President Tinubu Engages with Islamic Development Bank for Multi-Billion Dollar Infrastructure Funding.

President Tinubu Engages with Islamic Development Bank for Multi-Billion Dollar Infrastructure Funding. 

President Bola Tinubu, on Monday night, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, advanced negotiations concerning a multi-billion dollar infrastructure finance facility from the Islamic Development Bank to fund a multi-sectoral portfolio of infrastructure projects at the federal and sub-national levels in Nigeria.

 

This development was the outcome of substantive investment discussions held between President Tinubu and the Vice-President (Country Programs) of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr. Mansur Muhtar, after the President's return from evening prayers.

 

"Nigeria is the candle of hope that will light the way for Africa. And once Africa is illuminated, the world will be a brighter place for all of humanity. We are determined to create a future for our gifted youths. Investments in Nigeria will be among the world's most high-yielding. Investor money will flow easily in and out of our country. Processes will be seamless. And your bank has always been a faithful partner in progress.

 

"We have serious deficits in port infrastructure, power infrastructure, and agro-allied facilities that will enable sustainable food security in our country. These deficits present unrivalled opportunity for savvy investors in a market that is by far the largest on the continent. Yes, we had the vision to enable Lekki Deep Seaport before others saw it. We must be bold again.

 

"We inherited serious liabilities, but also assets from our predecessors. We do not make any excuses. There are several sectors replete with investment opportunity for smart investors. Access to finance and guarantees can be a hindrance in some cases. You can come in there. We see you as a critical enabler. You have partnered with us before. We want to scale it up now and do much more with greater ambition and clear vision," the President stated.

 

Noting the historic essence of President Tinubu's swift and decisive economic reforms, the Vice-President of the Islamic Development Bank said the financial world has been monitoring events in Nigeria and has concluded that Africa's largest economy means business this time.

 

"Mr. President, we know you inherited a very tough set of circumstances. It is to your credit that you have taken very bold steps without delay. We are ready to work with you. We are ready to support big investments in Nigeria. We agree that if Nigeria succeeds, Africa succeeds. And the world needs Africa to succeed.

 

"The Islamic Development Bank President announced the provision of $50 billion U.S. Dollars of new investment for the African continent from the Arab Coordination Group (ACG). This was announced at the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Summit. As the largest market and the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria will certainly receive a significant share. We look forward to supporting Nigeria's economic transformation," the Islamic Development Bank Vice-President said.

 

The President concluded by thanking the Islamic Development Bank management while pledging the unwavering commitment of his administration to win investors' trust and confidence, just as he did in Lagos State many years ago.

 

Members of the Nigerian delegation present at the meeting in Mecca were: Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State; Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State; Governor Umar Bago of Niger State; Minister of Budget & Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, and others.

 

Former Students Union President, Harry, Gains Key Endorsement from Ekiti Student Leaders for NANS Aspiration.

 Former Students Union President, Harry, Gains Key Endorsement from Ekiti Student Leaders for NANS Aspiration.

In a strategic move aimed at solidifying his candidacy, Comr. Olubodun Abiodun J, popularly known as Harry, has successfully secured a crucial endorsement from Ekiti student union presidents, further boosting his aspirations for the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Ekiti.

This collaboration stands as a testament to Harry's commitment to truly understanding the needs of the student community and his leadership approach rooted in inclusivity. The endorsement not only adds a layer of credibility to his campaign but also signals widespread support among the student populace.

Under the resonant slogan "Intellectual Advocacy, Harry at NANS Ekiti," he emphasizes a dedication to fostering intellectual discourse and spearheading initiatives that directly address the concerns of students.

Expressing gratitude for the support received, Harry commented, "I am deeply honored by the endorsement from Ekiti's student union presidents. Together, we will champion positive change, creating an intellectually vibrant environment within NANS Ekiti."

This pivotal endorsement serves as a significant milestone for Harry's campaign, positioning him as a candidate devoted to elevating both the academic and overall student experience. As the momentum builds, Harry remains focused on his vision for NANS Ekiti, backed by the collective support of the student leaders who recognize his dedication to their welfare and educational advancement.

Comr. Olubodun Abiodun J.

Harry at NANS Ekiti

President Tinubu Congratulates Governors Hope Uzodinma, Douye Diri, And Governor-Elect Usman Ododo On Election Victory.

President Tinubu Congratulates Governors Hope Uzodinma, Douye Diri, And Governor-Elect Usman Ododo On Election Victory.

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, and Governor-elect Usman Ododo of Kogi State, on their victory in the November 11 governorship elections.

The President commends the electorate in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa for their participation in the electoral process, affirming the resilience of democratic institutions and the power of the people in shaping the nation's political landscape.

President Tinubu says the outcome of the elections reflects the wishes of the people, emphasizing that democracy thrives when voters reward competence, transparency, and good governance.

While expressing gratitude to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for working assiduously to create a level playing field for all contestants and the nation's security agencies for maintaining law and order during the highly-anticipated elections, the President affirms the need for a sustained commitment to all efforts aimed at further sanitizing the electoral system and enhancing the credibility of future elections.

With the election processes concluded, President Tinubu anticipates a renewed sense of hope for the people of Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa States, as well as consolidation on progress that will position the states as hubs of peace, commerce, entrepreneurship, and prosperity in Nigeria.

In the spirit of fostering a harmonious and inclusive political landscape in the aforementioned states, President Tinubu asks the victors to prioritize the common good of the people over partisan interests.

"May your tenure in office be defined by close collaboration with all of your counterparts across party lines in the attainment of pan-Nigerian developmental achievements that benefit everyone, and may you lead at all times with compassion and a deepened commitment to our nation's unity," President Tinubu concluded.

Gov. Oyebanji Congratulates Uzodinma On Re-Election.

Gov. Oyebanji Congratulates Uzodinma On Re-Election.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated his Imo State counterpart, Senator Hope Uzodimma, on his re-election for a second term of office in Saturday’s governorship poll in the Southeast state.

Oyebanji in a congratulatory message on Sunday, signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said the landslide victory recorded by Uzodimma has confirmed the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the most acceptable party in the state and in Nigeria.

The Ekiti State helmsman noted that the overwhelming victory of Uzodimma at the poll represents the verdict of the people that the incumbent Governor performed well in office and thus deserves a second term.

Oyebanji said it is heart warming to see that the electorate in the country have mastered the art of rewarding a performing public servant with second term mandate.

He added that the Imo governorship victory is also a vote of confidence in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that the All Progressives Congress (APC) still remains the preferred choice of the electorate.

Oyebanji urged Uzodimma to see his re-election as a motivation to serve the Imo people better, scale up the gear of good governance and quality leadership to consolidate the good works recorded in his first term.

The Ekiti Governor urged Governor Uzodimma to extend a hand of fellowship to other candidates who contested with him for the governorship seat, with a view to getting them to contribute to the development of the state in his soon- to- be- inaugurated second term.

He commended the people of Imo State for their peaceful conduct before, during and after the governorship poll which contributed to the overall success of the exercise.

Oyebanji also hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for fulfilling its promise to deliver a credible, transparent, free and fair exercise in the interest of the Imo electorate.

He further lauded security agencies, local and foreign election observers, the media for their contribution to the success of the election.

“ On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate my brother Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma on his victory. This is victory for Imo people, our dear party and democracy in general”, the Governor added.

Oyebanji To Attend African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network Conference In Egypt.

Oyebanji To Attend African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network Conference In Egypt.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji will, on Monday, leave for Egypt to attend this year’s Conference of the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network, scheduled for Tuesday, November 14th, in Al Manara, Cairo. 

The conference is organized by Afreximbank and the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) with the theme: “Accelerating AfCFTA Implementation: Unlocking Trade & Investment Opportunities for African Sub-Sovereign Governments”.

According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, the conference which is aimed at increasing collaboration to promote trade, development and investment initiatives within the context of AfCFTA would be of immense benefit to Ekiti State which recently got a free trade zone status for its Knowledge Zone.

Governor Oyebanji’s attendance will facilitate more investment opportunities for Ekiti State as the programme offers networking and deal making opportunities among participating states, regions and nations. 

The Governor will be accompanied on the trip by the Commissioner for Investment, Trade and Industry, Mrs Tayo Adeola; Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akintunde Oyebode; and Director- General, Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency ( EKDIPA), Lolade Oke- Olutola.

Gov Oyebanji Celebrates Ekiti Speaker On 47th Birthday.

Gov Oyebanji Celebrates Ekiti Speaker On 47th Birthday.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has celebrated the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye on his 47th birthday.

The Governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said the occasion of the Speaker's birthday offers him a fresh opportunity to rededicate himself to the service of the state and humanity.

Oyebanji noted that the Speaker has been a wonderful and dependable partner in the journey of of translating the Shared Prosperity agenda of the administration into reality for the people of the state. 

He described Aribasoye as an embodiment of God's grace, mercy and loving kindness in his life's trajectory as a student activist, an auditor in the state civil service, a lawyer and politician.

The Governor commended Aribasoye for presiding over a peaceful, altruistic, responsible and responsive state legislature since his emergence as the Speaker of the Seventh Assembly in June this year.

Oyebanji further eulogized the Speaker for his humility, loyalty to his party and the state, courage, consistency, connection with the grassroots and for being a team player in every step he takes for the good of the people.

The Governor wished the Speaker long life, good health and resounding success in all his endeavours noting that prayed that God would spare his life for greater service to the state in particular and the country at large.

“On behalf of the Government good people of Ekiti, the Land of Honour, I felicitate our amiable Speaker and wish him a happy birthday and a life of bliss.”, the statement added.

Nigeria To Sign A Direct Flight Agreement With Algeria.

Nigeria To Sign A Direct Flight Agreement With Algeria.                                                                              …..As Keyamo receives charted fellowship.

In an exciting development for global connectivity, the Federal Government is set to finalize arrangements to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Algeria for a direct flight route between the two countries in a few months to come. Hon Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo stated this when he received a delegation from Algeria led by the Algeria Ambassador to Nigeria in his office recently.

 

Keyamo said “Although Nigeria has always had a Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Algeria (BASA) for decades. However, we haven’t been taken advantage of the agreement. That agreement actually specifies the routes between Algiers and Lagos. Luckily, for both country is a symbiotic relationship.”

 

He explained that the Algeria delegation in the past weeks has reached out to Nigeria for the reopening of the route between Algiers and Lagos to revive the BASA that haven’t been taken advantage of over the years.

 

“Today they are here with a memorandum of understanding specifying, although in the spirit of opening up the sky in Africa, they want to add Abuja to their route and also give us the second largest city in Algeria in place of reciprocity for us to fly with our Local airline and that city is Oran”.

 

He further stated “We have insisted that for those who come to us for such an agreement, as one of the focal points of this administration is to protect our Local airline operators; protect their business, and to promote their business. We raised the case of reciprocity for our local operators which they have gladly acceded to”

 

“As a government, we are going to quickly look at this MoU from the face of it we have no serious objection to it but we have a normal bureaucratic process that has to pass through as quickly as possible.”

 

He said “We are going to fix a day either here in Nigeria or international forum for the signing. We are very happy to have Air Algeria back on the soil of Nigeria. We want competition, we want the price of air tickets to go down for the benefit of Nigeria. This is a symbiotic relationship; it is beneficial to Algeria and beneficial to Nigeria.”

 

Ambassador of Algeria, His Excellency, Mr.  Hocine Latli, who led the delegation said “you can’t have a tied partnership if you do not have a direct flight between the two countries, saying today we are trying to solve this problem of direct flight and restart the dynamic partnership and cooperation between the two countries, especially in the next few months”

 

“So, it is important today that we have reached a common point that the Hon Minister of aviation and Aerospace has accepted the opening of direct flight from Algiers to Nigeria” he stated.

 

In another development, the Hon Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo has been conferred with a charted fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) by the President of the institute Barrister Mrs Mfon Ekong Usoro who led member of the institution to his office. The Minister was equally invited to the institute’s conference sometime in November this year.

 

In acceptance, the Minister said that CILT was one institute that he had been admiring from a distance and the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development is willing to partner with the institute for safety and infrastructure development.