Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Sunday in Daura, Katsina State, paid Sallah homage to President Muhammadu Buhari, honouring the President with information on his choice of running mate, Sen. Kashim Ibrahim Shettima.
Shettima, a serving Senator representing Borno Central, was a former Governor of Borno State.
After conferring with President Buhari, the APC Presidential Candidate, accompanied by Governor Aminu Bello Masari, told newsmen that the President had to be properly notified, before an announcement would be made.
Asiwaju said the choice was based on the competence of the candidate.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 10, 2022

PRESIDENT BUHARI JOINS NOLLYWOOD IN CELEBRATING OLU JACOBS AT 80
President Muhammadu Buhari joins Nollywood and professional actors, home and abroad, in celebrating stage and screen icon, Olu Jacobs, on his 80th birthday, July 11, 2022.
The President felicitates with the Jacob’s’ family, including the wife, also a renowned thespian, Joke Silva, and their friends on the auspicious occasion, which calls for thanksgiving for God’s care, guidance and protection.
President Buhari affirms the influence of the veteran actor on the film industry, setting a standard of professionalism that has attracted global recognition and awards, like the Lifetime Achievement Awards conferred on him in 2016 by African Movie Academy Awards.
As the actor turns 80, the President notes his ingenious ability to interpret roles, simplify complex issues and bring messages to the understanding of both young and old, levelling cultural, ethnic and religious barriers to become a household name all over the country and beyond.
Largely stereotyped as a father and voice of wisdom in most movies, President Buhari believes Olu Jacobs’ natural tendency to counsel, inspire and instruct easily earned him the roles, while appreciating his foresight in winning many into the profession and guiding them to stardom.
The President prays that the Almighty God will grant him better health, longer life and steadfastness in service to the Arts, God, and humanity.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 10, 2022

PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU URGES YORUBA UNITY AT OJUDE OBA FESTIVAL, CANVASSES SUPPORT FOR TINUBU
…Why Lagos Governor Was Invited, By Awujale
After a two-year break, Ojude Oba Festival has made a spectacular return in the ancient town of Ijebu -Ode, Ogun State, where Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu today urged the Southwest to support All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Sanwo-Olu was the special guest of honour.
The palace of Awujale, the paramount traditional ruler of Ijebu kingdom, came alive with ceremonial parades of colourful Aso Ebi. Indigenes, attired in beaded materials, led processions in batches to pay homage to the king – Alayeluwa Sikiru Adetona.
After the rite, they filed into the Royal Arcade in front of the palace to settle for the elaborate ceremony.
Sanwo-Olu’s entry into the arena literally moved the crowd of revelers into an outburst of excitement, lighting up the event as he stopped at each gallery to greet the Councils of Regberegbe (social clubs of Ijebu descendants).
The Lagos helmsman arrived in company of his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the host Governor.
The centuries-old festival has become the heritage of the Ijebu and has its roots in Islamic celebration of Eid-el Adha in which early Muslim reverts in the town converged on the Awujale palace on the third day to feast with the monarch.
The festival did not hold for two years, following the outbreak and spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020.
Sanwo-Olu said the Ojude Oba Festival had stayed true to its Islamic roots and had become a unifying occasion for people, regardless of their faiths, tribes and dialects.
Under the reign of Oba Adetona, Lagos Governor said the festival had grown to become a global carnival recognised across the world by people of Yoruba origin.
Sanwo-Olu said: “The Ojude Oba Festival has, for ages, stayed true to its Islamic roots and has also expanded to become a unifying symbol and occasion for people of all faiths, tribes, and tongues; as well as a global celebration of Ijebu heritage and culture.
“We must never lose sight of this unifying element, at a time when the forces of division seem to be working so actively to undermine all that we cherish as a people. Celebrations like Ojude Oba remind us that evil will never triumph over good.”
Sanwo-Olu, who became the third sitting Lagos Governor to be invited to grace the Ojude Oba fiesta, said the festival had become an enduring platform fostering unity.
In the spirit of the unity for which the festival is reputed, Sanwo-Olu urged the entire Yoruba race to forge a common front in support of Tinubu, a Yoruba son and leading presidential candidate in the next year general election.
The Governor said the opportunity offered by the APC to Yoruba to produce the next president must not be allowed to slip away, noting that Tinubu had made several sacrifices to keep the Yoruba race relevant in the Nigerian project.
“As Asiwaju famously said, it is the turn of the Yoruba to produce the president. We need not waste this opportunity but to grab it and have our leader, who is a detribalised Nigerian, to lead the country. I urge all sons and daughters of Yoruba to come out in support of Tinubu to realise this ambition,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The Governor pointed out that his presence at the event underscored the partnership between Lagos and Ogun, which led to the establishment of Joint Development Commission in 2021 to collaborate on key areas of mutual benefit and development, while accelerating socio-economic growth for people.
He said: “The peoples of Lagos and Ogun share a long historical and cultural bond, shaped by the same forces and experiences, nourished by the same waterways, and living up to the same Omoluabi standards and ideals.
“The road network linking Ijebu-Ode, Epe and Lekki is yet another concrete manifestation of our collaboration. Ogun State has completed their own stretch, while we will complete our own end this year, opening up new commercial and logistics opportunities in that axis, and positively impacting the lives of our people.”
Gov. Abiodun praised Lagos for being a supportive neighbour, as he also used the occasion to admonish the youth against cultism and vices that could dent the image of Ogun State.
On why Sanwo-Olu was specially invited to grace the occasion, Oba Adetona, the 58th Awujale, said the Governor had become a shining star in the present class of public officers, distinguishing himself with service-centred leadership.
This, the monarch, said endeared Sanwo-Olu to the citizens beyond the boundaries of Lagos and established his name as a symbol of responsive governance in the country.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
11 JULY 2022

Life pension: SERAP sues 36 governors ‘for failing to fund education for poor children’

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the 36 state governors “over their failure to redirect public funds budgeted to pay ex-governors undeserved life pensions, to pay the counterpart funds that would allow poor children to enjoy access to quality basic education in their states.”

Over N40 billion has been reportedly paid to 47 former governors from 21 of the 36 states in pensions and provision of houses, staff and motor vehicles replaceable between three and four years.

However, several states have reportedly failed to pay the counterpart funds to access over N51bn matching grants earmarked by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for basic education in the country.

In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1120/2022 filed last week at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel the 36 state governors to pay the counterpart funds that would allow poor Nigerian children to enjoy access to quality basic education in their respective states.”

SERAP is also seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel the 36 state governors to put in place mechanisms for transparency and accountability in the spending of any accessed matching grants from UBEC.”

SERAP is arguing that, “State governors are paying former governors in their states billions of naira in life pensions and other retirement benefits while failing to invest in education and pay funds that would allow poor Nigerian children within their states to enjoy access to quality education.”

According to SERAP, “Paying the counterpart funds for basic education in several states would be a major step forward for children’s rights, and ensure the rights and well-being of all children, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds.”

SERAP is arguing that, “The report by UBEC that several states have failed to access N51.6bn of matching grants suggests that these states are doing very little for poor children. It also explains why the number of out-of-school children in the country has continued to rise. The number is currently over 13 million.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “States’ dereliction in paying counterpart funds is antithetical to the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, and the country’s international human rights obligations.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “The persistent failure to pay counterpart funds has hugely contributed to denying poor Nigerian children access to quality basic education, opportunities and development.”

Joined in the suit as Respondents are the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Opeyemi Owolabi, read in part: “Rather than spending public funds to pay ex-governors undeserved pensions and other retirement benefits, governors should prioritise investment in education by paying up any outstanding counterpart funds to UBEC.”

“Redirecting public funds budgeted for life pensions for former governors to fund education would be entirely consistent with the constitutional oath of office, and the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution, as it would promote efficient, honest, and legal spending of public money.”

“Continuing to spend scarce public funds on these expenses would deny poor Nigerian children access to quality, compulsory and free basic education in several states, and burden the next generation.”

“States should prioritise paying their counterpart funds over and above spending on life pensions and other misallocations of scarce resources.”

“According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 1 in 3 children do not complete primary school in several states. 27.2 percent of children between 6 and 11 years do not attend school. Only 35.6% of children aged 3–5 months attend pre-school.”

“Basic education in several states has continued to experience a steady decline. The quality of education offered is low and standards have continued to drop.”

“The learning environment does not promote effective learning. School facilities are in a state of extreme disrepair, requiring major rehabilitation. Basic teaching and learning resources are generally not available, leaving many teachers profoundly demoralized.”

“This situation is patently contrary to Section 18 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 [as amended]; and the Sections 2(1) and 11(2) of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act.”

“States are required to progressively implement socio-economic rights including the right to quality education commensurate with the level of resources available. Gross misallocation of resources to the detriment of the enjoyment of the right to quality education constitutes a human rights violation.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
10/7/2022
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

Delta set to become Nigeria’s MSME hub – Okowa

Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said that the state was working towards becoming Nigeria’s centre for medium, small and micro enterprises.

He said that with the creation of over 128,813 direct and indirect jobs through the various job and wealth creation programmes of his administration, Delta would truly become a hub for MSMEs in the next few years.

He made the remarks at the graduation of the third cycle of the Women Empowerment Skill Acquisition Programme (WESAP) held on Friday at the Event Centre, Asaba.

The governor said that with sustained growth of MSMEs, the issue of unemployment will become a thing of the past because people will become employers of labour rather than job-seekers.

He commended the Ministry of Women Affairs and all the programme management for their dedication and consistency.

According to him, WESAP is our platform to enhance social inclusion by equipping the womenfolk with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to be productively engaged.

“I am pleased that the programme has remained steadfast to its mandate since it was inaugurated in November 2020.

“Let me also appreciate Heritage Bank for their current partnership, which has infused better financial management, transparency, and accountability into the programme.

“Today, we are empowering 280 women, including twelve Persons Living with Disabilities who, at the expense of the Delta State Government, underwent a six-months training in Arts and Craft at the Farm Craft Centre for the blind in Isheri, Lagos.

“Today’s graduates bring the total number of WESAP beneficiaries to 835. They have been resourced with the vocational skills to run various enterprises in fashion design, hairdressing, confectionaries, decoration, and makeover/head gear.

“As of June 1, 2022, one hundred and twenty-eight thousand, eight hundred and thirteen direct and indirect jobs have been created through the various job creation, youth empowerment, and social investments delivery platforms of the administration.

“While this has impacted positively on the economy of multiplied thousands of households, I guarantee you that the maximum impact of these programmes will be felt in no distant future when Delta State becomes the MSMEs hub of Nigeria.

“To the ladies who begin their entrepreneurship journey today, it is my hope that you will follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before you and make good success of this opportunity of a lifetime.

“You are among the privileged few who were enlisted in the programme from a long list of others who were equally qualified, but due to limited resources, we could only admit a limited number for now.”

He urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the good gesture of the government by committing themselves to disciplined work ethic, prudent management, and excellent customer service.

“It is now time to put the knowledge you acquired in terms of personal effectiveness, sales and marketing, appropriate pricing, excellent customer service, and business management.

“Thankfully, Heritage Bank is there to facilitate the opening of your business accounts, which will enable you to separate your personal finances from the company funds and place yourself on a monthly salary.

“This will bring discipline into the running of the business, help to measure and monitor growth, as well as enforce accountability,” he stated.

Welcoming guests earlier, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Mrs Flora Alanta said the WESAP programme was established three years ago to ameliorate the economic hardship the COVID-19 pandemic unleashed on families.

She stated that an empowered woman is the bedrock for the economic emancipation of families adding that the future of families depends on the economic empowerment of women.

She stressed that women needs to have skills that will earn them a living adding that 280 women including 12 persons with disabilities were among the beneficiaries.

In his goodwill message, Managing Director of Heritage Bank Plc represented by the Group Head of Edo/Delta region Mr Charles Ojakovo lauded Governor Okowa for his unparalleled for the growth of small and medium scale enterprises as a way to rescuing Nigerians form hunger and poverty.

He pledged the partnership of the bank to the job and wealth creation programmes of the state government.

Eid-el-Kabir: Okowa felicitates Muslims, calls for renewal of hope

Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Muslims in the country as they celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

He urged the Islamic faithful to emulate the Holy Prophet Mohammed by imbibing the ideals of sacrifice exemplified by him, and charged Nigerians to renew and be focused on their hope for a greater country.

The governor made the call in his Sallah message to the Muslims contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba.

He noted that Eid-el-Kabir embodied love, peace and sacrifice beyond the season, and called for tolerance, synergy and cooperation among citizens for the nation to overcome its current challenges.

Okowa particularly called on Nigerians to embrace peaceful co-existence exemplified in genuine brotherliness and turn to God for forgiveness to kindle the healing of the land of multi-faceted ills confronting it.

He assured of a peaceful Sallah celebration in the state, adding that the state government was liaising with security agencies to ensure that all citizens celebrated in peace and harmony.

The governor congratulated the Muslim community in the state on the pious day and thanked them for their contributions and cooperation over the years.

He affirmed that his administration would continue to partner the Muslim community and other non-indigenes in the state to build a Stronger Delta.

“This year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration holding amid rising insecurity and economic challenges calls for deep introspection among citizens, especially for its cost in terms of the enormity of lives and property being lost almost daily across the country.

“However, I wish to state that Nigeria will return to the part of recovery and greatness sooner than later, given the resolve by well-meaning citizens.

“And, as you congregate for prayers and celebration, let me assure you of adequate security as measures have been taken by the security agencies in that regard,’’ the gôvernor said.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate our Muslim brothers all over the country on the occasion of the 2022 Eid-el-Kabir,” he added.

PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS DOS SANTOS, FORMER PRESIDENT OF ANGOLA
President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt commiseration to the Government and people of Angola on the death of Jose Eduardo dos Santos, former President of the country.
The President pays tribute to one of the founding fathers of Angola, whose active participation, with other young nationalists, in the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola, led to the independence of his country.
President Buhari believes that Dos Santos, who received many awards and recognitions for the role he played in stabilising his country after the end of the civil war in 2002, will be long remembered and celebrated for promoting peace and democracy, and opening up the country for foreign investments.
The Nigerian leader’s prayer and thoughts are with the family of the former President and the people of Angola during this period of mourning, even as he prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 8, 2022

PRESS STATEMENT

08th July, 2022

DELTA PDP CONGRATULATES OKOWA @ 63

Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has expressed warm felicitations to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the Delta State Governor on the occasion of his 63rd birthday anniversary, describing him as an amazing leader, whose overall contributions to the PDP and the Nigerian nation are unquantifiable.

The birthday felicitation was contained in a congratulatory message to the Governor, signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Delta PDP, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, which reads: “Your Excellency, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, the Executive Governor of Delta State and the undisputed leader of our great party.

“We happily extend our warm felicitations to you on this auspicious occasion of your 63rd birthday anniversary, which has provided for us once again, the annual opportunity to celebrate a man of peerless integrity, matchless administrative acumen, excellent leadership qualities, and unwavering faith in the Supreme God, who defines and directs our existence.

“Your status and stature as our Governor and leader, has brought unquantifiable successes, immeasurable achievements, and great pride and fame not only to the PDP, but indeed to Deltans and Delta State.

“You have been exemplary in service, astute in administration, focused and determined in quality service delivery, exceptional in strategic organizational management, undaunted in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges in all spheres, visionary and accommodating in decision making, and gracious with profound humility in embracing one and all, both at home and on the national space.

You are indeed an amazing leader, whose overall contributions to the PDP and the Nigerian nation are unquantifiable.

“We have every genuine reason to congratulate you warmly, Your Excellency, and our felicitations are doubly enriched with your recent elevation as the Vice Presidential Candidate and running mate to our Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on the joint ticket as the PDP Flagbearers, in the 2023 presidential election. Bravo!

“As you celebrate your 63rd birthday, our honest prayer is that the good Lord will continue to bless and strengthen you, guide and direct your footsteps in all endeavours, enable you with deep wisdom to handle the present and future challenges, bolden and ennoble you, as you march into charted and uncharted territories and give you peace, joy, and laughter and rest on all sides in this your new age and always. Amen

“Once again, Congratulations your Excellency.

PDP! Power to the People!!

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.