By Comrade Obaro Egagifo
Over the years, Delta State politics has grown into one of the most interesting in Nigeria, especially as the All Progressives Congress (APC) looks forward to wresting the State from the firm grip of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
This means battle, and the leaders of the PDP in the State know they cannot afford to miscalculate it’s political permutations, if not, the party stands the chance to lose the battle for the heart of Dennis Osadebay House, Asaba to the APC.
With political fortune ever shining bright on the PDP family in Delta as a result of the “gentleman arrangement” of zoning the governorship seat across the three Senatorial Districts of the State, it becomes expedient that the PDP must get its permutations right for 2023.
This is more so as Deltans have come to build their trust in the gentleman arrangement of the PDP in the State that they cannot trust the State in the hands of any other party.
In getting it’s permutations right, the PDP must go into its drawing board devoid of sentiments and look into the array of aspirants before it, and make a good decision on the better person to fly the gubernatorial flag of the party come 2023 in order for the PDP to continue to retain the State.
From the pulse of Deltans, the best choice before the PDP is no other but the gentle and humble Chief James Ojadovba Augoye. Chief Augoye is a man, who many Deltans have come to know very well during his time as two-time Commissioner for Works of Delta State.
The reputation of Augoye across the State rubs off. He has been tested by the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration, and Deltans have come to build their trust in him. Those who have come close to the politician can attest to the gentle and humble nature of him.
Having traversed the length and breadth of Delta State as Commissioner for Works, Augoye scored popularity among Deltans along the way. He, therefore, possesses the political wherewithal to win the State for the PDP as a result of his popularity.
This is even more so as Augoye understands the leadership needs of Delta State, and most importantly, the developmental trajectory of the State and the needs of the people, having served as Commissioner for Works, and the only one to serve in that office for two terms since the creation of the State.
Not just hinged on the political configuration of the PDP in Delta State nor his popularity to win the State for the party, the former Commissioner has what it takes to govern Delta State in real terms.
Chief Augoye has a reputable public service record in politics.
Until becoming Commissioner for Works, Augoye, popularly known as the Agadagba Okpe had served in various political and community capacities, gaining the necessary expertise needed for him to serve well as Governor.
Born on May 16th, 1965 in the oil-rich community of Ugbokodo in Okpe local government area of the State, Augoye possesses this driving force to sustain the developmental trajectory of past and present leaders of the State.
Augoye had a rapid and highly improbable rise to political limelight, so much that it is as though the spirits that position men for service are with him in his quest to become the next Governor of Delta State.
Augoye may not be your typical politician. Reason for this is not far-fetched because he possesses a B.Sc. (Hons) in Political Science, and thus understands the fine prints of politics, and not the politics of bad blood we have come to be accustomed with in Nigeria.
In addition to the style of politician he is, Augoye is more of an administrator, and having a Masters degree of Public Administration to his credit, he is an administrator par excellence. Augoye is no doubt the best hand to administer the resources of the State for best results.
Recall that Augoye was appointed member of the Okpe Local Government transition committee, where he served as Chairman of the Internal Revenue Generating Committee in 2003. This no doubt places Augoye in a better position to generate much needed revenue for the running of the State.
A governor should be able to properly manage the resources of his State for the greater good of every citizen of the State. Augoye as governor with his experience, will no doubt, ensure that the revenue generation capacity of Delta State is optimised.
The fact that Augoye is a two term commissioner attests to his aptness in the utilization of resources. It is on record that he justified why he was appointed Commissioner for Works twice. This makes him appropriate for governor. He will deliver, and beat expectations.
More also, Augoye understands Delta State is endowed with human resources, as well as understands very well the numerous natural resources the State is blessed with, and how to harness them for the greater good of Deltans.
All these mean Augoye is the best option to consolidate on the infrastructural strides of Governor Okowa. Deltans are sure that Augoye will ensure continuity of government programmes, while building legacy projects his administration would be remembered for.
Augoye has also served in the capacity of Councilor representing Ward 10 in the Okpe local Government Council Area between 2004 and 2007 and was appointed Okpe Local Government Council Chairman between 2012 and 2014.
The Agadagba Okpe in 2015 served as the coordinator of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council for Okpe Local Government Area, a position he used to mobilize support of over 65 towns, communities and villages in Okpe for Governor Okowa’s election in 2015.
Chief Augoye held the same position for Gov. Okowa’s reelection in 2019, making PDP win all elections in Okpe local government area. Augoye delivers.
As a grassroots politician he is, no doubt, Augoye will bring his experience to bear in mobilization of voters to prosecute the Delta State 2023 governorship election for the PDP to win it.
It is, therefore, pertinent that the PDP considers Chief Augoye as it’s guber flag bearer because he is the one who can pull votes massively for the party in the 2023 governorship election to hold in the State.
Augoye is by far the best choice for Deltans in the 2023 governorship election, and the PDP must bank on this.
Fortune tellers have said that since Chief James Onanefe Ibori started the prevailing gentleman arrangement of the PDP in the State, and that another James is about to restart the cycle, Deltans are in for good tidings.
While it is only God who knows who can become the next Governor of Delta State come 2023, one thing that is certain, is that God is with Augoye.
The PDP can rest assured that if Chief Augoye bears the flag of the party in the 2023 governorship election, the APC cannot stand any chance of putting up a fight to take the State.
~ Comrade Obaro Egagifo, former Media Aide to Chief James Augoye, writes from Warri, Delta State
2ND NIGER BRIDGE, LAGOS-IBADAN EXPRESSWAY TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE 2023, PRESIDENT BUHARI ASSURES AT MID-TERM MINISTERIAL RETREAT
President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Abuja assured Nigerians that the 11.9km Second Niger Bridge, 120 km Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and other key projects under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) will be completed within the second term of this administration.
The President gave the assurance at the opening of a two-day Mid-Term Ministerial Performance Review Retreat organized to assess progress made towards the achievement of the nine key priorities of this Administration.
He used the occasion of the retreat, the third edition since the second term of his administration, to highlight some of the Federal Government’s notable achievements in the last two years.
He listed accomplishments in the areas of infrastructure, transportation, economy, electricity supply, the petroleum industry, among others.
‘‘On transportation, we are growing the stock and quality of our road, rail, air and water transport infrastructure.
‘‘The PIDF projects are also advancing remarkably. These include the 11.9km Second Niger Bridge, 120 km Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, 375 km Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano Expressway and the East West Road. Most of these projects are expected to be completed within this 2nd term of our Administration,’’ he said.
President Buhari expressed delight that over the past two years, Ministers have rendered reports to the Federal Executive Council on their activities related to the achievement of their Ministerial Mandates.
‘‘Some of the notable achievements include the establishment of InfraCo Plc in 2020, as a world class infrastructure development vehicle, wholly focused on Nigeria, with combined debt and equity take-off capital of N15 trillion, to be managed by an independent infrastructure fund manager.
‘‘The Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund was also established in 2020 with more than USD 1Billion in funding.
‘‘In addition, we have launched the Nigeria Innovation Fund by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). This is aimed at addressing investment opportunities in the domestic technology sector: data networking, datacenters, software, Agri-tech, Bio-tech, and more,’’ he said.
Furthermore, President Buhari noted that his administration had made tremendous progress on railway projects in the country, noting that upgrading of the railway network is being extended with the recent completion of the Lagos – Ibadan line.
‘‘The Itakpe-Ajaokuta rail line has finally been completed and commissioned after 30 years of its conception.
‘‘Work is expected to commence very soon on the Port-Harcourt Maiduguri line and Calabar – Lagos Coastal Line to connect the Southern and Eastern States of our Country. Progress is also being made on the upgrading of our Airports, with the state-of-the-art facilities in line with world class safety standards,’’ he said.
On the economy, the President said the nation witnessed three consecutive quarters of growth, after negative growth rates recorded in the second and third quarters of 2020.
‘‘The GDP grew from 0.8% in 2017 to 2.2% in 2019, but declined in the first quarter of 2020, as a result of the downward trend in global economic activities triggered by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
‘‘As at Second Quarter 2021, GDP growth rate was at 5.01%, the highest since the inception of this Administration.
On security, President Buhari announced that the Ministry of Defence has been instructed to create a modest military industrial complex for the local production of weapons to meet some of the requirements of the country’s armed forces.
The President explained that the establishment of the industrial complex would address Nigeria’s over-dependence on other countries for military equipment and logistics.
He said the project is being implemented under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), a military department responsible for arms manufacture.
On other efforts to strengthen national security, the President said it was gratifying to note that Nigeria has received six A-29 Super Tucano.
He said the propeller-driven aircraft are being used for training, surveillance and attack by the military.
‘‘As part of the efforts towards strengthening our national security, we have increased investments in arms, weapons and other necessary equipment; expanded the National Command and Control Centre to nineteen states of the Federation; and established a Nigerian Police Trust Fund, which will significantly improve funding for the Nigeria Police Force.
‘‘We have also approved the sum of N13.3 billion for the take-off of the Community Policing initiative across the Country, as part of measures adopted to consolidate efforts aimed at enhancing security nationwide,’’ he said.
On the Power Sector, President Buhari noted that the implementation of a ‘Willing Buyer-Willing Seller’ Policy has opened up opportunities for increased delivery of electricity to underserved homes and industries.
He expressed the hope that the execution of critical projects through the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme, will result in achieving the national goal of improved power supply by 2025.
On the Petroleum Industry Act signed into law on 16th August 2021, the President reiterated his directive to the Implementation Committee to complete all processes for the successful operationalization of the Act within 12 months.
On efforts to empower the youth and other vulnerable groups by enhancing investments in the Social Intervention Programmes, the President said he has approved the expansion of the National Social Register (NSP) by 1 million additional households.
The NSP is the official database for the implementation of the Conditional Cash Transfer programme.
‘‘We have established the N75 billion Nigerian Youth Investment Fund created to boost the Nigerian economy through leverage and access to finance for youths.
‘‘The Fund should serve as a catalyst to unleash the potential of the youth and to enable them to build businesses that will stimulate economic growth and create jobs. These accomplishments are a testament to the fact that all hands are on deck in establishing a solid foundation for even greater successes in future,’’ he said.
The President warned all ministers and permanent secretaries to take seriously all issues relating to the implementation of their mandates towards the attainment of the laudable objectives of this Government.
The President concluded his address at the opening of the retreat with the unveiling of the Presidential Priorities Performance Management System.
He explained that the Performance Management System and Dashboard, which has been in effect since January this year, had provided him the opportunity to track projects in real-time with live data.
‘‘In our continuing drive to ensure accountability, we have incorporated a Performance Management Framework into the functions of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit for ease of tracking of the Ministerial Deliverables along the lines of the 9 priority areas of this administration.
‘‘This initiative has provided me the opportunity to track the performance of all Ministries and by extension my Administration.
‘‘ This process has been in effect since January 2021 and today it gives me great pleasure to unveil the Performance Management System and Dashboard to track projects in real-time with live data and early warning system to proactively resolve bottlenecks,’’ he said.
In view of the importance of this year’s retreat, President Buhari announced that he would sit through all the sessions to listen to the cumulative assessment of this administration’s performance over the last 2 years.
Equally, the President would join in discussions on the best approach and strategies to implement planned policies, programmes and projects that can significantly diversify the economy away from its dependence on oil revenue, while sustaining the current economic growth trajectory.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 11, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI EXTOLS LATE AKU UKA OF WUKARI, SAYS HE WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST RULERS IN NIGERIA
President Muhammadu Buhari has described the death of a paramount ruler of the Jukun race and Chairman Taraba State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Aku Uka of Wukari, Dr Shekarau Angyu, as a great loss not only to Taraba State, but also Nigeria as a whole.
In his reaction to the demise of paramount ruler, President Buhari said “the passing of Shekarau Angyu at this time when the country needed his immense wisdom and knowledge in its efforts to overcome its challenges, is a great loss for which I can’t find the right words to describe.”
“The late Aku Uka of Wukari was a simple man who avoided publicity and controversy throughout his life of service to his people and the country.
“Though death is inevitable, we cannot forget the immense contributions of the late Aku Uka to the promotion of peace, harmony, unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence in his community and the country at large,” the President said.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 11, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH LONG-TIME AIDE, SARKI ABBA, ON LOSS OF MOTHER
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his shock over the death of Hajiya Aishatu Abba, mother of his long-time aide Sarki Abba, the Senior Special Assistant Domestic, House Hold Matters and Social Events.
She died in Yola after a protracted illness, leaving behind two sons and several grandchildren at the age of 96.
The President, who was represented at the funeral ceremony by a delegation made up of his personal aides said: “We have lost a deep-rooted community leader, kind and generous whose entire life was devoted to worship and the welfare of the poor and the marginalised. Her life of giving has inspired many and she leaves behind several memorable tales of lives she had touched. My thoughts are with Sarki Abba and his family who have lost a strong pillar of support. May Allah bless her soul and accept her good deeds.”
He also sent condolences to the Adamawa Emirate Council as well as the government and the people of the State.
President Buhari was represented at the burial by Senior Special Assistants Ya’u Darazo and Garba Shehu, the State Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Lawal Kazaure, his personal physician Dr. Suhayb Rafindadi, the Chief Security Officer, Idris Ahmed and the Permanent Secretary State House, Tijjani Umar.
Others are the Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet, Air Commodore Y. A. Abdullahi and a Special Assistant in the Presidency, Abdulmumin Bello.
The burial ceremony at Jimeta, Yola on Sunday was attended by thousands of people including the former Governor of the state Jibrilla Bindow, the Galadima and Dan Iya of Adamawa, representing the Lamido and officials of the Adamawa State Government.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 10, 2021
JULIUS BERGER-AFP WINS THE 2021 ‘BEST CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMPANY IN NIGERIA’ AWARD.
Julius Berger-AFP has won the 2021 ‘Best Customer Experience Company in Nigeria’ Award. AFP is the furniture and furnishing unit of Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, whose seamlessly horizontally integrated business value chain is widely reputed as the nation’s most dependable deliverer of excellent performance and customer satisfaction in all its impeccably delivered contractual obligations and transactional history in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Customer Service Award is the flagship and most prestigious annual award that celebrate companies’ customer service excellence in Nigeria. The award seeks to recognize and acknowledge reputable and alpha-rated companies that deliver effective and exceptional customer services in order to raise the standard of customer services and to encourage companies to go beyond merely paying lip service to customers.
To qualify for the highly rated award, companies are assessed based on their customer service practices in a process that includes customer feedback (nomination), review of staff and management process that relates to customer services, and lastly the Nigeria Mystery Shoppers Provider Service (NMSPS), www.mysteryshoppers.org.ng. Most importantly, Nigeria Customer Service Award is designed to better the evaluated companies’ own performances as opposed to the competition. The award helps organizations to listen to the voice of their customers by conducting an independent assessment of quality customer service using international survey tools to collect and analyze feedback from customers, and grade their responses using global rating standard as benchmark.
The nomination for the award opened in January 2021 via www.nigeriacustomerserviceawards.com, and through surveys and opinion polls. The second phase of the nomination was by using mystery shoppers to physically monitor the service delivery process of nominated companies in other to determine the best. Companies across Nigeria spends a great deal of time and money every year in their effort to win and retain customers. Research however, reveals that most companies are not doing enough to build strong customer relationships, even as more work is needed to build a strong, loyal and long lasting mutually satisfying relationship.
The vetting process for award nominees included the evaluative contexts of empathy, choice and personalized experiences of customers. Further analytical filters included a company’s verifiable discovery portals, access, ease of buying experience, ease of payment, customer’s satisfactory use of product or service, during and after sales support, customer departure protocols and customer return or retention. The MD and CEO of the award organizers, Customer Service Award Limited, Dr Aliyu Ilias said ‘…Julius Berger-AFP scored significantly well on all customer service delivery considerations to top the chart above its peers. Thus, Julius Berger-AFP is meritoriously announced the winner of the ‘2021 Best Customer Experience Company in Nigeria’ award’
Responding to the award to Julius Berger-AFP, the Head of Public Relations for the Julius Berger Nigeria Plc group, Prince Moses Duku, who received the award on behalf of the AFP, said, “As a responsible and dependable corporate entity, Julius Berger’s business philosophy and practice historically resonates with integrity, performance, solution-oriented partnership with the client, and uncompromising service reliability”. Duku also said that, “AFP being a proud member of the Julius Berger corporate heritage is commendably flying the great and excellent quality banner of its pedigree, the Julius Berger standard, offering only the very best product and service quality to its customers.” He further said that “…to emphasize the point, let me say it is not a fluke that the Julius Berger-AFP, for the past five consecutive years running, has won the Nigeria’s Furniture Company of the Year Award at the prestigious Abuja International Housing Show, Africa’s flagship continental housing exhibition platform”.
Duku concluded his remarks on a very cheerful note, saying, “…We can therefore humbly but truthfully say that in this business, both in product quality, style, functionality and strength as well as in service and support offerings and customer satisfaction, the Julius Berger-AFP has only itself to beat, and we intend to seriously keep it that way.”
“On behalf of our MD, executive management, the AFP team and indeed all our staff, we thank you for this encouraging award, and we commit to a consistently and progressively satisfactory customer service delivery to every existing client and future clients of the AFP.”
Keen watchers and watchdogs of the annual event comparatively consider the 2021 edition a more engaging and better-planned event with about 27 sectors in focus. The 2021 award saw the introduction of Customer Service Ambassadors in Nigeria for the first time. It also involved the participation of leading consulting firms, value assurance experts and real time mystery shopper monitors who, as undercover service ‘Police’, physically monitor and measure services performance by companies. Their aim in the service evaluation process include, to improve customer satisfaction, retention and loyalty to the brands, and make frontline employees aware of critical service needs of customers. The larger objective is to assist companies to listen to the voice of their customers and boost companies’ productivity and revenues.
Nigerians and the business community fondly call the 2021 Winner of the ‘Best Customer Experience Company in Nigeria’ award AFP for short. AFP has its ultra-modern furniture design studio and a vast state-of-the-art production factory located at the Idu Industrial Area of Abuja the federal Capital Territory. With the excellent and very reliable logistical support of the Julius Berger Fleet within the company’s matchless service delivery system, the AFP delivers its aesthetic, strong, and durable products to any destination in the country precisely as contracted, and, where necessary, within 24 hours.
Besides its dedicated interactive website, wwwafp.ng, the Julius Berger-AFP also have its physical showrooms at 55 Gana Street, Maitama Abuja, 33 Sanusi Fafunwa street Victoria Island Lagos; and also at AFP Mall, 52 Stadium Road Port Harcourt.
Julius Berger-AFP national Sales Manager, Uche Uzoewulu, and Sales Consultant, Mercy Ofuonyemeni were also in the Julius Berger Plc delegation to the award event which held at the Envoy hotel opposite the US embassy in Abuja last Thursday.
Cut N26bn presidency budget for medical center, travels, meals, SERAP tells Buhari
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari “to cut the N26 billion presidency budget for the construction of the presidential wing at the state house medical center, local and foreign travels, meals and refreshments, ‘sitting allowance’, and ‘welfare package’, and to use some of the savings to address the growing level of deficit, as well as improve public healthcare facilities across the country.”
SERAP also urged him “to send to the National Assembly a fresh supplementary appropriation bill, which reflects the reduced proposed spending on the construction of the state house medical center, local and foreign travels, meals and refreshments, and ‘welfare package’, for its approval.”
In the letter dated 9 October 2021 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Many Nigerians will find it quite odd, unfair and unjust that the government is spending so much money on many of these items in the middle of a public borrowing crisis. The proposed spending could be better allocated to improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods and services.”
SERAP said: “The government would continue to borrow to fund the country’s budget until there is a substantial cut to the cost of governance. The government should stop spending so much money on these items. Persistent borrowing is neither sustainable nor fair to the Nigerian people.”
According to SERAP: “Your government has a responsibility to ensure the interest of the well-being and prosperity of Nigeria and its citizens. The growing budget deficit and debt problems threaten Nigerians’ access to essential public goods and services, and will hurt future generations if not urgently addressed.”
The letter, read in part: “SERAP also urges you to publish details of spending on construction and repairs of the presidential wing at the medical center and office furniture and fittings since May 29, 2015.”
“The proposed spending figures highlight the lack of political will to cut the cost of governance, starting from the presidency. This spending is unsustainable, and would take away critical funding to provide access to quality healthcare and education.”
“This would leave the poorest and most vulnerable people without access to these essential public goods and services, and burden the next generation.”
“According to our information, for the Office of the President, you recently proposed in the 2022 appropriation bill to spend N24,835,805,231 for the construction of the presidential wing at the state house medical center, local and foreign travels, meals and refreshments.”
“The construction of the presidential wing will cost N21,974,763,310. N2,309,066,788 is proposed to be spent on general travel and transport while N301,138,860 will be spent on food stuff and catering materials supplies. N250,836,273 is proposed to be spent on refreshments, meals, honorarium, sitting allowance, publicity and advertisements.”
“For the Office of the Vice-President, N1,136,717,757 is proposed for local and foreign travels, meals and refreshments, purchase of office furniture and fittings, and other expenses. The details are: N778,261,411 is proposed to be spent on general travel and transport.”
“N168,210,826 is proposed for office stationeries/computer, consumables, printing of documents, uniforms and other clothing, food stuff and catering materials supplies. N2,350,626 is proposed for cooking gas and fuel cost.”
“N99,795,229 is proposed to be spent on refreshments, meals, honorarium, sitting allowance, publicity and advertisements. N31,909,380 is proposed for computer software acquisition while N30,817,085 is proposed for the purchase of motor vehicles. N25,373,200 is proposed for the purchase of office furniture and fittings.”
“We would therefore be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 14 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 your government to comply with our requests.”
“SERAP is concerned that the huge spending is neither necessary nor in the public interest, especially in the face of the country’s dire economic position, the scant allocations to education and health, and the growing level of borrowing by your government to fund the 2022 budget.”
“Spending limited public funds on the construction of the presidential wing at the state house medical center, local and foreign travels, meals and refreshments, honorarium and sitting allowance, and welfare packages at a time the government is borrowing to fund the budget would undermine your government’s constitutional and fiduciary duties to ensure a responsible budget spending.
“The country’s fiscal situation must be changed – and changed quickly – through some combination of cuts in the areas highlighted above. Cutting waste and apparently unnecessary spending would go a long way in addressing the budget deficit and debt problems.”
“The recommended measures would also ensure that your government is spending the country’s maximum available resources to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights to basic needs of the poor and marginalized groups.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
10/10/2021
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
COVID-19: STATE HOUSE PERMANENT SECRETARY RECOMMENDS FOUR NYSC MEMBERS FOR DIRECTOR-GENERAL’S AWARD
- MOLECULAR LABORATORY OPENS SOON
State House Permanent Secretary, Tijjani Umar, has recommended four members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the Director-General’s Community Development Service award.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed this at a send-off dinner in honour of the retired Head of Nursing Department, State House Clinic, Habiba Ahmed, and some outgoing corps members, who served in the Clinic.
Umar lauded the contributions of the outgoing and serving corps members posted to the State House Clinic in maintaining essential health services amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that the corps members were at the frontline of implementing measures to limit the spread of coronavirus as well as reducing public health risk to workers and visitors to the Presidential Villa.
He, therefore, announced that in appreciation of the exemplary work done by some of the corps members, the State House management will officially recommend them for the Director-General’s award.
Relishing his experiences as a corps member in 1985/86 in Ilorin, Kwara State, the Permanent Secretary recounted that he had a satisfying experience serving his fatherland.
He told the corps members that the one-year NYSC programme shaped his understanding of the nation, its diversity and potential.
‘‘I loved the service. My first encounter at the orientation camp which I enjoyed was serving as a member of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) brigade. President Buhari was then the military Head of State.
‘‘I was also a member of the quarter guard in camp and I loved everything that we did. We also received N90 bicycle allowance at that time,’’ he said.
He thanked the outgoing and serving corps members in the State House for serving the nation with respect and dignity.
He urged those still serving to always take pride in having the opportunity to serve the nation, contributing positively in their places of primary assignment.
The Permanent Secretary later presented gifts to some corps member including Dr Godfrey Okpe, Dr Idris Keji, Chukwueloka Maduegbuna, Abbas Hassan Bala, Casmir Nwachukwu ( Nominee for DG’s Award), Samuel Iko Ojo ( Nominee for DG’s Award), , Muhammad Ma’aji ( Nominee for DG’s Award), and Onwumah Onyelukachukwu ( Nominee for DG’s Award) .
In his remarks, the Medical Director, State House Clinic, Dr Munir Yakasai, announced that a molecular laboratory to test for coronavirus at the Clinic will be activated by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) before the end of the month.
The Medical Director said the laboratory, which increases the number of NCDC approved molecular laboratories in the country, would also handle urological investigations, among others.
He commended the Permanent Secretary for prioritising the repositioning of State House Clinic for effective service delivery.
‘‘We now have a Special Care centre; the Dental wing which was moribund for over 10 years has been completed and now functional, drugs are available and staff welfare has greatly improved,’’ he said.
He wished Matron Habiba and the outgoing NYSC members the best of luck in their future endeavours.
Also speaking, the immediate past Head of the Nursing department thanked the Permanent Secretary and State House staff for the honour accorded her on retirement.
‘‘I feel loved by God and it is a privilege to be honoured by people you have spent a greater part of your life working with. When I meet people in the market and they reach out to me and call me Matron, it gives me pleasure and reminds me that for the rest of my life, I will always want to be a Nurse,’’ she said.
Abiodun Oladunjoye
Deputy Director (Information)
(Media & Publicity)
October 10, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES WINNER OF 2021 NOBEL PRIZE FOR LITERATURE
President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates the winner of the 2021 Nobel Prize for Literature, Abdulrazak Gurnah, a former lecturer in Bayero University Kano.
In winning the prize, the Swedish Academy highlighted the Tanzanian novelist’s ”uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effect of colonialism and the fate of the refugees in the gulf between cultures and continents.”
President Buhari believes that given the ignoble experiences of Africans and people of African descent in the past, all forms of race-related vices and injustices have no place in modern history.
The President, therefore, salutes the bold African voices using the arts, music, literature and sports to stress that our world is better when we treat one another with dignity and respect.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 10, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI REJOICES WITH GBONG GWOM JOS AT 70
President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman, Council of Chiefs and Emirs in Plateau State, His Royal Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
The President joins family, friends and the people of Jos in thanking God for bestowing benevolence on His Majesty in a lifetime of service as a public servant and later as a traditional ruler.
The President thanks Gbong Gwong Jos for serving his community with dignity and wisdom, unwavering in his commitment to peace and stability in the Plateau since ascending the throne of his fathers in 2009.
President Buhari prays that the Royal Father’s avowed devotion to the unity of the country and passion to better the lives of those around him will continue to inspire generations to come.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 10, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH LONG-TIME AIDE, SARKI ABBA, ON LOSS OF MOTHER
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his shock over the death of Hajiya Aishatu Abba, mother of his long-time aide Sarki Abba, the Senior Special Assistant Domestic, House Hold Matters and Social Events.
She died in Yola after a protracted illness, leaving behind two sons and several grandchildren at the age of 96.
The President, who was represented at the funeral ceremony by a delegation made up of his personal aides said: “We have lost a deep-rooted community leader, kind and generous whose entire life was devoted to worship and the welfare of the poor and the marginalised. Her life of giving has inspired many and she leaves behind several memorable tales of lives she had touched. My thoughts are with Sarki Abba and his family who have lost a strong pillar of support. May Allah bless her soul and accept her good deeds.”
He also sent condolences to the Adamawa Emirate Council as well as the government and the people of the State.
President Buhari was represented at the burial by Senior Special Assistants Ya’u Darazo and Garba Shehu, the State Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Lawal Kazaure, his personal physician Dr. Suhayb Rafindadi, the Chief Security Officer, Idris Ahmed and the Permanent Secretary State House, Tijjani Umar.
Others are the Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet, Air Commodore Y. A. Abdullahi and a Special Assistant in the Presidency, Abdulmumin Bello.
The burial ceremony at Jimeta, Yola on Sunday was attended by thousands of people including the former Governor of the state Jibrilla Bindow, the Galadima and Dan Iya of Adamawa, representing the Lamido and officials of the Adamawa State Government.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 10, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
TINUBU REUNITES WITH ASSOCIATES, AS SANWO-OLU HOSTS APC LEADER
…Ex-Governor: ‘I Returned Hale, Hearty And Well’
National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken his first outing since his return from the United Kingdom (UK) last Friday night.
Tinubu, on Sunday, reunited with his political associates and protégés at a welcome-back event and prayer hosted by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the State House in Marina.
At 2:45pm, the former Lagos State Governor was received by Sanwo-Olu in company of his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde.
The simple event was attended by all elected office holders and political appointees in Lagos, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
Members of the State Executive Council, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) and council chairmen were also in attendance.
Sanwo-Olu said Tinubu’s return was more than cheery news for his supporters across the country, noting that the APC leader had been rejuvenated with renewed vigour for his next political move.
The Governor said: “We have countless reasons to be grateful to God for bringing Asiwaju back home, fully rejuvenated. Since Friday when our leader and father came back, it has been a joyful moment for the teeming residents of Lagos, his supporters and Nigerians across the country. We give glory to God who brought you (Tinubu) back with sound health and stronger vigour.
“On behalf of all political office holders, party leaders and faithful, we welcome our leader back and we give praises to God on his behalf that the intention of evil-minded people who spread malicious rumour against our leader did not materialise. This event shows Asiwaju is healthy and possesses more energy to embark on his next move in politics.”
Tinubu, clad in dark grey kaftan and blue cap to match, said he was highly elated to return after his three-month absence from the country.
The APC National Leader said the prayer event was an emotional one for him, saying he was overwhelmed by good wishes from Nigerians while he was away. He said took all prayers as valuable compliments.
Tinubu said: “I’m a little emotional now but I’m happy. God is the giver of life and the only one who can take life. And he (God) says, if I grant you power and the privilege in this life; I am the only one who can take it from you if you don’t use it in the way and manner that promotes humanity. God can give power to anyone he wills.
“It is the same God that has spared us till today and has given us the privilege. I give glory to God, because I’m standing before you hale, hearty and well. Today is a day of joy for me, having fixed today for this great event. We are here giving praises to God. May God bless all of you in attendance. I am grateful. I cannot say more than that today. Thank you all.”
Dr. Hamzat said Tinubu’s return deepened his associates’ belief in God, stressing that the APC National Leader’s full recovery from the knee surgery was a sign of strength and favour from God.
“Now that Asiwaju is back, we are ready for work. The work has started and we are committed to doing it,” the Deputy Governor said.
Gbajabiamila, who spoke on behalf of the National Assembly members, described Tinubu as “an eagle”, who is focused and always ahead of the game.
The Speaker wondered why a “simple knee surgery” became a national issue, but the solidarity shown towards Tinubu across ethnic divides indicated the APC National Leader is an enigma.
Obasa called Tinubu a teacher and benefactor, saying his return had put malicious rumour against him to rest.
Chairman of Conference 57, who spoke on behalf of the council chairmen, said members of the Conference were ready to join Tinubu in his next political move.
Others who spoke glowingly about the APC National Leader included the lawmaker representing Lagos West in the Senate, Sen. Olamilekan Adeola, and GAC chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi.
Prayers were offered for Tinubu by Muslim and Christian clerics, while party leaders at the event took turns to welcome him back to the fold.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
OCTOBER 10, 2021
Adebola Williams launches book to celebrate International Day of the Girl Child
In commemoration of International Day of the Girl Child, Pan African Entrepreneur, Adebola Williams has released a self-published children’s book capturing the lives of notable women of African origin.
Williams, through his book, ‘African Power Girls’ seeks to underscore the notion of positivity, diversity, and inspiration among young girls who are daily faced with inequality, chauvinism, and misogyny.
“I got the inspiration for this book while trying to purchase inspirational publications for my goddaughters,” said Williams. “I realised that I was unable to find a suitable African story book that told the stories of women who had conquered their world so that young people can emulate.”.
“This book is the first in a series of three books highlighting powerful women in Africa,” he added.
Going as far back as the 1900s, each page of the book showcases the strength, freedom, challenges, and victory of spotlighted female legends.
African Power Girls is for kids, especially young girls seeking great exposure and inspiration to follow their purpose, succeed in their chosen careers, and fulfil their mission. Additionally, it is for parents who want their children to establish a deep connection to their rich heritage.
“As a chief storyteller for several brands, individuals, and corporations across the continent, it is an integral part of my mission to tell stories about, and for Africa. Therefore it has been a delight to tell the stories of our great women, especially as a catalyst to raising many more like them,” he concluded.
Adebola Williams co-founded and runs RED | For Africa, the continent’s largest portfolio of media and storytelling brands engaging the youth. He uses storytelling strategies to change human behaviour towards ideas, brands, and people.
Adebola and his team at RED | For Africa currently consults for individuals and corporates across the continent.