STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in New York City, addressed world leaders at the 78th United Nations General Assembly, during which he made a firm and compelling declaration that the time is now for UN member states to show, with their actions, that they mean what they say concerning the crackdown on terror financing, economic sabotage, and illicit mineral & arms smuggling in the developing world.
“The fourth important aspect of global trust and solidarity is to secure the continent’s mineral rich areas from pilfering and conflict. Many such areas have become catacombs of misery and exploitation. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has suffered this for decades, despite the strong UN presence there. The world economy owes the DRC much but gives her very little.
“Foreign entities that are abetted by local criminals, who aspire to be petty warlords, have drafted thousands of our people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources. Billions of dollars meant to improve the nation now fuel countless violent enterprises. If left unchecked, they will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk. Given the extent of this injustice and the high stakes involved, many Africans are asking whether this phenomenon is by accident or by design. Member nations must reply by working with us to deter their firms and nationals from this 21st century pillage of the continent’s riches. To keep faith with the tenets of this world body and the theme of this year’s Assembly, the poverty of nations must end. The pillage of one nation’s resources by the overreach of firms and people of stronger nations must now end,” the President declared.
President Tinubu further noted that his aggressive economic development diplomatic push for new investment has been demonstrably effective in presenting Nigeria as business-ready, but the ease of doing business, according to the President, might not be the major encumbrance to large scale investment.
“The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner. Direct investment in critical industries, opening their ports to a wider range and larger quantity of quality African exports, and meaningful debt relief are important aspects of the cooperation we desire,” the President affirmed.
The President equally noted that the global fight against the effects of climate change can not be based on a “one size fits all” approach and that nations must be cooperated with in the design and implementation of their own strategies, which are tailored to their respective socio-economic strengths and weaknesses.
“African nations will fight climate change, but we must do so on our own terms. To achieve the needed popular consensus, this campaign must accord with our overall economic efforts. In Nigeria, we shall build political consensus by highlighting remedial actions which also promote the broader economic good.
“Projects such as ‘The Great Green Wall’ to stop desert encroachment; halting the destruction of our forests through the mass production and distribution of gas burning stoves; and the provision of employment through local water management and irrigation projects are examples of efforts that equally advance both economic and climate change objectives simultaneously. Continental efforts regarding climate change will register important victories, only if established economies were more forthcoming with public and private sector investment for Africa’s preferred projects and initiatives,” the President cautioned.
President Bola Tinubu concluded by reminding the world what Africa truly represents in the global village.
“Walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided, nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.”
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES HIS DEPUTY, OBAFEMI HAMZAT AT 59
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who clocked the age of 59 years today.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Tuesday, praised Dr. Hamzat for being a trustworthy partner in the Greater Lagos agenda of the incumbent administration.
The Governor said his deputy has been very supportive of the administration’s delivery of good governance and dividends of democracy to Lagos residents.
He also commended Dr. Hamzat’s contribution to the growth and development of Lagos State in the last 18 years in different capacities before being sworn in as deputy governor on May 29, 2019.
Sanwo-Olu said Dr. Hamzat has used his position as commissioner in different ministries and now the number two citizen of the Centre of Excellence, to bring about positive change to Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
The Governor said the emergence of Dr. Hamzat as a two-term elected deputy governor and the longest-serving deputy governor in the political history of Lagos State, is a testament that he is a seasoned technocrat, administrator, politician and committed democrat.
He said: “Happy 56th birthday to my reliable, hardworking, dependable, supportive, trustworthy and committed brother, friend and partner in the Greater Lagos agenda of our administration.
“On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, the people and government of Lagos State, leaders and members of our party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), I wish Dr. Obafemi Hamzat many happy returns of today.
“As you celebrate your 59th birthday today, I pray that God will increase you in good health to enable you to render more service to humanity, Lagos State and Nigeria.”
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
19 SEPTEMBER 2023
Press Release
Death Of Hon. Loolo, Big Blow To Ogonis – Rt. Hon. Dekor
The member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, and Chairman, House Committee on Host Communities, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor has described the death of Hon Barr. DineBari Loolo, member representing Khana State Constituency 2 in the Rivers State House of Assembly as a personal loss and big blow to the Ogoni people.
Obviously devastated by the sudden news of the death of a man he said was so dear to him, a close and reliable ally, Rt. Hon. Dekor said the Ogoni people have sadly lost a rare gem.
Rt. Hon. Dekor made the remarks while on condolence visit to the wife and family of late Hon. Loolo at their Port Harcourt residence on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. On the entourage of the federal lawmaker to the condolence visit include: Chairman of Khana Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Thomas Bariere, former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Befii Nwile, the Acting Rector of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Port Harcourt, Dr. Moses Neebee, His Majesty, Mene King Dr. Suanu T. Y. Baridam, JP, Gbenemene, and Kasimene VII of Ancient Bangha Kingdom, Hon. Inaania LeneBari, Chairman, PDP, Khana LGA, among other prominent Ogoni sons and leaders of the PDP in Khana.
Hon. Barr. Loolo’s demise, the federal lawmaker regretted, is not only a loss to his immediate family but also to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on whose platform he (the deceased) was elected into the State Legislature, and to Rivers State as a whole.
For the short period he served the State as a lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Dekor noted, late Barr. Loolo was a rallying point because of his humility, legislative acumen and imitable sense of reasoning.
He regretted that doing the 8th Assembly, late Loolo only spent 6 months in office and in this 10th Assembly, death has just cut short his service to his fatherland barely three months in office.
“My brother, and friend, Hon. Barr. DineBari Loolo was an accomplished professional, respected politician and astute administrator. By dint of hard work, he was deservedly chosen by our people over his political opponents as our representative in the State House of Assembly.
“And while serving as a lawmaker, he made a remarkable mark, always radiating exceptional brilliance and courage. Loolo’s memories will continue to live with me as a brother, and friend, an associate and close ally who was always there for me and my family in all my political endevours”, Rt. Hon. Dekor reminisced.
The former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and one time Commissioner of Works, however, believes that all hope is not lost as his late friend had a good family and left behind many he lifted as well as worthy legacies of honour and hard work.
He enjoined late Hon. Loolo’s wife to take solace in the fact that her husband lived a life worthy of emulation.
“On behalf of my wife, the good people of Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, I commiserate with the immediate family, the entire Loolo family, and the members of the PDP in Khana, and pray the ever faithful God to grant the family and all his loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, and as well grant the soul of the departed eternal rest”, Rt. Hon. Dekor prayed.
Signed:
Rt. Hon. Dekor Media Team.
Tuesday, September 19, 2023.
PRESS STATEMENT
Federal Appointments: Gov Akeredolu Hails Ayodele Olawande’s Ministerial Nomination, Congratulates Yejide Ogundipe
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has welcomed the nomination of the State’s Youth Leader, Mr. Ayodele Olawande as Minister of State for Youth.
The Governor also congratulated Hon. Yejide Ogundipe on her appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the President (Food Security).
He described Hon. Ogundipe as a staunch advocate who has consistently championed the rights and empowerment of women in the State.
Governor Akeredolu said Olawande’s appointment is a recognition of his unwavering dedication, loyalty, and hard work to the party, APC, and the State.
“Olawande and Ogundipe have consistently demonstrated their commitments to the growth of our great party, APC, and development of our State. Olawande’s relentless efforts in championing the cause of youth inclusion in government and politics have not gone unnoticed. This appointment serves as a well-deserved reward for his outstanding service.
Governor Akeredolu appreciated President Bola Tinubu for considering a worthy son of the state for such significant National assignment.
The Governor expressed confidence that Mr. Olawande’s wealth of experience and passion for youth development and engagement will make a meaningful impact on the national stage.
“As we look forward to Olawande’s tenure as Minister of State for Youth, we have every confidence that he will continue to work tirelessly in advancing the interests of Nigerian youths.
“These appointments not only reflects the trust placed in Olawande and Ogundipe but also serve as an inspiration to other party faithful across our nation. We kindly urge the National Assembly to consider the speedy confirmation of Mr. Olawande.” The Governor said.
Governor Akeredolu congratulated Ayodele Olawande and Yejide Ogundipe and wished them success in their new roles.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
September 18, 2023.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU ADVANCES STRONGER ECONOMIC TIES WITH SOUTH AFRICA; SEEKS REFORM OF BRETTON WOODS INSTITUTIONS TO STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC RESILIENCE OF DEVELOPING DEMOCRACIES
President Bola Tinubu has on Monday advanced his economic development diplomatic drive for investment attraction as he engaged extensively in a bilateral discussion with South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, in New York City, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.
President Tinubu asserted that Africa must have a consensus view that the hundreds of billions of dollars spent through International Development Finance Institutions over the years must meet the specific needs of developing democracies in Africa, even if it is done with exclusive regard for their own enlightened self-interest.
“During the end of the Second World War, the Marshall Plan was established for the reconstruction and economic restoration of European nations through Bretton Woods institutions. Where has this presence been for Africa? We have to be careful not to replace the broken shackle of yesterday with a new set of shackles. You can not have a stable democracy in the presence of a poverty of knowledge and a starvation of people. Democracy without food on the table is a breeding ground for what will consume us, if care is not taken. We must join hands and agree that International Finance Institutions require reform as Africa is not to be a ground for economic scavenging any longer, but it is a place with gifted people that is ready for investment and cooperation.
“We have all the human and natural resources required between our nations. We can collaborate in a mutually beneficial way that enriches our populations. South African Mining industries have a role to play in the Nigerian solid minerals development sector. Your business community has done well in Nigerian Telecommunications. We have great mineral wealth across our land, and you have good expertise in this area. We expect to deliver jobs and mutually beneficial results in this area as brother and sister countries,” the President affirmed.
Referencing President Tinubu’s quick implementation of what he called “brave” economic reforms, the South African President agreed that the two countries have much more wealth to create together in close and intentional partnership, with each nation leveraging on each other’s respective strengths.
“We are two major economies on our continent, and it is important that we deepen economic ties, particularly in light of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. We are very keen on the deepening of our economic relations,” the South African President said.
The South African President emphasized that history has proven that Nigeria and South Africa can move the world on matters of mutual concern when the two nations operate on the same wavelength.
“We would love to see Nigeria and South Africa working closely together on a number of issues because whenever we join hands, we have made an impact globally through those joint positions. Together, we can move the global south forward. We are a continent that has been plundered. And wealthy nations made so much of it from us, and we must seek out partners who will help us to advance our own interests,” the South African President emphasized.
Recognizing President Tinubu’s effective stewardship as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, the South African leader said that Southern Africa needed to emulate the solidarity being demonstrated in West Africa, following the Niger Crisis.
“We believe that we have a lot to learn from ECOWAS and its unity in reaching consensus positions on sub-regional matters. This is something we seek to emulate in the Southern African sub-region in view of events in Mozambique and other areas,” President Ramaphosa said.
The South African leader also used the opportunity of the bilateral engagement to extend an invitation to President Bola Tinubu to visit South Africa, following President Ramaphosa’s recent visit to Nigeria, as part of efforts to deepen economic ties and the broader relationship between both countries.
While accepting the invitation, President Tinubu affirmed that an Africa, in which Nigeria and South Africa are working in synergy to advance their common interests, is the strongest version of the continent, which can make more impact on global affairs for the benefit of over one billion Africans with its enormous human and natural resource wealth.
“Our continent is the last untapped ground for accelerated, massive growth and new economic opportunity on earth. We must be in charge of our own resources, and we must work to use each other effectively to achieve what is best for all of us, Mr. President. We look forward to an era of economically productive relationship,” the Nigerian leader concluded.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 18, 2023
