President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Nuhu Gidado, on his 64th birthday, joining family and friends to celebrate with the public servant, who has served the nation and his state in many capacities.
President Buhari notes the zeal, courage and vision that Gidado has brought to the various positions and responsibilities held over many years, including Commissioner of Education, where he initiated and implemented reforms that saw increase in enrolment, improvement in output of teachers and better performances in WAEC/NECO.
The President extols the former Deputy Governor for contributions to the development of the country, while in the private sector, supervising projects at state and national levels, like the Headquarters of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) in Abuja, and infrastructural projects in Bauchi State.
As Gidado turns 64, President Buhari commends his humility, diligence and discipline, especially in delivering remarkable and built-to-last projects, with a clear sense of detail.
The President prays for long life and more prosperity for the former Deputy Governor.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 17. 2022
WITH HIGH-IMPACT PROJECTS ACROSS NIGERIA, WE HAVE MET THE YEARNING OF NIGERIANS, PRESIDENT BUHARI DECLARES AT LAST MINISTERIAL RETREAT
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Abuja declared open the last Ministerial Performance Review Retreat of this administration, saying high-impact projects have been implemented across the country meeting the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.
Addressing the Retreat organised to evaluate the level of progress made in the implementation of the Nine Priority Agenda of his Administration, the President highlighted remarkable progress made in the areas of agriculture, economy, infrastructure, security, health, anti-corruption among others.
The President told participants and guests at the retreat including the Keynote Speaker and immediate past President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, that over 3,800 KM of roads have been constructed across the country, while 38 new aircraft were acquired for the Nigerian Air Force to boost the fight against insurgency.
He also added that 38.7 million Nigerians have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, representing 35 per cent of the total eligible population target for vaccination.
On infrastructure, the President said:
”In recognition of the importance of critical infrastructure in economic development and the quest of this Administration to leave a lasting legacy, we have implemented high-impact projects across the length and breadth of the country that meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.
”Some of the notable achievements include the completion of 326km Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri rail line and railway ancillary facilities; the completion of over 156.5km Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway modernization project with extension to Lagos Port, Apapa.
”On road projects, this Administration has constructed 408Km of roads; 2,499Km of SUKUK roads and maintenance of 15,961Km of roads across the Country.
”Key among these projects are the construction of 1.9km 2nd Niger Bridge linking Anambra and Delta States with 10.30km approach road; rehabilitation, construction and expansion of Lagos-Shagamu-Ibadan dual carriageway; the ongoing rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna – Zaria – Kano Road, among others.”
Stressing that the Federal Government under his watch has sustained commitment to infrastructural development for the past 7 years, President Buhari said over 941km of completed SUKUK road projects nationwide have been handed over.
Furthermore, he said the Federal Government has embarked on the reconstruction of 21 selected Federal Roads totaling 1,804.6km, under the Road Infrastructure Development & Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Policy.
He explained that the roads, which are funded by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, are in addition to similar existing collaboration with Messrs Dangote Industries Limited and other corporate organisations to improve the stock of the country’s road infrastructure.
On aviation, the President assured that the establishment of a National Carrier for Nigeria is at 91 percent completion, and is expected to commence flight operations before the end of this year.
He said the feat is being boosted with the certification of Lagos and Abuja International Airports by the International Civil Aviation Organization, while Kano and Port Harcourt Airports are undergoing similar certification processes.
On the economy, the President restated that the country had witnessed seven consecutive quarters of growth, after negative growth rates recorded in the 2nd and 3rd Quarters of 2020.
”The GDP grew by 3.54% (year-on-year) in real terms in the 2nd Quarter of 2022. This growth rate represents a sustained positive economic performance, especially for the Non-Oil GDP which fell by 4.77% in Q2 2022 against Oil GDP that grew by -11.77%.
”Most sectors of the economy recorded positive growth which reflects the effective implementation of the economic sustainability measures introduced by this Administration,” he said.
On the Communications & Digital Economy Sector, the President noted that giant strides have been made through broadband coverage which currently stands at 44.32%, reinforced by 77.52% 4G coverage with the establishment of 36,751 4G base stations nationwide.
Similarly, the President declared that the Power Sector has remained a critical priority for the Administration, adding that the implementation of a ‘Willing Buyer-Willing Seller’ policy introduced by the Federal Government has opened up opportunities for increased delivery of electricity to underserved homes and industries.
”We are also executing a number of critical projects through the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme, which will result in achieving the national goal of improved power supply by 2025.
”It is important to state that the partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria and German Siemens AG through the Presidential Power Initiative to increase electricity generation to 25,000 Megawatts (MW) in six years is on course, as the first batch of the transformers has arrived Nigeria already.”
On the oil and gas sector, the President recalled that on 16th August 2021, he signed the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) into law, providing a legal, governance, regulatory and fiscal framework for the Nigerian Petroleum Industry, as well as the development of host communities and related matters.
He noted that to achieve the objectives of the PIA, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation was unbundled while the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority were established.
On efforts towards strengthening national security, the President said his administration has substantially invested in arms, weapons and other critical military hardware as well as continuous training for the Armed Forces.
”The Nigerian Air Force has acquired 38 brand-new aircraft and is expecting another batch of 36 new ones, while the Nigerian Navy has been equipped with new platforms, sophisticated riverine, Rigid-Hull Inflatable, Seaward Defence, Whaler & Fast Attack Boats as well as Helicopters and Capital Ships.
”To boost the number of our Police personnel, 20,000 policemen have been recruited, trained, fully integrated and deployed in 2020 and 2021. This exercise has strengthened our community policing strategy which is enshrined in the Police Act, 2020.’’
On the fight against corruption, the President promised that the administration would continue to review and prosecute high-profile corruption cases and ensure speedy completion.
Concerning Social Investment Programmes, the President said 9,990,862 pupils are being fed through the School Feeding Programme, which employs 128,531 cooks in local communities.
”Following the passage of the National Health Act in 2014, this Administration began the inclusion of the 1% minimum portion of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to cater for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
”Consequently, 988,652 poor and indigent Nigerians have been enrolled in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
”We should also note that a total of 7,373 primary health facilities have been accredited and capitated under the National Health Insurance Scheme pathway, while 7,242 Primary Health Care facilities are receiving Decentralized Facility Financing under the National Primary Health Care Development Agency – Basic Health Care Provision Fund gateway,” the President said on milestones in the health sector.
President Buhari also lauded Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, noting that the country’s achievement has been commended by the World Health Organisation.
He said at the end of September 2022, 51,713,575 eligible people had received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, representing 46.3% of the eligible population.
”Out of this number, 38,765,510 people have been fully vaccinated, and this represents 34.7% of the eligible population.
The President urged all eligible Nigerians to ensure that they are fully vaccinated as Nigeria’s vaccine stock balance stands at about 27 million doses.
On agriculture, the President expressed delight that as a direct result of investment, the sector has experienced significant growth.
”The shortfall in food production and food importation bills have both been reduced significantly. Along with the production of other staple crops, we have reached our goal of self-sufficiency in rice production.
”We are exerting a lot of effort to solve the problem of the rising cost of food that is related to inflation, being a global crisis.”
President Buhari directed Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and all Heads of Agencies to reinvigorate their efforts in ramping-up delivery of flagship programmes and projects contained in their Ministerial Mandates.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and his team in sustaining the Annual Performance Review Retreats, adding that this has enabled the cabinet to maintain focus on the nine-point Agenda and more importantly, providing solid evidence that supports the achievements.
”I am also proud to see that our Administration is staying true to our commitment to the Open Government Partnership initiative which I signed up in 2017. In this regard, the Presidential Delivery Tracker was launched on 30th August 2022, which is a clear testament to this Administration’s commitment to participatory governance.
”As part of efforts to strengthen performance management culture, the Central Delivery Coordination Unit is being institutionalised.
”As an initiative of this Administration, I am delighted to bequeath this legacy to my successor as part of the mechanisms that will assist the next Administration in delivering on its promises to the Nigerian people,” he said.
Setting the context for the two-day meeting, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said the retreat has been structured into three main focus areas.
”First is an overview of ministerial performance within the last three years of the administration, presenting key achievements and identifying opportunities for improvement.
”Second will reflect on lessons and good practices from the Kenyan presidential delivery unit while the third is ways to accelerate the delivery of flagship projects and programmes of the Buhari administration before the end of the tenure in May 2023.”
Mustapha announced that President Buhari would sign an Executive Order on Improving Performance Management, Coordination and Implementation of Presidential Priorities of the Federal Government of Nigeria at the end of the 3rd Ministerial Performance Review Retreat.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, Speaker of the House Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Senate President Ahmed Lawan delivered goodwill messages at the Retreat.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 17, 2022
October 17, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Condemns APC’s Attack on Its Kaduna Presidential Campaign Rally
…Insists It is Undeterred
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemns in the strongest terms possible the violent attack on its Presidential Campaign Rally in Kaduna, Kaduna State capital today, Monday, October 17, 2022 by heavily armed hoodlums sponsored by the liquidating All Progressives Congress (APC).
This unprovoked attack is not only reprehensible but also exposes the desperation of the APC which is overwhelmed by the continuing popularity of the PDP and our Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar for which they have now resorted to violence.
The aim of the APC for this attack is to frustrate the PDP Presidential Rally, trigger tension, violence and cause bloodletting in Kaduna State. This is contrary to the undertaking in the Peace Accord signed by political parties on September 28, 2022 in which the Presidential Candidate of the APC was conspicuously absent.
The attack today by the APC must give well-meaning Nigerians concern as some report allege that the vicious assault on the PDP Presidential Campaign was spearheaded by the APC governorship candidate in Kaduna State.
The frustrated APC having realized that it cannot legally and legitimately sponsor candidates for the 2023 general elections has now resorted to violence and attacking our party members and innocent citizens with the aim of derailing the entire democratic process.
The APC is intimidated by Atiku Abubakar’s popularity and acceptance among majority of Nigerians following their confidence in Atiku Abubakar’s practical experience, record, capacity, broad-mindedness, Pan-Nigerianism and willpower to unite our nation, revamp our devastated economy and guarantee security of lives and property in our country.
In any case, our Party is undeterred by such cowardly attack as Nigerians are already connected with our issue-based campaign and Atiku Abubakar’s message of hope which is already resonating throughout the nooks and crannies of our country.
The PDP salutes the courage displayed by the people of Kaduna State in coming out enmasse to resist and overwhelm the APC and its agents, ensure the success of the PDP Rally, reinforce their support for Atiku Abubakar and re-emphasize the fact that Kaduna State is home to PDP, which gave Atiku Abubakar the highest votes in the 2019 Presidential election.
These desperate elements should be reminded that from history, the people of Kaduna State have never been cowed or subjugated and cannot now especially in their present resolve to vote in Atiku Abubakar as the next President of Nigeria.
The PDP acknowledges the massive inflow of new members into our Party, especially from the fizzling APC in Kaduna State and throughout the country because of APC’s failures in governance.
Kaduna State is a Melting Pot State and such inflow into the PDP denotes the confidence and trust Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion and political affiliation, repose in Atiku Abubakar as the next President of the country.
It should be recalled that the PDP, on Sunday, October 16, 2022 alerted on the plot to disrupt our scheduled Presidential Campaign in Kaduna State today. Our Party therefore charges security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this attack are brought to book.
The PDP calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to call his partymen to order and ensure adequate security for a free, fair and credible electoral process in our country.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Labour Party Call Out Ebonyi Governor, Umahi To Release Its Kidnapped Senatorial Candidate By His Vigilante Outfit
THE National Chairman of the Labour Party (AP) Comrade Barrister Julius Abure has directed Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi to secure the release of its Senatorial Candidate who was allegedly kidnapped on Saturday night by the South East Vigilante outfit called Ebubeagu.
But the Police Command in Ebonyi State described as ‘fake’ the alleged abduction of Linus Okorie, Labour Party Senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South in the state.
SP Chris Anyanwu, Spokesman of the Command said, in a statement, he issued to newsmen in Abakaliki on Monday, that Okorie was only arrested and not abducted.
He said that Okorie, an ex-House of Representatives Member, was arrested over drug related matters and several other offences.
Anyanwu urged the public to desist from painting pictures of insecurity in the state by propagating unfounded rumours.
“Sequel to initial viral rumours renting the air, cum a Press Release accredited to one Dr David Ogbonna of Linus Okorie Caring Heart Foundation, purporting that the former member of House of Representatives, was abducted on Sunday.
“The State Police Command swung into action and later traced the said Okorie, who had evaded many Police arrests/invitations, to the head office of the Ebubeagu Security Outfit at the Old Government House.
“Police detectives were briefed on why he was arrested which includes his activities and utterances that incited and provoked the violence that engulfed Onicha Community which led to suspected gunmen to unleash mayhem in the area in 2021.
“Hence, the case has now been taken over by the Police Command for a scrupulous investigation.
“Secondly, Okorie was severally invited by the Security and Intelligence Bureau of the Command over a petition dated, March 23, authored by the State’s Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, alleging that he was spreading fake news against Gov Dave Umahi.
“When invited by the SIB over the false allegations/petition, Okorie, in his characteristic pompous manner, refused vehemently to report. Rather, he chose to file fallacious suits against the Police Command.
“It is also pertinent to mention that Okorie also have a pending case in which he is implicated in a drug-related offence where the suspects purported to be his agents were arrested for Hard drug sales and use at his City Hub Inn, Mile 50, Abakaliki,” the spokesman stated.
Okorie is contesting the same senate seat with Governor Umahi.
A statement from Okorie’s organisation, Caring Heart Foundation and signed by one Dr David Ogbonna, alleged that the senatorial candidate was abducted on Sunday morning on his way to Abakaliki by gunmen.
According to the statement, we implore our supporters, CaringHeart Foundation members and friends of Hon Linus, not to give into unlawful acts but allow the security agencies do their professional jobs.
Calling out the security agencies and the State Governor to assumed their constitutional duties in a press statement, Barrister Abure said the incessant attacks on the Labour Party and its candidates across board is a threat to democracy and freedom of association.
“It has come to my notice that our senatorial candidate in Ebonyi South, Hon Linus Okorie has been kidnapped on his way to his house, in Ebonyi state this evening (Sunday October 16) allegedly by the personnel of the South East Vigilante outfit, Ebubeagu.
“It is no longer news that some political actors in some South Eastern states particularly, Ebonyi and Enugu have vowed that Labour Party and its candidates will not be allowed to campaign freely in the zone. This is evident with incessant attacks on members and supporters of the Labour Party and that of our candidates, particularly, our presidential candidate.
“This night attack is viewed by the party as a furtherance of the determination of these political hirelings to frustrate the progressive incursion of the party across the nation and particularly in the South East.
“I therefore call on the Ebonyi state governor, His Excellency, Dave Umahi and the hierarchy of the security agencies particularly, the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State to immediately effect the release of our senatorial prospect, Hon Linus Okorie.
“The frequent attack and kidnapping of innocent Nigerians, particularly the political class could have a major consequences in the coming general election. This is quite unfortunate and it is not good for democracy. We see it as a threat to our democracy and it should not be allowed to progress or institutionalised.
“I want to recall what happened to our party in Anambra State last year when our governorship candidate, Hon. Obiography Agbasimalo was kidnapped and as I speak, nothing has been heard about him. Sadly, this is happening again.
“We therefore call on Inspector General of Police and other agencies responsible for the protection of life and property to rise to the occasion and ensure that Hon Linus Okorie is released.
“As alleged, the Ebubeagu Vigilante security in Ebonyi State is under the strict over lordship of the state authority and is known to carry out orders of the state government, deploying brute force on the people and residents of the state. We therefore demand that His Excellency, Governor Dave Umahi must rein in on this Vigilante or any other of the government agents to ensure that intimidation of perceived political opponents ceases, and that political rights of every Nigerian as enshrined in the constitution is respected.
“Finally, we urge the government to give directive for Hon Linus Okorie’s unconditional release from these criminal elements”, Abure said.
Fans celebrate as BigC wins GreenCamp Rap Battle in Lagos
Rising Rapper, BigC Sunday evening won the second GreenCamp Rap Battle held in Lagos. The second runner-up was Etwildheat.
The announcement of the battle results threw the crowd of enthusiasts into a frenzy of celebration with chants of Big C everywhere.
Organised by the renowned Green Camp group, the annual event is designed to identify, encourage and support young musical entertainers, especially Rappers. In a rap battle, the rapper with the best delivery, lyrics, and crowd response usually wins.
By writing his own rap songs, freestyling as often as possible, staying relaxed, and feeling the energy of the crowd, the Rapper is expected to not only survive these battles, but also thrive, rising to the top of the challenges. Oftentimes, the Rapper either improvises lyrics or have written lyrics to insult the other Rapper.
In a congratulatory message on its twitter handle, the organisers, @GreenCampNG stated, Thanks for an amazing Rap battle yesterday and congratulations to the winner BIG C @OfficialBigC_ for coming correct with the bars and second runner up @etwitdheat for making the battle a show.
Special recognition to our judges @tosanwilts @thepdstrn and @whoistawati
Reacting to the big win, BigC, son of top journalist and Public Relations expert, Emmanuel Isibor, thanked the organisers for the “real Battle of Rappers.” He had kind words for his supporters and the crowd at the event, saying, “ without you, there will not be me. Thank you for always being there for me.”
Messages from thousands of his followers and fans on social media platforms continue to stream in at press time.
CHINESE PRESIDENT COMMISERATES WITH PRESIDENT BUHARI ON ANAMBRA BOAT MISHAP
President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China has commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari on the recent boat mishap in Anambra State.
Over 40 people were reported to have died in the accident which happened Friday, October 7, at Umunankwo in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra State.
In a letter to President Buhari, the Chinese leader wrote:
“Distressed to learn of the boat mishap in Anambra State, Nigeria, which has caused heavy casualties, I’d like to, in the name of the Chinese government and people, extend deepest condolences to the victims and sincere sympathy to their families.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 14, 2022
