MY ECONOMIC REFORMS ARE ANCHORED ON EASE OF BUSINESS, COLLABORATION AND CONSTANT PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT, PRESIDENT TINUBU TELLS NESG.

MY ECONOMIC REFORMS ARE ANCHORED ON EASE OF BUSINESS, COLLABORATION AND CONSTANT PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT, PRESIDENT TINUBU TELLS NESG.

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his support for a robust public-private sector partnership to grow the economy, saying that his administration’s sustained, bold and coordinated reforms are anchored on a "strong adherence to accountability and transparency."

Speaking at an audience on Thursday in Abuja with members of the Board and Management of the Nigeria Economic Support Group (NESG), the President reiterated his unequivocal resolve to fully implement the eight priority reform areas under the Renewed Hope Agenda within the next three years.

The President emphasized that Nigeria is blessed with rich human and natural resources, in addition to deficit opportunities, which can quickly be leveraged into new prosperity, calling for the urgent exploitation of Nigeria's diversity for collective gain, with an eye on new think tanks in the agricultural sector and the establishment of a commodity exchange.

E"We have gone through the past. I will not look back. The focus of my horse and my race remains forward-looking. We have an abundance of knowledge and untapped mineral resources, and an agricultural sector that is God-given, but we tend to shy away from taking those gigantic steps that will result in prosperity for our people.

"We are not exploiting our diversity for prosperity, we are at each other’s throats, arguing about unnecessary things, instead of thinking and doing for our people," the President said.

The President noted that he was elected on a "no excuses" platform for renewed hope and that he will not accept excuses from anyone in his government as they set out to deliver on his agenda.

"Looking backwards is retrogressive for any reformer. Looking forward can give you the leaps that will propel you in the right direction.

"We need think tanks in the agricultural sector. I don’t see why Nigeria will be so blessed with good soil and not have a commodity exchange. I don’t see why we have not been able to interrogate our real estate sector and propel it.

"I don’t see why we have not used consumer credit to build the purchasing power of our people and the capacity of our very own manufacturing sector," the President assessed.

While commending the NESG for believing in the reforms of his administration, the President said the "bitter pill" must be administered to an ailing nation and economy to build a better future for the country.

"I am here and I believe we can do it together. No single person succeeds alone. The world is dynamic.

"We are confronted with climate change and other challenges, but somewhere in the eye of the storm, there is a quiet and peaceful corner for those who can toil well. With patience and determination, we will succeed," the President assured.

The Chairman of NESG, Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, welcomed the economic reforms announced by the Tinubu administration, specifically with respect to fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange rate harmonization, food security and palliatives to sub-national governments.

The NESG Chairman pledged that the NESG would work with the newly inaugurated cabinet to achieve the eight-point agenda of the administration.

"Your track record in the effective implementation of bold economic reforms as the Governor of Lagos leaves those of us in the private sector without doubt that you will achieve much greater feats as our nation's president," the NESG Chairman confided.

He used the occasion of the courtesy visit to formally request the President to declare open the NESG Summit in October, as well as to direct Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to partner with them and participate fully at the Summit as part of efforts to ramp up local and foreign direct investment in Nigeria.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 31, 2023

Olatunbosun Cautions Motorists Against Flouting Traffic Rules, Diversions On Roads Undergoing Construction Works.

Olatunbosun Cautions Motorists Against Flouting Traffic Rules, Diversions On Roads Undergoing Construction Works.

Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Ekiti State Commissioner for Information.

Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun has advised motorists and commuters plying roads where construction works are ongoing to exercise patience and obey traffic diversions so as not to create undue hindrances to the construction work. 

He said motorists and commuters must also exercise caution to avert avoidable accidents which may lead to possible injury and needless loss of lives. 

Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun who gave the advice in Ado Ekiti, assured that Government would ensure delivery of good quality and timely projects, adding that concerted efforts have been put in place to guarantee the delivery of the projects on schedule.   

He said that the measures put in place to control traffic are in the interest of public and the State Government would leave no stone unturned towards ensuring that the projects are completed within the stipulated period.

Stressing that the focus is to boost economic and social activities in the State and predominantly at the grassroots, Olatunbosun said that the Oyebanji administration would continue to embark on meaningful policies and projects that have positive impact on the lives of the people, adding that the wellbeing of the people remained Government’s top priority.

He recalled that Governor Oyebanji recently signed two bills that would ensure proper maintenance and rehabilitation of deplorable roads in the State into laws, stressing that the Ekiti State Rural Access Roads Authority Bill (2023) and the Ekiti State Roads Funds bill (2023) were enacted because of their potentials to have positive impact on people in the State, “especially on farmers who would have access to good roads to transport farm produce.”

The Commissioner added that another 12 rural roads would also be rehabilitated under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) as part of interventions to make community roads accessible. 

He highlighted roads undergoing rehabilitation in the State to include Oye- Iye --Ikun -Otun- Diary Farm Road, Ado-Iworoko-Road, Ikole township Road, Itapa- Ijelu- Omu Road, Moferere-Agric Olope-Odo  Ado, Ilawe-Erijiyan road and the Hospital Management road in Ado-Ekiti.

Olatunbosun said that while the Igbara Odo - Ikogosi Road, Iloro-Ijurin-Temidire- Ayegunle road and the failed Culvert on Igede -Ilawe road as well as the  Igbara Odo - Ikogosi Road are undergoing reconstruction, the State Government is undertaking fresh construction of the Omisanjana –Sije- Deeper Life- Ajebandele road, the GRA 3rd Extension road and the Okeoro-Ilokun-Ipoti road.

Stressing that construction of the roads handled by the Oyebanji administration were monitored to guarantee durability, Olatunbosun however appealed to the people to avoid acts that are inimical to the longevity of the roads.

He warned that indiscriminate dumping of refuse in gutters and waterways as well as the construction of unauthorized speed-breakers could lead to flooding and rapid destruction of the roads.

EKSG Will Be Impartial, Apolitical In Settling Land Disputes- Deputy Governor.

EKSG Will Be Impartial, Apolitical In Settling Land Disputes- Deputy Governor.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has assured all the towns enmeshed in boundary crisis that the government will ensure justice and act as truly impartial arbiter in the handling of all pending land disputes in the state.

The government said it won't view any land matter brought before it with political  prism in the interest of peace and unity, which are the two main pillars required to stabilise any society. 

Mrs Afuye gave the assurance, on Thursday, while interfacing with the critical stakeholders in the lingering land dispute between Ifisin and Esure Ekiti.

The parley was convened by the government sequel to a petition written by Ifisin Community, alleging that some Esure Ekiti  farmers were trespassing  on its lands.

Presiding over the matter, with the  representatives of the two communities in attendance, Mrs Afuye, said the Ekiti State Land Dispute Resolution Committee, comprising  the Permanent Secretary in her office, Mr Abayomi Opeyemi and the Ekiti State Surveyor General, Surveyor Adebayo Faleto will visit the disputed land to ascertain the veracity of the claims being made by the feuding parties.

Appealing to the communities to abide by whatever conclusion arrived at  by the committee, Mrs Afuye disclosed that peace and stability of the state are very dear to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and that nothing will be allowed to tinker with the relative peace being enjoyed by Ekiti residents.

She said the two towns had coexisted peacefully for years due to the strong cord of unity and love between them, saying the current crisis shouldn't be allowed to sever the long-standing relationship.

"Let me reiterate once against that What Governor Biodun  Oyebanji expects from all towns is peace and he has been preaching towards it  and anything that will affect our peace negatively , we want to be avoiding it. Let us learn how to be civil and decorous. 

"We have a standing committee to handle issues if this nature. The committee will come and visit the place. Please, warn you youths, don't let them bring thugs to come and harass anybody. Justice shall prevail in this matter.

"Let me assure you that we are not going to be biased or show political favouritism in any land dispute we handle and that we will apply in this matter. We must learn how to show love to our neighbours; that was what our forebears showed over some of these lands we are now fighting over.

"The cocoa and kolanut that Esure Ekiti farmers had planted on this land will be difficult to remove, even if the place called Omifunfun is taken as the boundary. So, Ifisin people will be made to show understanding in the interest of peace between the two towns.

"My submission doesn't preempt the outcome of what the committee will submit as recommendations. I am just laying emphasy that it is going to be a win-win situation for the two towns".

The Elesure of Esure, Oba Adebanji Ajibola and the representative of Onifisin, Surveyor Bamidele Fabode, lauded the position canvassed by the Deputy Governor that the committee will visit the land before taking its final position on the matter.

But speaking to the petition earlier written to the government, the representative of Onifisin, Surveyor Fabode, said a meeting had earlier been convened at the behest of  Onifisin and Elesure, where it was  agreed that "Omifunfun Stream" should be taken as the boundary .

He added that part of the resolutions was that, Esure farmers, who have cocoa plantations beyond the stream would be allowed to maintain the ownership of their crops. 

"It was agreed at the meeting held in Ifisin Ekiti where the two monarchs were present and the representatives of the two towns that Omifunfun Stream was the boundary. It was also agreed that Esure farmers  will be made to retain their cocoa even if Ifisin decided to survey the land up to the stream". 

But  Elesure, Oba Ajibola, countered the position, describing a rock  called "Aibayan" as the boundary contrary to the claim by Ifisin people.

The monarch lamented how his people were being arrested by Ifisin people and filed tresspass charges against them over a land they had owned for centuries, describing such as inhuman and wicked.

"The stream we mentioned had always been  the boundary.  But we will allow the  government to mediate in this matter and come out with a true position on who truly owns the land between us. I will continue to appeal to my people to maintain peace".

Rwanda Retires 12 Generals, Cameroon Reshuffles Defence Ministry After Gabon Coup.

Rwanda Retires 12 Generals, Cameroon Reshuffles Defence Ministry After Gabon Coup.

The Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) has retired 12 generals and others in a move to reshuffle the military while Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has made changes to the Central African country’s Ministry of Defence. 

Both moves are coming in the wake of the Gabon coup, the latest in a series of military takeovers in Africa.

A Wednesday statement by the RDF said President Paul Kagame has retired 83 military personnel including 12 generals.

They include: General James Kabarebe, General Fred Ibingira, Lt. Gen Charles Kayonga, Lt Gen Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, Maj Gen Martin Nzaramba, Major General Eric Murokore, Major General Augustin Turagara, Major General Charles Karamba, Major General Albert Murasira, Brigadier General Chris Murari, Brigadier General Didace Ndahiro, Brigadier General Emmanuel Ndahiro.

Kagame also approved the promotion and appointment of some officers to replace them, RDF added. The moves take immediate effect.

The Rwandan president, who has been in power since 2000, is one of the continent’s longest-serving leaders. A 2015 amendment to the country’s constitution means he can stay in power until 2034.

Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Lt Gen M Muganga also held meetings with HE Hazza AlQahtani, Ambassador of UAE to Rwanda, and Colonel JE ACHU, Defence Attaché of Cameroon.

“They discussed ways to enhance defence cooperation between their respective countries,” the RDF said in a tweet.

Just before RDF’s statement, Biya announced a reshuffling in the Central African country’s defence ministry.

“Decree appointing officials to the Ministry of Defence,” he wrote on Twitter, now known as X.

One of the posts changed was the delegate to the presidency in charge of defence, navy, police, and air force staff.

The Cameroonian president began his reign in 1982 after a coup. While he later allowed for elections after severe criticisms of oppression and human rights abuses, Biya, 90, has remained president.

Wednesday’s move comes hours after military officers seized power in Gabon, prompting condemnations from world leaders and jubilation from residents of the oil-rich Central African nation.

FG announce closures of Murtala Muhammed Airport.

FG announce closures of Murtala Muhammed Airport.

The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Murtala Mohammed Airport from October 1, 2023.

The FG made this disclosure through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

The FG directed all international airlines to vacate the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, from October 1, 2023.

Keyamo said this was necessary to give room for total maintenance work at the airport.

The Minister said this during a tour of the international airports in Lagos, where he was accompanied by the Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Mr. Kabir Yusuf Mohammed.

Ekiti First Lady Bags Baptist Conference Award.

Ekiti First Lady Bags Baptist Conference Award.

.....Urges Church to pray for hubby's administration.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has urged the Church to continue to assist the administration of her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, to make greater impact on the lives of the people.

Dr. Oyebanji made the call at her investiture as an Ambassador of Good Leadership in Public Place by the Ekiti Baptist Conference of the Nigerian Baptist Convention held at Union Baptist Church, Oke Bola, Ado Ekiti.

The award ceremony which also saw the President of the Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Oluwatoyin Abodunde, receiving the award of Ambassador of Faith and Justice, was part of activities marking the 25th Annual Session of the Ekiti Baptist Conference.

The award was presented to Dr. Oyebanji and Justice Abodunde by the President of Ekiti Baptist Conference and the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Emmanuel Aribasoye. 

Justice Abodunde, who was represented by the Deputy Chief Registrar in the Ekiti State Judiciary, Mr. Alexander Olorunsola, is presently out of the country on vacation.

The Ekiti First Lady appreciated the roles played by the Baptist Church in her upbringing noting that she was brought up by her parents who were Baptists, attended Baptist schools for her primary and secondary education and also got married to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who himself is a Baptist.

While expressing gratitude for the recognition, Dr. Oyebanji promised to always be the face of the Baptist Church and represent it well anywhere she finds herself promising never to take the honour bestowed on her for granted.

Recalling her growing up years with nostalgia which she said were full of activities in the church, Dr. Oyebanji charged Baptist youths to listen to spiritual tutelage from their church leaders noting that the mentorship received in the church had prepared her for her present role.

She said: "I want to thank God that I am where I am by the grace of God. I thank God that I am being honoured where I grew up. I appreciate this honour and I will never take it for granted. I am here to honour God and to identify with my church and to thank this church for building us and contributing to what we have become today.

"This government is impacted by prayer, it is going to be sustained by prayer, we will continue to pray until we receive what God has promised us. We really need your prayers, this government needs your prayers to make greater impact on the lives of the entire people of Ekiti State."

Speaking earlier, the President of Ekiti Baptist Conference, Reverend Aribasoye said Dr. Oyebanji was chosen for the award in recognition of her humility, godliness, sincerity and faithfulness adding that "she has consistently assisted the downtrodden and she is a model for Christlikeness."

The Ekiti Baptist Conference boss explained that the first family in the state has always made the Baptist Church proud especially in providing exemplary leadership in the Land of Honour which has made the people of the state to be happy with the choice they have made in Governor Oyebanji.

He said: "Your people want to identify with you; this is an award that is coming from the Baptist Convention in Nigeria. The President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention is aware of this award we are giving you today.

"We are aware of your antecedents and the good work you are doing just within a year. Myself and Mr. Governor grew up in this (Union Baptist) Church while the First Lady grew up in First Baptist Church, Ado Ekiti. We are proud of you, your people are proud of you and that is why we are honouring you."

The event featured prayers for the government and people of Ekiti State, thanksgiving and special parade in honour of the First Lady by members of the Royal Ambassadors and Lydia Auxiliaries Band.

Interior Minister Urges Immigration to End Endless Passport Queues for Nigerians.

Interior Minister Urges Immigration to End Endless Passport Queues for Nigerians.

In a bid to enhance efficiency and improve citizen services, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed immigration officials to eliminate the long-standing issue of Nigerians waiting in never-ending lines for travel passports. The directive was issued during a concise meeting where the Minister addressed Adepoju Carol Wura-Ola, the acting-comptroller general of immigration, and Haliru Nababa, the controller general of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

In Pic: Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior.

During the meeting, the Minister emphasized the need for tangible results, stating, "I am just returning from a meeting with the president. He is not interested in excuses. We must work and deliver. Anyone who cannot help Nigeria to record progress must be kicked out because we can actually be great." He further iterated his commitment to problem-solving and collaboration, stating, "Let me know your challenges. I am here to help you solve them. When you solve them and record successes, I am also successful. The time of talks is gone. So, keep your talk. Let us discuss solutions."

In Pic: Nigeria Passports. 

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the Minister expressed that the ordeal of Nigerians queuing endlessly for passports must cease immediately. He stated, "Nigerians should not have to queue endlessly to get passports. No, this must stop. This is not the Nigeria of our dreams. I need to know the challenges the agency is facing." The Minister stressed the importance of collective effort, urging collaboration and the utilization of expertise to overcome challenges.

The Minister's vision for improved service delivery was clear as he addressed concerns about uncooperative officers: "We must all come together to deploy and invest our expertise to resolve them. Nigerians will take us up on our promises. If we have officers who are not ready for this rigorous process, we will excuse them."

With this directive from the Interior Minister, hopes are high for a streamlined passport issuance process, marking a significant step towards a more efficient and citizen-centric government service.