STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
President Bola Tinubu, on Friday in Abuja, declared his unwavering support for a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Health’s National Eye Health Programme and the Peek Vision Foundation to provide more than 5 million pairs of eyeglasses to Nigerians with sight impairments.
The President recounted how close to home his first intervention in eye health was as he made a pledge on behalf of the Federal Government during a courtesy visit by the Founder and CEO of Peek Vision Foundation and Co-Founder of the Vision Catalyst Fund, Prof. Andrew Bastawrous.
“My first experience was with my mother of blessed memory. She was ill and she could not recognise me. When I intervened, she was treated and given a pair of glasses. The next question she asked me was: I have you, and you are able to do this for me. What about those other women and their children who may not have somebody like you to intervene for them?
“So I made a promise to her that I will pursue the mass provision of eye care vigorously and that I would provide free eye screenings and surgeries to people because of that question my mother asked me and because of her passion to see others healed. We eventually impacted the eye health of millions of people in Lagos, and you could see their joy over the immediate sight enhancements when they were given a pair of glasses,” the President fondly recalled.
Highlighting the pressing need for improved eye health services in Nigeria, President Tinubu expressed concern about the more than 24 million Nigerians grappling with varying degrees of vision impairments.
“We must act now because sight and vision is critical to economic development and growth,” the President said, recalling his visionary “Jigi Bola” programme, which was initiated during his tenure as the Executive Governor of Lagos State in 2001 and provided free eye screenings and surgeries to Lagosians while setting a new precedent for proactive eye care initiatives in West Africa.
“I am in support of this initiative, and I will encourage the mobilisation of further commitment to see this through and to reach vulnerable people all across our country. Some parents may not pay attention to this, but I will, because I am touched,” the President concluded.
Expressing his commitment to the cause, Prof. Bastawrous said:
“Good vision unlocks human potential. It improves earning, learning, and wellness for individuals, communities, and countries.”
He shared his personal story and the transformative power of vision care:
“When I was 12, I was told by my teachers that I was clumsy and lazy, but the results of an eye exam explained I had very poor vision. And when I put on a pair of glasses, I saw the leaves on a tree for the first time, and my life completely changed and two weeks later, I was using my first pair of free eye glasses and I saw stars clearly for the first time. My grades improved, and the trajectory of my life completely changed, all because of a very cheap intervention that is 700 years old. Had that not happened, I would not be standing in front of you today. I would not be a professor, and I would not be involved in the work I am doing because sight gives opportunity,” the Peek Foundation CEO shared.
Professor Bastawrous noted that eye care is still chronically under-resourced in many countries, adding that the estimates in Nigeria show that 0.0002 percent of the health budget is spent on eye health.
“The good news is that President Tinubu has an excellent team in the health sector, and some of them have demonstrated tremendous leadership in the sector. What we would like to offer is to bring our Peek Vision methodology and platform to Nigeria to help unlock resources from multiple sources. In the countries where we have worked, Peek in Botswana unlocked 10 million dollars for the school programme, and in Kenya, 17 million Euros. Through the Vision Catalyst Fund, we have secured a donation of 200 million pairs of glasses, and we would like a significant proportion of that to come to Nigeria,” he concluded.
At the end of the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate was joined by the Coordinator of the National Eye Health Programme, Dr. Oteri Okolo and the Director of Public Health, Dr. Chukuma Anyaike, as he presented a National Policy Document on Eye Health to the President.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 1, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU SALUTES VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA AT 57
On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shares in the joy of well deserved celebration as Vice President Kashim Shettima turns 57 on September 2, 2023.
President Tinubu joins family, friends and associates of the former Executive Governor of Borno State in thanksgiving to God for the sustained grace of wisdom, character, compassion and bold leadership demonstrated by the Vice President over his years of service to Nigeria with notable distinction in both the private and public sectors.
President Tinubu extols Senator Shettima for his undying loyalty to the nation, and his steadfast resolve to improve society throughout an illustrious career, which included service in education as a lecturer at the University of Maiduguri, prior to moving into, and rising meteorically through the banking industry, before accepting to serve Borno State as a Commissioner in five different ministries.
The President extols the Vice President for his unusual courage in presiding over Borno State for eight years, during which a deadly insurgency riddled large areas of the North East. This remarkable public servant defied all odds in the region with a ferociously intellectual mind and an innovative doggedness to solve dynamic problems with dynamic solutions, building high quality leaders and institutions for the sustainably developing future of Borno State.
As the able Vice President celebrates another year of life, the President prays for the continued well-being of the quintessential political leader and his family.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 1, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN / CEO OF NASENI
President Bola Tinubu on Friday approved the appointment of Khalil Suleiman Halilu as the new Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
By this appointment, Khalil Suleiman Halilu will serve for an initial term of five years in accordance with the relevant sections of the NASENI Act, 2014.
Mr. Halilu, 32, is expected to bring his significant experience as an innovator and technology expert to bear in this important new national assignment.
The tenure of Dr. Bashir Gwandu as EVC/CEO of NASENI is hereby terminated.
By the directive of the President, this appointment takes immediate effect.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 1, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU AMENDS NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION BOARD AND MANAGEMENT NOMINATION LIST
President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate replacement of the NDDC’s Ondo State Representative nominee, Mr. Victor Akinjo, with a new Ondo State Representative nominee, Hon. Otito Atikase.
The President has equally approved the immediate replacement of the NDDC’s Cross River State Representative nominee, Mr. Asi Oku Okang, with a new Cross River State Representative, Rt. Hon. Orok Otuk Duke.
Furthermore, the immediate past Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, is reappointed to a second term and will remain in acting capacity, pending the Senate’s confirmation of his reappointment.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 1, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS THE TOTAL RECALL OF ALL CAREER AND NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS
President Bola Tinubu has directed the recall of all career and non-career ambassadors from their duty posts worldwide.
The President’s directive is sequel to his careful study of the present state of affairs at Nigerian Consulate Offices and Embassies worldwide, and in line with the President’s renewed hope agenda, the President is determined to ensure that world-class efficiency and quality, will henceforth, characterize foreign and domestic service delivery to citizens, residents and prospective visitors alike.
To this end, the President further directs that Nigeria’s United Nations Permanent Representatives in New York and Geneva be exempted from this total recall, in view of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, holding later this month.
By the directive of the President, the recall of the affected officers takes immediate effect.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 2, 2023
SERAP sues Tinubu over ‘unlawful ban of 25 journalists from covering Presidential Villa’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu over “the unlawful ban and withdrawal of the accreditations of 25 journalists and media houses from covering the Presidential Villa.”
According to reports, the Federal Government recently withdrew the accreditations of some 25 journalists from covering activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The affected journalists were simply told at the main gate of the Presidential Villa to submit their accreditation tags.
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1766/23 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is seeking: “an order to direct and compel President Tinubu to reverse the revocation of the accreditations and ban on 25 journalists and media houses from covering the Presidential Villa.”
SERAP is seeking: “an order of perpetual injunction to restrain President Tinubu or any other authority, person or group of persons from arbitrarily and unilaterally revoking the accreditations of any journalists and media houses from covering the Presidential Villa.”
SERAP is also seeking: “a declaration that the withdrawal and revocation of accreditation tags and ban on the journalists and media houses from covering the Presidential Villa without any lawful justifications is inconsistent with the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, participation, and media freedom.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “If not reversed, the arbitrary ban on the journalists from covering the Presidential Villa would open the door to other cases of arbitrariness and would restrict people’s right to freedom of expression, access to information, participation, and media freedom.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The withdrawal of the accreditations of the journalists is without any lawful justifications. It is inconsistent and incompatible with plurality of voices, diversity of voices, non-discrimination, and just demands of a democratic society, as well as the public interest.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP its lawyers Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, Kolawole Oluwadare, and Ms Valentina Adegoke, read in part: “The ban on the journalists from covering the Presidential Villa fails to meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.”
“The media plays an essential role as a vehicle or instrument for the exercise of freedom of expression and access to information – in its individual and collective aspects – in a democratic society.”
“The existence of a free, independent, vigorous, pluralistic, and diverse media is essential for the proper functioning of a democratic society.”
“The free circulation of ideas and news is not possible except in the context of a plurality of sources of information and media outlets. The lack of plurality in sources of information is a serious obstacle for the functioning of democracy.”
“The exercise of the right to freedom of expression through the media is a guarantee that is fundamental for advancing the collective deliberative process on public and democratic issues.”
“The strengthening of the guarantee of freedom of expression is a precondition for the exercise of other human rights, as well as a precondition to the right to participation to be informed and reasoned.”
“Under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party, freedom and diversity must be guiding principles in the measures to promote media freedom. The ban on the 25 journalists is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with these principles.”
“The Federal Government should aspire to promote and expand the scope of media freedom, access to information, freedom of expression, and citizens’ participation, not restrict these fundamental freedoms.”
“Barring these journalists and media houses from covering the Presidential Villa is to prevent them from carrying out their legitimate constitutional responsibility.”
“The withdrawal of the accreditation tags of these journalists directly violates media freedom and human rights including access to information and the right to participation. It would have a significant chilling effect on newsgathering and reporting functions, and may lead to self-censorship.”
“The withdrawal of the accreditations of the journalists would construct barriers between Nigerians and certain information about the operations of their government, something which they have a constitutional right to receive.”
“Media freedom, access to information and the right to participation are necessary for the maintenance of an open and accountable government. These freedoms are so fundamental in a democracy that they trump any vague grounds of ‘security concerns and overcrowding of the press gallery area.’”
“According to reports, the Federal Government on 18 August 2023 withdrew the accreditation tags of some 25 journalists and media houses from covering activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.”
“The banned journalists reportedly include those from Vanguard newspaper; Galaxy TV; Ben TV; MITV; ITV Abuja; PromptNews, ONTV, and Liberty. Other media personnel affected by the withdrawal are mostly reporters and cameramen from broadcast, print, and online media outlets.”
“Under section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution, the mass media including ‘the press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.’”
“Section 14(2)(c) of the Constitution provides that ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.’”
“Similarly, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that, ‘Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions.’”
“Article 13 of the Charter also provides that, ‘Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of his country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services.’”
“Articles 19 and 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights contain similar provisions.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
3/9/2023
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
AN ADDRESS BY DR. MRS MARY IDELE ALILE ON THE OCCASION OF THE GRAND RECEPTION FOR HER UPON HER INAUGURATION AS THE NATIONAL WOMEN LEADER, ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS, APC, WHICH TOOK PLACE AT ELORA ROYAL HALL, BENIN CITY ON THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023.
My dear Leaders and members of our great party, the APC, distinguished ladies, and gentlemen, permit me to say that I owe you a debt of gratitude for this rousing welcome and show of love. I am so happy for this unexpected great honour even as I am overwhelmed by the reality of the burden of responsibility it imposes on me.
I want to say that the announcement of my name as the choice of the leaders of the Party, for the position of the National Women Leader came to me as a surprise. Even though I have been prepared all my life for any responsibility within the scope of my endeavour that may be placed on my shoulders, I had not foreseen this huge one coming just yet. But here we are. And to God be the glory.
Yes, I acknowledge the hand of God in this. It could only be Him who works in this mysterious and surprising way. I thank God for this call to serve the All Progressives Congress, and by extension, our dear nation, Nigeria.
I also want to use this opportunity to thank the leaders of the party for finding me worthy and capable to be entrusted with this huge responsibility. I thank especially our father and President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and our very dependable Leader, Senator Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, the Oshiobaba. My thanks also go to the members of the APC National Executive Council, NEC, who ratified the appointment. I thank my leaders His Excellency Dr. Pius Odubu and Hon Saturday Uwuilekhue, the backbones of my homestead. And I thank all those who have stood by us in prayer and goodwill since the announcement of my appointment. Not left out are my women supporters within and outside of the party, on whose shoulders I have stood to make me taller and outstanding among the multitude of women.
My family is the bedrock of my success. Without their support, I do think we would be here today celebrating in this wise. Therefore, I dedicate this achievement to them. I want to especially thank my darling husband, and foremost political ally, the one and only Hon. Pius Alile, for his boundless support for my public and political engagements, which have seen me rise to this height today. He is my number one fan, who has literally fanned strength into me and given me wings to fly. He has been, and remains my backbone. He gives me strength and fires my inspirations and aspirations. I do not think that there could ever be a more supportive husband than mine. I love him, and I am eternally grateful for his love and support.
I want to say again that this is a pleasant surprise from the blues. Even now, it is like I am floating in a dream. Meanwhile, at the risk of sounding immodest, let me say that I have paid my dues in this party to merit any honour that the leadership may deem fit for me. So, the suggestion that I came from nowhere to become the National Women Leader should be discountenanced. I have been a strong supporter of this party, financially and otherwise, in the sphere of my operations. In recognition of my contribution to the party, I was nominated as a delegate to the last APC Presidential Primary, where I joined other progress minded party men and women to elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the APC Presidential Candidate. And I played my part during the general elections. Nevertheless, it is still like the narrative of a fairy tale that from being a grassroots mobilizer and the promoter of women welfare I have become the leader of the women of the largest party in Africa, which perhaps means the leader of the largest body of women politicians in the continent. I am awed. Of course, yes. But am I afraid of the challenge before me? Of course not. I am ready for the task ahead; I am not called Capacity for nothing.
Let me assure you that by the grace of God, I am going to deploy the capacity I am known for, in a dimension yet unseen. Since my nomination, the unique vision that I must pursue, which, however, does not detract from the mandate of the office of the National Women Leader, has been revealed to me, and the details keep unfolding before my mind’s eye.
One of my immediate concerns is an orientation of women in politics, particularly those of our party, on the need to be dynamic in mobilizing support for the party. I say this, though, with due acknowledgement of the huge role women have been playing in mobilization during elections. But we can do better, with proper understanding of the means and ways to achieving better results.
Better results come with better motivation. Therefore, I intend to see that women are better motivated for the tasks expected of them. They need to be dealt with as partners with men and not inferiors. To whom more is given; more is expected. Conversely, to whom more is expected; more should be given. This is my mantra in relation to motivating women for more effectiveness. The game must change for women, and I will be the game changer.
I am aware that the mother of the nation, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is seriously working to advance the cause of women in this dispensation. As the National Women Leader I intend to work collaboratively with the First Lady to promote the interest of Nigerian women.
I am not an island, metaphorically speaking, and I will not operate as one. I intend to operate an open-door policy whereby the women folk of our party, and of course, the gender sensitive men, can have access and audience, for the sharing of ideas that could be of help to all of us. Anyone with useful information, advice, or proposition, will be welcome.
Going forward, it will be necessary to eliminate rancour and division within our rank and file. Therefore, where conflicts exist, we shall set forth immediately to resolve them. One of my cardinal objectives is to foster unity among us. Mechanisms for conflict resolution shall be deployed to stop divisions. Little cracks have always had consequences. We shall see to it that cracks are minimized, if not totally eradicated.
I intend, on behalf of the women to engage the party, pursuant to increasing access to rewards for women at all levels – from the ward to the national level. Meanwhile, I like to appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu for his recognition of women and his penchant for increasing the number of women participating in his government. Nevertheless, I want to beg him to, in the end, see that the number of women in his government is more than thirty-five percent.
Finally, I want to thank everyone that has taken time out to be here to celebrate with us. I assure you that I will not disappoint you, in any way I am supposed to perform. Once again, I thank the leadership of the party for the confidence reposed in me. I promise to act in accordance with the guidelines for my office, and the general expectation of being a team player, in the interest of the Party and the nation. And I thank God for what he has done for me.
Long live the APC
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
*DR. MRS MARY IDELE ALILE (PhD)*
APC National Women Leader
