Trade And Investment: President Tinubu Confers With South Korean Envoy.

Trade And Investment: President Tinubu Confers With South Korean Envoy.

President Bola Tinubu on Friday in Abuja met with Mr. Won Hee-Ryong, the Special Envoy of the President of South Korea, to discuss the areas in which a further expansion of investment and trade ties across key sectors of Nigeria's economy can expeditiously occur.

The meeting at the State House was a follow-up to productive discussions between President Tinubu and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol during the G-20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi, India. 

President Tinubu commended the efforts that have been made in implementing the commitments made during his discussions with President Yoon in India, noting that these commitments are aimed at strengthening the economic and technological partnership frameworks between the two nations.

"I am encouraged that your President acknowledged these requests and emphasized the importance of Nigeria in the African context by sending you as a Special Envoy. Rest assured, we are committed to providing the necessary support to bolster the bilateral relationship that has flourished over the years," the President said. 

With an eye on an increased South Korean presence in the transformation of Nigeria's national, multi-modal transportation system, President Tinubu also emphasized the need for greater South Korean investment in the establishment of local industries for youth employment and technology transfer as Nigeria seeks to understudy and replicate South Korea's national transportation system. 

He said this project is an important opportunity for fruitful collaboration and the evolution of a pragmatic and dynamic business partnership.

"Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa with an energetic and vibrant youthful population that is eager to make things happen. We must empower them. We are committed to removing any obstacle that may hinder the flow of investments between our two great countries," the President affirmed.

The Special Envoy delivered President Yoon’s letter to President Tinubu, outlining the South Korean President’s instructions to South Korea's ministries to diligently implement the important projects discussed during their meeting on the margins of the G-20 Summit, including the conclusion of the Trade and Investment Promotion Framework (TIPF) between both countries.

He also conveyed an invitation to President Tinubu to attend the Africa-Korea Summit scheduled for June 4–5, 2024, in Seoul, while seeking Nigeria’s support for South Korea’s bid to host Expo 2030 in Busan, South Korea. 

Interior Minister: Nigeria To End Visa Discrimination With Reciprocal.

Interior Minister: Nigeria To End Visa Discrimination With Reciprocal.

Nigeria to Implement Reciprocity Policy in Visa Issuance, Says Interior Minister.

Nigeria will adopt a reciprocity policy for issuing visas to foreigners entering the country, as stated by Minister of Interior Olabunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The minister announced this at the Business Day Conference titled “Nigeria Forward: Catalyzing Funding for High Impact Social Projects.”

Under this policy, the fees for Nigerian visas will mirror the charges imposed on Nigerians by foreign countries, ensuring fair treatment.

Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the era of discrimination against Nigerians in visa issuance was ending, and the government would implement a give-and-take approach.

He explained that any country that does not grant visa-on-arrival to Nigerians will not receive the same privilege in Nigeria.

Minister Tunji-Ojo also revealed plans for increased border surveillance to enhance safety by monitoring the inflow and outflow of people.

President Tinubu Appoints Two New Chief Executive Officers In The Health Sector.

President Tinubu Appoints Two New Chief Executive Officers In The Health Sector.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of two (2) new Chief Executive Officers of Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare:

Executive Secretary / CEO, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) — Dr. Muyi Aina

Director-General / CEO, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) — Dr. Kelechi Ohiri

Dr. Muyi Aina is a globally renowned public health leader with a Masters in Public Health degree from Harvard University (USA) and a Doctorate degree from Johns Hopkins University (USA), following his first medical certification at the University of Ilorin.

Dr. Kelechi Ohiri most recently served as the Managing Director for Strategy at Global Alliance for Vaccines in Geneva, Switzerland. He obtained a Masters in Public Health degree from Harvard University (USA) and another Masters degree in Public Policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government following his first medical certification from the University of Lagos. He has obtained significant experience serving in the World Bank, McKinsey & Company, and has shaped reforms to the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom.

President Bola Tinubu urges the new leadership of these two critical agencies in the sector to prioritize quality, fairness, and accountability in the provision of world-class health care to all segments of the Nigerian society.

The announcement was made through a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on October 20th, 2023.

President Tinubu Approves Waiver Of The "No Work, No Pay" Order On Resident Doctors.

President Tinubu Approves Waiver Of The "No Work, No Pay" Order On Resident Doctors.

Invoking the Principle of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, President Bola Tinubu has approved the waiver of the "No Work, No Pay" Order that was instituted against striking members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on August 1, 2023, following the commencement of their industrial action which began on July 26, 2023.

After several constructive engagements between the Federal Government and NARD, the Resident Doctors called off their strike on August 12, 2023. The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation was directed to withhold all salaries accrued by striking NARD members during the 17 days of their strike action.

In view of the faithful implementation of terms which were agreed upon during the fruitful deliberations between the Resident Doctors and the Federal Government of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has directed the grant of an exceptional last waiver of the "No Work, No Pay" Order on Resident Doctors, which will allow for the members of the NARD to receive the salaries which were previously withheld during the 17-day strike action.

The President has directed the grant of the waiver with a mandatory requirement that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment must secure a Document of Understanding (DoU) establishing that this exceptional waiver granted by the President will be the last one to be granted to the National Association of Resident Doctors and all other Health Sector Unions.

Federal Government Approves New Wage Award to Civil Servants.

Federal Government Approves New Wage Award to Civil Servants.

President Bola Tinubu has officially approved the sum of thirty-five thousand Naira (N35,000) wage award to all Federal civil servants.

The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’s chairman, chief executive officer, and CEO, Ekpo U. O. Nta, signed a memo that the presidency issued revealing the approval.

It was gathered that the circular was addressed to the Chief of Staff to the President, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ministers and Ministers of State, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Chairmen, Federal Commissions, Federal Permanent Secretaries, Clerk of the National Assembly, Secretary, National Judicial Council, Secretary, Federal Judicial Service Commission, Directors-General and Chief Executives of Parastatals, Agencies and Governments-Owned Companies Auditor-General for the Federation, Accountant-General of the Federation, Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation.

The circular reads, “I refer to the Memorandum of Understanding reached between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Monday, 2 October 2023 as a result of the dispute arising from the withdrawal of subsidy on the price of premium motor spirit (PMS) and hereby convey the approval of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the grant of a wage award of N35,000:00 (thirty-five thousand Naira) only per month to all Federal Government workers with effect from 1 September 2023 pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have been signed into law.

“Accordingly, the implementation of the N35,000.00 per month wage award for all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies that are treasury-funded will be funded from the treasury.

“Non-treasury funded Federal Government agencies are to implement the same from their internally generated.”

Ekiti Government commences second phase of palliatives distribution.

Ekiti Government commences second phase of palliatives distribution. 

....As Oyebanji rallies support for Tinubu.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Friday, flagged off distribution of the second phase of palliatives to Ekiti masses, barely two weeks after it commenced transfer of N5,000 monthly to indigent citizens in the state. 

The Governor pointed out that his respect for the citizens is borne out of the  fact that he recognises  the citizens as his boss.

Oyebanji also rallied support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the removal of the fuel subsidy, clarifying that the policy was not intended to punish the citizens , but to fortify the economy for a greater and prosperous  future. 

Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti, while flagging off the distribution of the second tranch of the  palliatives to the indigenes to cushion the effects of subsidy removal on them.

Addressing the beneficiaries at the  Osuntokun pavilion, Government House ground, Oyebanji said one year has gone in the life of his administration, promising that the remaining years will be better in terms of greater economic prosperity, infrastructural development and improved standards of living of the populace. 

"But if our government is doing something you don't like, kindly tell us, we are not infallible. Tell the political appointees or elected people in your constituencies, they will tell us, so that we can correct ourselves. You are the one who voted for me, you are the boss and not me". 

The Governor declared that the consumables, comprising rice and maize, to be distributed in the second phase, were provided by the Federal and state governments to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal. 

Oyebanji said: "I have told you that I will always  lead you with truth. Our President,  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent some palliatives to you and we bought some to be able to go round. It is a partnership between the federal and state governments.

"These palliatives are for the poorest of the poor and whoever can take three square meal daily without stress should please resist the temptation of taking from these palliatives. It is for those who can't afford that".

Reeling out programmes he had initiated to make lives easier for the populace after subsidy removal, the Governor said: :"The state government is now running a free transport system to support our teachers and civil servants. 

"We have also begun the distribution of N5,000 stipend to some poor masses, they will receive this for three months, just to reduce the current pressure. All these are just palliatives pending the time we will take concrete measures to address the current situation". 

Oyebanji, who described the subsidy removal as a good and beneficial policy, added: "President Bola Ahmed Tinubu asked us to tell you that subsidy removal is to make our future better, not to punish us. It could have been better if the past administrations had removed the subsidy.

"So, I plead with you, continue to pray for President Tinubu and my government. Let me tell you that Ekiti is the first state to distribute the second batch and we will continue to reach out to you as we get these in batches from the federal government".

The Governor added that apart from palliative distribution to the poor, those running poultry businesses will receive trucks  of maize to make them thrive and contribute to economic development. 

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Chairman of the Pallaitive Distribution Commiitee, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, said the state had earlier received 3,000 bags of rice from the Federal Government and had distributed them to the citizens in the first batch.

He said this action shows the power of sensitivity, empathy  and sympathy of the Governor Oyebanji's government, which indicated that his administration can show compassion to the citizens to mitigate the current effect of economy on them.

"Compassion should be a guiding principle to all Nigerian citizens, especially at this point. It is also part of our lives in Ekiti to show empathy to humanity. We call on individuals and private organisations to join the government to make lives meaningful for our people. We will ensure that every household gets their own share of these largesse".

Ekiti Road Projects Will Transform Economy, Security, Transportation, Says Oyebanji.

Ekiti Road Projects Will Transform Economy, Security, Transportation, Says Oyebanji.

....All projects must meet BAO's standard, Governor insists.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Friday said all the road projects being executed by his administration were strategically undertaken to transform the economy, ease transportation and ensure security of lives and property across the state. 

The Governor also threatened to reject any road project executed without complying to set standard and specifications to guarantee durability and ensure value for money.

Oyebanji spoke in Ikere Ekiti, on Friday, while flagging off the reconstruction of Ikere-Igbara-Odo road, as part of the activities marking the First anniversary of his administration. 

The Governor said rehabilitation of the road would ease transportation of abundant agricultural products from that axis to the main market in Ado Ekiti, Ikere and outside the state that would bolster the economic viability of farmers and increase the state's Gross Domestic Product(GDP).

Assuring that the project will be done to standard, Oyebanji revealed that all the projects awarded to contractors must comply with BAO's standard to guarantee durability and quality.

"I can assure you that this project, like any other ones, will be given 100 percent supervision. I am also giving the community 100 percent supervisory control on this job. Please do proper monitoring and report to us any suspicious move, “ the Governor said 

“On the concern for quality our people are raising, I assure you that all our roads will be of BAO's standard. I can't do a shoddy job for any town in Ekiti because when I finish my tenure, I am going nowhere. I will stay in Ekiti. 

"Apart from the Ministry of Works monitoring this project, I also have a Project Monitoring Unit in the Governor’s office that will monitor it. We are not just doing projects, we are being strategic about it. We are trying to create a gateway that can make you get anywhere without passing through Ado Ekiti. 

"I know the Federal Government will do the Ikere-Akure road, but we have to provide alternative pending the time the road will be completed and that is what this road will stand for.

"We are building these roads to connect our communities to create a pathway for economic development, improved security and ease transportation for commuters. I assure you that the resources allocated will be prudently utilised to ensure that it is done to specifications to give value to the money spent on it".

Lending credence to what the Governor said, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Sola Adebayo, added that the road has been a source of concern to the state as it affects the movement of the people, particularly the students of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology(BOUESTI), while also posing as security threat to commuters. 

Adebayo said the massive provision of infrastructure, is part of the ways to unlock opportunities in Ekiti,, saying: "This is a symbol of the fact that Governor Oyebanji has the welfare of the people at heart. It shows we are committed to giving quality projects to our people. We know the challenge this construction will pose to you, we seek your understanding and patience for smooth completion of the project".

Some prominent Ikere community leaders, Chief Francis Aladejebi and Hon Gbenga Omole, praised the governor for not neglecting Ikere people in project siting and execution, saying the road doesn't just connect Ikere to Igbara Odo, but will be a good alternative route to Akure and Lagos due to the deplorable state of Ikere-Akure road.

Pointing out the importance of the road, the BOUESTI's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victor Adeoluwa, commended the governor, saying the reconstruction would combat cases of kidnapping in the area, of which his students had fallen victims at different times.

Eulogizing the governor for being people-centric, the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, said he saw the passion that Governor Oyebanji was in a hurry to develop the state with the quantum of projects being churned out to benefit the populace.

Oba Adu appealed to the Governor to apply the best technology to construct the road, so that it can last the test of time, regretting that most roads don't last due to shoddy jobs. We know that you are in a hurry to make Ekiti great, God will help you to succeed.