arrested on Friday 29th March at Akara Ahuba, Isikwuato LGA by NDLEA officers. Recovered from him include 46.65kg cannabis and different quantities of tramadol, methamphetamine and rohypnol as well as N71,500 monetary exhibit.
At least, 127.5kg cannabis loaded in a Volkswagen Vento saloon car marked NTT 215 AA was recovered along Isua/Kabba road, Idoani area of Ose LGA, Ondo State, while a 30-year-old female suspect, Chinasa Christopher was arrested with 400 bottles of codeine syrup in Sabon Gari area of Kano. The owner of a consignment of illicit drugs intercepted along Zaria-Kano road, Bakura Goni was arrested at Mile 2 market in Lagos on Tuesday 26th March in a follow up operation and flown to Kano to face charges. The consignment consisting of cannabis and tramadol weighing 73.8kg was earlier seized in a truck conveying it from Lagos to Kano.
While 278kg of cannabis going to Idoani in Ondo state was recovered during a raid at Oloma-Okpe forest, Akoko-Edo LGA, Edo State, not less than 3,065.255kg of the same psychoactive substance was razed on two farms at Amahor waterside forest in Igueben area of the state where three suspects: James Thankgod; Wisdom James and Akpa Festus were arrested on Thursday 28th March.
In the same vein, Commands across the country intensified their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy lectures in the past week. These include: Sensitisation lectures for students of Federal University of Technology, Ihiagwa, Owerri, Imo; students and teachers of Community Secondary School, Eyo-Abasi, Oron, Akwa Ibom; students and teachers of Oke Iragbiji Grammar School, Osun; commercial motorcycle riders in Oye Ekiti, Ekiti state; commercial motorcycle riders at Ankpa, Kogi state and Muslim faithful at Aliade Central Mosque, Aliade, Benue state.
While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Lagos, Edo, Ogun, Kano, Abia, Bayelsa, Ondo, and Taraba Commands of the Agency for their balanced efforts in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) equally applauded their counterparts across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures.
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Sunday 31st March 2024
Gratification: Appeal Court Upturns Ruling in Favour of ICPC
The Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja has sentenced one Mr. Apeh Samuel Akogu, a former civil servant who worked in the Accounts department of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to a 7-year jail term, with an option of a fine.
Apeh was charged before Honourable Justice A.O. Ebong of the FCT High Court, Abuja by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on a 3-count charge for asking, receiving gratification, and conferment of unfair advantage on himself contrary to Sections 10 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
One of the counts reads: ‘’That you, Apeh Samuel A, (M) in January, 2015, or thereabout while being a public Officer to wit; a staff of the Accounts Department of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, did receive from one Osahon Osemwota a contractor, the sum of 820, 000.00 (Eight Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira only) which was paid into your G.T Bank Account to enable you facilitate payments for contracts performed by him for the said Ministry and you hereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 10 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission Act, 2000.’’
ICPC Prosecutor, K.C. Peprah, while proving the charges against Apeh, called 4 witnesses and tendered relevant documents. The Convict, on the other hand, called only one witness and testified himself that the purpose of the payment of the gratification by the Petitioner was in commiseration to him for the death of his Uncle.
Though the ICPC prosecutor, had argued that the defence put forward by Apeh was an afterthought, the trial Judge discharged and acquitted him based solely on the grounds that the demand and receipt of the corrupt gift were not done in the exercise of his official duties.
Dissatisfied with the judgment of the trial court, the ICPC approached the Appeal Court seeking to quash the judgment.
Having listened to the argument from the two counsel, the Appellate Court unanimously overturned the decision of the trial court and sentenced the Defendant to 7 years imprisonment with an option of a fine of N50,000. 00 (Fifty Thousand Naira).
The Court also held that the convict makes restitution of the amount collected as gratification to the Petitioner.
COURT JAILS 17 INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN BAUCHI
Justices A. Muazu and M.A Sambo of the Bauch State High Court sitting in Bauch have convicted and sentenced seventeen (17) internet fraudsters to different jail terms.
The convicts were jailed after pleading guilty to one –count separate charges upon their arraignment by the Gombe Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. They are: John Yakubu, Adams Ogbu Adai, Anthony Favour, Londima Donendung, Anthony Osai Samuel, John Jerry, Christianah Joseph, Adejumo Faruq, Emmanuel Shammah, Iliya Yakubu, Godfrey Fidelis Namzy, Danjuma Aklahel, Michael Monday Auta, Alphonsus Jeremiah, Banabas Emmanuel, Jerry Emeka and Solomon Monday.
The charge against Auta reads; “That you, Micheal Monday Auta sometimes between 2023 and 2024, at Bauchi, Bauchi State , within the Jurisdiction of this honorable court, attempted to cheat by personation by pretending to be one Adriana Maria and Nora Paslaru a foreigner who deals in cryptocurrency investment in order to introduce unsuspecting foreign nationals to deliver the monies to him, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 and punishable under Section 324 of the Penal Code”.
They pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to them.
Based on their pleas, the judges convicted and offered them different sentences which are; Donendung to six month imprisonment or an option of fine of N250,000, Shammah to eight months imprisonment without an option of fine, Yakubu to two years imprisonment with an option of fine of N200,000, Namzy to six months imprisonment without an option of fine, Ogbu to two years imprisonment with an option of N250,000 as fine, Yakubu to eight years imprisonment with an option of fine of N500,000, Samuel to three years imprisonment or an option of N200,000 fine and he also forfeited two laptops, one iPhone X, MTN router and one headphone to the Federal government of Nigeria.
Other convicts are: Emeka sentenced to three years imprisonment or an option of N250,000 fine and he forfeited one BMW car to the government, Emmanuel to two years imprisonment or an option of N150,000naira fine, Monday to four years imprisonment or N400,000 as option of fine, Ekond to six years imprisonment or N350,000 as fine, Danjuma to three months imprisonment with an option of N250,000 fine, Joseph to two years imprisonment or option of N400,000 fine, Auta to six months imprisonment without an option of fine, Adejumo Faruq to six months imprisonment without an option of fine, Anthony Favour to two years imprisonment with an option of N150,000 fine, and he also forfeited two tecno phone used in committing the offence to the government and Jeremiah to six months imprisonment without an option of fine.
All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested for internet offences. They all pleaded guilty before the court and were convicted.
Media & Publicity
March 28, 2024
COURT ADJOURNS ARRAIGNMENT OF BINANCE EXECUTIVE TILL APRIL 8
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja on Thursday, April 4, 2024 adjourned arraignment of Binance Holdings Limited to April 8, 2024 for a ruling on the service of charges on the company.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Binance alongside Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla on five –count charges bordering on tax evasion, currency speculation and money laundering to the tune of $34,400,000 (Thirty-four Million, Four Hundred Thousand United States Dollars).
At Thursday’s sitting, defence counsel Mark Mordi SAN raised an objection against the arraignment of the second defendant without the prosecution properly serving the charges on the first defendant. He, however, noted that his client was not an agent, director or representative of the company in the country, and as such could not be serve on behalf of the first defendant.
“My Lord, it is a joint charge, the prosecution is supposed to have served the first defendant the charge and having not accomplished service to the first defendant, I don’t see how the arraignment can go my Lord”
“He’s not a Director, not a partner, and not even the Secretary. He does not reside in Nigeria to qualify as an agent within jurisdiction, he has no physical footprint here, so he’s not an agent here. There’s no proof of service in the court’s file, so the prosecution cannot assume that he has been served through my client”, he said.
But counsel to the EFCC, Ekele Iheanacho, disagreed with him, and noted that the second respondent is a representative of the first defendant in the country, adding that the charge was served on him on behalf of the company.
“My Lord Section 123 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act states that on effecting service; ‘the person effecting service of a summons shall effect it by delivering it on: (a) an individual, to him personally; or (b) a firm or corporation; (i) to one of the partners, (ii) to a director, (iii) to the secretary, (iv) to the chief agent within the jurisdiction, (v) by leaving it at the principal place of business in Nigeria of the firm or corporation, or (vi) to anyone having, at the time of service, control of the business of the firm. So, my Lord, the law allows that the service can be effected to the chief agent within the jurisdiction, and in this case, the second defendant is the only physical agent within the jurisdiction”, he said.
Arguing further, he pointed out that “the law does not command an impossibility. A party who has no physical presence in Nigeria but has a physical agent in Nigeria can properly be served through that agent. He is the only physical agent we have, hence we served him on behalf of the first defendant though he refused the service, but it is in our proof of evidence that we served him”.
Iheanacho stressed “Section 124 of the ACJA refers to obtain service for an individual and not for a corporation, so my Lord the service of the first defendant which he refused to accept, is a proper service. And again my Lord, the counsel to the second defendant cannot be speaking on behalf of the first defendant, so all the information from him is to be disregarded because they lack merit”.
Iheanacho thereafter said it was not the position of the counsel to the second defendant to argue for the first defendant, he therefore urged the court to enter a plea for the first defendant and continue with the proceedings.
After listening to all the submissions of the counsels, Justice Nwite adjourned ruling till April 8, 2024.
Media & Publicity
March 4, 2024
EFCC ARRESTS 39 FOR SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUD IN BENIN CITY
Operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, April 4, 2024 arrested 39 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Benin City.
The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in computer -related fraud.
Items recovered from them include eight exotic cars – three Mercedes-Benz GLK, one Mercedes Benz C300 4 Matic, two Lexus ES350, Toyota Venza and Toyota Camry cars. Others are laptops and phones
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Media & Publicity
March 4, 2024
PRESS RELEASE – 5 APRIL 2024
NERC Fines AEDC ₦200 Million for Violation of the New Tariff Order, Directs Customer Refunds
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) has taken enforcement action against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (“AEDC”) for non-compliance with the Supplementary Order to the April 2024 Multi-Year Tariff Order 2024 for AEDC (the “Order”). AEDC has been fined ₦200,000,000 (Two Hundred Million Naira) for failure to comply with the prescribed customer band classifications for the tariff billing.
This decision follows a detailed review and customer feedback, which revealed that AEDC had applied the new tariff to all customer bands, contrary to the Order, which was designed to ensure fair billing practices.
AEDC is therefore mandated to:
- Reimburse all customers in Bands B, C, D and E respectively that were billed above the allowed customer categories/tariff bands provided in the Order.
- Reimburse through the provision of the balance of customer tokens that the affected customers would be entitled to receive at the applicable rates and all token reimbursements shall be issued to the affected customers by 11 April 2024.
- Pay the sum of ₦200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) as a fine for the flagrant breach of the Commission’s Order.
- File evidence of compliance with the directives in a & c with the Commission by 12 April 2024.
The action by the Commission underscores its commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring equitable practices within Nigeria’s electricity sector.
Signed
Management
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, OLU OF WARRI, ON BIRTHDAY
President Bola Tinubu heartily congratulates His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, on the occasion of his birthday.
The President joins the good people of Warri Kingdom in celebrating the Renaissance monarch, extolling his strength of character, clear-sightedness, and zest for peace, progress, and development of Itsekiri land and its people.
President Tinubu commends the Olu of Warri for his support for youth-centred initiatives and development programmes, acknowledging Nigeria’s youths as the nation’s greatest asset.
As His Royal Majesty marks this milestone birthday, the President wishes the monarch good health and strength and many years of prosperity on the throne of his forebears.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 2, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, AWUJALE OF IJEBULAND, ON 64TH CORONATION ANNIVERSARY
President Bola Tinubu warmly congratulates His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ogbagba II, the Awujale of Ijebuland, on the 64th anniversary of his coronation.
The President joins the great people of Ijebuland, Ogun State, and Nigerians in totality to celebrate the Royal Father and one of the longest reigning monarchs in Nigeria.
President Tinubu extols the revered monarch as a fine personification of integrity, wisdom, and authenticity, as well as a prolific repository of Ijebuland’s and Nigeria’s cherished history.
The President thanks the Royal Father, whom he describes as a “close confidant,” for his prayers, support, and wise counsel.
President Tinubu prays to God Almighty to grant His Royal Majesty the grace of good health and strength and many more prosperous years on the throne of his forefathers.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 2, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS PASSING OF FORMER LABOUR LEADER, ALI CHIROMA
President Bola Tinubu sends his deepest condolences to the family of Comrade Ali Chiroma over the passing of the elder statesman.
Comrade Chiroma was former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and had held various positions within the trade union hierarchy.
The President sympathizes with the Chiroma family, the organized labour community, and everyone impacted by this painful loss.
Recalling the endeavours of the former labour leader at a trying time in the life of the nation, President Tinubu affirms that Comrade Chiroma stood up for the independence of the NLC and doggedly defended the downtrodden when it mattered the most.
The President prays to Almighty Allah to grant repose to the soul of the departed while assuring the family of the elder statesman of his thoughts and prayers in this moment of grief.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 3, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU: OUR RIVALS DO NOT WANT US TO GROW BIGGER THAN THEM BUT WITH THE SUPPORT OF NIGERIANS, WE WILL MEET OUR DESTINY
President Bola Tinubu says the future of the Nigerian child is going to be brighter as the path to take them out of poverty has been cleared with his signing into law of the Student Loans Re-enactment Bill.
The President spoke on Wednesday night when he hosted members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and the Independent Campaign Council to Iftar at the State House in Abuja.
“The only thing that can fight poverty is education. Today, I signed the bill for the Student Loan Scheme. Imagine the children of the poor; what about people going through the mud, fishing in the ponds? How do you tell their children that their future will be brighter? It is only through education that we can fight poverty. A promising future awaits our children,” the President affirmed.
The President also used the occasion to reassure Nigerians that the economy is being steered onto the path of sustainable growth and broad-based prosperity for Nigerian families in all parts of the country.
“The economy is looking much better. Yes, we have challenges of inflation, but we will bring it down. When the exchange rate was going haywire, it looked like we were asleep, but we worked on it diligently, and it is going down; it is getting better. Borrowing was higher a year ago, but today, we are reengineering the financial landscape, and our revenue is expanding. And we are taking up our sovereignty and earning our respect back in the comity of nations,” President Tinubu said.
Acknowledging members of the PCC and ICC for their rigorous efforts toward his election, the President said: “It is your footwork and footprints that made me the President. I campaigned on hope, and you promised Nigerians hope and a good result when campaigning for me. There are a lot of expectations. I, therefore, have to work hard for it. There is a windy road we are traveling on. We have to navigate carefully. Otherwise, one ends up in the bush, and that is all I have been focused on.
“It is your effort, resourcefulness, and dedication that has brought us here. The results will not come suddenly, you have endured the campaign, you must endure more, and I assure you that a very bright light beckons for you and your children. Nigeria will prosper, and we will all reap the benefits. We will work with determination and persistence.”
While urging citizens to continue to have faith in Nigeria by supporting his administration to succeed for the benefit of all, President Tinubu noted that “Europe and America did not get to where they are today in one day, but through persistence and hard work, which takes time and consistent focus.”
“Pray for Nigeria, think Nigeria. This is not play time. Let us believe in ourselves. We must ask questions. What is happening to our solid minerals? No rival wants you to be bigger than them. We must be dogged. We have to sort out our problem ourselves,” the President said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Director-General of the defunct PCC, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Director-General of the defunct ICC, in their various remarks, thanked the supporters for their perseverance, assuring them that the President had not forgotten all their efforts and would not disappoint them.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 4, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
IN DETAIL: THE STUDENT LOANS (ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION) ACT, 2024
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, signed into law the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2024. The Act is of historic proportions as it seeks to guarantee sustainable higher education and functional skill development for all Nigerian students and youths.
WHY THE PREVIOUS ACT WAS AMENDED
The repealed Student Loan Act, 2023, had some challenges bordering on governance and management, purpose of the loans, eligibility criteria for applicants, method of application, repayment provisions, and recovery of the loans.
THE AMENDMENTS UNDER THE NEW ACT
Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act, 2024 sufficiently resolved the challenges highlighted above and includes the following amendments:
(a) Establishes the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a body corporate that can sue and be sued in its name and has the power to acquire, hold, and dispose of movable and immovable property for the purpose of its functions.
– This ensures that the Fund can legally enter contracts, including loan agreements, and may also initiate action to ensure repayment by beneficiaries.
(b) Empowers the Fund to provide loans to qualified Nigerians for tuition, fees, charges, and upkeep during their studies in approved tertiary academic institutions and vocational and skills acquisition institutions in Nigeria.
– Build, operate, and maintain a diversified pool of funds to provide loans to qualified applicants and ensure access to higher education, vocational training, and skills acquisition.
– These amendments ensure that students can apply for and receive loans to cover tuition, institutional charges, and some upkeep.
(c) Separates the governance functions from the management operations of NELFUND by establishing a board of directors with a chairman and a secretary.
– The board’s members are drawn from relevant ministries, regulatory bodies, and participating agencies, including the Federal Ministries of Finance and Education, the FIRS, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, and NCCE, as well as representatives of universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, students of tertiary institutions, and the organized private sector.
– Establishes a management team led by a managing director, including executive directors responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the Fund.
– The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria appoints the Board and Management.
(d) Properly defines the resource structure of the Fund by, among other things, establishing the General Reserve Fund into which shall be paid 1 percent of all taxes, levies, and duties collected by the Federal Inland Revenue Service and accruing to the benefit of the Federal Government, and
– From which the Fund shall pay amounts payable as loans to qualified applicants for tuition, fees, charges, and upkeep, as well as the Fund’s operational expenses and such expenditures necessary to attaining the Fund’s objectives and functions.
(e) Changes to eligibility criteria for applicants
– Removes the family income threshold so Nigerian students can apply for these loans and accept responsibility for repayment according to the Fund’s guidelines.
– Removes the guarantor requirement so that students can apply for and receive loans subject to application and identity verification guidelines as provided by the Fund.
– Student applicants can no longer be disqualified based on their parent’s loan history.
(f) Establishes a justice and fairness provision mandating the Board to ensure a minimum national spread of loans approved and disbursed in each financial year.
(g) Applicants to the Fund may apply for loans to cover tuition and other fees payable to the school and maintenance allowance payable to the student.
(h) Repayment of loans by beneficiaries
– The Fund shall not initiate loan recovery efforts until two years after the completion of the National Youth Service Programme.
– A beneficiary may request an extension of enforcement action by the Fund by providing a sworn affidavit indicating that he/she is not employed in any capacity and is not receiving any income.
– Only a person who provides a false statement to the Fund under this section is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three years.
– Makes provision for loan forgiveness in the event of death or acts of God causing inability to repay.
The Act effectively removes the previous encumbrances found in the first iteration of the Act, and paves the path for the protection of Nigeria’s future by ensuring that citizens have the means to fund their education, acquire critical skills, and become productive contributors to national development.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 4, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU HAILS SENATOR ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE ON BIRTHDAY
President Bola Tinubu heartily congratulates Senator Adams Oshiomhole on the occasion of his birthday, today, April 4, 2024.
Senator Oshiomhole was President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) from 1999 to 2007; Governor of Edo State from 2008 to 2016, and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from 2018 to 2020.
The President joins the family and friends of the Distinguished Senator in celebrating his close ally and a man for all seasons.
“Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is of strong character. He is ever so committed to his principles, unbending and fearless in the pursuit of a just cause. He is a man you can take to battle and be sure of victory. He is fiercely loyal and stands firmly by what he believes in,” the President said.
President Tinubu thanks Senator Oshiomhole for his fervent support while asking God Almighty to grant him many more years in good health.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 4, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU AT ECOWAS PARLIAMENT: STRONG AND DIRECT REPRESENTATION UNITES WEST AFRICA AMIDST FORCES OF DIVISION
President Bola Tinubu has called on ECOWAS member states to come together, strengthen ties, and reject forces bent on causing division within the community.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament, on Thursday in Abuja, President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, said regional solidarity is imperative to strengthen the bloc’s resilience and effectiveness at this critical juncture.
He emphasized that member states can not afford to remain passive spectators while the community faces the threat of disintegration.
“We stand united against such forces and are committed to ensuring that our unity remains unshaken. We must ensure that cooperation amongst us is strengthened, with a view to building a sense of common destiny and purpose. No one can do this for us. We must come together.
“To this extent, reinforcing the legitimacy of the decisions taken by the Authority of Heads of State is key in sending a message that ECOWAS is one indivisible body. It is also very important that the executives, on the other hand, show similar confidence in the Parliament, which would indeed deepen democracy in our region. Meanwhile, in the midst of ongoing challenges, our partnership can be a driving force for stability, growth, and prosperity in our region,” the President said.
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the aspirations of the community and, by extension, the fundamental objectives upon which the ECOWAS Parliament was established.
Affirming the important role of the ECOWAS Parliament in the bloc’s journey towards a future of peace and prosperity for all, President Tinubu said success cannot be achieved without the loyal contribution and hard work of the community’s legislative agency.
“Furthermore, to realize the ECOWAS ‘Vision 2050’, we require greater involvement of the people in the decision-making processes of the community. That can only be achieved through their duly-elected representatives who, being members of their national parliaments, are seconded to the community parliament. We are here, collectively, to serve all the good and great people of West Africa.
“I am aware that the ECOWAS Parliament is seeking enhanced powers, primarily through the election of its members by direct universal suffrage. This will increase the role parliamentarians must play and the responsibilities that they will assume in advancing our regional development objectives, particularly in harmonizing laws and regulations across the member states.
“Indeed, the practice of directly electing public officials aligns with the democratic principles that Nigeria upholds, as it enhances the legitimacy of our democratic institutions. This principle is also in line with the spirit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. As a one-time legislator myself, I look forward to reviewing a proposal regarding this matter, and we stand ready to support direct elections into the ECOWAS Parliament. We believe this would ensure that citizens have a direct say in their representation – in addition to the legitimacy and credibility such a process will confer,” the President said.
President Tinubu also stated that Nigeria, as the host of the community’s institution, will continue to support the Parliament to achieve its objectives.
“I am aware of the plan to have all ECOWAS institutions in one complex and of the good progress that has been made. Nigeria is also working to meet its responsibilities in constructing the ECOWAS Parliament’s Headquarters in Abuja within the same complex.
“I would like to emphasize that, as you conduct the business of the 6th Legislature, it is my hope that your discussions will provide you the opportunity to address the prime concerns of the region and come up with resolutions that will lead to the attainment of peace and the advancement of all. You can stand assured that Nigeria is always ready to support the ECOWAS Parliament, in whatever endeavours you are engaged, to move the ECOWAS mission forward,” the President stated.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 4, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU TO GAVI CEO: NIGERIAN MANUFACTURERS ARE CAPABLE AND READY TO PRODUCE VACCINES
President Bola Tinubu has called on Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to collaborate with potential Nigerian vaccine manufacturers to ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines for children and adults.
Speaking at a meeting with a delegation of GAVI led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sania Nishtar, at the State House, on Thursday, President Tinubu said partnership on local vaccine production has become necessary owing to the challenges faced by developing countries, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious disease outbreaks.
”We have capable and talented people who can make the necessary contributions to the production of vaccines in Nigeria and the rest of Africa,’’ the President told the visiting CEO, who assumed office on March 18, 2024, and has embarked on visits to some African countries.
The President assured GAVI CEO of Nigeria’s commitment to fulfilling its outstanding counterpart contributions for routine vaccines for the year 2023.
He directed the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, to work with the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to ensure the release of necessary funds for vaccine procurement.
”We intend to contribute to the development of our healthcare programme, and we are committed to partnering with GAVI,” the President said.
The President stated that his administration is focused on ensuring that no child is left behind when it comes to vaccination against preventable childhood diseases.
”GAVI’s commitment to humanity is recognized throughout the world. Thank you for the impactful commitment to humanity, and we welcome the collaboration to save our children from preventable diseases.
”We as a nation are committed to your values, and we believe that no child should be left unprotected,” he said.
President Tinubu acknowledged the invaluable perspective shared by the GAVI CEO, who hails from a developing country, Pakistan, and emphasized the importance of leveraging her experience for the benefit of children’s health.
Commending Dr. Nishtar for her visit to Nigeria and support for the administration’s health-sector initiatives, the President pledged to prioritize investments in health sector renewal, noting the importance of coordination and collaboration among federal, state, and local governments.
In her remarks, the GAVI CEO congratulated the Nigerian government on its innovative health-sector initiatives, including increasing budgetary allocations to health to 4.6 percent and commitment to providing HPV vaccines for adolescent girls, among others.
She expressed readiness to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to leverage policy instruments and technical expertise to advance health outcomes.
Dr. Nishtar announced GAVI’s commitment to providing $250 million grant support to Nigeria, as well as its dedication to addressing vaccine inequity in Africa through initiatives like the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, which has earmarked $1 billion to support the sustainable growth of Africa’s manufacturing base for vaccine production.
”Nigeria is a very special country. It is a very special country in Africa. It is a special country in the world and it is a very special country for us in GAVI. There is a dictum in GAVI that says, ‘there is no success for GAVI without success in Nigeria’,” she said.
The GAVI CEO also informed the President that the GAVI Board will be meeting in the coming weeks to decide on policy decisions that will impact the way in which Nigeria receives support from the organization, beyond 2028, and that her visit to the country was for discussions with Nigeria’s health managers.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 4, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU TO CORPORATE NIGERIA: HAND IN HAND WITH YOU, I CANNOT UNDERPERFORM ON A JOB I CAMPAIGNED FOR
President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria’s economy is at a turning point and will require the steadfast support of the private sector for sustained growth and prosperity.
Speaking during Iftar on Thursday in Abuja with members of the Nigerian business community, the President expressed gratitude for their support and pledged to engage with them more frequently.
”I would have summoned you before now, not during Ramadan, because you are a very valuable part of my constituency.
”There is no driver of the economy that is bigger than the private sector. If the private sector is not flourishing, there is no growth, no prosperity, no employment or development. No matter how flowery the speeches are, not even a mushroom will grow.
”Thank you for persevering. We are at a turning point in our economy. I do not have to do a quadratic equation to illustrate all of that to you. I just want to appreciate you for your endurance and perseverance,’’ the President said.
Sharing insights from his visit to the New York Stock Exchange in 2023, President Tinubu noted Nigeria’s self-belief and determination to drive economic transformation from within.
”At the New York Stock Exchange, I appealed to foreign investors to consider Nigeria as a prime investment destination.
“At the end of my remarks, I told them we only want them to show their face and diversify Nigeria’s economy not as if we cannot do it ourselves.
“Tony Elumelu walked up to me and thanked me for making that statement. We can do it. Nigeria is a self-believer and can always deliver on its own. We know our first name and our last name. Our first name is: Spirit, and our last name is: Can do.”
President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his mandate, emphasizing that he cannot afford to underperform, given the trust placed in him by the electorate.
“I have no reason to underperform as the elected President of the country because I campaigned for the job.
“I cannot complain about the job. I appreciate the gesture, and what you have told me this evening is very inspiring. Cut the costs. Fix the bends. Summon courage. Save the money, but push the economy. We will be there.There are some countries that have failed. There are some countries that have succeeded. In our time, in my time, all of us must work together to succeed. Thank you very much,’’ the President concluded.
In separate remarks at the Ramadan dinner, industrialists, bank executives, and entrepreneurs pledged their support towards the success of the administration’s economic programmes.
Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, assured the President that the Organized Private Sector (OPS) in the country is solidly behind him.
‘‘Your transformation journey to turn around the economy and businesses are very appropriate for the country.
‘‘We appreciate what you are doing. We know the journey will not be smooth, but given the will, we will get to the Promised Land.
‘‘We admire your decisiveness, and we appreciate what you are doing. You are extremely passionate about taking Nigeria to the Promised Land.
‘‘On behalf of the OPS, we want to assure you that we are 100 percent with you. We have engaged with your ministers and associates; we share ideas, and we support them. We know that under your leadership, you have the ability to heal Nigeria permanently,’’ Mr. Elumelu said.
Allen Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, Air Peace, charged business owners and manufacturers to work towards bringing down the cost of products and services.
Citing the example of Air Peace in reducing the cost of air tickets to London, Mr. Onyema thanked President Tinubu for improving the ease of doing business in the country.
”President Tinubu is thinking of the Nigeria of the future. The ease of doing business is coming back gradually. I can attest to that in the aviation sector because of the people you appointed to head that sector.
”I can also attest to what our High Commission in the United Kingdom did in making Air Peace flights into Gatwick Airport a possibility,’’ he said.
Dr. Stella Okoli, pharmacist and founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Company, urged the President to look into providing more support for the pharmaceutical industry in the country to make it self-sufficient and self-financing.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 4, 2024
Business Mogul, Felix Aganbi, lauds Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse 111
Business Mogul, Feli Aganbi, on Tuesday commended Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse 111 for demonstrating exemplary leadership, living above board and for serving as a source of strength and inspiration for many within and outside Warri Kingdom kingdom.
‘’His Royal Majesty, Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, is an intelligent, straightforward, courageous, selfless, amiable and committed patriot’’.
He also praised the Warri monarch for playing significant roles in the promotion of harmony, socio-cultural cooperation, communal living and peaceful co-existence among diverse peoples.
‘’The current peace, progress and prosperity in the Warri Kingdom can be attributed to his wise and benevolent leadership” he said.
Aganbi in a statement in Koko, headquarters of Warri North, praised Ogiame Atuwatse 111 for serving the kingdom with unerring grace, dignity and decency.
Aganbi, Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Water and Ajimele Oil, praised the monarch for stimulating harmony and development in Delta State, Keeping Itsekiri firmly on the road to development and uplifting the fortunes of Warri Kingdom.
Particularly, he lauded His Royal Majesty for utilizing his boundless energy, robust intellect, uncommon courage and tenacity of purpose to motivate members of the traditional council and prominent leaders for the highest ideals of governance, unity and development in Warri Kingdom.
“Ogiame Atuwatse 111, CFR is a man of impeccable character, a man of dignity, wisdom and compassion” he said.
The statement highlighted the monarch’s visionary leadership and selfless service to humanity.
“May the Good Lord, who has blessed Warri Kingdom, grant you good health, wisdom and strength”.
Ending the statement, Aganbi said “Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem and warmest congratulations on occasion of your 40th birthday’’
