PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES RT. REV. LUCIUS UGORJI ON APPOINTMENT AS ARCHBISHOP OF OWERRI
President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with Rt. Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji on his appointment as Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese in Imo State.
The President rejoices with the priest on the new assignment by the Catholic Pontiff, His Holiness, Pope Francis, urging full commitment and dedication to the call of duty, as he did previously serving as Catholic Bishop of Umuahia and former Apostolic Administrator of the Ahiara diocese.
President Buhari notes the humility, charity and focus that the Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese brings to every position, affirming that his choice to reflect Christ in selfless service to humanity has impacted greatly on the nation.
The President prays for God’s wisdom and guidance for the cleric, while also wishing his predecessor, His Grace, Archbishop Anthony John Valentine (AJV) Obinna, divine grace.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 21, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI TO RELIGIOUS, TRADITIONAL RULERS: YOU HAVE KEY ROLES TO PLAY IN TACKLING INSECURITY
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja said no responsive government can ignore the role of religious and traditional rulers in tackling insecurity in the country.
Speaking at an Iftar dinner with religious and traditional rulers, the President said his administration would continue to count on the invaluable advice and guidance of members of the revered institutions towards improving the current security challenges in the country.
The President noted that moving Nigeria forward remains a collective responsibility, urging leaders at all levels to contribute meaningfully in making the country a better place.
”Today, insecurity is one of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria’s existence. This administration has invested more resources than any other to tackle insecurity.
”We have acquired advanced equipment for our armed forces and the police to strengthen their capacity to confront terrorism and banditry. We have made adequate budgetary allocations for security.
”Whatever the security agencies request I make it available to them immediately.
”But insecurity is a world-wide phenomenon. The cure and the answer is for all sections of society to do their bit and confront the criminals head-on.
”The success of our armed and other security forces also depends on intelligence about the activities of bandits and terrorists.
”Those aiding and abetting terrorists are helping to destroy their own communities.
”Our traditional and religious leaders have a key role to play in terms of improving intelligence gathering about the movement of and activities of criminals in their domain,” he said.
Noting that the challenges confronting the country are surmountable, the President recounted that when this Administration came on board in 2015, the local governments occupied and controlled by insurgent terrorists were recovered through the determined efforts of government and cooperation of local leadership.
”A similar effort is required now for all localities to work in full cooperation with security agents and Insha Allah we shall see the back of this problem soon,” he said.
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, commended the Buhari administration’s timely response in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, noting that it is symbolic that when the country looks inward it can surmount many of its challenges.
”Mr President, thank you for inviting us for Iftar. I remember vividly that last year we couldn’t meet to break the Ramadan fast because of the COVID-19 pandemic and we pray that such will never come our way again”.
The Ooni of Ife urged Nigerians to use the Holy month of Ramadan to always strive for unity, and celebrate the strength in Nigeria’s diversity.
”We have so many positives to celebrate in our country. Yes there are challenges but let us look more on our strengths than our weaknesses,” he said.
Barr. Joseph Daramola, the General Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), said he believed that ”God is at work in Nigeria,” noting that there were spiritual lessons to learn on nation building from the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten period that just ended with the Easter celebration.
”The power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is able to bring our nation back to life, making every situation that looks impossible, possible,” the CAN scribe said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 21, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES WITH EMIR OF ILORIN, HRH IBRAHIM KOLAPO SULU-GAMBARI, ON HIS 82ND BIRTHDAY
President Muhammadu Buhari joins Kwara State Traditional Council and Ilorin Emirate Council in celebrating with Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Justice Ibrahim Kolapo Sulu-Gambari, on his 82nd birthday, April 22, 2022.
President Buhari rejoices with the eminent jurist, who served the country variously as Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General, Gongola State, 1976; acting Judge, High Courts of Bauchi, Borno and Gongola States, 1977; Judge, High Court of Borno State, 1978-83 and Justice, Court of Appeal, 1983.
Before accepting the revered position of Emir of Ilorin in 1995, the President affirms that Justice Sulu-Gambari left a legacy of integrity, decency and discipline in Nigeria’s judiciary, and continues to inspire a new generation on the pathway to greatness and honour, beyond his domain.
As the traditional ruler turns 82, President Buhari notes his modernising vision and contemporary outlook on national issues, including sports, sharing his experience with leaders, encouraging indigenes and citizens to uphold the unity of the nation and promote values that reflect fear of God, and love for others.
The President prays that the Almighty God will grant Emir of Ilorin good health and strength.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 21, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS ‘MAN OF PEACE,’ PA EGBEDUBI NWOKOCHA
President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with former 2nd Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, Dr Monday Onyekachi Ubani, on the passage of his father, Pa Egbedubi Nwokocha, popularly known as Egoro Oti.
The President gives glory to God for the gift of longevity, which saw Pa Nwokocha live to 101 years, and salutes the fact that he left his footprints on the sands of time, gaining reputation as a man of peace, a philanthropist, dutiful father, public spirited individual, and a man of integrity.
Condoling with Dr Ubani, the only son of the deceased, and the many grandchildren and great grandchildren left by the departed, President Buhari urges them to keep the flag of the good works hoisted by their patriarch flying, knowing that in that wise, Papa Nwokocha would live forever in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.
The President urges the family to give the departed befitting rites of passage, as the soul of Egoro Oti marches on.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
April 21, 2022
The Address Homes: Delivering Luxury Homes With High-Class Contemporary Architectural Design And High-Level Finishes
‘There’s no place like home,’ or ‘Home is where the heart is.’ These popular sayings affirm the truth that a home is a place that is always desirable. It exists in the mind’s eye as much as in a particular physical location. Home, in essence, is a shelter, providing an escape from the intrusions of the busy world.
Interestingly, in Nigeria, most cities are fast becoming homes to a huge number of individuals due to the rural-urban influx of people, as well as the rapid-growing population, especially, the working class; and of course rapid urbanization, among other factors.
However, much thought about, in seeking for homes, regardless of economic conditions of the nation and the citizens, researches have shown that many are not just complacent with living in ‘any kind of home’. This category of patrons or home-seekers, this medium observes, wants more than just four walls and a parking lot. Simply put, they desire to live in the premium or what many call luxury homes, rather than ‘normal’ homes.
For these home buyers, specifically, the affluent, the desire for luxury homes that provide all the modern comforts cannot be overemphasized. The homes, especially in the urban areas, afford the owner to provide his/her family quality habitat with security, health, and privacy, all guaranteed.
Notably, however, affording a luxury home does not come cheap. With the poor state of the economy, galloping inflation and falling values of the naira and associated effects on the fortune of the nation, prices of luxury properties have climbed steadily over the years.
But, while it might seem to have a luxury home cannot be achieved in one’s lifetime, the good news is here.
In battling the housing deficit in the country, a top-notch real estate development firm, The Address Homes, has reiterated its resolve toward tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit by providing affordable homes that meet the benchmark of modern real estate development.
Having stamped its authority in the luxury property market within the shortest time of coming into the real estate industry through the successful completion of about 54 units of mid-luxury detached and semi-detached properties in Osapa London, 31 units of luxury homes at Ilasan, opposite Ikate, in Lekki, Lagos, the firm has added two new home schemes christened The Luxuria by The Address Homes and Dan & Dan Apartments in Ikoyi and Banana Island to its stables.
These maisonette homes, industry experts and many stakeholders affirmed, are definitely like no other, and could only have been delivered by The Address Homes, which prides itself as an “address of distinction”, where standards, innovation, newness and fresh perspectives thrive. The two luxury brands, on completion, are expected to deliver cosy homes that combine exquisite design with high-level finishes within Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to the Address Homes management, the construction of the two deluxe contemporary homes, which commenced in 2021, is expected to be completed in 2023. Upon completion, the project will comprise 18 luxury houses, ranging from five-bedroom fully detached houses to five-bedroom semi-detached houses and four-bedroom terrace houses.
Located on Alexander Road, Ikoyi, The Luxuria, which sits on a land area measuring approximately 4890sqm is a development made up of 58 units in total, out of which close to 50 are typical maisonettes. The general amenities include the followings: 24 hours power, functional gym, adult/children swimming pools, 3 carports, spa, lounge overlooking the lobby, 2 general lifts per tower, 2 service lifts per tower, spacious lift lobby, wet and dry kitchens as well as a reception area.
Dan & Dan Apartments, located on Banana Island road, comprises 27 units of fully-serviced apartments; three penthouses, 12 maisonettes and 12 terrace houses.
Designed by award-winning architect, Play in Architecture Limited and nestled in the heart of Ikoyi, Dan & Dan is surrounded by city landmarks, cultural institutions and dozens of trendy dining and shopping options with easy and secured access to roads and waterways.
Conspicuously raising the standard, Dan & Dan is introducing distinctive, crafted details that complement modern materials and reinvent Banana Island’s architectural landscape. The features include 3 nos penthouses, 12 nos maisonette, and 12 nos terrace houses.
Upon completion, the estate will have the following features: a swimming pool, 24-hour power, security personnel, CCTV, a best-in-class Kitchen, gym; and many more.
Speaking during a recent media tour of some of its completed and ongoing projects by journalists from top media houses in Nigeria, the chairman and founder of The Address Homes, Dr Bisi Onasanya revealed that “The fundamental goal of the firm was to provide smart homes which could boast of the basic amenities that were reflective of global best property development practices.
According to him, “We didn’t venture into The Address Homes to make money, even though every business is set out to make money. The real intention, for me, is to allow us to do something different from the way previous participants and players in real estate have done.
He said: “We believe there is a need to inject some integrity into the real estate business. We also believe at times that quality was a bit deficient and there is a need to do things mostly to some level of international standards, irrespective of where you are. We wanted to come into the industry and put up structures that we can call homes, not houses. These are homes that will compete with the best that you can see outside of the country, and yet without making you break the bank in terms of being able to pay or affordability. We see people trying to relocate from abroad – Canada, the United States of America (US) and Europe. There is a minimum standard of living they have been used to. They like to enter a home and there are basic things they look to see, the environment they also like to see. We found that these are missing to some extent. We wanted a situation in which you live in the Address Homes and you are proud because of the comfortability we offer. That is what we believe in. That’s what we have been able to do. Have we done everything? We’ve done our best, but we still believe that we’ll keep improving”.
According to the chairman, The Address Homes characteristically offers flexible payment plans to enable home buyers spread payments at their convenience.
“We are very competitive in terms of pricing, but more importantly, we are very flexible in our payment structure. We allow people to dictate to us within a particular time frame, how they want to structure their payments during construction.”
“Even at that, we’ve had instances where we completed the project, but people had difficulty making the final payment. They make a special request for us to allow them to move into the property without completing payment, and yet we still oblige them.”
“All these have endeared us to the few people who have had the opportunity to interact with us and to enjoy the services that we offer. So, when I see those things, they make me feel proud that what we set out to achieve, we are on course.”
“In doing that also, we have also succeeded in contributing to the housing deficit. Right now, we play in the medium market sector essentially, and today we have a total of, both ongoing and completed, over 250 units of houses and still counting. I have mentioned why we are different. We don’t make noise and we don’t tell you you must break the bank to access our services. For every single estate that we have built, we make sure that we do not just hand over the keys to you, we follow you and make sure we provide facilities management to make living in those estates very convenient and comfortable for you. We also provided some guarantees of a minimum of five to 10 years on the structure so that if anything happens to the windows and doors, we take responsibility. We provide you with 24 hours electricity, CCTV, security, water and others.”
Speaking further, Onasanya noted that all of the firm’s construction projects were subjected to periodic integrity tests by the Lagos State Government to ensure compliance to set standards and also ensure standards for home buyers.
“We do not embark on any construction with a formal building plan approval from the Lagos State Government. At every stage, the structural engineer goes to the site to certify every stage before they can do any concrete work. After the structural engineer has done that, Lagos State Government, that is LASBCA, will check what has been done and sign off on it before we go on, and we use this process on all our projects.”
Shedding more light on the Luxuria features, the Address Homes boss noted: “When I say maisonettes, there is a reason why we do things differently. First and foremost, we found out that people live in flats. Developers built flats but we also found out that when you live in flats, some elements of privacy are denied – you come out of your bedroom, enter your sitting room. People who lived abroad are used to multi-level structures. We chose to do things differently. I was discussing with an architect and he said what he has observed in this environment is that people would build blocks of flats and then put them on top of the flats penthouses. And I said it is those penthouses, which are very few, that are sold first. People are ready to pay any amount of money for the services. Why can’t we do a project where every single apartment looks like a penthouse. If you go to Luxuria, you will see the massive space that we have of two levels. It comes with two kitchens, which means that madam has a reserved house while allowing the chef to use the other area; two living rooms, a bar area, a swimming pool, etc.”
PRESS RELEASE
GOOGLE EQUIANO SEA CABLE SYSTEM LANDS IN LAGOS
- It will generate 1.6m jobs, $10b GDP for Nigeria, says Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday witnessed the virtual landing of the Google Equiano Sea Cable System in Nigeria, saying the country will enjoy a boost of 1.6 million jobs and $10 billion in additional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the next three years, on account of the new cable system.
He said with the landing of the sea cable system and other investments in high-speed internet, Lagos is about to witness an unprecedented digital revolution that will cement its global reputation as a hub for entrepreneurial innovation.
Speaking at the reception marking the landing of the Equiano Sea Cable System in Nigeria on Thursday at the Open Access Data Centre at Lekki in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the new cable system is the latest element in the transformation of the physical infrastructure landscape, new roads, bridges, jetties, factories, municipal and national rail lines, among others being delivered by his administration and a host of partners and stakeholders across public and private sectors.
The landing of Equiano Sea Cable System will firmly position Nigeria as the regional connectivity and content hub for West Africa, attracting cloud operators, content providers, content distribution networks and their associated ecosystems.
It is significant and a demonstration of the seriousness with which Google LLC views Nigeria, the economic and demographic giant of Africa.
The new cable system is named after a Nigerian hero, Olaudah Equiano, who survived enslavement in the 18th century and went on to become a famous writer and anti-slavery activist.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration is more than ever determined to deliver on its promise to make and maintain Lagos as a safe, livable, innovative and prosperous megacity.
He said: “I am told that this new Equiano cable system, landing today, will deliver twenty times as much network capacity as any of the existing systems serving Nigeria.
“This means much faster internet speed, reduced cost, and greater access for our people. The net effect of this is much-needed jobs and economic growth. The economic impact assessment for the project estimates that Nigeria will enjoy a boost of 1.6 million jobs and 10 billion dollars in additional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the next three years, on account of the new cable system.
“There is much to be excited about, at a time like this in the unfolding history of Lagos State and of Nigeria. We are seeing an unprecedented inflow of investments into every part of Lagos, from local and foreign investors who understand the immense business and commercial potential that the State symbolises.
“We say it often, that wherever Lagos goes, Nigeria and West Africa follow. With this in mind, as the government of Lagos State, we are more than ever determined to deliver on our promise to make and maintain Lagos as a safe, livable, innovative and prosperous megacity.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended Google LLC, the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) and other investors for identifying with his administration’s vision for a truly 21st century Lagos and a megacity all will forever be proud of.
“I congratulate Google LLC for envisioning this huge project, and the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) for helping implement it to the highest levels of excellence. Your partnership is commendable, and should be seen as a model by other players in the ecosystem, a testament to how much can be achieved when synergy is pursued.
“In addition to this cable system, I am told that WIOCC is presently completing, on this same site, a Tier III certified, Open Access Data Centre, which will also host the landing station for the Equiano cable. This data centre will be the most client-centric data centre, and the largest data center campus, in West Africa,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WIOCC, Chris Wood, described the landing of the submarine cables as a major investment for Nigeria’s digital economy and Lagos State in particular.
He said the submarine cables will deliver high-speed internet connectivity at a reduced cost
Wood also appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu for providing an enabling environment for the investment of this nature to birth in Lagos State.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
21 APRIL 2022
WIKE, ISHAKU HARP ON STATE POLICE AS PANACEA TO INSECURITY
Rivers State governor and Peoples Democratic Party presidential aspirant, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says the establishment of State police will be one enduring approach to addressing the festering insecurity in Nigeria.
Governor Wike while wooing delegates of PDP in Taraba State when he met with them in Jalingo on Thursday, dismissed the argument against the need for State police.
“The federal government, you cannot stop this insecurity if you don’t have state police. You must have state police, there is no two ways about it. Having a state police does not mean you will not have a federal police. All over the federal system, even councils have their own police so that you employ people who know the environment.
“You cannot take a stranger to go to Mabila, it will take him years to understand that place. You can’t take a stranger and go to Donga or Chanchangi. So, you need people who knows the environment so they will be able to take care of the place.
“If federal offences are committed, the federal police should handle them. If they are state offences, the state police should handle. So one key thing to stop this insecurity in Nigeria is to have state police.”
The Rivers State governor said those opposing state police often argue that if allowed, State governors will use it against their opponents.
“The question is will the governors be in office permanently? So, that argument is neither here or there. If this party called APC government loves Nigeria and are committed to Nigeria, one project that they would have given to Nigeria is the creation of State police.”
Governor Wike explained that the beauty of establishing State police is to ensure that people who are indigenous to an area are engaged in policing their environment.
Speaking further, governor Wike told the delegates that he was presenting himself to them to be given the presidential ticket to fly the party’s flag in the 2023 election because he is prepared to end the many troubles facing Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria needs a leader who is forthright, can speaks the truth always and competently be the Commander-in-Chief who goes to the field where Nigerians can relate with their daily experiences.
“The one problem that our (PDP) government, (under me if elected) must solve is to bring down the level of insecurity in this country otherwise there is no way the economy can grow.
“When bandits hear my name they will run because I will take the war to them. I will be the Commander- in-Chief in action.
“I’ll be commanding in projects, in security, in agriculture and the economy together with the armed forces. I’ll be commanding every aspects of life that will make Nigerians happy. This is because I have the capacity to solve the problems of Nigeria.”
Governor Wike lamented the incidences of bomb blast in parts of the country and at railway tracks.
He described such incidences including the operations of Boko Haram and bandits that have killed most Nigerians as the legacy of the APC federal government.
Similarly, the Taraba State governor, Darius Ishaku also harped the need for creation of state police.
He lamented the state of insecurity in Nigeria and expressed optimism that if PDP returns to power in 2023, the party will restore the lost glory of the country.
“He (Wike) speaks the truth, he fears nobody, and he is a workaholic. You have seen how he has turned Rivers State to a working site. We welcome him. We know what he has said, if God permits he will do it.
“Nigeria is yearning for leadership. He has said it, hunger doesn’t know east, south or west. Kidnapping doesn’t know south, east or west. Security is security. If there is no security there is no economy. If there is no economy, the country is not existing.”
On his part, former Governor of Gombe State Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, who described Governor Wike as a faithful party man with requisite experience to lead Nigeria.
“He is a true party man. Wike joined the party in 1998 and he is still in the party. He has never left even when the going was tough. When great people ran away, Wike stayed. He did not only stay, because he did not have anywhere to go, he contributed in building the party, in making the party stable and ensuring that the party continue as a growing concern.”
“I have been to Rivers State while I was a governor, and have also been to Rivers State while I left as a governor. This is a man that has performed extremely very well. In education, health, social interaction of people and most importantly in security. In the area of security which is our major problem in Nigeria today, Wike has stabilise the Niger Delta today, particularly his own state of Rivers.
“You can remember how Rivers was eight years ago and you see how Rivers has become one of the most visited states in Nigeria today. Companies are coming back, revenues have double, you know this is important in all the states, when you lost revenue because people are leaving. People have come back, investments have come back, development is in force.”
WIKE VOWS TO END KILLINGS IN PLATEAU, OTHER STATES IF ELECTED PRESIDENT
Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential aspirant and Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has vowed to end the cold-blooded massacre of citizens of Plateau and other States if elected president in 2023.
Governor Wike has also described as regrettable the failure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government to end the incessant wanton destruction of life and property in Plateau State.
The governor stated this on Saturday when he visited Jos, Plateau State capital as part of his ongoing consultation with PDP delegates across the country ahead of the party’s convention slated for 28/ 29 May, 2022.
He observed that the under the watch of the APC led Federal Government banditry and other horrid criminal activities have been thriving in Plateau State, which is regrettably governed by the same party.
“APC is at the Federal Government level. APC is at the Villa. The only Federal Government project in Plateau is banditry. That is the only project that can be given to Plateau people.”
Governor Wike told the delegates that if given the PDP presidential election, he will win the 2023 general election for the party and subsequently end the menace of heart wrenching violence in Plateau and other parts of the country.
“Give me the ticket, I will win the election and this thing will be a thing of the past.”
He explained that he is serious about his bid for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. According to him, if elected, he will replicate his remarkable achievements as governor of Rivers State in other parts of the country.
“What is important for me is that PDP must take over in 2023. What our party requires now is somebody who can win election for PDP . I am not running to answer the name former presidential candidate, no. That is not why I am running. I am running election because I know if you give me the ticket I will win this election for the PDP and for Nigeria.”
The Rivers State governor commended former Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang and Senator Jeremiah Useni for settling their political disagreement in the interest of the party. According to him, the reconciliation of the two leaders made it possible for the party to win a House of Representatives seat in the recent bye-election in the state.
Plateau State PDP chairman, Chris Hassan, who acknowledged the role Governor Wike played to reconcile the leaders of the party in State, assured him that the state support.
“You came, you saw us in problem, you helped us in settling the issue in Plateau. And along you brought us one of the most coveted seat that has eluded us for 19 years, that house of representatives we are looking for 19 years. Your Excellency, it will interest you that the member representing the House of Representatives is from my own constituency, so you brought us good tidings.”