Sub themes
- Translating Research Output into Sustainable Development
- Digitalizing Research for 21st-Century Challenges
- Role of Intellectual Property Rights in the Socio-Economic Development of Nigeria
I would like to start by thanking Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, Mni, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, the custodians and managers of the LASU Research and Innovation for considering me still worthy of speaking at this fair, and in the capacity of Keynote Speaker.
As some of you might recall, I was the keynote speaker at the inaugural fair in 2019 as a guest of LASU, when Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun, SAN birthed this fair.
It is to the credit of Professor Olatunji-Bello that she has found value in the work of her predecessor and chosen to improve upon it.
For those who lament the absence of institutions and continuity of governance, LASU holds out a bright torch of example for all to see.
Professor Bello and her team are showing that you do not have to delegitimize your predecessor to legitimize your tenure.
I must acknowledge that from modest beginnings from the first fair in 2019, inspiring progress has been made to date.
From a one-day event, it has morphed into a two-day event, and has been graced by many prominent speakers, who have watered the seeds sown at the first fair with their knowledge and time.
I venture to predict that in the years to come, the LASU research and innovation fair will become an Arabà, àpà ò ní ka mò.
In order to set the context to what I intend to suggest in my keynote for this year’s fair and the sub-themes please permit me to recap, albeit by way of summary, some thoughts, I shared in my keynote at the inaugural fair in 2019.
I started by defining research and innovation as the processes of “…careful study of a subject” and “…the introduction of new things” respectively.
I explained how in politics research helped the APC to win a Presidential election and depose an incumbent President for the first time in Nigerian electoral history.
I discussed how research helped in finding solutions to human problems in our Government in Lagos state such as the decongestion and clean-up of Oshodi, the fixing of toll prices for the Lekki Link Bridge without acrimony, the management of traffic at gridlock areas in some parts of Lagos.
I concluded by pointing at possible sources of funding to support research and deploy innovation, such as endowments and taxation, research legislation in other jurisdictions, and what TETFUND can do for research in our country, the role of alumni and funding and of course, what charities and not for profit organizations can do.
With this background, I think I can now approach the theme for this year’s fair, which is “Harnessing Sustainable Research and Innovation in Nigerian Universities towards National Growth and Development.”
I am sure that many of us will be familiar with the phrase “The town and the gown.” These are the words used to describe the rest of us outside the university arena, as being in the town, while the gown refers to those in the university, the scholars and all.
The expectation is that the town benefits immensely from what the gown does, because the latter is the place of learning and studying, and the vehicle for delivering new things, ideas and solutions; in other words, the place for research and innovation.
The commitment of LASU to research and innovation, and the theme of this year towards a “national growth and development” again, demonstrates to me that LASU’s leadership, and followership have properly defined their role in our society. This is most commendable.
To start with, research is a major economic undertaking contributing to GDP growth and development of countries who commit to it, and providing jobs
| Country | Research Contribution to GDP (% GDP) | Employment in Research |
| United States | 2.8 | 1.7 million |
| United Kingdom | 1.7 | 670 thousand |
| Germany | 2.9 | 830 thousand |
| France | 2.3 | 630 thousand |
| Canada | 3.2 | 500 thousand |
We could see at a glance that research and national growth and development are very connected.
The promotion of research and realization of the benefits are deliberate and not accidental things.
The LASU fair is a deliberate step, one in the series of many that must be made in order to optimize the benefit of research.
In order to connect us to the importance of research, let me share with you some examples of how research has impacted our lives positively in ways that we probably have not paid enough attention to.
| Category | Example of how Research has impacted |
| Health | The development of the polio vaccine in 1955, which led to the eradication of polio in most parts of the world. |
| Food | The development of the Green Revolution in the 1960s, which helped to increase crop yields and reduce hunger. |
| Energy | The development of solar cells in the 1950s, which has led to the development of solar power as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. |
| Water | The development of desalination technologies in the 1960s, which has made it possible to produce drinking water from seawater. |
| Environment | The development of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, which led to the phasing out of ozone-depleting substances. |
| Transportation | The development of the hybrid car in the 1990s, which has helped to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. |
| Communication | The development of the internet in the 1960s, which has revolutionized the way we communicate with each other. |
| Education | The development of the Khan Academy in 2006, which has made free, world-class education available to anyone with an internet connection. |
| Entertainment | The development of the video game industry in the 1970s, which has created new forms of entertainment that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. |
The question to ask then is how many of these products of research we mostly use, are made in Nigeria?
How much dollars do we spend in importing them and how is this affecting the value of the naira against the dollar.
What would our national growth and development indices look like if we could produce half of these things not to talk of inventing new ones.
Indeed, research and innovation have been key to the survival of the human race and I would like to cite a few more examples of how inventors have impacted humanity positively and laid the foundations for multi-billion dollars industries in the process.
Medical research and technology have increased the average life expectancy by five years since 1980 while disability rates have declined by 25 percent from 1982 to 2000. In fact, disability-free life expectancy has increased over time.
Between 1980 and 2010, advances in medical technology helped reduce the number of days spent in hospitals and this has continued to improve.
Can we imagine life imagine life without glasses? The first wearable eye glasses were invented around 1284 in Italy by Salvino D’Armate. In 2018 alone, over 130 Billion dollars was spent on corrective eyewear and it is estimated that by 2025, this figure will reach 210.8 billion U.S. dollars.
Similarly, what would the quality of life be without syringes? The Irish physician Francis Rynd in 1844 invented the hollow needle and used it to make the first recorded subcutaneous injection.
Quite impactfully, immunization prevents four Million deaths a year according to the World Health Organization while on the economic side the return on investment for immunization has been estimated to be $44 for every dollar invested, including broader social and economic benefits.
This takes me to the subject of the possible fields of research that we can target – medical, industrial, agricultural, animal, environment, space, Forest, ocean, etc.
The field is almost limitless, including human behaviour, crime, fashion, business, wealth, distribution, housing, education, and health care needs that can inform business decisions.
The other side of course is that of health and well-being concerns that prevalently challenge people of African descent with sickle cell, and fibroids.
The good news is that Nigeria has expressed intentions to undertake research in some areas like medicine, through the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), and industry, through the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), and Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) to mention a few.
What remains in my view is the will and commitment to translate the intention into results that impact national growth and development.
Let me share the story of the NIMR with you because I know a little of it. The annual budget over the years averages N250,000,000 for recurrent expenditure alone. This is not going to sustain any ground breaking research.
This led to the establishment of a foundation in which I serve seeking to raise money for NIMR, a government agency.
But the facility is there in Yaba; the manpower and skills are there, and the NIMR has done a lot of good work in the past in many areas.
At the onset of the Ebola and Covid epidemics, NIMR was involved.
FIIRO in the Eighties was a pack leader in inventions and innovations; notable in research that impacted Agriculture with respect to food processing.
This is an area of urgent and compelling need today, not only to support our local food security drive by reducing post-harvest losses but also by supporting our Agro export capacity to boost foreign exchange earning needed to relieve the pressure on the Naira.
Perhaps unknown to the larger public, our universities are already connected to some of these institutions in some way. During my visit to NIMR on 25th July 2023, I was pleasantly surprised to meet scores of Nigerian undergraduate students undertaking some form of internship in one research laboratory or the other.
The next big step I would suggest to the LASU Governing Council to move the Research and Innovation fair forward is to establish working relationships by agreement with Institutions like NIMR, FIIRO and others.
This should be followed with the establishment of a Research Academy in the university where these institutes can help to develop research capacities of students and also attract members of the public who seek to invest in funding specific research.
There are 40 million MSMES in our country and if half of them employed one person each , we would create 20 million jobs. What is the single thing that MSMES need to employ one person each on a wage of not less than N50,000 at starting point. Is it power or funding ?
I think I have made the point, if ever anyone was in doubt, that research and innovation impact national growth and development.
Given the diverse areas of human undertaking where the possibilities for research and innovation lie, perhaps the question to ask is this: Which areas of research should we give priority to?
I again express my gratitude to the planning and organising team of this year’s fair. They have pointed the direction of some possible priorities in their choice of sub-themes for discussion and I believe the three eminent scholars invited to address these themes will respond better than I could possibly endeavour.
However, in the light of our urgent developmental needs and the intention expressed by our country in setting up FIIRO, NIMR, FRIN and other research institutions, we must immediately translate intention to action by committing resources that are commensurate to these institutions.
This will accelerate research relating to industry, medicine and forestry respectively.
I would like to see these actions start in the 2024 budget, followed by advocacy of the benefits of research.
I have earlier spoken about the benefits of agricultural research, and only need to mention its impact on our quality of nutrition and development of our human capital. Another frontier for research is inherent in the question I have often asked: Why are we importing supplements for malnutrition when we have soyabeans, potatoes, vegetables and maize ?
Other areas will include perhaps how to improve rural policing and security in areas where houses are far away from one another and create a model different from the urban policing model, to protect our farmers from attacks.
Research into shared values will probably elicit a creed around which our diversity can anchor a national identity for national growth and development.
Before I conclude, let me say a word or two about the 3 (THREE) sub-themes, without attempting to steal the thunder of the eminent professors assigned to address them.
With respect to the first theme about “Translating Research Output into Sustainable Development,” I think that what has happened with respect to Information Technology with the creation of Technology Hubs, provides an example of the pathway to follow.
Beyond the Traditional Institutions, centres of learning such as LASU must urgently think about establishing or enabling research hubs and incubator centres around universities.
This can attract venture capitalists to provide the funding that converts research output to sustainable development.
With regards to the second theme which is “Digitalising Research for 21stCentury Challenges,” my thoughts are as plain as the theme suggests. In a Digital age, no one stands a chance without compliance.
Electronics and computers are accelerating the speed and time at which undertakings can be executed and taking advantage of the power of automation, is only eminent common sense.
Our research undertakings must therefore comply in aid of accelerated national growth and development.
The final sub-theme is about the “Role of Intellectual Property Rights in the Socio-Economic Development of Nigeria.’
My thoughts are that intellectual property is only a sub-theme of talent reward.
The global economy is opening at a pace unprecedented in the history of mankind to reward human talent.
From music to sports, Arts to Dance, fashion and cooking, never has the global economy placed such a premium on talent.
Athletes, singers, photographers, skilled performers are now much better recognised than the conventional professions of the last few centuries.
Nigeria has an abundance of these talents and skills and it would be a great leap forward in job creation, youth employment and projection of global power, if we quickly enunciate policies, legislations and programmes that protect and reward talent.
Ladies and Gentlemen, there is so much to say about research, innovators, national growth and development.
However, as keynote speaker, my role is to unveil the possibilities and offer perhaps the starters.
The main course and what follows will be shortly dealt with.
I thank Professor Olatunji-Bello for the opportunity.
Thank you all for listening.
Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN CON
Akpabio Hails Tinubu On Resolution of Nigeria, UAE impasse,
Says, It’s A Socio-political Showpiece
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ingenuity and proactiveness in resolving the visa crisis with the United Arab Emirate, describing the action as a socio-political showpiece.
Akpabio said it was an act of genius for the President to have seamlessly restored diplomatic relations between Nigeria and UAE, considering the economic loss incurred by both nation’s while the unfortunate disagreement lasted.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh on Tuesday stated that with the peaceful resolution of the face-off, both nations were on track to reap bountifully from their ties.
The statement quoted the President of the Senate to have said that, “I have always had confidence in the ability of President Bola Tinubu to turn around the fortunes of our dear nation and this singular achievement has once more rekindled my hope and that of millions of Nigerians in the Renewed Agenda of the All Progressives Congress (APC)- led government.
“I must confess that President Tinubu’s engineering of the process that led to the lifting of the visa ban on Nigerians by the government of UAE is an act of genius and of course, a magnu opus. It smacks of a clear cut economic and political policy capable of launching Nigeria into the comity of lading nations with a high rate of Ease of Doing Business”, he stated.
Akpabio said he was highly elated at the development explaining that it was a strategic move that will reinvent and strengthen consular and economic ties between Nigeria and the UAE.
The Senate President assured President Tinubu that the National Assembly under his leadership would continue to provide the required legal framework to enable the executive implement the good policies outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda blueprint.
“As a responsible parliament, we will continue to collaborate with the executive through the enactment of effective legislations to make the job of Mr. President an easy one. We will continue to be sensitive to the needs of Nigerians by being proactive in the processing and passage of laws that will stand the test of time,” he declared.
Hon Eseme Eyiboh
S.A.Media and Publicity to the Senate President
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU SECURES LANDMARK DEAL WITH UNITED ARAB EMIRATES ACROSS SECTORS; VISA BAN ON NIGERIAN TRAVELERS IS LIFTED IMMEDIATELY
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday in Abu Dhabi, have finalized a historic agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers.
Furthermore, by this historic agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.
As negotiated between the two Heads of State, this immediate restoration of flight activity, through these two airlines and between the two countries, does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government.
In recognition of President Tinubu’s economic development diplomacy drive and proposals today presented by President Tinubu to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established, which will involve several billions of U.S. dollars worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defense, agriculture and others, by the investment arms of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.
Additionally, President Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programme between the two Governments, which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, the President wishes to commend the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his unalloyed friendship and his determined effort to join hands with him to fully normalize and reset to excellence, the standard of relations between the two important countries.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 11, 2023
September 11, 2023
Press Statement
Tinubu Legal Team’s Watermark Claim on PEPC Judgment is Self-Indicting – PDP
…Tasks APC to Come Clean
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has meticulously examined the scandalous inscription of the Header of Tinubu Presidential Legal Team (TPLT) on the Certified True Copies (CTC) of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) judgement currently in circulation.
The knee-jerk admission by the Tinubu Legal Team that it “scanned and watermarked” its copy of the judgment with the inscription, “Tinubu Presidential Legal Team ‘TPLT’ is self-indicting and lends credence to widespread public insinuation of pre-determined manipulation by the APC.
The rush by the TPLT in admitting that it imprinted on the CTC of the judgment smacks of a desperate attempt to dispel public scrutiny and ward off the possibility of more revelations regarding the issue.
The PDP and indeed majority of Nigerians are not satisfied with the claims by the Tinubu Legal Team. This is especially as further examination and expert analysis show that the documents are not scanned and that the TPLT inscriptions are not watermarks but computer default header which usually originates from an author of a document.
The PDP demands that the Tinubu Legal Team should explains how what obviously is a default header on its computer system should be accepted as a watermark.
The Tinubu Legal Team should also disclose to Nigerians what specific time on Friday, September 8, 2023 they received their CTC; what time specifically was the ‘watermark’ imprinted of the document, the identity of the electronic devise with which the ‘watermark’ was made as well as the PDF used in the said watermarking process for independent analysis.
The PDP demands that the All Progressives Congress (APC) should come clean on the issue especially given its notoriety for manipulations.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Press Statement
Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor Laments Killing Of Ahoada Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Bako Angbashim
The federal lawmaker representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson is pained and dumb-founded by the shocking news of the devastating and barbaric killing of the Ahoada Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Bako Angbashim who lost his life on line of duty over the weekend in the hands of a criminal gang in Ahoada-East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Lamenting the loss of the gallant crime fighter who, before his recent deployment to Ahoada Division of the Nigeria Police early this year, was the Divisional Police Officer in Bori, Ogoni, Rt. Hon. Dekor said the death of SP Bako is not only a loss to the Nigeria Police, but a calamity to Rivers State and humanity in general.
He described SP Bako as a rare species among his peers who saw crime fighting as a task and hobby to free mankind from the satanic tendencies of men of the underworld and undesirable elements in society and accordingly, distinguished himself in his belief and professional duty.
It takes generations to produce men and officers of his kind anywhere in the world, the federal lawmaker noted.
The federal legislator who is currently the House Committee Chairman of Host Communities in the House of Representatives said the Ogonis, Khana and Gokana Local Government Areas in particular have lost a beloved brother, and friend, noting that the relative peace and calm in Ogoniland today was sequel to SP Bako’s hard stance and fight against all manner of criminality in Ogoni land.
He regretted that the agents of darkness and their sponsors who are enemies of peace, order and general well-being of the people have at last succeeded in killing love, courage and the joy of the people.
Most regrettably, Rt. Hon. Dekor noted, was the manner and way these cursed and deranged elements butchered a man that had sacrificed his life on countless occasions to save even the lives of their relations from suffering the agonizing experience of a brutal, painful and slow death as he has.
Rt. Hon. Dekor sent his sympathies to the Nigeria Police Force, the immediate family of the fallen hero, the Rivers State government and the Ogoni people, urging all to take solace in the fact that SP Bako was a man of honour and gave up without compromising his respect and regard for the sanctity of life which portrays him as a candidate of Heaven exemplified by the outpouring and immeasurable sympathies, lamentations and kind words on his dignified personality by his admirers and well-wishers across the country.
The Ogoni-born politician, and former Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly commended the step already taken by Governor Siminalayi Fubara in placing a bounty on the fleeing leader of the criminal gang in Ahoada-East Local Government Area, and also passionately appealed to the Police and other security operatives to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all the people involved in the dastardly act and conspiracy are arrested and brought to book so that it will serve an a deterrent to other conscienceless fools that may be plotting such evil in future.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SHOW OF LOVE. I AM BACK!
I am deeply touched by the show of love and affections from eminent individuals, groups, Organisations, political associates, and particularly, the good people of the Sunshine State.
Your outpour of love wrapped in prayers, kind words, cheering messages, affectionate support as well as countless display of varied forms of brotherliness during my recovery process were heart-lifting.
The love and prayers were, indeed, potent enhancers which aided my recovery and deepened my abiding faith in God and service to humanity.
Undoubtedly, gratitude is the greatest spark that lights fire in the soul. I consider these gestures as uncommon privileges which underscores the importance of the gift of humanity.
I appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his support and love. Mr. President, you are a reliable ally and a dependable leader. I am deeply grateful.
I equally thank the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima GCON and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; and all Members of the Senate.
My profound gratitude to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) led by its Chairman and Executive Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq; and the Progressives Governors Forum, (PGF) led by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.
My sincere appreciation to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abass Tajudeen; and all Members of the House of Representatives; Members of the Federal Executive Council; National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and other prominent leaders in the party.
A big thank you to the leadership of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) including prominent members of the inner and outer Bars. My special appreciation to all Honourable Justices of the High, Appeal and Supreme Courts. My Lords, I am grateful.
I am particularly grateful to the people of Ondo State and Nigerians at large for your prayers and supports.
I thank members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; Members of the State Executive Council; the recently dissolved Local Government Chairmen; Heads of Security Agencies; Revered Royal fathers ; Both Serving and Retired Bishops, Chief Imam, Clergymen and other religious leaders; Forum of Permanent Secretaries; Labour Leaders, All Civil Servants; Political Leaders across Parties ; Market Women, Artisans and Members of the State Park Management Committee; and as well as others too numerous to mention.
My appreciation also goes to Captains of industries, friends and acquaintances, extended family members, among others. Your kindness and affection are priceless and your love, inestimable.
Above all, I return all glory, honour and adoration to God Almighty for His immense grace, healing and mercy over me and my family. May His mercy and limitless grace continue to abide in us all.
To the good people of Ondo State, our determination and resolve to improve the lives of our people and prosecute our conviction for developing our dear state are unwavering.
We shall continue to toe the path of progress and double our efforts to achieve set goals and objectives in line with the “REDEEMED” agenda of our administration. We are back, and better.
Signed:
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, SAN, CON
Governor, Ondo State.
September 9, 2023.
GOV AKEREDOLU SIGNS LCDA BILL INTO LAW
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi , SAN, CON, has assented to the bill creating 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
The bill was presented to the Governor for assent by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oladiji Landmark Olamide , during a brief ceremony.
The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Prince Abayomi Babatunde Akinruntan ; Majority Leader, Hon. Oluwole Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi ; and the Parliamentary Secretary, Hon. Otunba Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju were also present.
With the Governor’s assent, the bill, which had already been passed by the state House of Assembly, now possesses the legal backing for the creation of the LCDAs in Ondo State.
The establishment of these LCDAs marks a substantial step towards fulfilling Governor Akeredolu’s campaign promises and addressing the aspirations of the people for enhanced grassroots development.
Moreover, this initiative underscores Governor Akeredolu’s unwavering commitment to improving public service delivery, as it aims at bringing governance closer to the people, ultimately resulting in more responsive and efficient services.
Governor Akeredolu remains dedicated to delivering impactful projects and innovative initiatives, just as he is poised to redouble his efforts in advancing the development of the Sunshine State.
Signed:
Olabode Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
September 9, 2023.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU TO MEET UAE AUTHORITIES DURING STOPOVER IN ABU DHABI
President Bola Tinubu will meet with the leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during a technical stopover in Abu Dhabi, UAE, after the President’s departure from New Delhi, India.
The meeting will serve as a follow-up discussion to address specific, salient issues within the bilateral relationship after conversations held during a recent visit by the UAE Ambassador to the President at the State House in Abuja.
The President is to address lingering bilateral issues while maximizing the opportunity of the stopover to equally advance his investment promotion objectives with high-level authorities in the public and private sectors of the United Arab Emirates.
Following a successful investment drive on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit, active participation in the G-20 Summit, and a productive stopover in the UAE, the President is expected to return to Abuja immediately following the bilateral engagement.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 10, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORMALLY MEETS WITH THREE MAJOR COUNTERPARTS IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIPLOMACY; ADVANCES TO PRACTICAL NEXT STEPS IN BILATERAL RELATIONS
In the hustle and bustle of off-camera activity in the siderooms of the G-20 Summit, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was unwilling to stay away from the action.
The President met with the Heads of State of three nations which have been identified as key partners in his economic development diplomacy drive for local investment and wealth creation.
For the Leader of Africa’s largest economy, a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Europe’s largest economy, Germany, presented a unique opportunity to expand ties of prosperity for the people of Nigeria, but with a pragmatic approach toward ensuring the effective execution of agreements struck.
“It is not, for us, only a matter of designing the financial architecture for an expanded economic partnership. It is also about the practicality of aligning the perspectives of your large-scale manufacturers, such as Volkswagen and others, with the reality of the new incentives my government is putting in place for them to come and prosper across multiple value chains and sectors inside of our country,” the President implored.
Apparently intrigued by the specific economic focus of the President’s proposal, German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, responded by acknowledging the mutually-beneficial nature of an escalation in the scale of economic ties with Africa’s largest economy.
“Thank you for this important discussion, Mr. President. I can appreciate this opportunity to advance our economic relations. Your market is unique and our companies have history in Nigeria. We acknowledge the business friendly reforms you have put in place. I am happy to inform you of my desire to visit you in Nigeria in October, which will allow us to carry forward these initiatives,” the German leader confided.
Following President Tinubu’s acceptance of the German Chancellor’s request to visit, the President proceeded to sit down with the Leader of Asia’s fourth largest economy, South Korea, during which, South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol, commended the President’s regional leadership in upholding democratic tenets and norms.
“I wish to commend your strong leadership, following the peaceful transfer of power to you from your predecessor and we see a stable country in West Africa that is growing in stature,” he said.
President Tinubu responded by swiftly steering the discussion toward his economic focus as he immediately advanced proposals for an enhanced South Korean presence in Nigeria’s local manufacturing sector.
“We will leave nothing hanging. We will finalise what we agree to and we will execute. We will work point by point with you to secure rapidly implementable MoUs across sectors of partnership that will involve the active presence of your biggest firms, not just in terms of Nigerian consumption, but in local Nigerian production, from telecommunications to technology, and oil & gas,” the Nigerian leader affirmed.
The South Korean President responded in agreement, noting specifically that Nigeria’s education, technology and energy sectors are of utmost interest to South Korean investors and that he will mobilize his business community to take advantage of new Nigerian incentives for local industry.
Offering an invitation to visit Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu would conclude formal discussions at the G-20 with the Asian giant and host nation, which had invited Nigeria to the G-20 Summit, as he met with Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
“There are many lessons our nation can learn from the rapid progress that India has made under your leadership. We see fantastic opportunity between our nations across sectors, such as agricultural development, but specifically, there is more we can do to advance ICT innovation and the emergence of Blue-Chip FinTech growth in Africa. Nigeria has the local players who can drive it from the front,” the Nigerian leader confidently asserted.
The hosting Head of State responded in the affirmative to the economic partnership proposal, even as he expressed gratitude for the Nigerian leader’s invitation to visit.
“Our teams must now stay close in touch to detail our priority areas of upscaled cooperation with respect to agriculture, defense industries capacity building, and even FinTech growth. I see your commitment. We believe there are immense prospects for Nigeria in the UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and we will ensure that we come together and make progress on these fronts very rapidly,” the Indian leader concluded.
During the G-20 sideline meetings, President Tinubu also had substantive, informal exchanges of views with U.S. President Joe R. Biden; European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen; and World Bank President, Ajay Banga, amongst many others.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 10, 2023
Akeredolu is a Signature of God – Senator Jimoh Ibrahim
The Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District of Ondo State, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR has described the returning of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, the executive Governor of Ondo State in sound health of mind and body as an evidence that the Lord is afar from the wicked, but hears the prayer of the righteous.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim gave the remarks at his residence in Abuja, on Sunday, in his reaction to the return of Governor Akeredolu to the State last Thursday, after a successful medical trip to Germany, adding that Governor Akeredolu is a signature of God.
The billionaire businessman turned politician expressed the flowing of joy in his heart on the returning of his State Governor in sound heart saying; “This is the season that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it because healing of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is from above, coming down from the father of the heavenly healer who does not change like some people who are shifting shadow.”
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for answering the prayers and supplications of the good people of Ondo State for the devine health and safe return of Governor Akeredolu back to his job to continue delivering more dividends of democracy across the eighteen local government areas of Ondo State.
Specifically, the Igbotako born Senator thanked God that his prayers over the restoration of the health of Governor Akeredolu were answered, as the Governor returned in sound health and not in body bag.
It could be recalled that Senator Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR was angered to the point of placing a curse on the wicked people who were busy spreading rumour of death of the Governor when he was in Germany for medical purposes, in the name of playing politics and undue advantages.
I dedicate my tribunal victory to God, says Abba Moro
The Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District in the Senate, Comrade Patrick Abba Moro, has dedicated his victory at the tribunal to God and members of his constituency, who gave him a second mandate in the February 25, 2023 National Assembly election to remain their representative in the Red Chamber.
The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, on Sunday, reportedly dismissed the petition filed by Comrade Daniel Onje, the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for Benue South in the 2023 general election, challenging the triumph of Senator Moro of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Justice Ory Zik-Ikeoeha, who delivered the ruling of the tribunal made up of three justices, was reported to have declared that the petitioner had failed to prove allegations of irregularities contained in his prayers.
According to Justice Zik-Ikeoeha, the APC candidate equally could not prove allegations of non-qualification of Moro who is serving his second term in office as Benue South Senator to vie for the senatorial seat, maintaining that the senator had won by majority of the valid votes cast at the polls.
In his reaction to the verdict of the tribunal, Moro said: “I dedicate my victory at the election tribunal to God and the good people of Benue South Senatorial District.
“Today’s judgement has reaffirmed the mandate freely given to me by my constituents and further spurred me to keep working very hard for them and Nigerians at large, and this I will continue to do with all the strength in me.
“I call on my opponent and all aggrieved parties to put the election behind them and come to join hands with me so that we collectively build the Benue South of our dreams.
“To me, it’s no victor, no vanquished; we are all winners.”
Moro, a grassroots politician, is widely viewed as a performing senator, who has worked diligently to justify the mandate given to him by the people of Benue South Senatorial District by delivering to their doorsteps the dividends of democracy since he was first elected in 2019.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU TO G-20 LEADERS: AS AFRICA’S LARGEST MARKET, ECONOMY, AND DEMOCRACY, NIGERIA IS READY TO PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN G-20
President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday in New Delhi, India, expressed Nigeria’s commitment to play a major role within the G-20 and contribute to shaping a more equitable world.
Addressing world leaders at the 18th G-20 Leaders’ Summit, the Nigerian leader called for global unity and cooperation in tackling pressing challenges, fostering inclusiveness, and establishing a fairer world order.
While acknowledging the vital role of the G-20 in shaping a rules-based world order that promotes shared prosperity and security, President Tinubu emphasized that most of today’s pressing issues are “international in character and cannot be addressed without multilateral cooperation.”
“Therefore, stronger collaboration, cooperation, and partnerships among diverse regions are the pathways to a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for our world.
“This is why the role and contributions of the G-20 in shaping a new world order that is fair and rules-based can not be over-emphasized. A world that lives as one family, but is divided by staggering income inequalities and uneven access to basic social goods by the vast majority of our people cannot result in a peaceful and secure world where shared prosperity is achieved.
“I hasten to add that such rules and global governance structures of our collective dreams must be collectively designed, collectively owned, and collectively managed. This is consistent with the true spirit of One Family, mutual respect, and sustainable development.
“Nigeria is poised, able and willing to be a major player in this family of the G-20 and in shaping a new world, without whom, the family will remain incomplete,” he said.
The Nigerian leader congratulated India for hosting the historic summit and for successfully landing on the moon under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He described the achievement as an inspiration to all developing countries of the Global South.
On the issue of African Union (AU) inclusion in the G-20, the Nigerian leader welcomed the decision, saying it “opens opportunities for future membership of the group in a manner that reflects the relative balance of power and inclusiveness of humanity as One Family.
Reflecting on the theme of the Summit: ‘One Earth. One Family. One Future,’ President Tinubu stressed the interconnectedness of global affairs and the need for collaborative efforts.
He underscored the importance of tackling challenges related to technology, energy transition, and access to credit, as well as the growing socio-economic divide between those who have and those who do not.
The President urged greater solidarity among nations, tasking advanced economies to support disadvantaged regions in the Global South and to promote climate justice.
President Tinubu also called for the strengthening of international frameworks for resource mobilization and governance that are based on the principles of justice, equity, and fairness.
In addressing the sub-theme of Session II of the Summit, which is One Family, President Tinubu highlighted the magnitude of challenges facing humanity today.
“The need for us to work together as one family has, therefore, become more imperative. We must strive to create a world of inclusiveness in which everyone has access to the basic necessities of life, and in a manner that widens and strengthens the ownership of our planet regardless of one’s economic, social, and political status.”
President Tinubu urged the Global North, advanced economies, and multilateral institutions to mobilize resources and direct efforts to where help is needed most in the disadvantaged Global South.
“By doing so, we will be building a society anchored on the strong values of tolerance and mutual respect, where diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation take precedence over competition, conflict, and divisions, which are based on inflexible ideologies and belief systems,” the President concluded.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 9, 2023
OMO-AGEGE GREETS OTIVE IGBUZO AS HE CLOCKS 60
Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has congratulated his erstwhile Chief of Staff, Dr. Otive Igbuzor on his 60th birthday.
Omo-Agege, in a congratulatory message, said “Igbuzor deployed his oratorical and strategic qualities in his leadership style and thus providing a work environment which immensely contributed to the great strides and modest successes my office recorded when he served as my Chief of Staff.”
In the message personally signed by him, the former Deputy President of the Senate described Igbuzor as a man of sterling qualities, even as he prayed to Almighty God to grant him many more fruitful years.
“Being a Pastor, he brings his humanitarian attributes to bear in all his dealings, not surprisingly because of his Marxian socialist background from his Students movement days at Uniben.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the company of Dr. Otive Igbuzor, a Pro-Democracy activist of no mean repute, a humanitarian, writer, lecturer, consultant and a firm believer in Project Nigeria and was privileged to have had him as my Chief of Staff.
“On behalf of my family, I want to thank God for your life and to wish you many happy returns of today. As you continue to strive to make our dear nation the envy of other nations through your impactful contributions and selfless service to humanity, I pray that you will live long to see the rewards of your labour.”
Signed:
Sunny Areh,
Media Adviser to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege
Subsidy removal: SERAP gives 36 governors 7 days to disclose details on spending of N2bn palliative
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the 36 state governors in the country to “disclose details on spending of the N2 billion palliative recently disbursed to each state by the Federal Government, including the names of beneficiaries and details of the reliefs so far provided with the money.”
According to reports, the Federal Government recently disbursed N2 billion out of the N5 billion palliative package for each state of the federation and the federal capital territory (FCT), to address the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy.
In the open letter dated 9 September 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “It is in the public interest to publish the details on spending of the N2 billion palliative and any subsequent disbursement of funds to your government.”
SERAP said: “Nigerians have the right to know how their states are spending the fuel subsidy relief funds. It is part of their legally enforceable human rights.”
According to SERAP, “Transparency and accountability in the spending of the N2 billion and any subsequent disbursement to your state would help to reduce the risk of corruption, mismanagement, diversion, or opportunism.”
The letter, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and your state to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“The oversight afforded by public access to the details of the spending of the N2 billion palliative and any subsequent disbursement would serve as an important check on the activities of your state and help to prevent abuses of the public trust.”
“The constitutional principle of democracy also provides a foundation for Nigerians’ right to know details on spending of the N2 billion fuel subsidy palliative. Citizens’ right to know promotes openness, transparency, and accountability that is in turn crucial for the country’s democratic order.”
“The effective operation of representative democracy depends on the people being able to scrutinise, discuss and contribute to government decision making, including on the fuel subsidy relief funds.”
“SERAP notes that the removal of subsidy on petrol continues to negatively and disproportionately affect the poor and socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians in several states, undermining their right to adequate standard of living.”
“The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including about how the N2 billion fuel subsidy relief funds are spent.”
“By the combined reading of the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, the Freedom of Information Act 2011, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, applicable throughout Nigeria, there are transparency obligations imposed on your state to publish details of spending of the N2 billion fuel subsidy palliative.”
“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.”
“Your state cannot hide under the excuse that the Freedom of Information Act is not applicable to your state to refuse to provide the details being sought, as your state also has clear legal obligations to provide the information as prescribed by the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and. Enforcement) Act.”
“SERAP urges you to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to jointly track and monitor the spending of the N2 billion fuel subsidy palliative and any subsequent disbursement of public funds to your state.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
10/9/2023
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
ribunal: My victory was arranged by God – Umeh
The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh, has said that God did everything to pave the way for his overwhelming victory during the 2023 elections and in the tribunal where a number of petitions were filed against his triumph.
Umeh, a Chieftain of Labour Party (LP), made the remarks while reacting to the tribunal judgements which upheld his election as the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District.
In a statement he personally signed, the Ohamadike Ndigbo, said: “To the glory of God, this is the second Judgment in the various Petitions filed against me. On Wednesday, the Election Petition Tribunal in Awka dismissed the Petition of the NNPP and her Candidate for lack of merit and abuse of court process. Today (Friday) also, the Petition by APGA and her Candidate was dismissed. This happened to be the big one because it generated lots of tension and hype. But I have remained calm over the period since after the Election because I knew I won the Election and I did not do anything to compromise the process.
“The Election went as designed by the Electoral Commission and the people of Anambra Central Senatorial District, convinced that I will represent them better than any other candidate, voted overwhelmingly for me. I scored over 103,608 votes, the person who came second scored 69,702 votes (that’s the APGA Candidate), the PDP Candidate scored 49,532 votes. So looking at the margins, I did not see what anybody could go to the Tribunal to look for, as I was clearly the choice of the people. But they have gone to the Tribunal to claim all sorts of things and make so much noise about them. Mine is that I am a great stickler to due process, I always study the law and I follow it judiciously.”
Continuing, he added: “There was a High Court Order against my nomination on the 26th of January this year but the Appeal Court set it aside on the 23rd of February (just two days to the Election) and I won. I was surprised that someone could go to the Tribunal to rely on the same Federal High Court Judgement to attempt to say that I was not a Candidate in the Election.
“So, this Judgment was well considered. I commend the Tribunal because they took all the issues they raised and trashed them based on Law. So there’s nothing anybody can complain about against this Judgement.
“I am happy because this Judgment has put to rest the distractions. No matter what they intend to do further, the distractions have abated. So that I can concentrate fully to work for my people. We have a lot of work to do for them, so it is important that we be given the space to go all out and do that work. Our people are challenged in Nigeria; my Constituency is challenged in Nigeria and I want to be given the opportunity to confront their problems head-on.
“With this victory, I think the coast is now very clear unless anybody has intentions to do anything further. But even if they do anything further, God who arranged my victory will not allow them. My victory was orchestrated by God. It was God who did everything—saw me through the Elections, gave me the victory and today, emphatically, all Petitions have been dismissed!”
The LP stalwart further stated: “September 8th is a special day for me, I am a Catholic and a Marian Devotee. I am a great follower of Mother Mary and today is Her birthday. When they scheduled the Judgment on September 8th, I knew ‘they’ have lost. So I give all the glory to God. I dedicate this victory to the Blessed Virgin Mary whom the Judgement coincided with Her birthday.
“I congratulate the Anambra Central people on this victory. The way they fought for me in this Election show that they desire to have me as their Senator. I also want to thank all my supporters, my Campaign Organization, the Ohamadike Media Team, they are very formidable.
“I thank my Lawyers, the lead Counsels and for me, my personal Lawyer, Sir Patrick I.N. Ikwueto SAN who has been my lawyer since 2005. All my legal exploits, every time Victor Umeh wins, it has been through his hard work. In this Petition, Chief Barrister Alexander Ejesieme SAN partnered him. He was the lead Counsel to Labour Party. So we all worked together. And their submissions became unassailable to see the Tribunal agreed with them in all the points of law they raised and the Petition was actually struck out for lacking in merit.”
Saturday 9, September 2023.
Press Release
Ikate Kingdom Gets White Cap Chiefs, As Oba Elegushi Confirms new Olowa, Alawe Of Ikate
In line with extant tradition and customary laws on the composition of the Elegushi-in-council, the traditional ruler of Ikate-Elegushi, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi has concluded the rites for the installation of new Olowa and Alawe of Ikate kingdom, following the transition of the last occupiers of the two thrones.
The rites, concluded within the conclave of the palace, saw the coronation of High Chief Salisu Oluwadare Elegushi as the new Olowa of Ikate kingdom and High Chief Mukail Olamilekan Elegushi as the new Alawe.
With the completion of all rites, the new White Cap chiefs will go into seclusion for 7 days, and this will be followed by an elaborate celebration to present the new chiefs to the public.
This development has therefore put the Elegushi-in-council in its full strength, to help in the administration of the kingdom under the leadership of His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi to be ably assisted by the Odofin of Ikate, Opemolua of Ikate, Olisa of Ikate, Aro Oba of Ikate, Eletu of Ikate, Olowa of Ikate and the Alawe of Ikate kingdom.
Signed
Temitope Oyefeso
Special Assistant, Public Affairs to HRM
