- ••We Can’t Forget The Good Governance You’ve Been Providing In Ondo, Nigeria- Ganduje
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has expressed confidence in the capacity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, to move the party towards growth and unity.
Governor Akeredolu stated that Ganduje’s extensive experience garnered from serving two terms as Kano State Governor, has equipped him adequately to steer the party towards significant progress and development.
The Governor spoke on Tuesday while hosting a high-powered delegation led by the National Chairman of the APC, Ganduje.
The delegation includes National Secretary, Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Bashiru; National Vice Chairman Southwest, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke; Deputy National Secretary, Sir Festus Fuanter; Deputy National Financial Secretary, Hon. Hamma Ali Kumo; and former deputy Governors, Chief Moses Adeyemo and Rauf Olaniyan, among others.
“I thank God for the gift of life for all of us. I personally want to express my gratitude that I’m alive and well. We are back by the grace of God,” the Governor said.
The Governor further expressed his appreciation for the chairman’s directive for state party structures to maintain appropriate offices. “You will know that we have a befitting office when you visit Akure. After the Abuja office, it’s the Ondo office that we can be proud of.
“I want to thank you all for coming. I know that the Lord has answered my prayers, but I need more. My Chairman, I know you are capable, and you can count on my support anytime. The party has survived, and it must continue to take full control of the country’s affairs,” Akeredolu declared.
Earlier, the National Chairman noted that the Governor is extremely important to the party and the country.
Ganduje, while acknowledging the party’s consistent prayers for the Governor, emphasised that they could not forget about the good governance he has been offering Ondo and the country.
“We are here solely to see you after your prolonged absence from the country. You hold extreme importance to us in the APC and the country. We prayed intensively for your health.
“We can not forget the good governance you have been providing for Ondo state and Nigeria at large. When one of us faces health challenges, we feel it too. We have come with our Bishop to offer prayers for your health”, Ganduje said.
Dr. Ganduje informed the Governor that the party’s National Working Committee underwent a reformation during his absence.
“In your absence, the National Working Committee was reformed. The National Chairman and the National Secretary of the party both resigned. Prior to this, there were gaps due to resignations or deaths.
“The Chairman’s departure left a significant void, and the NEC felt the need to fill the crucial positions. By the grace of God, I am the new Chairman of the party, and Bashiru is the new Secretary. The National Working Committee is now fully operational,” Ganduje explained.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
September 19, 2023.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU TO AFRICAN UNION: NIGERIA IS BEHIND YOU AND WE WILL NOT LET YOU FAIL TO SECURE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY FOR AFRICA
- AU seeks close coordination with Nigeria on all continental matters
- President Tinubu tells OIC: Islamic leaders in Africa must learn to accept will of Allah
- OIC hails President Tinubu’s “bold” leadership on economic reform and geopolitical stability
President Bola Tinubu asserted that the African Union (AU) is strategically positioned to secure consensus positions for the continent on economic and socio-political relations with the world, particularly with Nigeria’s stalwart backing, as he engaged in a bilateral discussion with the President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), President Azali Assoumani, on Monday in New York.
“There is nothing that can bring development and prosperity, outside of embracing freedom and constitutional order. It is a critical hallmark of sustainable development. We appreciate that the AU is working hard to bring about peace in the Sahel and is actively negotiating between the warring factions in Sudan. Peace in Sudan will be a great achievement. I appreciate your effort in Burkina Faso and our effective cooperation on Niger.
“You can call me at anytime and we will discuss the peace and stability of AU member states. We need stability and prosperity for the black race. This is our era. We must be peaceful in order to take maximum advantage of the developmental opportunities presented to Africa in this era. We must build a model of sustainable development. Nigeria will collaborate with you. But we must move beyond those whose vision of Africa is narrow and evil. We are not afraid of confrontation, but we prefer to be restrained for now, at this time,” the President declared.
The Chairperson of the African Union, President Azali Assoumani, noted that the African Union seeks to complete Nigeria’s effort in securing peace and prosperity in Africa, rather than competing with it.
“It is our responsibility to confront the extra-constitutional wrestling for power on the continent. We have told China and Russia that they have a responsibility to ensure that there is stability in these countries, as there will be no developmental partnership where there is a lack of stability in countries being impacted by coupists. We appreciate your stand on these matters,” the AU Chairperson said.
As President of the Union of Comoros, the AU Chairperson said that Comoros seeks to learn from Nigeria’s experience concerning the steady improvement in diversity management, electoral officiation and economic growth over many years.
“We want to turn our country into an emerging economy and we need the experience of Nigeria as we seek your cooperation to conduct an election that will win us the respect of the international community and allow us to develop at the right speed and quality,” the Comoros President emphasized.
President Bola Tinubu also welcomed the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, and reiterated that the Islamic world has a strategic role to play in the sustenance of peace and development in Africa, and across the globe.
“The effort we are making in the Sahel is very important. We know we must double our efforts. We must tell our muslim brothers who are struggling to steal power that only Allah chooses leaders. We must respect the will of Allah. I am ready to collaborate with you. Your efforts in supporting agricultural growth and food security through the provision of resources from Islamic banks has been most commendable and our region is appreciative. I am determined to work with you in uplifiting Nigerians and Africans,” the President assured.
The leader of the 57-nation body of cooperation praised the Nigerian President for his active effort in bringing African states to a place of common understanding.
“We must gain consensus on the need for peace, especially amongst our member states. When you were elected as ECOWAS Chairman, it gave us confidence and hope that the situation in the Sahel region would improve because you are bringing people together. We were also happy about your election as President of Nigeria and we see the changes,” the OIC leader stated.
The OIC Secretary-General extended an invitation to President Tinubu to participate at the OIC Heads of State Summit, expected to hold in a few months.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 19, 2023
NIGERIA HAS THE RESOURCES AND THE LEADERSHIP, WE HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE READY FOR BUSINESS,” PRESIDENT TINUBU TELLS GLOBAL ENERGY INDUSTRY
- ExxonMobil pledges nearly 40,000bpd in new Nigerian production in the short-term
President Bola Tinubu played host to a delegation consisting of the global leadership of an Oil & Gas transnational giant, ExxonMobil, on Monday in New York, where he made his position known that Nigeria is no longer settling for crumbs and leftovers on the investment agenda of the world’s most prolific energy conglomerates, saying “Nigeria has never been more ready for business than it is now.”
President Tinubu says that, following an illustrious private sector career as a professional accountant in the oil & gas industry, he has proven his capacity to take difficult decisions as President and is best prepared to solve problems and crush all bottlenecks standing in the way of new and large-scale capital flowing into Nigeria’s oil & gas industry.
“The knotty issues require direct supervision on my part. Despite many contending obligations, I will sit down and oversee the process of removing these encumbrances to job and wealth creation for the Nigerian people. We know the industry. We grew up in it. We are positioned to solve the problems, and we are pragmatic, and we will solve the problem,” the President firmly assured.
ExxonMobil President of Global Upstream Operations, Liam Mallon, assured President Tinubu that he is aware of the new and personal commitment that the President is bringing to bear on behalf of Nigeria and is well placed to reciprocate the President’s efforts with new investment as he pledged new production of nearly 40,000bpd in its Nigerian operations in phase one of a new investment push in Nigeria.
“What you told us was that your team would collaborate with us, and that has proven true. We have made significant progress since we last met. We are growing our production, and we are working hard on expanding in the deepwater production. We appreciate your efforts, and we will respond in kind. The time is right. Thank you for your leadership,” the ExxonMobil President stated.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 19, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU ADDRESSES 78TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY; ADVOCATES UNIVERSAL SANCTION BY UN NATIONS FOR THEIR COMPANIES AND PERSONS ILLEGALLY SMUGGLING ARMS AND MINERALS INTO AND OUT OF AFRICA
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in New York City, addressed world leaders at the 78th United Nations General Assembly, during which he made a firm and compelling declaration that the time is now for UN member states to show, with their actions, that they mean what they say concerning the crackdown on terror financing, economic sabotage, and illicit mineral & arms smuggling in the developing world.
“The fourth important aspect of global trust and solidarity is to secure the continent’s mineral rich areas from pilfering and conflict. Many such areas have become catacombs of misery and exploitation. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has suffered this for decades, despite the strong UN presence there. The world economy owes the DRC much, but gives her very little.
“Foreign entities that are abetted by local criminals, who aspire to be petty warlords, have drafted thousands of our people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources. Billions of dollars meant to improve the nation now fuel countless violent enterprises. If left unchecked, they will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk. Given the extent of this injustice and the high stakes involved, many Africans are asking whether this phenomenon is by accident or by design. Member nations must reply by working with us to deter their firms and nationals from this 21st century pillage of the continent’s riches. To keep faith with the tenets of this world body and the theme of this year’s Assembly, the poverty of nations must end. The pillage of one nation’s resources by the overreach of firms and people of stronger nations must now end,” the President declared.
President Tinubu further noted that his aggressive economic development diplomatic push for new investment has been demonstrably effective in presenting Nigeria as business-ready, but the ease of doing business, according to the President, might not be the major encumbrance to large scale investment.
“The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner. Direct investment in critical industries, opening their ports to a wider range and larger quantity of quality African exports, and meaningful debt relief are important aspects of the cooperation we desire,” the President affirmed.
The President equally noted that the global fight against the effects of climate change can not be based on a “one size fits all” approach and that nations must be cooperated with in the design and implementation of their own strategies, which are tailored to their respective socio-economic strengths and weaknesses.
“African nations will fight climate change, but we must do so on our own terms. To achieve the needed popular consensus, this campaign must accord with our overall economic efforts. In Nigeria, we shall build political consensus by highlighting remedial actions which also promote the broader economic good.
“Projects such as ‘The Great Green Wall’ to stop desert encroachment; halting the destruction of our forests through the mass production and distribution of gas burning stoves; and the provision of employment through local water management and irrigation projects are examples of efforts that equally advance both economic and climate change objectives simultaneously. Continental efforts regarding climate change will register important victories, only if established economies were more forthcoming with public and private sector investment for Africa’s preferred projects and initiatives,” the President cautioned.
President Bola Tinubu concluded by reminding the world what Africa truly represents in the global village.
“Walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided, nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.”
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES HIS DEPUTY, OBAFEMI HAMZAT AT 59
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who clocked the age of 59 years today.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Tuesday, praised Dr. Hamzat for being a trustworthy partner in the Greater Lagos agenda of the incumbent administration.
The Governor said his deputy has been very supportive of the administration’s delivery of good governance and dividends of democracy to Lagos residents.
He also commended Dr. Hamzat’s contribution to the growth and development of Lagos State in the last 18 years in different capacities before being sworn in as deputy governor on May 29, 2019.
Sanwo-Olu said Dr. Hamzat has used his position as commissioner in different ministries and now the number two citizen of the Centre of Excellence, to bring about positive change to Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
The Governor said the emergence of Dr. Hamzat as a two-term elected deputy governor and the longest-serving deputy governor in the political history of Lagos State, is a testament that he is a seasoned technocrat, administrator, politician and committed democrat.
He said: “Happy 56th birthday to my reliable, hardworking, dependable, supportive, trustworthy and committed brother, friend and partner in the Greater Lagos agenda of our administration.
“On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, the people and government of Lagos State, leaders and members of our party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), I wish Dr. Obafemi Hamzat many happy returns of today.
“As you celebrate your 59th birthday today, I pray that God will increase you in good health to enable you to render more service to humanity, Lagos State and Nigeria.”
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
19 SEPTEMBER 2023
Press Release
Death Of Hon. Loolo, Big Blow To Ogonis – Rt. Hon. Dekor
The member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, and Chairman, House Committee on Host Communities, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor has described the death of Hon Barr. DineBari Loolo, member representing Khana State Constituency 2 in the Rivers State House of Assembly as a personal loss and big blow to the Ogoni people.
Obviously devastated by the sudden news of the death of a man he said was so dear to him, a close and reliable ally, Rt. Hon. Dekor said the Ogoni people have sadly lost a rare gem.
Rt. Hon. Dekor made the remarks while on condolence visit to the wife and family of late Hon. Loolo at their Port Harcourt residence on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. On the entourage of the federal lawmaker to the condolence visit include: Chairman of Khana Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Thomas Bariere, former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Befii Nwile, the Acting Rector of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Port Harcourt, Dr. Moses Neebee, His Majesty, Mene King Dr. Suanu T. Y. Baridam, JP, Gbenemene, and Kasimene VII of Ancient Bangha Kingdom, Hon. Inaania LeneBari, Chairman, PDP, Khana LGA, among other prominent Ogoni sons and leaders of the PDP in Khana.
Hon. Barr. Loolo’s demise, the federal lawmaker regretted, is not only a loss to his immediate family but also to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on whose platform he (the deceased) was elected into the State Legislature, and to Rivers State as a whole.
For the short period he served the State as a lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Dekor noted, late Barr. Loolo was a rallying point because of his humility, legislative acumen and imitable sense of reasoning.
He regretted that doing the 8th Assembly, late Loolo only spent 6 months in office and in this 10th Assembly, death has just cut short his service to his fatherland barely three months in office.
“My brother, and friend, Hon. Barr. DineBari Loolo was an accomplished professional, respected politician and astute administrator. By dint of hard work, he was deservedly chosen by our people over his political opponents as our representative in the State House of Assembly.
“And while serving as a lawmaker, he made a remarkable mark, always radiating exceptional brilliance and courage. Loolo’s memories will continue to live with me as a brother, and friend, an associate and close ally who was always there for me and my family in all my political endevours”, Rt. Hon. Dekor reminisced.
The former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and one time Commissioner of Works, however, believes that all hope is not lost as his late friend had a good family and left behind many he lifted as well as worthy legacies of honour and hard work.
He enjoined late Hon. Loolo’s wife to take solace in the fact that her husband lived a life worthy of emulation.
“On behalf of my wife, the good people of Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, I commiserate with the immediate family, the entire Loolo family, and the members of the PDP in Khana, and pray the ever faithful God to grant the family and all his loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, and as well grant the soul of the departed eternal rest”, Rt. Hon. Dekor prayed.
Signed:
Rt. Hon. Dekor Media Team.
Tuesday, September 19, 2023.
PRESS STATEMENT
Federal Appointments: Gov Akeredolu Hails Ayodele Olawande’s Ministerial Nomination, Congratulates Yejide Ogundipe
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has welcomed the nomination of the State’s Youth Leader, Mr. Ayodele Olawande as Minister of State for Youth.
The Governor also congratulated Hon. Yejide Ogundipe on her appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the President (Food Security).
He described Hon. Ogundipe as a staunch advocate who has consistently championed the rights and empowerment of women in the State.
Governor Akeredolu said Olawande’s appointment is a recognition of his unwavering dedication, loyalty, and hard work to the party, APC, and the State.
“Olawande and Ogundipe have consistently demonstrated their commitments to the growth of our great party, APC, and development of our State. Olawande’s relentless efforts in championing the cause of youth inclusion in government and politics have not gone unnoticed. This appointment serves as a well-deserved reward for his outstanding service.
Governor Akeredolu appreciated President Bola Tinubu for considering a worthy son of the state for such significant National assignment.
The Governor expressed confidence that Mr. Olawande’s wealth of experience and passion for youth development and engagement will make a meaningful impact on the national stage.
“As we look forward to Olawande’s tenure as Minister of State for Youth, we have every confidence that he will continue to work tirelessly in advancing the interests of Nigerian youths.
“These appointments not only reflects the trust placed in Olawande and Ogundipe but also serve as an inspiration to other party faithful across our nation. We kindly urge the National Assembly to consider the speedy confirmation of Mr. Olawande.” The Governor said.
Governor Akeredolu congratulated Ayodele Olawande and Yejide Ogundipe and wished them success in their new roles.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
September 18, 2023.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU ADVANCES STRONGER ECONOMIC TIES WITH SOUTH AFRICA; SEEKS REFORM OF BRETTON WOODS INSTITUTIONS TO STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC RESILIENCE OF DEVELOPING DEMOCRACIES
President Bola Tinubu has on Monday advanced his economic development diplomatic drive for investment attraction as he engaged extensively in a bilateral discussion with South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, in New York City, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.
President Tinubu asserted that Africa must have a consensus view that the hundreds of billions of dollars spent through International Development Finance Institutions over the years must meet the specific needs of developing democracies in Africa, even if it is done with exclusive regard for their own enlightened self-interest.
“During the end of the Second World War, the Marshall Plan was established for the reconstruction and economic restoration of European nations through Bretton Woods institutions. Where has this presence been for Africa? We have to be careful not to replace the broken shackle of yesterday with a new set of shackles. You can not have a stable democracy in the presence of a poverty of knowledge and a starvation of people. Democracy without food on the table is a breeding ground for what will consume us, if care is not taken. We must join hands and agree that International Finance Institutions require reform as Africa is not to be a ground for economic scavenging any longer, but it is a place with gifted people that is ready for investment and cooperation.
“We have all the human and natural resources required between our nations. We can collaborate in a mutually beneficial way that enriches our populations. South African Mining industries have a role to play in the Nigerian solid minerals development sector. Your business community has done well in Nigerian Telecommunications. We have great mineral wealth across our land, and you have good expertise in this area. We expect to deliver jobs and mutually beneficial results in this area as brother and sister countries,” the President affirmed.
Referencing President Tinubu’s quick implementation of what he called “brave” economic reforms, the South African President agreed that the two countries have much more wealth to create together in close and intentional partnership, with each nation leveraging on each other’s respective strengths.
“We are two major economies on our continent, and it is important that we deepen economic ties, particularly in light of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. We are very keen on the deepening of our economic relations,” the South African President said.
The South African President emphasized that history has proven that Nigeria and South Africa can move the world on matters of mutual concern when the two nations operate on the same wavelength.
“We would love to see Nigeria and South Africa working closely together on a number of issues because whenever we join hands, we have made an impact globally through those joint positions. Together, we can move the global south forward. We are a continent that has been plundered. And wealthy nations made so much of it from us, and we must seek out partners who will help us to advance our own interests,” the South African President emphasized.
Recognizing President Tinubu’s effective stewardship as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, the South African leader said that Southern Africa needed to emulate the solidarity being demonstrated in West Africa, following the Niger Crisis.
“We believe that we have a lot to learn from ECOWAS and its unity in reaching consensus positions on sub-regional matters. This is something we seek to emulate in the Southern African sub-region in view of events in Mozambique and other areas,” President Ramaphosa said.
The South African leader also used the opportunity of the bilateral engagement to extend an invitation to President Bola Tinubu to visit South Africa, following President Ramaphosa’s recent visit to Nigeria, as part of efforts to deepen economic ties and the broader relationship between both countries.
While accepting the invitation, President Tinubu affirmed that an Africa, in which Nigeria and South Africa are working in synergy to advance their common interests, is the strongest version of the continent, which can make more impact on global affairs for the benefit of over one billion Africans with its enormous human and natural resource wealth.
“Our continent is the last untapped ground for accelerated, massive growth and new economic opportunity on earth. We must be in charge of our own resources, and we must work to use each other effectively to achieve what is best for all of us, Mr. President. We look forward to an era of economically productive relationship,” the Nigerian leader concluded.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 18, 2023
