PRESS RELEASE
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on the executive and legislature to develop the blue economy in Nigeria by paying greater attention to the sector.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the members of the Senate Committee on Marine Transportation led by its Chairman, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni at Lagos House, Marina on Tuesday evening, Governor Sanwo-Olu said all hands must be on deck to aggressively reduce bottlenecks for businesses to thrive in Lagos State, especially in the blue economy sector.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the visit of members of the Senate Committee on Marine Transportation to Lagos State for oversight functions is apt and strategic.
He therefore urged them to make adequate recommendations and suggestions to the larger body of the Red Chamber on how to move the country forward through the blue economy.
He said: “First is to thank Mr. President (Bola Tinubu) for creating a new ministry called the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the National Assembly has taken the right direction by setting up a proper committee to do oversight function in this very important national assignment.
“We know how the blue economy is transforming the indices of economic development and both the executive and legislature need to support this area such that our economic activities can better be developed, supervised and monitored.
“We need to aggressively reduce bottlenecks of businesses all around facilities and Lagos so that businesses can thrive; they can do well, generate desired revenue to keep people in employment, pay their taxes and create wealth for themselves, families and the nation in general.
“Lagos is happy that there is a whole team that is looking at the blue economy sector and we believe that when we work together, not only the sector will benefit but the entire economy itself will benefit tremendously from all the engagements.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended President Bola Tinubu led administration for giving prompt attention to all the bridges that lead to various ports in Lagos State.
Speaking earlier, Senator Eshinlokun-Sanni said Lagos is critical to the blue economy, noting that the Senate Committee on Marine Transport is visiting Lagos State because 70 percent of the activities in the sector take place in Lagos.
He said some of the challenges to the growth and development of the blue economy in Nigeria like non state actors, illegal collectors and ocean surge issues should be addressed immediately.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
10 OCTOBER 2023
President Tinubu Condoles House of Representatives, Sokoto State Government over Member’s Death
President Bola Tinubu has sent messages of sympathy and condolences to the leadership and members of the House of Representatives over the tragic death of a lawmaker representing Isa/Sabon Birni federal constituency of Sokoto State, Hon. Abdulkadir Jelani Danbuga.
Hon. Danbuga died in the early hours of Wednesday following a brief illness.
President Tinubu said the death had created a void in his immediate family and robbed the people of his constituency of quality and uncompromising representation in the House of Representatives.
“His victory at the polls was, in itself, a testimony that he was loved by his people. He earned their respect. I understand that he had been providing effective representation for his constituents in the House.
“I offer my condolences to his family and constituents, as well as the people and government of Sokoto State. I also condole with the presiding officers of the House of Representatives and the entire membership over the devastating loss of an eminent colleague,” he said.
The President prayed for the repose of the soul of late Hon. Danbuga and for divine comfort to his family.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
October 11, 2023
President Tinubu Hails Deacon David Gbenebichie on 100th Birthday
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Deacon (Prince) David Smart Gbenebichie on the momentous occasion of his 100th birthday, on October 12, 2023.
The President commends the Centenarian on his illustrious career in the public service, which spanned over 32 years, and took him to the highest echelons of the bureaucracy as a Director in the Federal Civil Service, ultimately culminating in his retirement in April 1984.
As a descendant of the Ororoh Dynasty in the Okpe Kingdom and the Crown Prince Omateye Akengbuwa of the Warri Kingdom, the President recognizes Gbenebichie’s unwavering commitment to family, community, and societal values.
Born on October 12, 1923, in Elume, Sapele Local Government Area of present-day Delta State, Deacon Gbenebichie (JP), nicknamed “Young King David” due to his active involvement in the Lord’s vineyard, received his education both in Nigeria and abroad.
The celebrant is recognized as a pioneer in the establishment of Agricultural Cooperatives in the Nigerian Public Service.
President Tinubu, while expressing gratitude to God for blessing Deacon Gbenebichie with the gift of longevity, also commends his exemplary lifestyle that has always been defined by discipline, focus, love, and community service.
The President joins family, friends and the people of Warri Kingdom in celebrating this exceptional man and wishes him more years in good health and happiness.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 11, 2023
President Tinubu Appoints New Leadership Across the Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy Sectors
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new and returning Chief Executives to fresh terms in office across multiple agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy:
(1) EVC / CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) — Aminu Maida
(2) MD / CEO, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) — Nkechi Egerton-Idehen
(3) DG / CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) — Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi
(4) National Commissioner / CEO, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) — Dr. Vincent Olatunji
(5) Postmaster General / CEO, Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) — Tola Odeyemi
Furthermore, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s determination to maximally leverage on Nigeria’s proven technological and digital economic prowess to reposition the nation’s economy toward greater financial inclusion, the President has approved the appointment of a new Special Adviser to the President.
Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy — Idris Alubankudi
By this directive of the President, the above-mentioned appointments take immediate effect.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 11, 2023
President Tinubu Celebrates Methodist Emeritus Makinde at 80
President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
The President joins the Makinde family, friends, and the Christian community in celebrating a man of unwavering faith, whose ministry has been characterised by a profound commitment to advancing the values of love, selflessness, and social justice, which are so deeply embedded in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The Nigerian leader recalled that as a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and leader of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Prelate Makinde, under the guidance of divine wisdom, contributed greatly to the spiritual growth of Christians under his care and also achieved remarkable milestones in promoting unity within the body of believers, even as he advanced inter-faith dialogue between Nigerians of all faiths.
President Tinubu commends Prelate Emeritus Makinde for his unfailing devotion to the Church, as well as his commitment to the progress and unity of the nation.
He further acknowledges the wise counsel that the beloved celebrant has provided to those in authority, in addition to his fervent prayers for the country.
As family members, friends and members of the Christian community gather today in reverence and gratitude to God in celebration of this distinguished man of faith, President Tinubu prays that Prelate Emeritus Makinde’s ministry will continue to be a blessing to those in need of pastoral care and support, and to the entire nation.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 10, 2023
President Tinubu Directs Immediate Action Plan To Tackle Flooding
*As Kogi Gov chairs committee, To submit report in 7 days
Moved by the need to stem the tide of an impending flood crisis across the country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed an immediate plan of action to mitigate the impact of any disaster.
To this effect, he has appointed Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, as chairman of the committee to produce a road map by harmonising the recent National Economic Council (NEC) report on flood, the 2022 National Flood Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan as well as all other national reports on flood.
The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, will serve as vice chairman of the committee which is expected to submit its recommendations in seven days.
At an emergency meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the behest of the President today, President Tinubu gave marching orders to the committee for an action plan on all the reports, saying it was best to be proactive than to be reactive.
“Based on the submissions by the DG of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the situation is not that terrible but to be forewarned is to be forearmed. The submissions by the other relevant stakeholders are equally poignant and we can’t afford to take chances.
“Though the situation is not as bad as we might think, we need to set up a committee so that the report of the Presidential Committee and the 2022 Federal Executive Council – approved broad preparedness plan should be harmonised and implemented immediately,” the Vice President stated the President’s position.
VP Shettima noted that a feasible roadmap would address the flood crisis in Nigeria, adding that responsibilities would be shouldered by the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Federal Government.
He stated: “I deliberately invited the NEDC and NDDC so that with whatever resources that NEMA has, they have to be released to the states so that they can start making preparations for any eventuality.
“Based on the Presidential directive, I will meet with the Chief Executives of the NEDC and NDDC for states that are under their coverage. There should be interventions from them. For NEDC they can take care of Taraba, Bauchi and Adamawa. For NDDC, they can take care of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Cross River . For states like Ebonyi, Kogi and Benue, we will mobilise from our savings and deploy same to assist them. We have to share responsibilities and hence the immediate need for the roadmap to be implemented”.
The Chief Executives of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), National Water Resources Institute, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) all made presentations with reactions from Governors of Bauchi, Kogi, Ebonyi and Cross River States. Akwa Ibom and Nasarawa State Governors were represented by their Deputies.
Other members of the committee include Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of State for Environment, Kunle Salako; Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Muhammad Goronyo; Chief Executives of NEMA,NIWA and NiHSA, among others.
The Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change, Rukaiya El-Rufai, will serve as secretary of the committee.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications
(Office of the Vice President)
10th October, 2023
