Tinubu Meets President Lula da Silva to Strengthen Bilateral Ties Between Nigeria and Brazil.

Tinubu Meets President Lula da Silva to Strengthen Bilateral Ties Between Nigeria and Brazil.

President Bola Tinubu and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Sunday, and had fruitful discussions on comprehensive strengthening of bilateral ties in all fields. 

Speaking at the meeting, President Tinubu emphasized the strength of Nigeria's economic potential and influence, saying the country is witnessing a leap forward, despite some short-term reform pains, as his administration is removing all encumbrances to business.

The President further explained that his administration is investing in critical sectors of the economy like healthcare, education, and agriculture to ensure the welfare of all Nigerian citizens and to create sustainable economic prosperity for future generations. 

"We have a very vibrant population of young Nigerians who are trainable, dependable, and should be empowered. The economic potential of Nigeria is enormous. We are ready to break all the walls standing in our way to progress.

"We are ready to fight corruption from top to bottom. We are ready to invest in critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, infrastructure, and others. I have one of the most dedicated teams on agriculture," he said.

Assessing Nigeria's natural and human resource wealth akin to Brazil's, President Lula da Silva said Africa's largest economy and South America's largest economy have a long and interesting history together. 

The Brazilian leader said Nigeria and Brazil once had a trade volume of more than $10 billion in the past, which has now plummeted to $1.6 billion, emphasizing that he is determined to strengthen bilateral relations.

"I am back to try to restore; to reclaim our good relations with Nigeria. I can not imagine that a country of 216 million people and another of 213 million people do not have strong relations.

"Mr. President, I am 78 years old. You are 71. What keeps me energetic is that I fight for a cause. The cause of my nation and people. A great cause is the elixir of sustained vitality for experienced leaders.

"Nigeria and Brazil need stronger relations from the academic viewpoint; from the cultural viewpoint; from the commercial viewpoint; from the agricultural viewpoint; from the industrial relations viewpoint, and from trade relations viewpoint. 

"It is meaningless that there are no direct flights from Lagos to Sao Paulo and vice versa. I can not understand that. We have to sit at a table and find a solution for that. In aviation, there are many areas of potential collaboration with our manufacturers who seek to have a greater presence in Africa.

"I only have three more years left of my term, Your Excellency, to do everything I have not done yet. The time is very short. I am in a hurry to make my contributions to improve these relations with Nigeria. To make this happen, we have to put our ministers to work," he said.

Responding, President Tinubu said Nigeria is ready to deepen ties with Brazil, noting that it is a "legacy of what can be done together to change the future for countless millions of our citizens". 

"We are stopping at nothing to remove all encumbrances to business. Red tape is being shredded around us. There is nothing we will not do to manifest the great potential of our nation. We are fighting corruption from the bottom to the top. We will prevent it, and we will remediate.

"We are very aware of your progressive legacies of social security provision, infrastructure, and reforms in Petrobras. We are in the process of implementing similar reforms in the NNPCL. We are focusing on investment in new production and new energy sources. We are investing in research, and we are removing obstacles to further partnerships in all areas of operation. There is opportunity for both companies in partnership," the President said.

While identifying solid mineral exploration, agriculture, education, and healthcare as areas of immediate concern, President Tinubu emphasized that the will of the two leaders to collaborate is firmly established.

"I agree that our countries must now have direct air links. I will form a committee of cabinet members who will work directly with your cabinet ministers, and they will urgently form a joint plan of action for the benefit of our two great countries. We may have missed opportunities in the past, but we now look ahead.

"Brazil and Nigeria share similarities. Let us forget old mistakes. The phenomenal growth achieved by Brazil in agriculture is exemplary. We will work with you to mechanize our food production systems to enhance quality and quantity of output. I will work with you to re-energize Nigeria's relations with Brazil across the board," the President stated.

The leaders of the largest democracies in Africa and South America, respectively, agreed to work out the modalities for a state visit to Brazil by President Tinubu after President Lula da Silva extended an invitation, which the Nigerian leader warmly accepted.

Edo APC primary: Ganduje congratulates Idahosa on victory.

Edo APC primary: Ganduje congratulates Idahosa on victory.

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has congratulated the winner of the Edo state governorship primary election, Hon Dennis Idahosa. 

Congratulating Idahosa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, the national chairman urged the party’s flag bearer to carry all aspirants along to deliver the party at the September state governorship election. 

Ganduje equally commended Governor Hope Uzodinma’s election committee, noting that its transparency in the conduct of the election was highly commendable. 

The chairman then urged all aspirants to put aside their differences now that the primary election is over and join hands with the winner to deliver the party at the election 

Ganduje said: “I want to congratulate the winner of the Edo State governorship election, I want to equally commend and appreciate Governor Hope Uzodinma’s election committee for their hard work and the transparent manner in which the primary election was conducted. 

“At this point, I want to call on all the aspirants to bury the hatchet and work for the interest of the party so that our party will emerge victorious “

The national chairman also commended all the party stakeholders and assured them that the party will do everything possible to ensure that Edo state is delivered.

RAINSTORM: Aiyedatiwa Visits Ita-Ogbolu, Promises Timely Assistance To Victims.

RAINSTORM: Aiyedatiwa Visits Ita-Ogbolu, Promises Timely Assistance To Victims.

 

Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday visited the people of Ita-Ogbolu in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State over the rainstorm that wreaked havoc in the community last week Friday.

The storm, which followed the first rain of the year, claimed one life and destroyed about 200 buildings in the town.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who inspected the damages, sympathised with the victims and promised that the government will come to their aid.

Accompained by his deputy, Chief Olayide Adelami and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Olamide Oladiji, the Governor also paid a visit to the residence of the woman who died as a result of the storm.

Earlier at the palace of the Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu, the Governor said he was saddened by the loss of life and the huge number of affected properties. 

The Governor said the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had been on ground to compile and assess the affected houses and would ensure succour gets to the victims on time.

"I want to sympathise with kabiyesi and the people of Ita-Ogbolu on this unfortunate disaster. We thank God that it was not more than that. May God give the family of the one that lost her life the fortitude to bear the loss.

"The government has arrangements for such disaster and I can assure you that we will do the needful when we see the detailed reports", the Governor said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa later advised that residents should cultivate the habit of planting trees around their residential buildings so that it would serve as a windbreaker.

The Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu, Oba Idowu Faborode, appreciated the governor for the concern and show of love.

A member of the House of Assembly representing Akure North, Hon. Kolawole Ologede and a former Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Mr. Dele Ologun, thanked the Governor for personally visiting the community.

Aiyedatiwa Flags Off Construction Of Rural Roads In Ondo State.

Aiyedatiwa Flags Off Construction Of Rural Roads In Ondo State. 

....Oda Cocoa Board in Akure South, Ode-Omi-Ebute Iyara in Irele and Ifira-Afo in Akoko South East to benefit in first phase.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his commitment to the development of the grassroots, while also ensuring food security by constructing access roads to farms.

The Governor gave this assuarance at the project launch and groundbreaking ceremony of 15.5km Oda Cocoa Board - Camp 2 - Langbodo Road in Oda town in Akure South local government area on Friday.

The first phase of the project cuts across the three senatorial districts of the State in Oda - Cocoa Board - Langbodo at Akure South LG in the Central; Ode - Omi - Ebute Iyara in Irele LGA for the South and Ifira Akoko - Afo in Akoko South East LG for the North. The construction work will commence simultaneously across the three locations.

The second phase of the road contracts are expected to be awarded in the first quarter of the year and it will also cut across many LGAs in the State. 

The Governor assured that his administration will continue to embark on  more developmental projects for the benefit of the people of the State, especially at the grassroots.

Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the need for all stakeholders to take ownership of the projects, stressing that the contractors handling the construction of rural roads must be closely supervised to ensure that the quality of roads is not compromised under any guise.

He added that the fact that the roads have been in a deplorable state for many years makes it imperative that the ongoing intervention must be carried out to the expected threshold of standard.

While hoping for a speedy completion of the projects, the Governor commended the efforts of the contractors so far. 

The State Project Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAMP), Mr. Femi Adetanmi, said the project enjoys fundings from the World Bank, French Development Agency and Counterpart contribution by the Ondo State Government.

Adetanmi emphasized that when the road is completed, it will connect the people in the rural communities with the urban areas which will allow free flow of farm produce.

"Ondo RAAMP project cuts across all the 18 Local Government Areas of the State with about 700km of roads digitalized, designed and ready for construction. The design of 9 of Agro-Logistics Centers (ALCs) to be built across the State is equally ongoing", he said.

He, however, called on farmers to ensure that through this gesture, farm products are made available in sufficient quantities to the markets in order to eliminate food scarcity that is being experienced due to poor road network in rural/farm areas.

Also, the Administrative Secretary, Directorate of Rural & Community Development, who doubles as the Chairman, State Project Monitoring Committee of RAAMP, Mr. Wole Akinkuotu, reiterated that the present administration's decision to be one of the participating states in RAAMP was borne out of the concerned attitude of the Governor and the desire to change the negative narrative associated with getting access to the rural parts of the State.

Those present at the event included the Deputy Governor, Chief Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Prince Segun Omojuwa and traditional rulers.

Fubara Gifts Nwabali N20m, State Honour.

Fubara Gifts Nwabali N20m, State Honour.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has on Friday, said his administration will sustain purposeful governance and administrative efficiency because they are helping the people of the state to engage in ventures that bring honour.

Fubara spoke when he hosted the Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, who participated in the just concluded 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The Governor, who announced a N20 million Naira reward for Nwabali said he will also be bestowed with the honour of Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State.

Fubara also gifted N30 million to the Super Eagles’ crew who were present.

In a related development, for emerging as champions in the Louis Edem National League competition, Fubara gifted N50 million to the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Team.

This was contained in a statement issued by the media aide to the governor, Boniface Onyedi, and made available to newsmen.

Fubara said in providing leadership, his focus was to create an enabling environment in which Rivers people will continue to feel encouraged to do the right thing to align with what he is doing in changing the narrative of how Rivers State is perceived globally.

The governor commended the Rivers-born Nwabali for his excellent goalkeeping in the Super Eagles team, playing alongside other patriots in the just concluded AFCON, which has made Nigeria proud.

He said, “I want to join the great and wonderful people of Rivers State to congratulate you, our brother Stanley Nwabali and our wonderful team.

“We are here again in just about four months after you won a local trophy.

“Today, you have brought a national trophy. So, when people say or talk behind us to ask what we are doing, we are achieving those things that are not, maybe, seen physically but they give joy and fulfilment.

“If we have not encouraged you in a way that motivated you, you won’t be where you are. So, it is part of purposeful governance and administrative efficiency.

“So, I want to thank you and assure you that we will continue to do our best.”

He urged residents of the state to continue to consciously do positive things that promote the state and attract honour.

The state Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, lauded Fubara for his support that motivated the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Team to clinch the national league trophy as champions.

Also speaking, a former Commissioner for Justice and one-time Super Eagles player, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, while recognising the impact of sports development in the state, commended the purposeful leadership of Fubara.

Workers, Students in Ikere Ekiti to benefit from EKSG free bus service.

Workers, Students in Ikere Ekiti  to benefit from EKSG free bus service.

Students and workers in Ikere Ekiti will start enjoying the state government’s free bus services, beginning from Monday, February 19, 2024. 

  

This is sequel to the directive of the State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji  that the free bus service be extended to students and civil servants in Ikere- Ekiti as part of the administration’s  efforts to cushion the impact of economic hardship being faced across the country.

The buses will ply major routes in Ikere Ekiti and will convey students and workers in the morning and afternoon. 

The free bus service for students and civil servants commenced in Ado- Ekiti, the state capital last year as part of the palliative measures introduced by the Biodun Oyebanji administration to cushion the effect of the economic hardship. 

Plans are underway to increase the fleet of buses and extend the free bus service to other major towns in the state. 

The Biodun Oyebanji administration is committed to the welfare and wellbeing of the citizens and will continue to prioritize programmes and policies that will boost their productivity in line with its shared prosperity agenda.

Stop hoarding foodstuffs, Nasarawa Gov urges traders.

Stop hoarding foodstuffs, Nasarawa Gov urges traders.

The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule has sought the support of members of the Nasarawa State Traders and Marketers Association towards mitigating the rising cost of food items.

The governor stated this when he recently met with the traders and marketers association at the Government House, Lafia, due to the prevailing economic hardships being experienced by the people of the state.

Sule decried the situation where traders purchase and hoard food items solely for profit maximisation, and urged the members of the traders and marketing association to sensitise their members on the ills of hoarding food items, especially at a time when people find it difficult to feed.

Sule said, “It is high time we come together to help ourselves. It is inconsiderate for someone to hoard food items while waiting for the prices to soar before selling them.

“It is even possible that at the time, such a person wants to sell his food items, he may lack buyers because of the scarcity of money. It is not good for someone who bought a 50kg bag of sugar at N32,000 to now turn around and sell it at N72,000.

“Stop hoarding food items. Hunger is ravaging the people. If we continue to hoard food items and people continue to die, we would answer before God.”

Also speaking, the President, Nasarawa State Traders and Marketers Association, Musa Turaki-Gamji, said members of the union had started touring the zones across the state to sensitise traders on supporting the government’s plans to assuage the plight of the people.

Turaki-Gamji pointed out that the association had taken it upon itself to intervene by assisting the government in reducing the hardships presently being faced by the people of the state.