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Abuja metroline to be inaugurated by May

April 6, 2024

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has assured that the Abuja Rail Mass Transit Scheme also known as the metro line will be inaugurated in May this year.

The FCT Minister gave the assurance in Abuja on Friday, when he carried out an inspection tour of the ongoing renovation and rehabilitation works on the Abuja metro line.

Barrister Wike said the rehabilitation exercise was about 97 percent complete and assured that it will be among the projects to be commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in May this year, to mark his one year in office.

The FCT Minister who rode on the train from the Abuja Metro station in the Central Business District to the Airport Train Station, where he observed the progress of work at the various train stations along the route, expressed satisfaction with the renovation and rehabilitation exercise.

He said the Abuja metro line was very important to developing the FCT’s economy, adding, “We are almost 97 percent. All the works are going on to make sure that May is a reality”.

Continuing, Barr Wike said, “I want to say that as of yesterday, Mr. President has approved the schedule for the commissioning of projects for his one year in office. This is a very important project. Those of us who rode on the metro line, you will see that it’s more convenient to use the metro line than even the vehicles to go to the airport.

“So, I’m really impressed with the contractor, CCECC. They have assured us that all the renovation works will be ready before the commissioning date.

“I believe this will be the first project that Mr. President will like to inaugurate because it’s very key to the development of the economy, particularly as the FCT is concerned”.

“So, for me, it’s a dream come true and we are happy that after all is said and done, the metro line will be in use for Nigerians come May 2024”.

Speaking on the operational cost for the metro line, especially the training of personnel, the Minister disclosed that the FCTA has paid its contractual obligations to the contractors.

He said though the cost was quite expensive, it was also important to ensure that there is a balance between saving cost and safeguarding the interest of the FCT.

On whether there were plans to provide rail services in densely populated parts of the FCT such as Nyanya, the Minister said the Abuja mass rail projects is being done in phases, due to the financial implications. He however assured that the issue would be considered as development efforts continue in the FCT.

Speaking further on efforts to improve road transportation in the FCT, the Minister reassured that three bus terminals would be constructed for dedicated routes in the FCT, adding that the FCT Administration will also roll out its transport system in order curtail criminalities and improve overall security in the nation’s capital.

By Chimezie Godfrey

Tinubu expresses commitment on mining, education

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April 6, 2024

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, welcomed newly-appointed ambassadors to Nigeria, expressing his commitment to enhancing cooperation in the areas of education, mining, culture, and tourism.

The President received Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Jamaica, Lincoln Downer; High Commissioner of Australia, Leilani Bin-Juda; and Ambassador of Romania, Florin Talapan at the State House, Abuja.

During separate meetings, President Tinubu assured them of Nigeria’s support for a rewarding stay and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining an open-door policy toward strengthening existing economic, cultural, and diplomatic relations.

Speaking when he received the High Commissioner of Jamaica, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of collaboration on trade, investment, and the Technical Aids Corps.

He reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to reactivate energy cooperation with Jamaica, particularly in the context of climate change and the utilization of gas as a transition fuel.

”The essence of a relationship is to understand one another. With Nigeria’s energetic and talented youth, we have a cultural affinity with Jamaica and a lot of potential for cooperation in the areas of culture and tourism that will benefit the youth populations of both countries,” the President said.

The Jamaican High Commissioner conveyed his Prime Minister’s willingness for cooperation between Nigeria and Jamaica in various fields, such as energy, trade and investment, culture, and tourism.

He announced plans for a Jamaican business delegation to visit Nigeria later this year and invited Nigerian investors to explore opportunities in Jamaica’s special economic zones.

During the meeting with the High Commissioner of Australia to Nigeria, President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Australia.

He acknowledged the shared values and interests between Nigeria and Australia as active members of the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and other multilateral institutions.

Acutely aware of Australia’s world-leading position in iron ore export, the President emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in mining, following recent initiatives by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, to deepen ties between the two nations concerning developments in the sector.

“The Minister of Solid Minerals was in Australia recently, and we look forward to further collaboration in this area. We are also ready to deepen our mutual cooperation in the area of education,” President Tinubu stated.

The Australian High Commissioner expressed enthusiasm for further collaboration during her tenure in Nigeria.

“I am the first Australian indigenous person to be appointed High Commissioner to Nigeria. I have been here for five months, and I love Nigeria. I love the people. I am sure my tenure here will be extremely fruitful for both sides,” the High Commissioner told the President.

The Australian High Commissioner extended an invitation to President Tinubu to consider visiting Australia during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.

During the meeting with the Romanian Ambassador, President Tinubu assured the ambassador that Nigeria will explore more opportunities for collaboration with the EU-member country.

The Romanian Ambassador expressed his commitment to strengthening ties between Nigeria and Romania, particularly in the education, energy, and defence sectors.

He announced plans to increase scholarships for prospective Nigerian students interested in studying in Romania.

“Nigeria is a second home to me, and I have lived here for many years. I have to give back every good thing I have received from Nigeria. My country is looking towards a strategic alliance with Nigeria in the areas of education, energy, and defence,” Ambassador Talapan told President Tinubu.

By Chimezie Godfrey

NACCIMA hails Tinubu, Allen Onyema, Keyamo on Air Peace’s inaugural flight to London

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April 6, 2024

The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Oye Esq., has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo and Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, for the successful inaugural Air Peace flight from Lagos to London.

In a statement, Oye said the milestone not only signifies the resurgence of Nigerian enterprise on an international scale but also heralds a new era of competitive and accessible air travel for Nigerians.

The statement reads: “On behalf of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), | hereby extend our most profound commendation and heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Allen Onyema, the Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, the industrious management and staff of the airline, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and the resilient people of Nigeria on the triumphant launch of the inaugural Air Peace flight from Lagos to London.

“This momentous occasion not only signifies the resurgence of Nigerian enterprise on an international scale but also heralds a new era of competitive and accessible air travel for Nigerians. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian entrepreneur, epitomized by Air Peace’s valiant entry into a route that has long been dominated by foreign carriers.

“Through this bold move, Air Peace has not only made travel more affordable but has also instilled pride in our national identity by ensuring our youth-rich creative and culinary heritage graces the skies.”

He added, “We salute the courage and perseverance of Air Peace, which mirrors the very ethos of NACCIMA, where public-private partnerships foster victories for the greater public good. This achievement reminds us of the transformative impact that Nigerian businesses can have, as was the case when Globacom revolutionized billing in the telecoms industry, compelling international players to adopt per-second billing.”

Noting the role of government as a regulator in driving business growth, Oye noted, “In light of the interview by the CEO of Air Peace on Arise TV News, detailing the challenges faced with both local regulators and British authorities, it is clear that the support of our government is crucial. It is with great anticipation that we embrace the promises made by the Honourable Minister of Aviation to confront any future obstructions with ‘fire for fire’.

“We urge a thorough investigation into the claims of economic sabotage, ensuring that such hindrances are met with justice, for they impede not just Air Peace, but the progress of our nation.”

He further stated, “We extend our felicitations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Hon Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon.Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, and the indomitable team at Air Peace. Your collective efforts have paved the way for Nigerian travelers to soar anew, freed from the shackles of prohibitive fares and limited choices.

“NACCIMA celebrates this landmark achievement with pride and great expectations for the future. We stand in solidarity with all Nigerian enterprises, and businesses advocating for policies and environments that enable the blossoming of indigenous. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence, bolster our economy, and enhance the welfare of every Nigerian.”

By Chimezie Godfrey

Tinubu appoints management team of NELFUND

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April 6, 2024

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the management team of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

The move is in line with the president’s determination to secure Nigeria’s socio-economic future by ensuring sustainable higher education and critical skill development for all Nigerian students and the youth.

Ajuri Ngelale , Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) who disclosed this in a statement Friday listed those appointed thus: Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr – Managing Director/CEO; Mr. Frederick Oluwafemi Akinfala – Executive Director, Finance and Administration and Mr. Mustapha Iyal – Executive Director, Operations

Ngelale said with the appointment of the management team, the President expects that the necessary apparatuses are expeditiously put in place for the effective take-off of this pivotal Fund for the immediate and lasting benefit of Nigerian students and families in all parts of the country.

Police rescue 100 kidnapped victims in Katsina

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April 6, 2024

The Police Command in Katsina State, says it has eliminated five suspected bandits and rescued 100 kidnap victims in the state.

The spokesman of the Command, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in Katsina on Friday while briefing newsmen on the achievements recorded by the command in March.

He added that 658 rustled animals were recovered, while 11 suspected murderers, and 29 rapists were apprehended within the period under review

According to him, a total of 51 major crime cases such as armed robbery, kidnapping, culpable homicides, and cattle rustling among others, were reported in the month of March.

Sadiq-Aliyu explained that out of the number, 30 cases involving 64 suspects were charged to court.

He added that nine suspects were arrested for armed robbery and 19 others for sundry offences, including criminal force, intimidation, incitement, theft, and belonging to gangs of brigands.

Meanwhile, the command on Friday presented a cheque of over N4.5 million to 13 families of deceased police officers who lost their lives in active service.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Finance and Administration, DCP Aminu Usman-Gusau, presented the cheques on behalf of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Aliyu Abubakar-Musa.

According to him, the money is from Group Life and Inspector General of Police Family Welfare Insurance Schemes to support families of deceased personnel. (NAN)

By Abbas Bamalli

Tinubu appoints Uzoma Nwagba as CEO CREDICORP

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April 6, 2024

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Engineer Uzoma Nwagba as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP).

Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) disclosed this in a statement Friday, saying it was in keeping with his dedicated efforts to ensure financial inclusion and economic prosperity for the majority of Nigerians.

Engineer Nwagba, 36, holds a Master’s of Business Administration from the Harvard Business School and a first-class Bachelor’s of Engineering from Howard University, Washington DC.

Prior to his appointment, Enginer Nwagba served as Chief Operating Officer of the Bank of Industry, in charge of driving micro-credit and other financial interventions at the institution.

He had also served as Senior Investment Associate, specializing in financial services (banking, insurance, pensions) at the African Capital Alliance.

Engineer Nwagba was a Software Engineer at Microsoft, where he led multiple teams charged with building enterprise and mobile software for emerging markets (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Nigeria), before his transition to finance.

More information about this landmark initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration can be found on:

www.credicorp.ng

The President expects the new Chief Executive Officer of this critical agency to bring to bear his wealth of experience in finance and technology, as well as his record in driving financial interventions across Nigeria in this new role in order to expand access to credit to all classes of Nigerian citizens, while promoting financial inclusion, and enhancing the quality of life of the Nigerian people as they access the tangibles of prosperity.

85% electricity subsidy boosts Tinubu’s pro-people credential

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April 5, 2024

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has said the credential of President Bola Tinubu’s government as a pro-people democracy has been further boosted by the 85% electricity subsidy being sustained by the administration.

He made this assertion Friday in his opening remarks during the 4th Ministerial Briefing session at the National Press Centre, Abuja.

In his words: “A few days ago, the Federal Government unveiled a progressive policy in the power sector, which aims to boost sufficiency in power supply for all Nigerians. The most important aspect of the policy is that the Tinubu administration is sustaining electricity subsidy to 85% of Nigerian consumers, which re-justifies its credential as a Pro-People democratic government while effecting electricity tariff increment to only 15% of the electricity consumer population.

Highlights Tinubu’s recent achievements

Earlier, the Information and National Orientation Minister outlined recent achievements of President Tinubu’s government. According to Idris, “Since our last meeting with you(Journalists) some salient achievements have taken place in our economy as we are all witnesses to the fact that through the implementation of some macroeconomic reforms, our foreign exchange market has stabilized and our beloved Naira is getting stronger daily.

“The recent establishment of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council and the Economic Management Team Emergency Task Force underscores Mr. President’s commitment to fostering a unified strategy for economic management that leverages the expertise and insights of key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. These teams will serve as platforms for robust discussions, analysis, and decision-making to drive sustainable economic growth, job creation, and prosperity for all Nigerians.

“The launch of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) aims to raise about N20 trillion for investment in critical sectors such as the real sector of the economy, transport, social services, agriculture, and ICT among others.

“The Fund seeks to support projects that promote growth, enhance local value-addition, create employment opportunities, and promote exports.

Idris said, “For emphasis, the projects to be targeted by the Fund include the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway, which kick-started recently, the Sokoto-Badagry Expressway, Lagos-Kano Expressway, the Eastern Rail Lines and the modernization of ports and aviation facilities across the country.

“To expand access to education as a potent weapon against poverty, the President has signed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) bill, 2015, into law. This groundbreaking initiative goes beyond mere legislation – it is a revolutionary approach to set up a permanent structure that would support the pursuit of education by our youths.”

Insists transparency, foundation for good governance

The information Minister also reiterated the principles undergoing the Ministerial Briefing session.He said the regime believes in transparency as a foundation for good governance

Idris said, “You would recall that at the maiden edition of this Ministerial Press Briefing Session, I had outlined my vision for the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, which is captured by a 5-point agenda, as follows:

” To Restore public trust in public communications.

” To Amplify policies and programs of the Federal Government, as well as inspire Nigerian narratives.

” To Reorient national values and deepen the social contract between government and citizens.

” To Modernise technology and talent in the Federal Government’s Information and Communications systems.

“To Create an enabling operating environment for the media in Nigeria, through favorable policies and incentives.

He added, “Let me restate our commitment to transparency in public communication as a deliberate policy to build trust between the government and its citizens. This is paramount because transparency plays a crucial role in fostering and reinforcing that trust.

“We understand that transparency is not just a principle to be upheld but a foundation for good governance. Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that our communication channels remain open, accessible, and informative while we strive to provide accurate, timely, and relevant information to the public on matters of governance, policy, and programme.”

Power Minister, NERC defend electricity tariff hike

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power,Mr Adebayo Adelabu, while addressing the press chronicled the various activities of the Ministry aimed at tackling the roots of energy crisis.

He appealed to the public to display understanding, trust and confidence in the Tinubu.’He did it in Lagos and he will replicate same at the Federal level’ Adelabu assured as he defended the recent hike in electricity tariff

Also speaking Dr Musiliu Oseni who represented the EVC of NERC also defended and gave technical details of the electricity tariff hike. He specifically highlighted the fact that AEDC had been penalised for breaching his agency’s guideline.

CDS wants NAN to educate Nigerians on military engagements

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April 5, 2024

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) to use its wide reach to educate Nigerians on the sacrifices made by the military toward stabilising the country.

He also urged NAN to support the military as it strives to ensure peace in every corner of the country.

He observed that there was still a low level of understanding of the military as a strategic national institution that is there for all Nigerians.

Musa spoke on Friday when the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, led the agency’s management team on a courtesy visit to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

He said that the lack of understanding was why some uninformed Nigerians tend to regard personnel of the armed forces as enemies instead of reliable friends committed to a peaceful Nigeria.

“What we realised again is, a lot of Nigerians really don’t have a lot of understanding of what the military is all about.

“Because of the past military regimes, a lot of sentiments have been there and so people view us with a kind of suspicion here and there.

“I am happy that since the arrival of democracy, we are here to defend and protect democracy and ensure that it thrives.

“For us, democracy will benefit us more because during military regime, we were also clamped down.

“That is why it is important for Nigerians to understand that this is their own armed forces, and the armed forces is here to protect them so that everybody will be happy in his own land,” Musa said.

The CDS said that the media, especially NAN, had played a key role in the achievements recorded by the military in the war against insurgency in the North-East.

“The media was partly instrumental to my successes as Theatre Commander, so I want to commend you for that consistency, for your ability to report despite all the challenges.

“For me, the media has remained a very good partner; media made my job a lot easier because we were able to reach out even to the terrorists themselves in bushes and that is why they started surrendering.

“It started in July 2021, until I left in January 2023 and now, we have over 120,000 and still counting.

“So I think that is a gain, because they have been able to reach out because of the information they’ve been reading.

“Those of them that were deceived found out that they were being lied to.

“The impression they gave them was that any time they come out, the military was never going to spare them, but we made them understand that we knew that not all of them were involved.

“Some of them were conscripted, some were forced. So, we were able to identify those areas and even the ones that were part of it also saw the light and decided to come out,” he said.

The CDS, particularly commended NAN for its professionalism and its ability to positively project Nigeria to the world and also help people to understand the impact of the Nigerian story.

Musa pledged to partner with NAN to ensure that people got proper awareness that the military is their own and also understand that the challenge of Nigeria is their own challenge too.

He also urged all Nigerians to join hands to make sure that the nation works, adding that it could only succeed if all Nigerians worked together.

He pledged that the military would remain transparent and professional in its dealings with the media and all Nigerians.

Earlier, the NAN managing director had commended the defence chief over the handling of the recent killing of army personnel in Okuama community in Delta.

Ali said the exemplary leadership of the CDS had made the military to remain calm and exercise caution in the face of repeated provocations.

He said the task before the armed forces of Nigeria was enormous, and encouraged the military to continue to make sacrifices to keep the country safe.

The managing director said the visit was to express solidarity with the armed forces of Nigeria and partner with it to promote national security.

“We commend all of you because the amount of sacrifice of lives and limbs cannot be quantified.

*We are here all the time praying for the armed forces of Nigeria and some of you who are piloting the affairs.

“Our role is to report Nigeria to Africa and Africa to the rest of the world. I want to also intimate you that being the biggest news agency on the continent, we have offices in some parts of Africa.

“At a point we had eleven foreign offices beyond the shores of the continent of Africa. We had in Moscow, in the UK and of course, we are still in the US in the UN.

“We are the only resident news agency in the United Nations,” he said.

The NAN boss solicited the support and buy in of the CDS to the programmes initiated by the agency to galvanise support for the military and promote national security. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Police rescue 100 kidnapped victims in Katsina

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April 5, 2024

The Police Command in Katsina State, says it has eliminated five suspected bandits and rescued 100 kidnapped victims in the state.