South-South Women laud Akpabio for playing credible role in Nigeria’s development agenda
Women in the South-South geo-political zone on Sunday praised Daily Independent Newspaper for taking interest in larger goals, holding a strong view regarding the Niger Delta region and promoting truth.
‘’Journalism is an arduous calling. Daily Independent is an important source of information’’
They also applauded the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for contributing constructively to the progress of the country, bringing about deep and profound changes in the Niger Delta region and placing premium on service, integrity and efficiency.
‘’Any serious student of development in the Niger Delta region must admit that there have been far-reaching changes in the last two years’’
In a statement in Port Harcourt, the South-South women commended Daily Independent Newspaper for focusing on Akpabio’s role in developing the Niger Delta region and recognizing what has been achieved by the current administration in the region.
They described the recent pronouncement of the Wailing Women of the Niger Delta (WWND) as irresponsible, vulgar, provocative, and abusive.
The women also described calls for the termination of the award as foolish, childish and irrational.
‘’The Wailing Women of the Niger Delta is off the rails’’
The statement by the spokesperson of South-South Women Front (SSWF), Dr. Doris Ogba rebuked WWND for confusing the public on the Niger Delta issue.
‘’What is needed is a fundamental change in the perception and behavior of WWND Coordinator, Odighonin Nwadighi and her co-travellers.
The women underscored the minister’s understanding of the region, tenacity of purpose, quality of character, service to humanity, sense of duty and responsibility.
They described Akpabio’s nomination as well-deserved.
The women also urged the former Akwa Ibom State governor and Senate Minority Leader not to allow the negative attitude of Nwadighi to crush his spirit.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio believes in the rapid development of the Niger Delta region. Since his appointment, he has been alive to his duty to the people of the Niger Delta region. He has worked assiduously to transform the region. And he has proved his genuine desire to reposition the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)’’
Daily Independent Newspaper recently nominated Akpabio as the Minister of the Year.
PRESIDENT BUHARI BACKS BUNI-LED CECC; DIRECTS APC GOVERNORS TO STOP FURTHER UTTERANCES THAT LEAD TO DISUNITY
President Muhammadu Buhari has once again intervened in the uncertainties currently rocking the All progressives Congress, APC.
In a letter personally signed by him, addressed to Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State who is also the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, President Buhari said the multiplicity of cases currently rocking the party has the prospect of invalidating the activities and actions of the Party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The letter which was also copied to the Chairman of Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECC), the Acting Chairman of the CECC, Governor Sani Bello, the Director General of the DSS as well as the Inspector General of Police, the President said that since the party could not change the leadership of the CECC without infringing on the time limit set by INEC, and the fact that the current uncertainties and controversies “pose a real threat to the party,” he has therefore directed as follows:
– “The issue of the leadership of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECC) should immediately return to status quo ante;
– “All members of the Governors Forum and their followers should desist from any behaviour or utterance that will likely lead to disunity in the ranks of the party, and ultimately jeorpadise the transition to the convention;
– “The Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee should accordingly be allowed to proceed with all necessary preparations to hold the convention as planned- unfailingly on 26th March, 2022.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 16, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI REJOICES WITH PASTOR MATTHEW ASHIMOLOWO AT 70
President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Founder/President of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) on his 70th birthday, March 17, 2022, joining congregation and church leaders to celebrate with the clergyman, publisher and philanthropist, on the milestone.
President Buhari rejoices with Pastor Ashimolowo and his wife, Yemisi, for their dedication to bringing meaning and value to many lives through preaching and teaching of the gospel, demonstrating the love of Christ by investing in economic empowerment of brethren, and sponsoring some to gain sound education.
The President notes the spread of wisdom by the leader of the KICC, evidenced in his speaking and teaching schedules in churches and conferences in Nigeria and various parts of world, and more recently the focus on equipping the youths with direction and tools for success in the Biblical context, which prescribes love, justice, hardwork and fairness in all dealings.
President Buhari affirms that Pastor Ashimolowo’s influence and relevance stretch beyond the pulpit and his calling as a preacher, with his deep insight on issues of everyday life like marriage, relationships, investments, governance and business, showing the way for many.
He prays for the wellbeing of the founder of KICC and his family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 16, 2022
March 16, 2022
Press Statement
PDP NEC Constitutes Three-Man Reconciliation Committee for Edo State
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has constituted a three-man committee to resolve issues in the Edo State Chapter of our Party.
This is part of the resolutions reached at the 95th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Party held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.
The members of the Committee are as follows;
- H.E. Samuel Ortom -Chairman
- H.E. Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa -Member
- H.E. Sen. Bala Mohammed -Member
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Communique Issued at the End of 95th National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Held Today, Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja
The National Executive Committee (NEC), after extensive deliberations on issues of urgent national importance as well as preparations for the 2023 general elections resolved as follows:
- NEC commended the effort of the various organs of our Party, the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Caucus, the National Assembly Caucus, the Board of Trustees (BoT), the PDP Governors’ Forum and our structures at various levels in stabilizing our Party for the task ahead.
- NEC also commended the commitment of the National Working Committee (NWC) under the Chairmanship of Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu to further unite and reposition the Party ahead of the 2023 general elections.
- NEC applauded the NWC for the success of the Party in the Local Government election in the FCT as well as in recent bye-elections across the country. NEC also commended the NWC for successful conduct of the PDP primaries for Ekiti and Osun States’ governorship elections respectively and charged all Party members to work hard to ensure victory in the two elections.
- NEC expressed confidence in the ability of the NWC to lead our Party to win the Presidential election, majority of state governors as well as majority of seats in the National and State Assemblies.
- On the state of the nation, NEC strongly condemned the insincerity, corruption and insensitivity of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration resulting in worsening insecurity and agonizing economic hardship in the country.
- NEC also condemned the abysmal corruption in the APC government which is responsible for the excruciating fuel crisis and collapse of our national grid that have crippled economic and social activities in our country.
- NEC notes that Nigerians are now looking up to the PDP for solution and as such urged all Party members to remain united in the PDP’s mission to Rescue and Rebuild our country from the misrule of the APC.
Preparations for the 2023 General Elections:
- NEC approved the PDP Electoral Guidelines for the conduct of Primary Elections
- NEC approved the Timetable and Schedule of Activities of the PDP for the 2023 general elections.
- NEC approved a 50% reduction in nomination fees for youths aged 25 to 30 years for various elective positions.
- NEC also approved the commencement of sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms from Thursday, March 17, 2022
- The following amounts for the Forms were approved by NEC:
(i) State House of Assembly -Expression of Interest – N100,000=
Nomination Form N500,000=
(ii) House of Representatives- Expression of Interest – N500,000=
Nomination Form N2,000,000=
(iii) Senate – Expression of Interest – N500,000=
Nomination Form N3,000,000=
(iv) Governorship – Expression of Interest – N1,000,000=
Nomination Form N20,000,000=
(v) President – Expression of Interest – N5,000,000=
Nomination Form N35,000,000=
Zoning:
NEC also approved the establishment of a 37-member Zoning Committee to make recommendations for the zoning of various elective positions for the 2023 general elections.
Edo State Reconciliation Committee
NEC also constituted a Three-Man Reconciliation Committee to resolve issues in the Edo State Chapter of our Party.
The members of the Committee are as follows;
- H.E. Samuel Ortom -Chairman
- H.E. Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa -Member
- H.E. Sen. Bala Mohammed -Member
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
JULIUS BERGER EXHIBITS COMMANDING ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION CAPABILITY AND CONTRACTUAL RELIABILITY AS ICONIC SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE NEARS INAUGURATION
- Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari commends Julius Berger’s performance as “Excellent and visible for all to see….we are very impressed with the work done so far,”
- Labour Minister, H.E. Dr. Chris Ngige enthuses: “People often say ‘seeing is believing, but today having not only seen but walked on the fully constructed length of the 2ndRiver Niger Bridge, I now say, ‘Walking is believing; Julius Berger is reliable, indeed.”
- Works Minister, H.E. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, says,“Before now, some people said there was no bridge, but now we are walking on the bridge. This is real now….We will complete it as promised…from what we can all see today, the contractor (Julius Berger) has performed well; after the link of the spans on April 2nd, this bridge will be awaiting inauguration for use by Mr President.”
The Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, led a federal Government delegation to inspect the 2nd River Niger Bridge that is being constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc on Tuesday, 8 March 2022. Other dignitaries in the entourage of the Chief of Staff included the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, His Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, and the Honourable Minister of Labour and Productivity, His Excellency, Dr. Chris Ngige. The Managing Director of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Uche Orji was also on the entourage of the Chief of Staff to the President.
The inspection visit commenced at the Owerri interchange end of the project, where the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter made a presentation to the Chief of Staff on the progress of the ongoing works. Richter spoke of Julius Berger’s introduction and implementation of innovative solutions for soil improvement using the Geotextile Encased Sand Columns (GEC) system for base reinforcement. The innovation, Richter said, is a foundation method for embankments on ground with low bearing capacity. It also consist of mega prefabricated vertical drains (PVD), which speed up the settlement and consolidation process, in which settlement happens within construction period. Richter significantly put progress so far achieved on the Second River Niger Bridge works at 83% as at February 2022. Status of the works as presented showed that the substructure of the Bridge is completed, while its superstructure and finishing works are in steady progress. Secondary bridges are also completed. Richter also pointed the visitors to ongoing culverts and drainage works. Julius Berger, in conformity with its impeccable adherence to safety on site, also held a Safety brief for the important visitors prior to walking the full length of the constructed bridge where finishing works are still ongoing. Other company officials, including Engr. Friedrich Wieser the Project Director for the 2nd River Niger Bridge, accompanied the Managing Director.
All things being equal, the second River Niger Bridge project is scheduled for commissioning by October this year. The bridge aims to minimize traffic congestion on the old bridge and to strengthen connectivity in the entire region. The project, which is being funded by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority through the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, is expected to boost economic activities and open up development in the southeastern part of the country.
The project involves the construction of a 1.6km bridge over the River Niger, scheduled for completion in August 2022, construction of two secondary bridges at CH25+166 (Amakom Village Road) and CH28+304 (Atani Road) spanning 21.7m each, which have now been completed. It also involves demolition of an existing flyover and construction of a new interchange at CH34+100 (Onitsha-Owerri Road), scheduled for completion in August 2022. The project also consists of the construction of a 3.3km approach road on the Asaba end and 7.0km approach road on the Onitsha end of the main bridge, scheduled for completion in October 2022. There is also a toll plaza at CH25+700 consisting of 8 lanes in each direction, scheduled for completion in October 2022, and Site clearing of the Right of Way (RoW) including the removal of all bush, trees and shrubs.
The second River Niger Bridge, when commissioned, will deliver huge socio-economic benefits for the nation, particularly the surrounding states, by improving commercial activities, enhancing traffic flow as well as road safety for commuters.
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS FORMER ZAMBIAN LEADER, RUPIAH BANDA
President Muhammadu Buhari sends condolences to Government and people of Zambia over the passing of the former President, Rupiah Bwezani Banda, 85.
President Buhari commiserates with the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, over the loss, urging approximation of the footprints of the former leader, starting with his service as a career diplomat, Vice President, Acting President, before leading the country, 2008-2011.
Most remarkably, the President notes the stewardship and statesmanship of Banda, who handed over power in 2011, and also guided a peaceful transition in the country in 2021, urging leaders and citizens to always allow democracy to win.
As the great African leader goes home to a final resting place on March 17, 2022, President Buhari urges more prayers for God’s comforting arms on his family and friends, while praying for the repose of his soul.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 15, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES ENGINEER BALARABE SHEHU ON ELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF WORLD ENGINEERING BODY
President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates the Past President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engineer Mustafa Balarabe Shehu, on his election as President-elect of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO).
The President notes that the overwhelming endorsement of Engineer Shehu by the members of the body at the on-going World Engineering summit in Costa Rica, is a testament to his passion for the field of human endeavour as well as his dedication towards ensuring a better lease of life for Nigerians especially rural dwellers, using his familiar terrain of electrical engineering,
As the former Executive Vice President of the body assumes the mantle of leadership of the conglomerate of Engineering organisations across the world in 2023, President Buhari urges him to use his wealth of experience and contacts to address some of the issues bedevilling the profession in the country especially, the unfortunate occurrences of collapsed buildings and improvement in the energy sector.
He wishes the accomplished and multiple award-winning Electrical Engineer a successful tenure.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 15, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES RADIO NIGERIA KADUNA ON ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY
President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Kaduna, popularly known as Radio Nigeria Kaduna, on the occasion of its 60th anniversary, praising the Station for the great role it has played in uniting the people of Nigeria and in the restoration of peace and mutual trust during and after the country’s Civil War.
In a video message, (recorded in Hausa), to its management in commemoration of the landmark, the President eulogises the Station for its educative, enlightening and entertaining programmes which have endeared it to its teeming listeners across Nigeria and in neighbouring countries.
He urges the management of Radio Nigeria Kaduna to sustain “the Station’s legacy of uniting the nation and educating members of the public on key issues that will promote national development.”
The full text of the video message is reproduced below:
“My name is Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The whole world had at one time witnessed the great role played by Radio Nigeria Kaduna in uniting the people of Nigeria and in restoring peace and mutual trust during and after the country’s Civil War.
“In recognition of these and other contributions, the Federal Government has concluded arrangements to provide state-of-the-art broadcasting equipment for the station.
“Radio Nigeria Kaduna has earned a reputation for its programs that are educative, enlightening and entertaining.
“It is a radio station that has teeming listeners across Nigeria and in neighbouring countries on account of its strong transmission capacity.
“In view of contemporary challenges in broadcasting, the Federal Government is working on repositioning its radio stations for more efficient service delivery.
“I urge the management of Radio Nigeria Kaduna to uphold the station’s legacy of uniting the nation and educating members of the public on key issues that will promote national development.
“
Congratulations
once again.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 14, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS FORMER MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AMBASSADOR IGNATIUS CHUKWUEMEKA OLISEMEKA AT 90
President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm greetings to elder statesman and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ignatius Chukuemeka Olisemeka, on his 90th birthday, joining career and political diplomats, who closely worked with him over many years, to celebrate the milestone.
The President felicitates with Ambassador Olisemeka’s family, friends and associates as they rejoice with the nonagenarian, whose imprint on Nigeria’s international relations remains strong and relevant, sustaining relations with countries, multilateral institutions and foreign investors.
President Buhari extols the career diplomat’s discipline, diligence and social skills in winning and keeping friends for the country, building a strong network and inspiring younger diplomats on the value of healthy and functional relations, especially in attracting goodwill, which translates to growth and development in the highly globalized world.
As the former Minister of Foreign Affairs turns 90, the President prays for his good health strength, and sound mind.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 13, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES WAEC AT 70
President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on the occasion of its 70th anniversary, which also coincides with the 70th annual council meeting being hosted in Abuja, Nigeria from March 14 to 18.
As a proud founding member of the foremost examining board for the people of West Africa, President Buhari affirms that Nigeria values the shared commitment with other Members of the Council and would continue to engage with other partners to achieve the Council’s mandate of maintaining quality educational standards that prepare the next generation to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
The President notes with delight that for the last 70 years, the West African examination body has brought the English-speaking West Africans together to encourage academic and moral excellence through a qualitative and reliable educational assessment.
As delegates to the 70th council meeting deliberate, reflect and celebrate the gains of the decades, the Nigerian leader urges them to remember the core values of excellence, integrity, professionalism, accountability and transparency, at the heart of WAEC, and stand firmly by them.
The President believes that just as member-nations have survived a difficult year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and in some countries, previous years of internal conflict, this cherished education institution would continue to thrive as a world-class examination body.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 13, 2022
