G77+CHINA LEADERS’ SUMMIT: NIGERIA, CUBA TO DEEPEN STRATEGIC RELATIONS.

G77+CHINA LEADERS’ SUMMIT: NIGERIA, CUBA TO DEEPEN STRATEGIC RELATIONS.

....VP delivers special message from President Tinubu to Cuba’s President.

Ahead of the G77+China Leaders’ Summit starting Friday, the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima has expressed the desire of Tinubu’s administration to deepen existing bilateral relations with the Republic of Cuba.

Vice President Shettima stated this today during a courtesy visit to the Vice President of Cuba, Salvador Valdez Mesa at the Palace De Revolution in Havana.

In his remarks during the visit, the Vice President traced the history of relations between Nigeria, Africa and Cuba especially its support for Southern Africa.

“We hold Cuba in high esteem especially your commitment to us in Africa”, he affirmed.

While commending the existing relationship between the two countries, VP Nana Shettima reiterated the need to re-commit to future relations, saying “our relationship has been very excellent over the years and this relations needs to be strengthened and upscaled. 

“This is why I came with Ministers of Agriculture and that of Science, Technologh and Innovation to explore future areas of partnership.”

The Vice President stressed the need to explore opportunities in Science, Technology and Innovation as well as the agriculture sector.

He took time to deliver a special message to the President of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel from President Bola Tinubu, assuring him of President Tinubu’s commitment to deepening their mutual relations.

In his own remarks, the Vice President of Cuba was full of praise for Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and the world. 

He said Cuba takes its relations with Nigeria very seriously, noting that the support to Africa in past decades is due to th fact that Cuba considers itself as an African State.

He thus expressed his country’s readiness to explore new areas of collaboration with Nigeria in such sectors such as health, biodiversity and agriculture.

He also thanked Nigeria for its participation at the upcoming Summit saying “we attach great importance to your presence here.”

In VP’s delegation to Cuba’s Vice President were the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Adamu Lamuwa and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Cuba, Amb. Ben Okoyen amongst others.

 

Olusola Abiola

Director Information

Office of the Vice President

14th September, 2023

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES ESTABLISHMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS HERDERS / FARMERS CLASHES AND BOLSTER LIVESTOCK & DAIRY INDUSTRIES.

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES ESTABLISHMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS HERDERS / FARMERS CLASHES AND BOLSTER LIVESTOCK & DAIRY INDUSTRIES.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Presidential Committee dedicated to the reform of the livestock industry and the provision of long-term solutions to recurring clashes between herders and farmers in the country.

The President announced the establishment of the Committee on Thursday in Abuja, following the submission of a report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria.

The Conference was convened by the former Executive Governor of Kano State and Chairman of All Progressives' Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje.

The President explained that the Committee is expected to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and propose recommendations aimed at fostering a peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers while ensuring the security and economic well-being of all Nigerians.

"The Federal Government is fully prepared to cover the cost of acquiring the land. These opportunities will provide gainful employment for our veterinary doctors, while opening doors for the private sector as the provision of new educational opportunities for herders’ and their children emerge. Medical facilities will be established. This is a life-changing opportunity that we have.

"Imagine us producing enough milk for our school children. Imagine us becoming net exporters of cheese and yoghurt. Imagine us producing the skin massively with a major Nigerian leather industry. Imagine us providing cold storage facilities and employment across the nation. These things are possible in front of us," the President charged.

President Tinubu commended Ganduje for assembling the best minds and experts to find solutions to the perennial issues between pastoralists and farmers.

He also praised the committee members for their diligent work in examining the complex issues related to livestock management, land use, and security.

"Out of every tragedy, if you are careful, you will see an opportunity. We have faced this conflict for some time. We know it is a homegrown problem. It is very hard for people to stay away from their traditional, old ways. 

"I tried in 2018 to bring about a solution to this problem, but it proved elusive. But I've been told not to ever give up, and today I believe the solution is here," the President stated, referring to the committee report, which contains several recommendations.

"It is not the fault of herders and farmers that this crisis has persisted. It is the fault of the leadership who failed to find immediate solutions to solve their problems. Leadership is about thinking and doing," he said.

In his remarks, Ganduje recalled that during his tenure as the Governor of Kano State, he had hosted the National Conference as part of a deliberate effort to promote the modernization of livestock production, while strengthening the capacity of local authorities to manage relationships and amicably resolve conflicts between herders and farmers.

He noted that Kano had remained one of the most peaceful states in the country throughout his eight years in office.

"Mr. President, I am convinced that the report submitted here today has the antidote to the problems of the livestock industry. It addresses the key reforms and presents various development options required for the sustainable development of the sector.

"The implementation of the proposals will enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, promote environmental conservation, address substantial causes of conflicts between farmers and pastoralists, and help in reducing the cost of importation for animal products like milk and beef," the Convener noted.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 14, 2023

FG ready to assist mining investors, says Alake.

FG ready to assist mining investors, says Alake.

In Pic: Hon. Minster of Solid Mineral Development, Mr. Dele Alake.

The federal government has assured foreign investors of safety if they decide to invest in the mining sector.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake gave the assurance at the closing of the 21st Africa Down Under conference in Perth, Australia.

He informed them that the government has given illegal miners 30 days to join co-operatives in addition to plans to deploy a surveillance taskforce and mine police to combat criminals at the mines.

Deputy Director Information, Ministry of Solid Minerals Alaba Balogun said this on Thursday, September 14, in a press statement.

He stated: “Nigeria’s mining roadmap was investors’ toast as curtains drew over the 21st Africa Down Under conference in Perth, Australia.

“Ecstatic investors besieged the exhibition booth of the Ministry of Solid Minerals at the Pan Pacific Hotel venue of the event following the announcement of an enticing package of incentives unveiled by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake at the fourth session.

“Presenting a robust case for investment in the country’s mining industry, Alake had highlighted plans to set up the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation as the interface between the global mining industry and Nigeria adding that the laws permit investors to take profits out.

“He said a major plan to show the government’s readiness to assist investors is the massive investment into a geoscientific investigation of the country’s minerals, their grade, and quantum to enable investors to project with greater certainty the costs of their investments and the profits they can make.

“Following the prospect of the extensive occurrence of lithium in Nigeria, the battery minerals making waves in the automobile industries, Alake said the progress made by investors such as Basin Limited in their Jupiter project, mining lithium in the North and Lithium King investments in the South West confirm reports of Nigeria as the most profitable destination for the precious mineral.

Alake further stated: “The minister assured investors of safety, reiterating that the government has given illegal miners 30 days to join co-operatives in addition to plans to deploy surveillance task force and mine police to combat criminals at the mines.

“Nigeria is open for business and with our ongoing reforms in the solid minerals sector, I can assure every investor that comes to our country of a conducive operating environment and good returns on their investments.

Backing Alake’s claim in their presentations on the Jupiter project, Dr Stevens Davies and partner Hugh Morgan of Basin Limited disclosed that lithium deposits in several parts of Nigeria occur close to the surface requiring mainly quarrying for excavation.

He said: “They said their company is working on a nickel project that has shown good prospects in Nigeria.”

President Tinubu Promises To Reconstruct ELEME Axis Of East-West Road; Thanks Rivers State For Stalwart Support Given To His Administration.

President Tinubu Promises To Reconstruct ELEME Axis Of East-West Road; Thanks Rivers State For Stalwart Support Given To His Administration.

Blessed with enormous human capacity and natural resource wealth, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja, said that neither Rivers State or Nigeria has any business being associated with poverty, insecurity or under-development, assuring that under his leadership, the narrative will be permanently and positively changed.

Welcoming a high-powered 62-man delegation, comprising of leaders from both the governing All Progressives' Congress (APC) and the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP), to the State House, the President said the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has left big shoes to fill for the new Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and that as one of his most trusted allies, Rivers State will always have direct access to him in their joint march toward sustainable development.

"We are not meant to be in a position to be poor. We will turn the tide! Somewhere, somehow in this storm, there’s a quiet and peaceful place for us. We will locate it!

 

“We are not lazy people. We are richly endowed. We just need to be our brother’s keeper, and good neighbours to one another. I am not a President that will give excuses. I will work hard for our nation with purpose, determination and dedication to create wealth for all Nigerians. We have no reason to be poor! We will not look back, we will run aggressively forward.

“Today, we may be swimming against the tide. But the waves will soon propel us forward from behind. We will achieve the goals and dreams of our forefathers. I am inspired by the nation of people I now lead," the President thundered.

President Tinubu noted that concerning infrastructure development in Rivers State, he had heard the cries of prominent Rivers sons, with particular reference to the Eleme Junction-Onne axis of the East-West Road, linking the Port Harcourt Refinery. On this, the President said the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is a strong adviser, and would follow up on the issue for prompt action.

“The Honourable Minister, Wike, is not just the Minister of FCT, he is also my adviser and an admirer of mine. He has hit the ground running and he should be encouraged by the State," the President affirmed.

Advising the younger generation to be more patient with the processes of government, the President said, “I am the Captain and Chief Salesman of the country. We have to reverse the trend and achieve possibilities within a short period of time. Our people have high expectations for us. I pledge to work hard, and I pray to God to put me on the right path, not to disappoint Nigerians," the President concluded.

In his remarks, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, told the President that the delegation, which included leaders of political parties, and past and present members of the State and National Assemblies across parties, was on a solidarity and thank you visit.

"The people of Rivers State voted for you in the last general elections based on their belief in fairness, equity and justice. This is the first time that Rivers State is truly feeling the impact of the federal government since the inception of democracy in 1999," he said.

The Governor noted that the delegation greatly appreciated the President for appointing capable sons and daughters of the state into highly strategic positions within his administration.

The Governor particularly thanked the President for the appointments of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity & Official Spokesperson of the President, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, as well as other sons and daughters of Rivers State into the Boards and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other institutions.

The Governor applauded the President for attracting a $14 billion dollars investment approval for projects nationwide during the G-20 Summit, including the expansion of Indorama Petrochemicals in Eleme, Rivers State, adding that the State had just allocated 209 hectares of land in support of the new investment.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 14, 2023

EKSU Disavows Damaging Report on Ekiti First Lady, Highlights Her Contributions to Education.

EKSU Disavows Damaging Report on Ekiti First Lady, Highlights Her Contributions to Education.

In a recent press release, the Management of Ekiti State University, Ado - Ekiti (EKSU), has strongly disassociated itself from a disparaging report circulating on social media platforms concerning the activities of Ekiti State's First Lady, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Oyebanji.

The report in question, attributed to an individual claiming to be an EKSU graduate, criticized the First Lady's decision to provide services, particularly in advocacy and education, at the Afe Babalola University, Ado - Ekiti (ABUAD). The report alleged that children of well-off individuals were attending ABUAD while insinuating that the First Lady was neglecting the educational needs of the masses who voted for her husband.

Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Oyebanji, Ekiti State's First Lady.

However, the Management of EKSU was quick to clarify that Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Oyebanji has not violated any regulations by choosing to offer her professional services wherever she deems fit, with the intention of imparting knowledge and contributing to her community's betterment.

The university also highlighted the First Lady's continued support for EKSU since her husband, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, assumed the governorship of Ekiti State. Dr. (Mrs.) Oyebanji has actively engaged with the university community by supporting events like the Medical Students' week and candidates of the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group. She has also attended various faculty conferences and inaugural lectures.

Remarkably, Dr. (Mrs.) Oyebanji has expressed her commitment to education by volunteering to teach at EKSU's Department of Educational Management. As a result, a 300-level course has been assigned to her, commencing from the first semester of the 2022/2023 academic session.

EKSU's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edward Olanipekun, publicly acknowledged the First Lady's dedication to education during one of the inaugural lectures she attended.

The Management of Ekiti State University expressed its complete disassociation from the damaging report and its author. It emphasized the importance of understanding the purpose of community service and acknowledged Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Oyebanji's unwavering commitment to education and community development.

President Tinubu appoints Zacch Adedeji FIRS’ acting chairman.

President Tinubu appoints Zacch Adedeji FIRS’ acting chairman.

Zacch Adedeji, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on revenue, has been appointed acting chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

Adedeji, who, at 33, was former governor Abiola’s finance commissioner, was asked to fill the void created by the retirement leave of the outgoing chairman of the commission, Mohammed Nami whose tenure ends in December 2023.

The certified accountant who hails from the Iwo-Ate area of Ogo-Oluwa local government of Oyo state, recently bagged his doctorate degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Communal Crisis: Your Suspension Stands, Ekiti Govt Tells "Erring" Traditional Chief.

Communal Crisis: Your Suspension Stands, Ekiti Govt Tells "Erring" Traditional Chief.

The Ekiti State Government, insisted that the suspension slammed on Chief Adesoye Bodunde, the Olokun of Imesi Ekiti, in Gbonyin Local Government Area of the state still subsists, having challenged the government's action in court.

The government said the reversal being sought by the Chief can't be entertained due to the pendency of the case challenging his suspension in the court of law, saying this will be grossly subjudicial.  

Chief Bodunde, had been having a frosty relationship with the Onimesi of Imesi Ekiti, Oba Olatunji Olatunde, which forced the monarch to report him to the state government, citing allegations of the Chief's  involvement in acts that could cause problem in the community.

Sequel to this, Chief Bodunde was slammed with suspension by the state government on August 10, 2023 for his failure to attend a peace meeting convened by it, warning that he should stop parading himself as Olokun, pending the resolution of the matter.

Fighting to have his suspension reversed, Chief Bodunde, had in a letter dated August 30,2023, and addressed to the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, pleaded for another peace meeting with Onimesi to resolve the matter.

But while presiding over the matter on Thursday, Mrs Afuye said the government would have loved to resolve the impasse, but for the fact that the Chief had rushed to court to invalidate his suspension.

The Deputy Governor's action followed the submission of the Writ of Summon filed by Chief Bodunde by Onimesi, where the Ekiti State Government was joined as a defendant.

Addressing the embattled Chief, Mrs Afuye said: "It surprises me that you wrote a letter on August 30,2023 seeking for a peace meeting, but I didn't know you had filed a suit on August 24, challenging your suspension for not attending the meeting called on August 10 to settle the matter.

"It is customary in this office not to entertain any case in court, that will be prejudice and presumptuous. If you want us to reverse this suspension, you won't be challenging us in court. You can't be approbating and reprobating at the same time.

"So, pending the time you will do the needful in this matter, your suspension stands and subsists", she said.

However, Oba Olatunde has said he is ready to make peace with all the stakeholders in Imesi Ekiti to make the town great in terms of progress and development.

The monarch said all the issues being raised by Chief Bodunde could have been resolved by government, but for the suit he filed against him and the state government over his suspension.

The traditional ruler appealed to the estranged Chief to respect leadership and hearken to the voices of reasoning that he shouldn't stoke the ember of discord and acrimony or disrespect the government on this matter.

Tracing the Genesis of the crisis, Chief Bodunde said his problem started in 2018 when he resisted attempt to bend the Onimesi Chieftaincy Declaration to favour the installation of the current monarch because of his believe that issue of tradition should embrace honesty and transparency.

The Chief  added that another area of disagreement was the allegation leveled against him by Onimesi that he was challenging his authority and causing a breach of peace in the town. 

He clarified that the suit he filed was against his suspension by the Onimesi-in-Council and not against the state government as being misconstrued by the monarch.