AFRICA NEEDS STRONGER, BETTER LEADERSHIP TO GROW, PRESIDENT BUHARI, PRIME MINISTER ABIY AHMED AGREE AT AU MEETING
African growth and development will require strong, visionary leadership that caters for the needs of the people, and effectively strengthens institutions that encourage peaceful co-existence, while providing disincentives to conflicts and coups, President Muhammadu Buhari and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
At a meeting between both leaders at the Headquarters of the African Union, President Buhari commended the efforts of the Prime Minister in maintaining peace and unity in the country, and dedication to ensuring fairness and justice in development.
āYou are leading a country that is large and diversified, just like Nigeria, and I know the sacrifices required to make desired impact, especially in maintaining peace,ā the President said.
President Buhari urged the Ethiopian leader to stay focused on keeping the country together, in spite of the difficulties, assuring that Nigeria will continue to support efforts in peaceful co-existence and unity.
The President said Ahmed had provided strong leadership for the country, encouraging him to sustain the good work in ensuring even development.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister thanked the President for support to the country over the years, on national and personal endeavours, particularly in encouraging unity and stability.
Ahmed noted that the African continent had been slow in growth due to conflicts, adding that the larger economies, like Nigeria and Ethiopia, should provide the leadership that will deepen progress and prosperity on the continent.
The Prime Minister said the resurgence of coups on the continent could further weaken institutions and reverse the gains of democracy, appreciating President Buhari for his position on zero tolerance for military interference in governance.
Ahmed said collective and visionary leadership will move Africa forward.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 6, 2022
February 5, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Cautions Matawalle Over Impeachment Misadventure
ā¦Says Move Against Deputy Governor A Recipe for Crisis
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the strongest terms cautions the Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle for stoking and inducing violence in the State by orchestrating and manipulating the State House of Assembly to commence an illegal and undemocratic process of impeachment against the democratically elected Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Mahdi Aliyu Mohammed Gusau.
This illegal process of impeachment despite a subsisting order of the Federal High Court, Abuja in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/ 650/2021 portends grave implication for peace and security not only in Zamfara State but the entire North West region as well as the continued sustenance of democracy in our country.
It is clear that this panic move by Governor Matawalle is induced by his realization that the mandate of the PDP which he stole away into the APC is at the verge of being recovered through the legal processes of the court and restored to the Deputy Governor; he (Matawalle), having violated the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) in recklessly moving to the APC when there is no division in the PDP.
Governor Matawalle should note that the people of Zamfara State are solidly with the Deputy Governor, who enjoys large political following in the State as the custodian of the PDP mandate after Matawalleās infamous defection to the APC. As such, any action against the Deputy Governor amounts to a direct assault on the Will of the people which they will firmly resist.
Any attempt therefore to strip the Deputy Governor of the mandate of the people on the grounds of baseless and unfounded allegations is a recipe for serious crisis that can result in the complete breakdown of law and order in the State.
The State House of Assembly is therefore cautioned not to allow itself to be pitched against the people and destroy the State because of the bloated ego of Governor Matawalle whose political career is at its twilight.
Governor Matawalle must know that the people of Zamfara State cannot allow his personal frustration and ego to be exchanged for their mandate which is now embodied in the Deputy Governor.
The PDP calls on the Inspector General of Police to note how Governor Matawalle, out of frustration has constituted himself into a security threat in Zamfara State and the entire North West region, where he is now threatening the lives of members of the PDP and other well-meaning citizens of Zamfara State.
Our Party alerts Nigerians of how Governor Matawalle has been hounding members of the Zamfara State Working Committee of the PDP particularly, our State Deputy Chairman, Prof. Kabiru Jabaka, who has been forced to relocate out of the State over threats to his life.
Moreover, the PDP notes with consternation, Governor Matawalleās well-known connections and negotiations with bandits and terrorists and calls on Nigerians to hold him responsible should any harm befall our party members in the State.
The PDP calls on President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC to immediately call Governor Matawalle to order and ensure that this action which is a great assault on democracy especially the principle of Separation of Powers and peaceful co-existence in Zamfara State is halted forthwith.
In any case, Governor Matawalle must be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order which can result to bloodshed in Zamfara State for which he can also be personally held liable even beyond the shores of Nigeria as the world is watching.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI RECEIVES BRIEFING ON SITUATION IN GUINEA-BISSAU, AFTER COUP ATTEMPT
President Muhammadu Buhari Sunday morning got a comprehensive briefing on the coup attempt to oust President Umaru Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, but which was aborted by loyalist forces.
On the sidelines of the African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government holding in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Nigerian President met with Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea-Bissau, Suzi Barbosa, who gave graphic presentation of the attempt to overthrow the constitutional order in her country.
āThey attempted to kill President Embalo. They destroyed the presidential palace with bazookas, killed 11 young people. It took about five hours to restore order. It was a nightmare ,ā she said.
President Buhari pledged to consult with other ECOWAS leaders on how full normalcy could be restored to the embattled country at the shortest possible time.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
February 6, 2022
February 3, 2022
Press Statement
Scorecard: APC Administration, A Government of Lying, by Liars and for Liars
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) describes the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration as a government of shameless liars and barefaced thieves, who have pawned their souls to the devil.
The PDPās position is predicated on the desperate attempt by the Buhari administration to whitewash itself by sending the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, whose stock-in-trade is well known to again assault the sensibilities of Nigerians with litany of fake claims on anti-corruption and anti-terrorism fight when in reality the Buhari administration is sinking deeper into the abyss of failure on these planks.
The APC administration is unsettled by the Transparency International (TI) Report which ranks Nigeria under President Buhari as the second most corrupt country in West Africa and 154 out of 180 in Global Corruption Index, given APCās humongous corruption including the exposed looting of over N16 trillion public funds by APC leaders and their cronies in government.
In its ludicrous anti-corruption scorecard, the APC government has no response to the reported looting of $25 billion under its watch as detailed in the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) leaked memo under its watch.
The APC government should give answers to the reported stealing of N165 billion in the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), the N1.5 trillion and $9.5 million reportedly stolen from Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the $65 million frittered from the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) as well as the N90 billion reportedly looted from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
This is in addition to the reported looting of N33 billion from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the reported stealing of over N18 billion from the rehabilitation of IDPs in the North East, the over N25 billion from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as well as the looting of N500 billon Social Investment Programme Fund as revealed by the First Lady, Aisha Buhari among others.
Furthermore, in the very pathetic attempt to conceal the apparent complicity of the APC in the advent and continuing insecurity in the country, the Minister of Information and Culture laboured strenuously and claimed that the APC government has uncovered 96 sponsors of terrorism and arrested 45 persons confirmed to be terrorists.
This is laughable because Nigerians know that the APC administration habours within its rank a self-confessed terrorism apologist, Dr. Isa Pantami, who superintend over the very critical Ministry of Communication and its agencies which are very vital in any meaningful fight against terrorism
Nigerians ask, if the APC cannot purge itself of a self-confessed terrorism apologist, how can it claim to have effectively confronted terrorism in the country? The PDP restates its demand to the APC to publish the names and details of those it claims to be sponsors of terrorism and those it claims to have been arrested.
Nigerians have decoded the lying propensity of the APC and can no longer be hoodwinked. Like everything in life, the lies and propaganda of the APC at every election cycle has expiry date and as such the APC should expect the inevitable crushing verdict of the people in the 2023 elections.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
NIGERIA RE-ELECTED INTO THE AFRICAN UNION PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL (AU-PSC): ADDIS ABABA
The Federal Republic of Nigeria has been re-elected into the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) for another three (3) year mandate (2022-2025), to represent the West African region. Nigeria pulled 44 votes in the first round to secure the statutory 2/3 votes required to win the election.
His Excellency, Victor A. Adeleke is the Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union and represents Nigeria in this important Council at the Permanent Representatives level.
The election of the 15-member Council held on 3rd February, 2022 during the 40th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (Ministers of Foreign Affairs) in Addis Ababa. Also elected for a 3-year mandate alongside Nigeria, were Cameroon, Djibouti, Morocco, and Namibia. Elected for a two (2) year mandate were Burundi, Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ghana, Senegal, and Gambia.
Nigeria is the only country that has sustained the membership of the PSC since the inception of the Organ in 2004, following the Decision of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government dedicating a Seat of 3-year term to Nigeria at every PSC election. This is in recognition of Nigeriaās sterling contributions to the maintenance of peace and security in Africa and beyond. It is in consonance with the AUPSC Protocol and without prejudice to the 2/3 votes standard requirement.
The PSC is a standing decision-making organ of the African Union charged with responsibilities of: conducting early warning and preventive diplomacy; facilitating peace-making; establish peace-support operations; and, in certain circumstances recommend intervention in Member States to promote peace, security and stability. The PSC works in support of peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction as well as humanitarian action and disaster management. It is mandated to institute sanctions; and implement the AUās common defense policy. The PSC also ensures the implementation of key conventions and instruments to combat international terrorism; promote coordination between regional mechanisms and the AU with respect to peace, security and stability in Africa.
Going forward, Nigeriaās objectives in the AU-PSC will remain guided by the renewed commitment of the Administration of H.E. President Muhammed Buhari, towards accelerating the ongoing implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Governance Architecture (AGA) in-line with the core objectives of the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Agenda. As Africa continues to respond to old and emerging conflicts on the continent, particularly that of unconstitutional change of government, Nigeria targets collaborative efforts towards improving on gains made in proffering African Solutions to African problems premised on the overall objective of African ownership and leadership to durable peace in the continent.
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Permanent Mission to the African Union & UNECA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
February 2, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Condemns APCās Assault on Its Office in Gombe State
ā¦Says No Amount of Attacks will Stop Its Electoral Victory in 2023
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemns in strong terms the attack and arson on its office and the property of a prominent PDP member located in Gombe, Gombe State capital by hoodlums working for the fizzling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP describes the attack on its office and the property of PDPās Presidential Candidate in the 2019 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, as cowardly, criminal as well as a great threat to democracy, national security and peaceful co-existence in our country.
The mission of the APC is to terrorize the people with the intent to preventing them from participating in the electoral process ahead of the 2023 general elections, having realized that there is no way the APC can retain power in Gombe State and other parts of the country under a free, fair and credible process.
The APC in Gombe State is in disarray and panicky because it is rapidly falling apart in the face of mass desertion of its prominent members arising from the soaring popularity of the PDP so much so that it believes that the only way it can cling to power is through violence.
Our Party draws the attention of Nigerians to how the APC has become a threat to national security by resorting to unleashing violence on Nigerians in various parts of the country as being witnessed in Gombe State.
The PDP cautions that if the attacks by the APC in Gombe State and other parts of the country continue, the people may be compelled to resort to self-help which can escalate the violence with consequential ripple effect across our nation.
The North East has witnessed a lot of violence, terrorism and acts of banditry which have crippled the economic and social lives of Nigerians in that region. The APC should not worsen the situation with its desperation for power against the wish of the people.
In any case, the APC is fighting a lost battle in Gombe State as no amount of attacks, threats, intimidations or shenanigans will prevent the people from their manifest determination to rally on the platform of the PDP to liberate themselves from the shackles of the APC government that has discounted their lives in the past seven years.
Our Party therefore calls on President Muhammadu Buhari who, as the Commander-in-Chief, is vested with the duty to protect the lives and property of Nigerians to immediately rein in his party and ensure that APCās proclivity for violence in our nation is checked.
The PDP also charges the Inspector General of Police to immediately track down the culprits and their sponsors and make them face the full wrath of the law as deterrent to others.
The PDP however calls for calm and urges the people of Gombe State to remain united and resolute in their determination to kick the APC out of government, come 2023.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
WE WILL CONTNUE TO STAND, FIGHT FOR JUSTICE AS A COUNTRY, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI AT AU
President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, said Nigeria will continue to pursue peace and progress in Africa, and other parts of the world, by consistently pushing for justice, fairness and inclusiveness in global affairs.
In a sideline meeting with the Prime Minister of Palestine, Mohammad Shtayyeh, at the ongoing African Union meetings, President Buhari said the country remains unwavering in supporting democracy, development and good governance, particularly in ensuring the rights of individuals and institutions.
āAs a country we are doing our best, and we will continue doing our best to ensure justice and fairness,ā he said.
The President assured the Palestinian leader that Nigeria will be āconsistentā in pushing for peace and progress, while upholding the tenets of justice.
In his remarks, the Palestinian leader noted that the situation in the Middle East, particularly relations with Israel, had deteriorated over the years, adding that the world needs to know the facts.
Shtayyeh thanked President Buhari for his leadership role in the continent.
āYour Excellency, we thank you for your wisdom. We need it more now.
āPlease continue to stay well and healthy, because we need your wisdom,ā he said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 5, 2022
WIKE CAUTIONS TRADITIONAL RULERS NOT TO ALLOW ILLEGAL OIL BUNKERING IN THEIR DOMAIN.
*Gives certificates of recognition, staff of office to HRM Awuse, HRM Oriebe
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has cautioned traditional rulers in the State not to allow illegal oil bunkering and artisanal refinery activities in their domain.
The governor, who reiterated his resolve to sustain the war against illegal oil bunkering and artisanal refining activities has specifically warned the King of Akpor in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and the King of Omerelu in Ikwerre council not to allow such activities to thrive anymore in their respective domain.
Governor Wike gave the charge when he presented Staff of office and certificate of recognition to His Royal Majesty, Nne-Nwe-Eli Emohua XIII (OLO IV), Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse and His Royal Majesty, Nye Nwe Ali Akpor, Eze Ozuowuowu Levi Amos Orlu Oriebe at Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday.
Both Nne-Nwe-eli Emohua XIII (OLO IV) and Nye Nwe Ali Akpor are First Class stools in Emohua and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas respectively.
The governor said the State government will not hesitate to depose the King of Akpor kingdom if illegal oil bunkering continues in Rumuokparali and Ogbogoro communities.
He also frown at the king of Omerelu community in Ikwerre Local Government Area where illegal oil bunkering activities is thriving.
According to the Governor Wike, aside the soot problem and economic sabotage associated with the criminal activities, the internal roads being reconstructed by his administration in Omerelu are damaged.
“We are doing internal roads in Omerelu. This is a community that has been crying for roads and we have given them not less than 11/12 kilometers of internal roads, and now they’re spoiling it because of the conveying of the products. We can’t continue to accept that. I can’t understand why you just want to collect the chieftaincy title and do nothing.”
Governor Wike told the two kings presented with their staff of office to come to terms with the responsibilities associated with their new status and discharge them effectively.
He said they are to ensure peace prevailed in their domain by attending to all shades of conflict so that they do not snowball into crisis.
He also charged them to stop partisan politics but be willing always to work in synergy with the government in order to promote governance at the grassroots.
“This your certificate of recognition comes with a lot of responsibilities. Do what you’re expected. Relate with government to know what is going on.
“When once you alert government, you’ve done your own work. But if you don’t alert government, it’ll be considered that you’re part of it.”
Speaking further, Governor Wike said the demolition of shanties will continue because hoodlums use such places as hideouts to perpetrate their criminal activities including those found in the Government Residential Areas in Port Harcourt.
He said the State has also recovered government properties fraudulently acquired by retired civil servants.
āCivil servants will retire and change documents and forge it that they had allocation twenty years ago, for State government property. I am taking them back, all.ā
Kelvin Ebiri
Special Assistant Media to the Rivers State Governor
February 4, 2022.
POOR AND VULNERABLE IN NIGERIA WILL CONTNUE TO ENJOY SOCIAL SAFETY NETS, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, said the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria remain top priority for protection and lifting from the poverty cycle, assuring that social safety nets will be further sustained, while access to education and opportunities will be expanded.
Speaking at the virtual official presentation of the Country Review Report of Nigeria to the 31st Africa Peer Review Forum of the African Union, President Buhari said the government will also take advantage of Information, Communication and Technology to ensure inclusiveness, access and create more opportunities.
āYour Excellencies, Nigeriaās strategic focus, as we set out to achieve the objectives of the African Union Agenda 2063, has been around the following: Building a thriving and sustainable economy; Enhancing social inclusion and alleviating poverty; Enlarging agricultural output for food security and sufficiency; Attaining energy sufficiency in power and petroleum products.
āExpanding transport and other infrastructural development, business growth, entrepreneurship and industrialization; Access to quality education, affordable healthcare and productivity, social cohesion and security; and, building a system that fights corruption and improve governance.
āNigeria remains resolutely committed to achieving these set goals despite the challenges that the report highlighted, including the COVID 19 pandemic. The government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria remains committed to providing social safety nets for the poor and most vulnerable in our society, while also taking advantage of the huge opportunities offered by the information and technology sector,āā he said.
The President reiterated that Nigeria had remained a committed and dedicated member of the African Peer Review family, after acceding to the Mechanism in 2003.
āToday, the forum has presented its second peer review report on Nigeria.
āThis Second Peer Review of Nigeria came at a critical time in the history of the country. From the report just presented, there is no doubt that the exercise was far reaching, as it touched the various segments of Nigeriaās political-economy and highlighted the progress recorded since the first peer review.
āThe report also highlighted some challenges and as a country, we are prepared to review those challenges in the context of our internal dynamics in Nigeria, ultimately with the determination of achieving Agenda 2063 goals of the African Union,āā he added.
President Buhari said Nigeria remains grateful to be at the esteemed Forum of the Heads of State and Government, which provides a unique opportunity to present the Country Review Reports of some countries, including the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
āLet me use this opportunity to commend the President of South Africa for his dedication to the Forum since his election as the Chairperson of the African Peer Review Forum.
āI also recognize the distinguished Panel of Eminent Persons for their continued good work in steering the African Peer Review Mechanism process in all member countries. I recognize specifically, Dr. Abdoulie Janneh who led the Review Mission to Nigeria,ā the President said.
President Buhari congratulated the other three countries (Namibia, Niger and South Africa) that had been reviewed alongside Nigeria, commending the boldness and courage to present their countries for the comprehensive exercise.
āI call on other member states to join us and present themselves for review as well. There are so many lessons that we can all learn together. It is from learning these lessons and recommitting ourselves as a continent that we all can contribute to our collective efforts to achieve the objectives of the āAfrica We Wantā.ā
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 4,2022
PMB AND THE NDDC
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is an interventionist agency created for the development of the oil producing region of the country.
Well, it is meant to be an interventionist agency, but one thing is crystal clear. Despite hundreds of billions of naira invested over 20 years, the true intervention has been in the pockets of some select people, rather than on the region, and the lives of the people in general.
Thereās one thing President Muhammadu Buhari hates with a passion. Grand larceny. Expropriation and purloining. Once itās confirmed that you are filching from the public purse, you can never be his friend, no matter who you are. So he had to bring to a halt the gravy train that the NDDC had become over the years. And no stampede, no rout or panic. The house cleaning must be done, and done well. Thorough.
In the Niger Delta, you see plenty signboards, but little or no projects. In other words, people collect contracts, erect signboards announcing the project, but the job never gets done. And the contractors get paid.
What to do? A forensic audit was necessary. Some powerful forces mounted robust resistance, but they didnāt reckon with the iron will of the President. The audit was done, and report submitted.
On December 30, 2021, while commissioning prototype hostels built by the NDDC at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, President Buhari gave inkling into shape of things that were to come.
āThe ultramodern hostel complex, built and donated to the University of Uyo by NDDC, renews our confidence that the forensic audit, which has been completed and currently being reviewed for necessary action, has achieved one of its core objectives. That objective is to rebuild the NDDC into an agency that is equipped and better placed to facilitate sustainable regional development in a transparent and impactful way, ā the President said.
He added that if the resources pumped in over the years had been justified with verifiable projects, it would have impacted on the region, and on the lives of the people.
The President said the audit was done because of āserial abuse, lack of delivery, entrenched institutional decay,ā and that every recoverable kobo would be retrieved, used in service of the people, and the malefactors would be prosecuted.
The case of the NDDC is symptomatic of the lot of our country. An interventionist agency is established to serve the people, and it turns to a private cash cow for a few people. Who has cursed and bewitched our country, that there are few men (and women) of probity and accountability in public life? No wonder after Buhari served us for 20 months between January 1984 and August 1985, and he was toppled, we brought him back to power 30 years later. Do they make them like this anymore? Doubtful.
See what has been happening at the same NDDC, where all you saw were just signboards, and no project. About September last year, a Special Protection Unit Base 6 Barracks, built by the agency, was commissioned by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, at Omaha, in Rivers State. Money well spent, simply because there is honest leadership in the country.
The hostels commissioned by the President in December last year had started in 2004. Hundreds of millions of naira had been paid, and the project was abandoned. But simply because President Buhari had directed the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to finish all abandoned projects, a 1,050 hostel with 525 bed spaces for males, and the same number for females, came out. Fully furnished, and guaranteed to engender a positive academic environment. That is what we get when we have a honest leadership in the country.
As 2023 approaches, I pray that Nigerians would consolidate on honest leadership by electing somebody who can move us forward in probity and accountability. Buhari has shown us the way, may we never veer off the path again. Amen.
There has been strident clamor for a composition of the Board of the NDDC. It is inexorable that it would come, but it should never be the business as usual we experienced in the past. Honest service to the people must be the watchword. That is what President Buhari has in mind, and that is what we should get. Order is better than speed, and we will get there.
In the past couple of years, NDDC has recorded more positive strides than it did in about 15 years. It even has a befitting head office, something deemed impossible before now. That is what is possible with honest leadership in a country. Will we ever return to Egypt because of the free onions, garlics and leeks, but which eventually lead to servitude? Never! Forward ever, backward never. Nigeria should have learnt its lesson by now.
*Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity
NIGERIA SEEKS URGENT MEASURES TO ADDRESS HIGH FERTILITY RATE AS PRESIDENT BUHARI LAUNCHES REVISED POPULATION POLICY
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja launched the Revised National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development, stressing the need for urgent measures to address Nigeriaās high fertility rate, through expanding access to modern contraceptive methods across the country.
The President also inaugurated the National Council on Population Management (NCPM), chaired by him, and the Vice President as the deputy chairman with Heads of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as members.
Speaking on the countryās revised population policy, the President said its overall goal is to improve the quality of life and standards of living of all Nigerians, which is one of the major aspirations of this Government
”The policy emphasizes the urgency to address Nigeriaās sustained high fertility rate, through expanding access to modern family planning, counselling and commodities as well as promote births spacing.
”This will enable Nigeria to achieve rapid fertility control, improve the health of women, adolescents, new born and children, and other population groups,āā he said.
President Buhari noted that Nigeriaās population, which is the largest in Africa, seventh globally and among the few whose fertility is still growing, is hinged on a youthful population, with more than 72 percent of them being below 30 years while half of the female population are in their reproductive years (15-49 years).
”These levels have implications for sustained population growth and narrowed prospects to achieving population management, facilitating sufficient demographic transition, harnessing our demographic endowment and eventually realizing sustainable development,āā he said.
On other highlights of the revised population policy, the President explained that it underscores the importance of investing in quality education of young people (particularly girls), human capital development, advancing holistic effort to achieve significant demographic transition.
”The Revised Population Policy is rich with all necessary information that will guide the implementation of Nigeriaās Mid-term and Perspective Development Plan.
”It will further address concerns of the large population of young people who are our pride, our future and assets to drive our development efforts. ”
Noting that the implementation of the policy would require credible, reliable, timely, robust, geo-referenced and well disaggregated data, President Buhari expressed confidence that the data generated from the forthcoming census, will provide all the information needed for the successful implementation of the new policy.
Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra urged Nigerians to embrace the noble ideals of Planned Parenthood and healthy reproductive behaviours enunciated in the policy.
Enumerating some salient issues in relation to the population policy, Kwarra noted that the review policy is the product of extensive consultations and nationwide engagements with key stakeholders and interest groups.
He said the groups cut across government sectoral ministries at national and statesā levels, civil society organisations, development partners, researchers, the media and the organised private sector.
On the NCPM, the NPC Chairman said the body is key in the implementation of the revised Policy, saying ”in addition to providing strategic direction in the implementation process, the Council will hopefully advocate for and support the conduct of the population and housing census, thus providing accurate and up-to-date data to guide the implementation of the Policy.ā
In his goodwill message, the UN Resident Coordinator, Nigeria, Matthias Schmale expressed confidence that the Policy launched by President Buhari was bound to be successful for several reasons.
”Firstly, the Policy brings to the forefront the linkages between population and development and will inform work and services to improve the well-being and lives of Nigerians.
”Secondly, the Policy is coming on the heels of the recently launched 2021-2025 National Development Plan which focuses on making Nigeria the greatest economy in Africa and even more of a force to reckon with in the world.
”Thirdly, the successful implementation of the National Policy will very likely have positive implications for maternal health development, youth and adolescent rights and the empowerment of women and the girl child,” the top UN official in Nigeria said.
Commending the Nigerian government for launching the policy, Schmale said the world and UN look forward to a Nigeria with low maternal mortality; low teenage pregnancy and childbirth; reduced fertility rate, increased utilisation of modern contraceptive methods and high education attainment, among others.
He pledged that United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which is responsible for providing support for the generation of quality data, will continue to work with the NPC to help ensure that Nigeriaās forthcoming census meets local and international standards and acceptability.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 3, 2022
06 February 2022
Rinu Oduala, Maryam Yahaya, Buju Benson, Bimbo Ademoye others nominated for the 16thĀ edition of The Future Awards Africa
Themed āCelebrating Challengers and Buildersā, this yearās Awards is celebrating trailblazers that have chosen to defy the status quo and redefine the norm in their various fields within the past year.
Making the list of this yearās award nominees are fabrication engineer and designer of Nigeriaās first carbon fiber car, Jerry Mallo; Founder Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya; Social media influencer and popular #EndSARS campaigner, Rinu Oduala, Kannywood actress Maryam Yahaya, Plateau-born fashion model, Davou Pwajok; sustainability expert and CEO Prunedge, Joel Ogunsola; Nigerian-Canadian fashion designer, Andrea Inyama; andĀ Nigerian Afro-Fusion singer, songwriter and record producer Daniel āBujuā Benson.
Commenting on the nominations, Senior Advisor, The Future Project, Bukonla Adebakin, stated the importance of celebrating individuals who have made immense contributions towards developing the continent. āWith the collapse and restructuring of systems that have occurred in Nigeria in recent times, it is expedient that we celebrate young African leaders who have worked tirelessly to advance the continent through contributions made in their various fields,ā she said.
“We owe most of Africaās progress to these young people who are moving the needle and shaping narratives. We are delighted to honour not just them but the amazing work they have done. They have proved that they’re not just the leaders of tomorrow but the legends of today.ā she concluded.
This Edition of āThe Future Awards Africaā holds on the February 20, 2022 at the Federal Palace Hotel. TFAA is brought to you by The Future Project, powered by Zedcrest. The official hashtags for the 16th edition are #TFAA16, #ChallengersandBuilders.
THE FUTURE AWARDS AFRICA PRIZE FOR CONTENT CREATIONĀ
Isaac ‘Zicsaloma’ Aloma (30)
Tayo Aina (29)
Onyekwelu āJenni Frankā Jennifer EbereĀ (27)
Apaokagi āTaaoomaā Maryam (22)
Emmanuel ‘Mr Funny’ Ejekwu (26)
Bukunmi ‘Kie-kie’ Adeaga-Ilori (31)
Tobi āStreet Churchā Oreoluwa (31)
THE FUTURE AWARDS AFRICA PRIZE FOR ADVOCACY & ACTIVISMĀ
Solomon Ayodele (29)
Wilson Atumeyi (29)
Rinu Oduala (23)
Kemi Olawoye/Adeloye Olanrewaju (27/30)
Fatima TafokiĀ (24)
Naima Idris Usman (27)
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THE FUTURE AWARDS AFRICA PRIZE FOR COMMUNITY ACTIONĀ Ā
Vera David-Emesiobum (31)
Tunde Onakoya (27)
Blessing Ingyape (31)
Saratu Ishaya Abdullahi (27)
Aliyu Umar Sadiq (24)
Amin Ameen (29)
Ibrahim āFlag boyā Adebanjo AkinwunmiĀ (25)
THE FUTURE AWARDS AFRICA PRIZE FOR MUSICĀ
Joseph āJoeboyā Akinwale Akinfenwa-Donus (24)
Adedamola āFireboyā Ade Folahan (26)
Oyinkansola ‘Ayra Starr’ Aderibigbe (19)
Chukwuka ‘Ckay’ Ekweani (26)
Stanley āOmah Layā Didia (24)
Daniel ‘Buju’ Benson (24)
Temilade āTemsā Openiyi (26)
THE FUTURE AWARDS AFRICA PRIZE FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICEĀ
Adeyemi Adetunji (31)
Daphne Akatugba (31)
David OyawoyeĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā (30)
Khalil Nur Khalil (28)
Ifeadi AnigbobuĀ (30)
Abiodun Animashaun (30)
Blossom Egbude (28)
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THE FUTURE AWARDS AFRICA PRIZE FOR ACTINGĀ
Teniola Aladese (28)
Maryam Yahhaya (24)
Nengi Adoki (31)
Temi Ami (30)
Emeka Nwagbaraocha (28)
Abayomi Alvin (27)
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THE FUTURE AWARDS AFRICA PRIZE FOR JOURNALISMĀ
S.I Ohumu (25)
Abdulbaki Aliyu Jari (30)
Laila Johnson-Salami (24)
Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi (28)
Yvonne Okhaifoh (28)
Chisom Peter Job (22)
Agbaje Ayomide (22)
THE FUTURE AWARDS AFRICA PRIZE FOR LAWYERĀ
Oyinkansola Fawehinmi Foza (25)
Mobolaji Oriola (27)
Damilola Wright (29)
Iredumare Opeyemi (29)
Oluwaseun Ayansola (29)
Monisola Tayo-Oyetibo (29)
Kelechi Ibe (28)
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THE FUTURE AWARDS AFRICA PRIZE FOR FILMĀ
Michael Omonua (32)
Akay Mason (28)
Kayode Kasum (30)
Dada āOluwadabestā Temitope (29)
Victor Edem (25)
Nora Awolowo (22)
Abdul Tijani āAbdul TJā Ahmed (27)
THE FUTURE AWARDS AFRICA PRIZE FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIPĀ
Omoye Abulimen (28)
Olatunji Adenike Rukayat (28)
Lade Lois Olaiya (27)
Jerry Mallo (27)
Jumoke Dada (27)
Ore Rusewe (26)
Joel Ogunsola (28)
THE FUTURE AWARDS AFRICA PRIZE FOR TECHNOLOGYĀ Ā
Kennedy Ekezie (24)
Abubaka Nur Khalil (21)
Dare Adekoya (28)
Yanmo Omoregbe (28)
Timi Ajiboye (28)
Hanu Fejiro (26)
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Chigozie Obi (24)
Mayowa āShutabugā Alabi (27)
Niyi Okeowo (27)
Renike Olusanya (27)
Eloghosa Osunde
Tj Benson (30)
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THE FUTURE AWARDS AFRICA PRIZE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESSĀ
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Dr. Chioma āDr Zoboā Nwakanma (31)
Princess Ifeoma Ike (30)
Dr. Cassandra Akinde (30)
Dr. Opeyemi Adeyemi (29)
Dinatu Emmanuel Ishaku (26)
Odunola Olabintan (25)
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Ikanna Okim (23)
Asaka Ewerechukwu Favour (21)
Goodness Adesewa (24)
Uchechi Promise Echefu (29)
Joseph Oloruntola Adeola (28)
Uzoaku Odinachukwu Amadi (24)
Dr Joy Adesina (24)
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Kiing Davids (28)
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Davou Pwajok (24)
THE FUTURE AWARDS AFRICA PRIZE FOR YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEARĀ
Mohammed Salah (Egypt) 29
Angeline Makore (Zimbabwe) 25
Jerry Mallo (Nigeria) 27
Andrea Inyama (Nigeria) 28
Lelise Neme (Ethiopia) 29
THE FUTURE AWARDS AFRICA PRIZE FOR SERVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLEĀ
Femi Falana
Tony Eleumelu
Aisha Yesufu
Dr. Akintoye Akindele
Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi
Atedo Peterside
Olowogboyega A. Olayemi
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About The Future Awards AfricaĀ
The Future Awards Africa, also popularly known as The Future Awards, are a set of awards given by The Future Project (TFP), a social enterprise set up with a strong, practical commitment to human and capital development, especially in Africa. The awards celebrate young people between the ages of 18 and 31, who have made outstanding achievements in the year under consideration. Forbes has described the awards as āMost important awards for outstanding young Africansā. The awards were conceived by Chude Jideonwo and Adebola Williams in 2004.
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NIN-SIM linkage: SERAP writes Buhari over āunlawful access to subscribersā detailsā
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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use his āgood offices and leadership position to urgently review and rescind your reported approval for security agencies to access peopleās personal details via NIN-SIM linkage without due process of law.ā
SERAP is also urging the president to āsend executive bills to the National Assembly to repeal and reform all laws, which are inconsistent and incompatible with Nigeriansā rights to privacy, dignity and liberty.ā
SERAPās letter followed reports thatĀ some security agencies have received presidential approval to access peopleās personal details via the database of the National Identity Management Commission in the course of carrying out their duties.
In the letter dated 5 February 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said:Ā āIf your reported approval is not rescinded, millions of law-abiding Nigerians may feel that their private lives are the subject of constant surveillance.ā
SERAP said:Ā āTheĀ interference entailed by unlawfully or arbitrarily accessing peopleās personal details is far-reaching and must be considered to be particularly serious.ā
According toĀ SERAP, āThe reported approval to allow security agencies to access peopleās personal details via NIN-SIM linkage without due process of law directly interferes with the privacy, dignity and liberty of individuals.ā
SERAP also said, āInterference with an individualās right to privacy is not permissible if it is unlawful or arbitrary.ā
The letter, read in part: āThe power to access individualās details raises serious concerns as to their arbitrary use by the authorities responsible for applying them in a manner that reduces human rights and democratic principles by the monitoring and surveillance of millions of Nigerians.ā
āIt is crucial to rescind the approval, and respect the autonomy of individuals to receive and share information of a personal nature without interference from the authorities, if unintended adverse consequences are to be avoided.ā
āThe risk of arbitrary or abusive interference shows the importance for your government to comply fully with the requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality.ā
āThe right to privacy allows Nigerians to hold opinions and exercise freedom of expression without arbitrary or illegal interference and attacks.ā
āPrivate conversations of individuals – which belong to their intimate sphere and contribute to their personal development – also enjoy strong legal protection and can only be limited based on the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality.ā
āThe reported presidential approval to security agencies does not align with the principle that any restriction on human rights capable of limitation should be the least intrusive means possible, and shall be necessary and proportionate to the benefit sought.ā
āViolations or abuses of the right to privacy might affect the enjoyment of other human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and to hold opinions without interference.ā
āSERAP notes that the right to privacy can enable the enjoyment of other rights and the free development of an individualās personality and identity, and an individualās ability to participate in political, economic, social and cultural life.ā
āIn relation to the requirement of legality, any limitation must be expressly, exhaustively, precisely, and clearly provided for in a law in the formal and material sense. It is not enough that the restrictions be formally approved by the president or by any other competent body: they must also be sufficiently clear, accessible and predictable.ā
āSimilarly, measures restricting enjoyment of the right to privacy must comply with the principle of proportionality, meaning that they must not unduly interfere with other rights of the persons targeted.ā
āIn the digital age, protecting the right to privacy requires exceptional attention. While acknowledging the challenging issues that your approval may seek to address, SERAP is seriously concerned that this may be used as a pretext by security agencies to violate Nigeriansā right to privacy and other related human rights.ā
āThe undermining of the universality of fundamental human rights, alongside the potential encroachment upon the enjoyment of the right to privacy raised by the presidential approval, suggests the urgent need to review the matter, and rescind your approval, consistent with constitutional and international standards.ā
āSERAP notes that the relationship between data principals and the authorities involves a power imbalance. Nigeria ought to provide the leadership in developing a data protection framework that is fully consistent and compatible with the protection of the fundamental and inalienable right to privacy.ā
āAccording to reports, some security agencies have received your approval to access peopleās personal details via the database of the National Identity Management Commission in the course of carrying out their duties. The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami reportedly conveyed the approval to the relevant security agencies.ā
āMr Pantami also reportedly stated that the approval would enhance security as it would help security operatives to go after kidnappers and other criminals.ā
āThe approval would now allow security agencies to access the data of the over 73 million Nigerians who have linked their National Identity Number with their SIM, and other people who may do so.ā
āWhile the effectiveness of the fight against serious crime may depend to a great extent on the use of modern investigation techniques, such an objective of general interest, however fundamental it may be, cannot in itself justify the unlawful or arbitrary interference with the right to privacy.ā
āUnlawful or arbitrary access to peopleās personal details would contravene section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoplesā Rights, which protect against arbitrary or unlawful interference with oneās privacy.ā
āAny constraints upon the right to privacy must strictly comply with the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality. These requirements are included in the Nigerian Constitution and the human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.ā
āWe would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 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 request in the public interest.ā
The letter was copied to Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Mr Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
6/2/2022
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails:Ā info@serap-nigeria.org;Ā news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website:Ā www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contactĀ us on: +2348160537202
Press Statement
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Why Iām Investing In Computer Education –Ā Rt. Hon. Dekor
ā¦As World-Class ICT Centre Construction Project In Ogoni Is Handed Over To Contractor
The member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor has again reaffirmed his resolve to invest in the education sector, asserting that education remains the bedrock of development for Ogoni people.
Speaking at Birabi Memorial Grammar School (BMGS), Bori, Wednesday, February 2, 2022, while mobilizing the contractor for construction of the world-class ICT centre project to the site, the lawmaker stressed that computer-based education would expand the knowledge base of the people and make them more relevant in this 21st century.
Rt. Hon. Dekor who facilitated the world-class ICT centre through the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC,Ā while hoping that Ogonis would avail themselves of the opportunity offered by the facility when completed, noted it is for this reason that most of his projects are focused on education and human capacity development, adding that the more people have computer education in Ogoniland, the better for the larger populace.
The lawmaker who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Host Communities said he prefers to empower the people through education rather than giving them what he called āmaterial thingsā, stressing that the world-class computer centre when completed, would serve as a JAMB Centre and even a centre for the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for the good of all Nigerians and Ogonis in particular.
āI had provided āKeke Napepā and motorcycles before and I discovered that in most cases the man that gets it, sells it off immediately. Sometimes, those that need them donāt even get them.
āI believe when you have education, you open the space for people to buy their own motorcycles and their own cars. So, let us address the basics and thatās what we are trying to do, to address the issues of educationā, he reasoned.
The former Deputy Speaker in the State House of Assembly and one-time Commissioner for Works also hinted that the ICT Centre would be furnished with first-class internet facilities with a sitting capacity of about 500 students when completed.
He further disclosed that the centre is sited at the famous Birabi Memorial Grammar School, BMGS, Bori, as the college is the flagship of Ogoni people, adding that the project is for now, the only one in the whole of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
āThis world-class ICT Centre will help our people when they are going to write JAMB exam or any other computer-based examination. They wonāt have to travel all the way to Port Harcourt, Edo or Abia States and other States to write JAMB. They will simply choose Bori as their centreā, he enthused.
Rt. Hon. Dekor said plans have also reached advanced stage for the construction of a road and a bridge to link the hinter areas like Kor and Kpong, as according to him, Bori town is getting congested and a bridge to these areas would greatly enhance decongestion of the ancient city.
Speaking at the ceremony, the contractor handling the project, Engr. Emeka Chukwu said his company, OMEK Investment Nigeria Limited, has already hit the ground running, assuring that the project would be completed in three monthsā time.
He expressed appreciation to the lawmaker representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor for choosing Bori as the site for the project.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Principal of Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori, Mr. Saganee Edward expressed gratitude to Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor for his initiative in bringing the ICT Centre to the school, stating that students and Ogoni people in general, would be saved the hassles of travelling outside the state for computer-based examinations.
āI am very happy, just like the staff and students as well as Ogonis are happy over this laudable project.Ā I am appealing to other well-meaning leaders of Ogoni to borrow a leaf from the Honourable member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor, to contribute their own quota to the development of Ogoniā, said the elated Principal.
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- HON. DUM DEKOR MEDIA TEAM
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Thursday, February 03, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU TAKES FRONT LEAD IN CARE OF VULNERABLE GROUPS, LAUNCHES SWIP INITIATIVE
ā¦As First Lady Urges Corporate Bodies, Multilateral Agencies To Support Cause
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday vowed to take the lead in the care of orphans, children with special needs, the elders, the mentally challenged, and other vulnerable groups in the state to give hope and make life meaningful to them.
The Governor, who spoke at the launch of a Social Welfare Integrated Program Initiative (SWIPI) aimed at supporting orphanages, elderly care homes, and others in the areas of addressing their infrastructure, medical, education, nutrition, and training needs, said there is a lot to be done to care for the less privileged in the society and that his government would not give excuses.
He said he was particularly thrilled with the objectives of the SWIPI team in reaching out to the care homes in the state, adding that it was a clarion call on all to join hands with the government to make a positive difference.
āI am actually very thrilled listening to all of the very modest interventions and initiatives that SWIPI stands for and I must thank the initiator and the Grand Patron. There is a lot we can do for the children and vulnerable people out there; there is a lot that is expected of us.
āAs a government, we are not going to give excuses and I will personally take the lead and see that we double up our interventions through Ministries of Youth and Social Development, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and other MDAs,ā the Governor assured.
Narrating the experience on his way to the venue of the SWIPI launch where he stopped the convoy upon noticing two young girls roaming the street during school hours, the Governor gave the names of the girls as Chindinma Amarachi and Suwebat, 9 and 12 years respectively, vowing to take over the sponsorship of their education.
āOut there, there are several Amarachis and Suwebats who donāt have the opportunity to go to school. We all can make a difference if we choose to and this is why I am indeed happy with this SWIPI project because there is no better thing we can do to mankind than ensuring that we can make life better for our next-door neighbor,ā the Governor said.
Speaking earlier after her investiture as the Grand Patron of SWIPI, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu said she was fascinated by the objective of the organization which is principally aimed at helping to tremendously improve the quality and value of care to the less privileged in society.
According to her, āIt is commendable that SWIPI is already intervening in delivering a training curriculum for registered caregivers, using world-class facilitators and the feedback has been improved knowledge and delivery of care by the caregivers in all the registered homes and orphanages in the state.
āThe organization has also been strong in improving the quality of social welfare administration through the donation of critical equipment and facilities including digital tablets, computers, boreholes, water treatment plants, and toilet facilities, among others to ramp up the care of the vulnerable in the homes.ā
She said it was with a deep sense of responsibility and call to service that she accepted the investiture in order to consolidate on the amazing objective to embed best practices in social welfare administration in the overall interest of the vulnerable, especially children, the elderly, and mentally challenged individuals.
The First Lady also called on others to support SWIPI by donating generously; just as she said that addressing the plight of the most vulnerable in society is a collective responsibility that falls on every global citizen.
āI believe that the social welfare system is one of the single most important sectors of society that can deliver a marked improvement in the standard of living of the most vulnerable in our society,ā she said.
Besides, she called for deliberate policies and laws to ensure that registered orphanages and elderly care homes adhere to best practices, while efforts are put in place to address the issue of unregistered homes, with the view to ensuring that they are properly regulated.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of SWIPI, Dr. Kolawole Ajayi said the organization consists of 11 professionals from different walks of life who have an incredible love for children and are concerned about the social, economic, health, and welfare of vulnerable children, particularly those in orphanages.
He said SWIPI was concerned about children with some learning disorders abandoned in the orphanages and the less privileged adults in the elderly homes in the state, saying the focus of the project was to address the identified gaps in social welfare practice and administration.
At the event, digital tablets were presented to 14 registered elderly care homes to enhance their operations toward e-learning. They are Rock Garden Home for the Elderly, Jozel Care, Chrisgloria Nursing, Precious Jewels, Winiseph Care Home, Blue Gate Home Care-Healthcare, Centre for Happy Elderly People, Mariam Akintola Senior Citizens Care Home, Old Peopleās Rehabilitation Centre, The Cathedral Circle Initiative, Primecare Rehabilitation Resources Limited, Old Peopleās Home, Multibeniose Elderly and Motherly Care, and The Shepherdās Heaven.
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SIGNED
OLUBUKONLA NWONAH
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY
FEBRUARY 3, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
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SANWO-OLU GIVES HOPE, OFFERS LIFELINE FOR TWO OUT-OF-SCHOOL GIRLSĀ
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ā¦Gov: “These two girls will be under my care and that of the First Lady.”
On his way to an official function on Thursday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu momentarily halted his convoy to attend to a disturbing situation. It was a sight of two underage girls on an errand for a bean cake vendor during school hours.
Time was 11am; the girls were expected to be in school. But, both Amarachi Chinedu, 9, and Suwebat Husseini, 12, were forced to skip school by their parents in order to serve some domestic assistance.
The girls were going to deliver buckets of peeled beans and pepper to a grinder when the Governor sighted them at Anthony Village area. It was a glance that presented a discomforting image for Sanwo-Olu, who revved his convoy to a stop to find out the reason the girls were not in school.
Amarachiās story left the Governor to shudder throughout the encounter. Her mother is a teacher, but the nine-year-old was not allowed to go to school because her parents could not afford the current session’s tuition fees. Amarachi would have to miss a school year because of this reason.
Suwebatās mother is the bean cake seller for whom the girls were running an errand. Her parents, who are Jigawa State indigenes, relocated to Lagos months back. Suwebatās four male siblings were all in school at the time she was stopped on the road by the Governor. But her parents preferred she stayed back home to help with some domestic chores.
The decisions taken by girlsā parents, Sanwo-Olu said, could rob the little ones of their innocence, their future and put them at a disadvantage among their peers. The Governor stressed that his encounter with the girls left his heart bleeding.
Coincidentally, the Governor was on his way to formally launch Social Welfare Integrated Programme (SWIP) Initiative – a partnership between Government agencies and the private sector to standardise welfare administration for the vulnerable children, elders and those suffering mental disorder ā when he saw the two girls roaming the street at school hours.
Salvaging the situation, Sanwo-Olu, at the scene, told the girls he would personally take up the responsibility for their education and upbringing, promising to enrol them in school to continue with their education. The Governorās decision had been communicated to the girlsā parents.
He said: āThis morning, I had a first-hand experience of what many vulnerable children might be going through in our society. I saw something that made my heart bleed on my way to this function. I saw two little girls – ages 9 and 12 – carrying buckets on their heads to grind pepper at 11am when they were supposed to be in school. I stopped immediately, having seen how vulnerable they are and the risk we are putting them through.
āMy encounter with them gave me the opportunity to hear their stories and I have taken it upon myself to ensure that these girls never suffer such fate again. I am not going to leave them alone. Amarachi and Suwebat will go back to school. This is a classic example of what we need to do differently as a society. It is needless to ask what brought their parents to Lagos. We must ensure they are not robbed of their future.
āThese two girls will be under my care and that of the First Lady. There are several Amarachi and several Suwebat out there, who will not have this kind of opportunity. Everyone of us can take the same decision and listen to stories of kids who may be vulnerable. If we choose to take up this responsibility as a people and give a voice to the vulnerable, we all can make a difference. There is no better kindness to be done to mankind than giving them a lifetime opportunity.ā
Sanwo-Olu advised parents not to break their backs in order to send their wards to expensive schools, noting that there are many Government-run basic and secondary schools in Lagos doing better in imparting quality education than many private schools.
The Governor said his encounter with the girls brought the need to bolster Governmentās support to public schools and raise the standards.
He said: āIf as a parent you cannot afford to put your children in private school, know that there are public schools that are doing great things. Why would a parent deny a nine-year-old girl an access to education? Yes, we are doing so much in education, but the story of these two little girls shows that there are more to be done.
āAmarachi and Suwebat didnāt ask to be in the circumstance they found themselves in, but it is our responsibility to be able to give them the future they deserve; the opportunity that will make them better children to their family and better citizens of this country.ā
Sanwo-Olu called for partnership with development agencies, urging intervention bodies, such as SWIP Initiative, to join hands with the Government to ensure all vulnerable persons in Lagos, including children of school age, get adequate attention needed for their care.
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SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
03 FEBRUARY 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU, AMBASSADOR INAUGURATE SWEDISH HONORARY CONSULATE IN LAGOS
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday joined the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ghana and ECOWAS region, Ambassador Carl-Michael Grans and Honorary Consul of Swedish Government, Philip Akesson, to inaugurate the New Swedish Honorary Consulate in Lagos.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the new Swedish Honorary Consulate in Lagos at Landmark Towers, Victoria Island, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is open to more businesses,
The Governor said the new Swedish Honorary Consulate in Lagos will further strengthen Swedish and Nigerian businesses, and more importantly, signpost Lagos as a commercial and economic nerve center of the country.
He said: “Lagos is part of our Nigeria but a lot of businesses and sovereign nations in our country realise and appreciate that while we have a thriving capital in Abuja, for them to be close to their citizens, activate businesses and exchange cultural activities, there is always a sense that they must have a presence in Lagos.
“It is really more about what Lagos stands for and the benefits that we all can see when you have a consulate that is just being handed over to Swedish citizens, businesses and the Nigerian community. You will begin to see further mutually beneficial cultural, economic and political benefits that both countries will enjoy.
“We are very happy that you can see that Lagos deserves it and I want to thank the Swedish government for putting this together for us. I want to assure you that the Lagos community and business community will use this place very well.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who reiterated Lagos State Government’s determination to partner with the private sector to turn the State’s Ocean lines to tourist destination in the country, commended the Swedish Embassy for taking the lead in ensuring that they have a waterfront view.
Speaking earlier, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ghana and ECOWAS region, Ambassador Carl Michael Grans, said Lagos is the incontestable business hub of Nigeria and West Africa.
Also speaking, the Honorary Consul of the Swedish Government, Philip Akesson, stressed the importance of the new Swedish Honorary Consulate in Lagos, saying it would strengthen the bilateral relationship between Sweden and Nigeria.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
03 FEBRUARY 2022
