PRESIDENT BUHARI TO ATTEND TURKEY-AFRICA PARTNERSHIP SUMMIT IN ISTANBUL
President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday leave Abuja for Istanbul, Turkey to attend the third Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit, hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkey.
According to the organisers, the theme of the Summit is ‘‘Enhanced Partnership for Common Development and Prosperity’’ and the agenda includes reviewing the cooperation between African countries and Turkey since the last summit in 2014.
The third Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit is coming on the heels of President Erdogan’s recent State Visit to Nigeria during which several agreements in the fields of energy, defence industry, mining and hydrocarbons were signed to expand existing bilateral ties.
The Turkish leader had, during the visit to Nigeria, affirmed his commitment to immediately expand the volume of trade between the two countries to 5 billion dollars and the Nigerian delegation will seize the opportunity of the gathering in Istanbul to enhance cooperation with other partners for more trade and investment opportunities in the country.
It is expected that the Summit would provide guidelines and direction for cooperation with African countries for the next five years.
President Buhari will be accompanied on the trip by his wife, Aisha Buhari; the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Defence, Maj-Gen. Bashir Magashi (Rtd); FCT, Mohammed Bello; Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Agriculture, Mohammed Abubakar; Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo; the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd); and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
The President is expected back in Abuja on Sunday, December 19.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 16, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS FIRST FEMALE VICE-CHANCELLOR, PROF. GRACE ALELE-WILLIAMS AT 89
President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with Grace Alele-Williams, Professor of Mathematics and First Nigerian female Vice-Chancellor at University of Benin, on her 89th birthday, December 16, 2021, rejoicing with the educationist for removing glass ceilings and paving way for women empowerment.
President Buhari congratulates the educationist on her achievements over many years, inspired by vision and hardwork, becoming the first female to earn a Ph.D in Nigeria, 1963, and using her resources to create opportunities for other women, particularly in getting education.
The President notes the historic role Prof. Alele-Williams played in sanitizing the University of Benin of cultism, and her many sacrifices in giving the younger generation a sense of purpose through guidance and counselling.
President Buhari joins family members, friends and academia in celebrating with the former Vice-Chancellor, whose honours include, Fellow of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria, Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Education, merit award winner of old Bendel State in Nigeria, regional Vice-President for Africa of the Third World Organization for Women in Science, Chairman of the African Mathematical Union Commission for Women in Mathematics and first President of the African Mathematical Union Commission on Women in Mathematics.
The President prays for good health and strength for the renowned scholar, consultant, publisher and administrator.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 15, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATUL
ATES HIS ROYAL MAJESTY OWONG (DR) EFFIONG BASSEY ARCHIANGA AT 58
President Muhammadu Buhari joins Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs in celebrating His Royal Majesty Owong (Dr) Effiong Bassey on his 58th birthday, congratulating the political scientist, businessman and administrator for dedicating his time and resources to service of community and humanity.
President Buhari notes the contributions of His Royal Highness to national development, particularly in sustenance of peace in the Niger Delta, and commitment in building his domain through education, and sensitization on civic responsibilities.
As the former two-term National Chairman of Traditional Rulers of Oil Minerals Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON), and now National Life Patron, turns 58, the President affirms that his role in development of the region remains exemplary.
President Buhari prays for the wellbeing of the royal father, who had served as State Chairman of Akwa Ibom Council of Chiefs for a long period.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 15, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU COMMISSIONS 744 HOMES IN SANGOTEDO
- LASG set to implement monthly tenancy on property occupancy, says Governor
- Gov vows to eradicate land grabbing menace
In line with his administration’s commitment to bridge the housing deficit and create affordable accommodation for residents, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday commissioned and delivered 744 home units at LagosHOMS Sangotedo Housing Scheme Phase I in Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the various homes being delivered to the public in the last two and half years is the administration’s way of building bridges and promoting the emergence of new communities that are resilient and responsive to both communal and individual aspirations.
The 744 home units in LagosHOMS Sangotedo Housing Scheme (Phase 1), which is the largest housing scheme to be completed by the present administration comprises 62 blocks of 12 homes each made up of a total of 248 one-bedroom, 248 two-bedrooms and 248 three bedrooms apartments.
The gated estate also has car park space for 492 cars within compounds and 406 at the general car park, external electrification provided from the National grid with an injection station of 15MVA and seven transformers of 500KVA capacity, water treatment and supply with a storage capacity of 192m3 and 680m3 capacity for the overhead and groundwater tanks respectively, sewage system with a treatment capacity of 650m3 per day, street lights and 792 meters of dual carriageway and 856 metres of single carriageway.
Speaking at the commissioning of the housing project, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the event is a celebration of his administration’s commitment to fulfilling the promise the incumbent government made to Lagosians to reduce the housing deficit in the State by enhancing access to decent and affordable accommodation.
The Governor also disclosed that Lagos State Government is set to implement the enforcement of a monthly tenancy on property occupancy from next year.
He said: “As we can all observe in this housing estate and others that we have commissioned in various parts of the State; we don’t only build houses, we create homes in livable communities. We provide supporting infrastructure within the environment to add value to the lives of our people.
“We promote a sense of togetherness that transcends our tribal, religious and political differences. This is our own way of building bridges and promoting the emergence of new communities that are resilient and responsive to both communal and individual aspirations.”
Speaking on his administration’s plan to reduce rent burden through a monthly tenancy agreement scheme, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his government is determined to cater for numerous others who may not have plans or the ability to own homes, but have immediate needs for decent shelter.
He said: “We are at an advanced stage at enacting what we call the Lagos monthly tenancy agreement scheme. It is a scheme we are ready to develop with some of our financial institutions to be able to have a pull of funds where beneficiaries that are current tenants who are living in houses with flats but who are challenged to pay a yearly rent, would be able to approach the scheme and the scheme would help them pay their one year rent to the landlord. This will ensure that they don’t come cap in hand to borrow.
“We will look at the tenant’s salary or income and there will be a repayment plan on a monthly basis based on the scheme. The landlord would be happy because he has met his own scheme and the tenant will also be happy because he or she doesn’t need to rush to an uncle or aunty to meet up with a yearly rent.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu while speaking on his administration’s plan for those who cannot benefit from the Lagos State housing schemes, said the State Government is deepening its activities in the area of land allocation and speeding up the formalisation procedures for land acquisition and proper title.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said there should be orderliness and sanity in the housing sector, promising to tackle the problem of land grabbing and prevent the citizens from obtaining improper title on the land they are buying from various communities.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai said the continuous provision of decent homes for the residents of Lagos State has become a hallmark of distinction of the present administration led by Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu.
“Within the past 26 months, in line with its pledge and mandate, the State Government has delivered 14 housing schemes in various parts of the State. In addition to the ones delivered, there are still other schemes that are virtually ready and waiting in the wings to be released to the people.
“This transformational drive which is based on the THEMES agenda is powered by the passion to sustain and surpass the status of excellence already achieved by our dear State. And it is definitely an all-encompassing and continuous work as can be seen in all areas of endeavours in the State. This yearning for further improvement is constantly fueled by an innate and unified desire of the leadership to give the best to the people at all times,” he said.
The Commissioner for Housing also spoke on Phase II of the LagosHOMS Sangotedo Housing Scheme, which according to him when delivered will be an additional 444 homes to the housing scheme in the area to impact greatly on the housing deficit statistics in the area.
Hon. Akinderu-Fatai also encouraged Lagosians to continue to support the State Government in all ways, noting that “Our taxes and other positive involvements provide the necessary ingredients for progressive and peaceful governance. I know that with our vibrant support, our Governor will continue to fulfill his mandate to the good people of the State,” he said.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
DECEMBER 15, 2021
R-L: THE SERIKI OF JIWA CHIEFDOM, HRH. IDRIS MUSA; FCT MINISTER, MALLAM MOHAMMED MUSA BELLO; REGIONAL MANAGER, JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC, ENGR. OLIVER BERGER; FCT MINISTER OF STATE, DR. RAMATU TIJJANI ALIYU; AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GWAGWA CONCESSIONS, FAROUK SALEH DURING THE PROJECT FLAG OFF CEREMONY IN GWAGWA ABUJA , RECENTLY.
R-L: THE MINISTER OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, MALLAM MOHAMMED MUSA BELLO; REGIONAL MANAGER, REGIONAL CENTRAL NORTH, JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC, ENGR. OLIVER BERGER; FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY MINISTER OF STATE, DR. RAMATU TIJJANI ALIYU; AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GWAGWA CONCESSIONS, FAROUK SALEH; INSPECTING A 3D-PROTOTYPE OF THE ENTIRE PROJECT AT THE LAND SWAP INITIATIVE FLAG OFF CEREMONY IN ABUJA, RECENTLY.
THE HONOURABLE MINISTER, FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, MALLAM MOHAMMED MUSA BELLO, DELIVERING HIS SPEECH DURING THE OFFICIAL SITE HANDOVER AND INAUGURATION OF LAND SWAP INITIATIVE INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS FOR GWAGWA DISTRICT ABUJA PHASE IV NORTH, FCT, RECENTLY.
“NO ONE CAN WRITE THE HISTORY OF THE FCT WITHOUT MENTIONING JULIUS BERGER
…WE ARE VERY PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMPANY IN THIS CITY.”
– MALLAM MOHAMMED MUSA BELLO, FCT MINISTER
The Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello, has said that the nation’s leading and most reliable engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has a sound, unmatched and continuing recorded infrastructural development history in the FCT. Bello made this statement on Tuesday, at the Official Site Handover and inauguration of Gwagwa District Abuja Phase IV North, FCT, which is to be developed under the FCTA’s Land Swap Initiative. The Minister emphasized the importance of the Land Swap initiative. According to Bello, the programme was drawn to remedy the infrastructure deficit in the FCT by swapping land with private investors, who would in turn provide the necessary infrastructure.
Bello explained that the ceremony signals full resumption of the Land Swap Initiative, which would pave way for provision of the desired infrastructure in the areas earmarked for the development. He said the initiative, came about when it became very clear that there was no way the FCT could be developed using the normal annual budgetary allocations, because of the astronomical manner the City had developed both in terms of science and population. He stated that the project was one in the series of projects that are going to be flagged-off before the end of the current administration, adding that the FCTA is going to be very tough in ensuring the protection of the interest of the State, people and private partners. He explained that the Government grants land to private investors, through Public Private Partnership, to boost infrastructure provision in the City. According to him, investors are expected to within a 10-year development plan facilitate provision of infrastructure development in the given site, and encourage real estate development in line with the standard set by the FCTA.
The FCT Minister expressed satisfaction in the choice of contractor for the project saying that, “Julius Berger has a sound recorded infrastructural development history in the FCT…. I am so happy, that this particular project is being done in partnership with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. There is no way you can write the history of the Federal Capital Territory, without mentioning Julius Berger, which as we all know is 100 per cent Nigerian. We are very proud to be associated with the company in this City. We hope that as some point in the future, we will come here and see what the construction leader, JBN has done”.
In her address, the Hon. Minister of State of the FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu said, “the Land Swap Initiative is a testament of our commitment to the provision of critical infrastructures for FCT residents in line with Mr. President’s mandate for the administration. This is also a bold step by the FCT Administration towards resolving the burdensome challenge of infrastructure funding through budgetary allocation. The importance of this project therefore cannot be over-emphasized, given the abundant investment opportunities embedded in the Land Swap Programme. This initiative will lead to greater inflow of revenue and economic activities, and gainful employment for both youths and women alike”.
Earlier, the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, explained that the return to the land swap initiative followed directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to the Ministers to ensure continuation of ongoing projects. Adesola said it is a capital intensive project by a private company in line with the Land Swap Policy, aimed at assisting the FCTA to accelerate the development of the FCT.
Also in attendance at the event were the Permanent Secretary FCTA, Mr. Olusade Adesola; the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu; the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmed; Mandate Secretaries of the FCTA, the Chief of Jiwa, HRH Idris Musa and other officials of the FCTA.
The Julius Berger delegation to the project flag off ceremony was led by the company’s Regional Manager, Region Central North, Engr. Oliver Berger. Also in the Julius Berger team were Mr. Keuck Peter, Mr. James Agama and Ms Uzoma Olivia.
GOV AKEREDOLU COMMISSIONS 30.5KM AGBADO-ODE- ISINBODE-OMUO-EKITI ROAD
- Says Fayemi Has Laid Template Of Purposeful Leadership For Successor
Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday commissioned the 30.5km Agbado-Ode- Isinbode-Omuo-Ekiti Road in Ekiti State.
Commissioning the road reconstructed by the John Kayode Fayemi administration, Governor Akeredolu commended the Ekiti State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, for the successful completion of the project which he described as impactful.
Arakunrin Akeredolu noted that the impressive infrastructural development being witnessed across the length and breadth of Ekiti State, in spite of manifest downturn in the economic fortunes of the country, is the result of a carefully conceived and effectively implemented policies and programmes.
Stressing that the road being commissioned is strategic to real development, Governor Akeredolu said very important milestones have been covered and veritable templates of purposeful governance laid for any successor desirous of development.
The Governor stated that only a person with foresight and knowledge will appreciate the connection between road construction and economic activities.
Governor Akeredolu explained that there can be no effective rural integration system if there is no good road network, adding that infrastructural development is crucial to the enhancement of the conditions of living in the communities.
He said: “Agriculture-Extension services, agro-allied businesses can only become effective and impactful with the completion of projects, such as this one, the subject of our gathering
“I am made to understand that this road stretches through several farming communities. It also serves as a transit route, into and out of the State. travel time has been reduced by over two hours.
“In addition, this road will service some strategic assets of the State. Economic activities along this corridor will improve phenomenally. The living conditions of the people will witness significant impact. Motorists will heave deep sigh of relief. The boost is tremendous and exponential.”
The Governor, who said the destiny of Ondo and Ekiti States is intertwined, noted that the two states have had a long history of shared heritage and beneficial collaborations.
“I congratulate my brother, JKF, and his Rescuing Mission Team for making it possible for us to witness history. The people of Ekiti State, especially those whose habitation falls within this axis, must be happy for the completion of this impactful project, among several others which have been commissioned for the benefit of the people in the last three years of peaceful, purposeful and significantly impactful service.
“I recall, with great satisfaction, our struggle to emplace this people-oriented Government. Our determination to redirect this land of the just and brave to the path of decency has borne bountiful dividends.
“Very important milestones have been covered and veritable templates of purposeful governance laid for any successor, desirous of development. This should be expected in a State led with keen intellection.
“The completion and commissioning of this road project, devoid of loquacious grandstanding, is evidence that the man directing the affairs of the State is determined to bring to bear quality difference in the lives of the people.
“it is not only a promise kept. It also, and more importantly, confirms good judgement on the part of the good people of Ekiti State in re-electing this intellectual in 2018.
“I have had close working relationship with the Dr. Kayode Fayemi, at the Governor’s Forum, both nationally and at our Region, the South West. He is the current Chairman of the Forum at the national level.
“I confirm that he has led the Forum with uncharacteristic candour, diligence, focus and huge sense of inclusiveness. I commend him, most enthusiastically, for his commitment to the strategic and comprehensive approach to infrastructural development of Ekiti State. He has proved that it is possible to achieve so much with minimum resources,” Governor Akeredolu added
The Ondo State Governor enjoined the immediate communities benefitting from the project to take ownership and protect it keenly, stating that they must ensure that it is not subjected to abuse or misuse in any form for enduring benefit.
Governor Akeredolu was accompanied to the event by his Deputy, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun, and some other members of the House of Assembly; members of the state executive council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; and other important dignitaries.
Osun State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, and members of his state executive council also witnessed the event.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
December 14, 2021.
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS OLOWU OF OWU KINGDOM
President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Ogun State, as well as the Royal family on the passing of the Olowu of Owu kingdom, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu Amororo II.
The President joins the Ogun State Council of Obas and Nigerian film producers in mourning the demise of the respected First Class traditional ruler and the producer of TV soap, the Village Headmaster, recognized as the longest running Nigerian TV series for over 20 years.
President Buhari believes that the Olowu would be fondly remembered for his love and tireless work to champion the interests and well-being of his community.
The President notes that theatre practitioners in Nigeria and around the world as well as students of drama will remember Oba Dosunmu’s brilliant works on stage and screen, which have been preserved for the delight and education of the upcoming generation.
President Buhari prays that the memory of the late Oba will be a blessing to his family, friends and community as his soul returns to his Creator.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 15, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
FANFARE AS SANWO-OLU INAUGURATES 18-CLASSROOM SCHOOL, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN ELEMORO
- ‘Education access improved, promise kept’ – Governor
There will be no more long-distance trek from home to school for Junior Secondary School pupils in Elemoro community in Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State.
A state-of-the-art school edifice has been handed over to the community by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Also built in the school premises is a college-size football pitch completed with 50mm-thick pile of grass and soft infills to ensure playability and fall absorption impact.
Built on 1.54 hectares of land, the imposing 18-classroom Elemoro Community Junior Secondary School was designed to offer learning services, recreational activity and extracurricular leisure.
The project, conceived by the Sanwo-Olu administration, was initiated as an intervention to address a shortfall in access to education in the community. Before the school was built, pupils in the town usually trekked a long distance to schools located outside the community.
Inaugurating the school built behind Area J Police Command in Elemoro, the Governor said the project was dear to his heart, as its delivery demonstrated fulfillment of his campaign pledge to Oke Odo-Elemoro-Iwerekun community.
Sanwo-Olu praised the town’s traditional ruler, Oba Tajudeen Elemoro, for freely donating the land on which the education projects are built. The Governor said his administration prioritised provision of infrastructure in education in recognition of the nexus between knowledge and development.
He said: “This newly constructed educational facility is a project that is dear to my heart and has made me extremely pleased, because it is a fulfilment of my promise to provide the Okeodo-Elemoro-Iwerekun community with a secondary school. What is more pleasing to me today is that, with the commissioning of this school, many children in this locality will now have access to quality secondary education.
“The infrastructure installed in the premises offers the platform through which the pupils can fulfill their dreams and ambitions for the future without having to travel kilometres to another community for secondary education. Our administration’s approach to constructing new schools, rehabilitating and revamping existing ones is all-encompassing; it makes a statement that we are taking the issue of security in our public schools very seriously.”
Aside the 18-classroom block, the school also has 12 standard classrooms, six special rooms for Home Economics, Technology, a studio for arts and music, science laboratory, library and ICT room. It also has teachers’ offices, sickbay, standard canteen block and over 30 toilet facilities.
Other recreational facilities built in the school include a six-lane sandwich athletics running track and a spacious seating arena.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed the State Government’s plans to build the senior secondary arm of the school in complementing the junior school. He said his administration’s vision in education was to ensure every child in public schools had unrestricted access to quality education. The obligation, he said, is being fulfilled with the infrastructure being delivered across schools.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for bullying and organised intimidation in schools. He urged teachers and administrators to dedicate more time to students and give them listening ears.
He said: “To the children of Elemoro Community who will be resuming in this school next academic term, I want to congratulate you for the great opportunity this modern facility will provide to enable you achieve your dreams. The only way you can show your appreciation for this effort is to take your studies seriously and aim for excellent performance in your academics.”
Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, emphasised the importance of modern infrastructure to the delivery of quality education, stressing that access to conducive facilities would aid pupils realise their full potential.
Adefisayo praised Sanwo-Olu’s passion and sustained commitment to the provision of world-class infrastructure in public schools, describing the gesture as “exemplary”.
Special Committee for the Rehabilitation of Public Schools in Lagos State (SCRPS) supervised the construction of the school and ancillary facilities.
Inaugural football match and a gymnastic display by pupils preceded the formal commissioning of the school by the Governor.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
DECEMBER 14, 2021
WE’LL FULFILL PROMISES WE MADE, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI IN MEETING WITH ECOWAS PARLIAMENT
Nigeria will keep pledges made to the ECOWAS Parliament, and to the sub-regional body at large, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.
The President spoke Tuesday at State House, Abuja, while receiving a team from ECOWAS Parliament, led by the Speaker, Dr Sidie Mohammed Tunis.
He commended the parliament for planning to fill its positions subsequently through elections, which would be incorporated into general elections of member countries, noting that “it would be cost effective.”
On the construction of a parliament building in Abuja, President Buhari said he was pleased that the body was collaborating with the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, adding: “We will try to encourage the contractor. All promises we made to ECOWAS Parliament, and the sub-regional group at large, would be fulfilled.”
Speaker Tunis expressed sympathy to the government and people of Nigeria on the recent losses from terror attacks, saying Nigeria was resilient to defeat the terrorists.
He also applauded Nigeria for its many supports to the ECOWAS Parliament, informing that the plan is now to strengthen the body through electing its officials rather than their being appointed.
“When they are elected, they will be more committed, and the election would be tied to national polls of member countries,” the Speaker said.
He added that the vision for a parliament building in Abuja is that it would be completed before May, 2023, so that President Buhari would commission it before leaving office.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
December 14, 2021