STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
President Bola Tinubu sympathizes with the Ogunsulire family over the passing of Ambassador Omotayo Ogunsulire.
Ambassador Ogunsulire, who passed away at the age of 93, was one of the first 12 young men recruited into the Ministry of External Affairs in 1957. He was a diplomat with specialization on Francophone affairs. Ambassador Ogunsulire served in Paris and several Francophone African countries.
The late ambassador also served several Nigerian heads of state, from Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Generals Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Mohammed to Olusegun Obasanjo before retiring in 1976 to join the United Bank for Africa.
The President mourns this illustrious son of Nigeria and founding member of the nation’s diplomatic establishment.
President Tinubu extols the professionalism and dedication to service of the late diplomat, describing him as one of the finest envoys of Nigeria.
While condoling with the family of the late ambassador, the President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 11, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU RECEIVES BRIEF ON $10 BILLION INVESTMENT PROSPECTS IN NIGERIA’S STEEL SECTOR
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, at the State House in Abuja, held a meeting with the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, during which he received briefing on investment prospects in the steel sector.
The President emphasized that a revitalized steel development industry is both a catalyst for robust economic growth and a doorway to immense opportunities for Nigeria’s massive pool of talented entrepreneurs.
“We will remain unyielding in our determination to build a Nigeria where every citizen has an equal opportunity to prosper and achieve their dreams. New investments in steel production will spur the growth of so many sectors. Industrialization will be a reality in our country with sufficient energy and steel. Nigerian steel will undergird our economy and other economies in our region in future years. I am glad that members of my cabinet have adopted my approach to attracting new investments and job opportunities for our people. Hard work is the only true pathway. We will not relent,” the President stated.
The Ministers informed the President of their discussions with a Chinese company, Luan Steel Holding Group, to build a new steel plant in Nigeria, as well as to commence the production of military hardware in Ajaokuta Steel Plant.
A delegation led by the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Steel Development had visited Hefei and Guangzhou regions of China to hold business talks with the Chairman of Luan Steel Holding Group, Mr Wang Jianbing; the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr Xiao Weizhan, and other senior executives of the Luan Steel Holding Group.
The Chinese company is expected to invest billions of dollars in Nigeria to build the new steel plant.
The Minister of Steel Development briefed the President, following his approval to restart the Light Steel Mill (LSM) section of Ajaokuta Steel Complex for the production of iron rods, on the progress made on restarting the section, which will cost N35 billion at the first stage.
The Minister said several financial institutions had already provided offer letters for this transaction and that the project is expected to create up to 5,000 direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians.
The Minister of Steel Development also informed the President of discussions with the representatives of Jindal Steel Group of India.
Jindal Steel Group had indicated interest in investing up to $5 billion in a new steel plant in Nigeria on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in New Delhi, India, in September, 2023, and is now considering to either acquire existing plants or set up greenfield plants.
According to the Minister, upon the completion of these deals, about $10 billion worth of new investments in both new and existing steel plants in Nigeria will be established, which will create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs in the steel industry in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for massive job creation through industrialization.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 11, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH DR. GOODLUCK JONATHAN OVER SISTER’S PASSING
President Bola Tinubu sympathizes with former President Goodluck Jonathan over the passing of his elder sister, Madam Obebhatein Jonathan.
Madam Obebhatein, fondly called Amissi, was a teacher, businesswoman, mother, and grandmother.
President Tinubu urges Dr. Jonathan to take solace in the legacy of Amissi, who dedicated her life to the service of God and humanity.
The President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for all those who mourn this painful loss.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 12, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU TO APC GOVERNORS: LET US WORK FOR THE GOOD OF ALL NIGERIANS
President Bola Tinubu has implored governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to design and implement policies that prioritize all Nigerians and to always consider the national interest above political affiliations.
The President, who received members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) at the State House in Abuja, on Friday, said development policies would only find full relevance in people’s lives when there is inclusivity, ownership, and sustainability.
President Tinubu told the governors that one of the biggest challenges the nation faces was divisiveness, but that the governing party must work towards healing and unifying the country by ensuring a collective national vision, and channelling energy and resources into nation-building.
“You can convert people. You can appeal to people to come to your side,’’ he stated.
The President said Nigeria is too blessed with human, natural, and material resources to be struggling with a dearth of quality infrastructure, quality education, and world-class health facilities.
He said the entire financial system of the country would be re-engineered for inclusivity, effectiveness, and efficiency.
“We have no reason to be poor. Looking back on where we are coming from, where we have been, why we are facing infrastructural decay, a lack of quality and comprehensive education, as well as a lack of health facilities. We are not a cursed country, but blessed,’’ the President said.
President Tinubu asked the governors to come up with a framework that will make the implementation of the school-feeding programme more comprehensive and successful across all states of the federation, taking into consideration the peculiarities of each locality, but working towards having all children in school.
“We have children of school age who are out of school. The way to promote education is to get all governors, including the opposition governors, involved in the school-feeding programme. Please, take it seriously.
“We should not measure the children as statistics. We should measure their return to classrooms as our achievement. We should see economic growth in terms of value and empowerment. We should set up a committee to look into the methods. I am ready to invest in school feeding,” the President said.
The President said the school-feeding programme would encourage more investments in agriculture, particularly in livestock farming and dairy, adding that the former Kano State Governor and APC Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, had already worked on a proposal that would be shared for input and implementation. President Tinubu equally congratulated the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for restoring irrigation systems that provide water for year-long cultivation of crops.
On security, the President said the deployment of forest guards was being considered, with better training, modern technological gadgets and weapons to strengthen security, and that the solid mineral and marine economic sectors will also be secured by special police.
“We have a big marine economy, and I do not see why we should not have the marine police. We will have the same in solid minerals to keep the scavengers away. I am ready to invest in security. We will buy our own minerals and keep them in reserves, especially gold, which will be effective in our foreign exchange reserve,’’ the President told the governors.
The Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodinma, thanked the President for involving governors in the design and implementation of polices, as well as for intervening with financial support in the states.
“We will continue to support you as your able ambassadors, willing ambassadors, and capable ambassadors,’’ Governor Uzodinma said.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 12, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND GOVERNING COUNCIL OF MIDSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM GAS INFRASTRUCTURE FUND
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a Governing Council of the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) to be domiciled in the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA):
(1) MDGIF Governing Council Chairman — Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas)
(2) MDGIF Executive Director — Mr. Oluwole Adama
(3) MDGIF Governing Council Secretary — Mr. Joseph Tolorunshe
(4) NMDPRA Chief Executive — Engr. Farouk Ahmed
(5) Representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
(6) Representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance
(7) MDGIF Independent Member — Ms. Amina Maina (North-East)
(😎 MDGIF Independent Member — Mr. Edet David Ubong (South-South)
(9) MDGIF Independent Member — Mr. Tajudeen Bolaji Musa (South-West)
The President mandates the appointees to discharge their duties by upholding the highest standards of transparency, discipline, and patriotism in line with his administration’s drive to enhance the role of the gas sector in achieving robust and inclusive economic growth for Nigeria.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 12, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW LEADERSHIP IN ARTS, CULTURE, AND CREATIVE ECONOMY SECTOR
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of eleven (11) new Chief Executive Officers for agencies under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy:
(1) Tola Akerele — Director-General, National Theatre
(2) Dr. Shaibu Husseini — Director-General, National Films and Censors Board
(3) Mr. Obi Asika — Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture
(4) Aisha Adamu Augie — Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Culture
(5) Ekpolador-Ebi Koinyan — Chief Conservator, National War Museum
(6) Ahmed Sodangi — Director-General, National Gallery of Art
(7) Chaliya Shagaya — Director-General, National Institute of Archeology and Museums Studies
(😎 Hajiya Khaltume Bulama Gana — Artistic Director, National Troupe of Nigeria
(9) Otunba Biodun Ajiboye — Director-General, National Institute for Cultural Orientation
(10) Ali Nuhu — Managing-Director, Nigerian Film Corporation
(11) Ramatu Abonbo Mohammed — Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments
The President mandates the appointees to discharge their duties in accordance with the highest standards of professionalism, diligence, and patriotism with a view to making the creative sector more vibrant and robust.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 12, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH GOVERNOR BABAGANA ZULUM OVER PASSING OF MEDIA AIDE, ISA GUSAU
It is with deep grief that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Isa Gusau, Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy to Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State.
President Tinubu condoles with the Gusau family, the professional colleagues of the late Gusau, and the government and people of Borno State over this agonizing loss.
The late Gusau was a diligent professional who was uncompromising on his virtuous principles.
He was a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, UK; the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations; the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) UK; the International Public Relations Association, UK, and the African Public Relations Association.
The late Gusau was also an exceptional gentleman, patriotic, and dedicated to the service of the people.
The President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for all those who mourn this painful loss.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 12, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CALLS FOR STRENGTHENED COOPERATION WITH FRANCE TO COMBAT TERRORISM
President Bola Tinubu, on Friday in Abuja, called for strengthened cooperation to address the prevailing threat of terrorism, while commending the outgoing French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann, for her dedication to enhancing relations between France and Nigeria.
In a farewell meeting with the French Ambassador, President Tinubu urged Ambassador Blatmann to leverage her new role as Director for Africa in the French Foreign Ministry to advocate the urgent need to ”upgrade technical cooperation” between Nigeria and France to defeat terrorism and violent extremism.
”You have been excellent in promoting bilateral relations between both countries in the areas of economy, trade, education, arts, and culture. Thank you for the hard work you have done in Nigeria and for President Macron to appoint you to a new position as Africa Director, it is a testament that you excelled in your assignment in our country.
”You will always be welcomed in Nigeria. On regional security, we want you to remind Paris at every opportunity that it is necessary to upgrade our technical cooperation in our joint efforts to defeat terrorism and counter violent extremism in the region,” he said.
Reflecting on her tour of duty in Nigeria, Ambassador Blatmann shared notable achievements, highlighting France’s significant investments and remarkable increase in bilateral trade.
According to her, France is among the top foreign investors in Nigeria, with over $10 billion in investment stock, and with bilateral trade increasing by 51 percent in 2021 and 2022.
”We are also one of the biggest development partners with over 3 billion Euros invested over the last decade by AFD and PROPARCO. AFD now operates in 26 of Nigeria’s 36 states.
”Ever since I arrived here in October 2021, it has been a series of wonderful discoveries and amazing encounters. I will definitely take away with me the energy and creativity of this country that will forever guide me and fuel my afro-optimism,” she said.
Recognizing Nigeria’s pivotal role in regional security and stability, the outgoing ambassador emphasized the close collaboration between France, Nigeria, and other key partners in fostering sustainable international peace, security, and development.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 12, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU ESTABLISHES SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL PANEL ON SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES
Sequel to President Bola Tinubu’s six-week suspension of the four (4) programmes under the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA), President Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Special Presidential Panel, which will be led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun.
This Special Presidential Panel is tasked with immediately undertaking a comprehensive review and audit of existing financial frameworks and policy guidelines of the social investment programmes with a view to implementing a total re-engineering of the financial architecture of the programmes with detailed modification to procedures guiding the programmes’ implementation moving forward.
The Special Presidential Panel, which is comprised of ministers representing strategic sectors and will ensure a multi-disciplinary approach to the reform effort, is made up of the following members:
(1) Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance – Chairman
(2) Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare – Member
(3) Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning – Member
(4) Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation – Member
(5) Honourable Minister of Communicatons, Innovation and Digital Economy – Member
(6) Honourable Minister of State for Youth – Member
President Tinubu anticipates that this Special Presidential Panel will validate the confidence reposed in it by winning back all lost public confidence in these vital programmes over the years by ushering in a new era of operation based on open and accountable governance frameworks that will prove impervious to abuse and incompetence for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households across our nation.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 13, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES HIS LONGSTANDING ALLY, CHIEF BISI AKANDE, AT 85
With a heart full of joy and gratitude to God, President Bola Tinubu celebrates his long-time confidant, Chief Bisi Akande, as he marks his 85th birthday on January 16, 2024.
Chief Akande, CFR, was the governor of Osun State from 1999 to 2003 and the first interim National Chairman of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC).
President Tinubu extols Baba’s defining principles of integrity, loyalty, truth, and justice, recalling his exemplary leadership odyssey and selfless service to Nigeria.
“Baba was a principal actor in the founding of our great party, the All Progressives’ Congress. He has always been a progressive; always noble and disciplined in thoughts and actions, as well as given to rational and enlightened ideals. He is a cherished friend and confidant, ever so generous with his wise counsel. I celebrate him,” the President says.
President Tinubu wishes Baba many more years in good health and strength and thanks him for his unfailing support and sacrifice over the years and now.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 15, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU SEEKS CONTINUOUS PRAYER, SUPPORT FOR ARMED FORCES, FALLEN HEROES
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appealed to Lagos residents to continuously pray, support and remember families of the Armed Forces as well as fallen heroes who paid the supreme prize for the peace and security of the country.
The Governor made the appeal at the Year 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Interdenominational Divine Service, themed: “Honouring Sacrifice (John 15:14)” held at the Chapel of Christ The Light, The Secretariat, Alausa on Sunday.
The service was attended by members of the State Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains, Commanding Officers in Lagos State, members of the Armed Forces, members of the Nigerian Legion, religious leaders, families of the fallen heroes and Christian faithful, among others.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by its Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Gboyega Soyannwo at the event organised by the Lagos State Government, said the occasion presented the opportunity to remember the fallen heroes as they paid the supreme prize by sacrificing their lives for the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
He said: “We are gathered here in the presence of God and in thanksgiving to Him as we remember our fallen heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice while preserving the unity and territorial integrity of our nation.
“Today, the government and the good people of Lagos State are united to appreciate the sacrifice of the departed; to pray for the continued repose of their souls; to remember their families left behind as well as those who have become incapacitated (one way or the other) as a result of injuries sustained in the war front.
“This occasion also presents the opportunity for us to remember in our prayers members of our Armed Forces who are sacrificing so much to keep the country safe against evil forces across the country.
“I wish to call on all the good people of Lagos State to continue to support members of our Armed Forces and their families. Let us always remember them in our prayers so that God Almighty will continue to grant them victory in Jesus mighty name. Amen.”
In his sermon, the Guest Preacher, Pastor Daniel Olukoya, the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), urged Nigerians to embrace sacrifice to enjoy a nation that they would be proud of.
Pastor Olukoya, who was represented by an Assistant General Overseer of MFM, Pastor Ladedoja Abiodun, said the event was to celebrate and honour fallen heroes who saved the country from external as well as internal aggressions and paid the prize for a better future.
He urged Nigerians to continuously pray for those who died in the course of servicing Nigeria and those who are still in active service.
The Commander 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Adegoke Adetuyi, read the Bible Reading at the event which featured prayers, praises and thanksgiving.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
14 JANUARY 2024