President Muhammadu Buhari sends greetings and best wishes to Muslims as they commence 30 days of Ramadan fasting, urging that they use the season “to project the best and finest virtues of Islam by personal conduct, and not precept.”
In a goodwill message to mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, President Buhari says “let us use this opportunity to put the best teachings of Islam into practice, such as kindness and the love of humanity.”
According to the President, “this is an occasion for deep reflection and greater fear of Allah and avoidance of all evils that harm humanity.”
He said that “the Ramadan is characterised by abstention from food and drinks from dawn to dusk, which brings both the rich and poor to share the experience of hunger together, thereby strengthening the bonds between haves and have-nots.”
President Buhari explained that “as we begin these 30 days fasting season, let us not forget that Ramadan is not only about abstention from eating and drinking, but it is a reminder to refrain from all kinds of evil and transgressions that harm humanity.”
“I am particularly aware of the activities of traders who artificially increase the prices of their goods, including food at the beginning of every month of Ramadan. This kind of exploitation is against the spirit of the Ramadan and the spirit of Islam,” the President said.
President Buhari added that, “while we are observing this important occasion in the spiritual life of Muslims, let us share food and drinks with the less fortunate, because by sharing our blessings with others, Allah will multiply our rewards for good deeds.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 22, 2023

PRESS RELEASE

WE’LL DELIVER RED LINE RAIL BEFORE END OF OUR FIRST TERM, SANWO-OLU REASSURES LAGOSIANS

•••Governor reiterates his commitment to lasting peace, togetherness in Lagos

•••Asks politicians to shun divisive acts, statements

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reassured residents of the State that Red Line Rail will be delivered to them as an alternative means of transportation before the end of his first term in office.

The Governor gave the assurance on Tuesday while speaking to journalists at Oyingbo in Lagos after an inspection tour of the ongoing Red Line Rail project and vehicular overpass bridges at Yaba and Oyingbo train stations.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was accompanied on the tour by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Managing Director of the Lagos Area Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Abimbola Akinajo and some cabinet members said his administration is on track towards delivering the dividends of democracy to Lagosians, irrespective of the ethnic or religious divide they belong to.

During the inspection, Governor Sanwo-Olu was welcomed by an elated crowd at the Yaba and Oyingbo train stations, where commercial activities were ongoing peacefully.

Lagos residents in the area came out in large numbers to congratulate the Governor on his recent electoral victory and also expressed their appreciation for developmental projects in different parts of the State.

While expressing satisfaction with the progress and level of work on the Red Line Rail, which is in its first phase is from Oyingbo to Agbado, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the State Government will intensify efforts to educate and enlighten traders along the Right of Way of the Red Line Rail of the dangers of staying there.

He said the project at different stages of completion has five Vehicular Overpass Bridges, including Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin to Onipanu, and Ikeja, to forestall train-vehicle accidents and reduce travel time for Lagosians.

“We believe we are still on track. We believe it should be ready before the end of our first term depending on when we want to commission it. We will be doing a lot of testing, and signalization because these road tracks will also be working with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, operating a train from Ebute-Meta in Lagos to Ibadan. We need to be able to harmonize a lot of signalization between our rail infrastructure and the Nigerian Railway Corporation rail infrastructure.

“All the vehicular overpass bridges are very important because of the unfortunate train and bus accident that we saw a few weeks ago at Shogunle. So all these bridges we are building, apart from the fact that they are full vehicular bridges, are also to stop trains, vehicles, and passengers needing to interact. The highest grade of ensuring that you completely remove any contact with rail is when you build a complete alternative mode of transportation for passengers, pedestrians, and vehicles,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu told journalists that the early resumption of work immediately after the 2023 elections was to fulfill the ‘more work’ promise during the campaign to deliver the ‘Lagos Project.’

He expressed delight with the peaceful coexistence among various ethnic nationals living in Lagos State, especially in Yaba and Oyingbo, where there are many commercial activities.

“I came out today for us to get to work. Campaigns and elections in our view are over, we need to continue to serve our citizens. We still have about 67 days to go in our first term. So, we have to ensure that everything we need to do to be able to finish the first tenure is done. For us, the election is behind us. It is work that we have promised Lagosians that we are back to do. As a peaceful individual, I am committed to more peaceful co-existence among all Lagosians.

“We want to tell the people who are still carrying politics of bitterness that they should see the bigger picture and join us in meeting the aspiration of Lagosians, which is to provide an economic opportunity for them to make this place peaceful and continue to provide that economic space for them to be able to earn a living and be a better citizen for themselves and their family,” he said.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
21 MARCH 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI APPROVES REDESIGNATION OF STATE HOUSE CLINIC TO MEDICAL CENTRE
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the re-designation of the State House Clinic back to Medical Centre.
Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijjani Umar, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja after a pre-commissioning inspection of the new Presidential (VIP) Wing of the State House Medical Centre by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed and Minister of State, Finance, Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba.
”In March 2019, the President had given approval that the State House Medical Centre, Asokoro, which was facing challenges with funding, deterioration of infrastructure and equipment, be scaled down to a Clinic until the challenges were addressed.
”Now with improvement in the problem areas and the addition of the new VIP Wing with state-of-the-art facilities, we can no longer operate as a Clinic. It is now to operate as State House Medical Centre,” he said.
Umar disclosed that all is set for the inauguration of the new world class facility by the President to add to the growing number of completed and commissioned legacy projects of this Administration.
He added that the calibration, testing of equipment and training of medical personnel are ongoing, and the presidency is determined to ensure that the Centre remains fully operational and well maintained after inauguration.
Addressing State House correspondents, SGF Mustapha described the newly built VIP wing as ”money well spent,” expressing his excitement and fulfilment that the project was completed within a year as envisaged and will be commissioned after equipping under a year and a half.
The Minister of Finance also expressed delight that the project was delivered ”dead-on-time”, and ”on budget”, recounting that funding for the edifice was provided on time in the 2022 appropriation.
”The facility here is world class and we are looking forward to the inauguration very soon ”.
”I have volunteered myself as one of the people that will come for medical here on test run to testify that what we have here is comparable to the best around the world,’’ she jocularly said.
The ground-breaking ceremony at the VIP wing was performed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, on November 1, 2021 and work commenced in earnest by Julius Berger Nigeria (JBN), the construction company that built the Presidential Villa.
The VIP Wing, which is a specialised/Intensive Care Centre dedicated for the exclusive use of the President, Vice President and other VIPs, spans over a total of 2,485m2 floor area on a suspended floor with a basement.
Abiodun Oladunjoye
Director (Information)
March 22, 2023

Cross Riverians have deep sense of justice – Otu

…. Vows to run a compassionate administration

Governor-Elect of Cross River State, Distinguished Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, has expressed profound gratitude to the entire Cross Riverians for allowing fairness and justice to prevail while making their decision to choose the next helmsman of the state on March 18, 2023.
In his acceptance speech delivered after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had officially declared him as the winner of the Cross River governorship election, Prince Otu said: “This mandate is the people’s mandate. It is a reaffirmation that as a people, we have a keen sense of justice. And when the chips are down, we sacrifice our differences to reaffirm our sense of justice. I am touched by this act of greatness and I will not let you down. I will work night and day to justify the confidence you have reposed in me.
“Fellow Cross Riverians, there are no winners and losers, no victor and no vanquished. What we have is the victory of democracy. So, I reach out a hand of fellowship to my brothers who ran for this position against me from other political parties. I urge you all to join hands with me, let us build a new Cross River State. This state belongs to only one party; and that is the people of Cross River State. We share the same Obligation to work for its welfare and progress.”
The Governor-elect who dedicated his victory to God Almighty, equally acknowledged the significant role played by the outgoing governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, in the quest to ensure that power returns to Cross River South in line with the zoning arrangement that has been strictly followed in the state.
Otu stated: “In developing countries experience has shown that the struggle for power is not often a contest of ideas but a battle between right and wrong and justice and injustice. Your Excellency (Governor Ben Ayade), you stood your ground and ensured that the delicate balance that holds our beloved state in place did not trip and tumble. This singular act has set you apart as a man of deep convictions and passionate moral force. You have etched your name in history. Thank you so much.
“I bow in humility to the leadership and members of our great party (the APC) who worked night and day to give us victory. You went from door to door and from one market square to another to wake our brothers and sisters up to the incredible possibilities of a new Cross River State. This victory is a product of your commitment.
“I am infinitely grateful to the leaders of the church and the traditional institutions, student bodies and the youths, the market women and professional associations, the non-indigenes, the town unions and everyday people of Cross River State from the peaks of Obanliku hills to the lowlands of Bakassi! You came together to make this history. This Dream is your dream!
“I must thank my dear wife, my family and close friends who had to live with my long absences during the campaigns and who shared my anxieties when the votes were counted. You have the best of my loving always!”
The incoming governor vowed to run “a compassionate administration, a listening government, in which all blades of ideas shall be given a fair hearing and chance at success. We shall be fair to all but we shall insist on the minimum standards of decency in our interface with the people.
“My government will have no place for ethnic champions who interpret life from the narrow prism of their tribal worldviews. We shall run an equitable, firm and compassionate government that will work for Cross River State.
“Our policies and programmes shall touch the people where it matters the most. I reckon that it is the only way to justify your faith in me.”

Press Release
Rivers PDP Campaign Council DG, Bro Obuah Lauds Rivers People, Congratulates Governor-elect, Sim Fubara
…Also Congratulates All Elected PDP State, National Assembly Candidates

The Director-General of the 2023 Rivers Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Campaign Council, Bro Felix Obuah has congratulated the State Governor-elect, Sir Siminalayi Fubara on his resounding victory at the March 18, Governorship election in the State.
Bro. Obuah in his congratulatory statement commended the calm disposition and the steady mobilizing spirit of the Governor-elect throughout the electioneering campaign, and which endeared him the more to the electorate as demonstrated by their massive votes.
The Rivers people, Bro. Obuah noted, cannot but thank God for the successful polls in the face of daunting tasks.
Bro Obuah who is also the immediate past State PDP Chairman expressed greater joy that the winning streaks of his regime have continued to bear fruits in the State.
According to him, Sir Sim Fubara is another choice rightly made by the people to continue to enjoy good governance and democracy at its best which is the result of the choice of His Excellency, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike in 2015 and 2019 respectively.
“I give kudos to our Rivers people for their appreciation of all the good works of our indefatigable ‘Mr. Quality Projects’ which they expressed through their massive votes for our Governor-elect and all the PDP candidates in the just concluded elections,” Bro Obuah expressed.
He said the PDP-led government in the state is spurred by the People’s gratitude and poised to do more and more for the people as a new political dispensation gets underway.
He thanked Governor Wike for his foresight, courage and unwavering spirit to raise the bar of political leadership in the State which is gradually taking roots in the land as a tradition.
Bro Obuah also commended the community heads, traditional rulers, women groups, religious groups, other groups, and the youths for listening to the voice of reason which contributed to making the 2023 election in the state a good one.
The Director-General of the Rivers State PDP Campaign Council also congratulated the 32 candidates of the PDP that won the 32 seats in the State House of Assembly and all National Assembly members elected on the platform of the PDP.
He said now the elections are over, it is time for all hands to be on deck for the much desired peaceful atmosphere necessary for good governance.
He dedicated the PDP Victory to all Rivers people and pledged his usual fatherly support to the leadership for a more united and better Rivers State.

PRESIDENT BUHARI INAUGURATES GAME CHANGING NATIONAL COUNTERTERRORISM CENTRE, NEW ONSA BUILDING
Ø HIGHLIGHTS GAINS OF ADMINISTRATION IN IMPROVING NATIONAL SECURITY IN 8 YEARS
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja inaugurated the new Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC), two state-of-the-art facilities to optimize efforts at addressing evolving security challenges in the country, especially terrorism and violent extremism.
Speaking at the inauguration of the two world-class facilities, the President said it would serve as a major legacy to provide the incoming administration with infrastructure to effectively coordinate national security and counterterrorism efforts.
The President also used the occasion to outline significant milestones achieved by his administration on National Security, including gains in combating terrorism, armed banditry, kidnapping, separatist tendencies, crude oil theft, piracy as well as militancy in the South-South and cyber-security.
On the threat of terrorism, which was labelled as a major security challenge facing the country when he assumed office in 2015, the President said:
”I can confidently state here today that we have achieved significant milestones in degrading the major threat and restoring normalcy to most of the hitherto securitized areas in the North East.
”These areas previously occupied by terrorists have been freed and Internally Displaced Persons are voluntarily returning to their homes.
”This was largely achieved through the valiant efforts of our Armed Forces and other security agencies, in collaboration with our regional and international partners but above all, the support and cooperation of the Nigerian citizens.”
Apart from the degraded threat of terrorism in the North East, President Buhari also expressed delight that government has curbed the series of armed banditry and kidnapping cases in the North West and North Central zones.
He noted that these criminal acts had emerged as a result of the scattering of Boko Haram in the North East and the implosion of Libya in the Maghreb.
On separatist agitations, the President noted that agitators in the South East and to a much lesser extent the South West, who have been experiencing concerns of separatist tendencies, are being checkmated.
”Meanwhile, issues of crude oil theft, sea robbery, piracy and militancy in the South-South are equally being addressed.
”Most of these threats have transnational linkages thereby reinforcing the need for regional and international cooperation as critical enablers to enhance our national security,” he said.
On maritime security, President Buhari expressed delight that some key threats within Nigeria’s Maritime Environment such as piracy, sea robbery, crude oil theft as well as illegal unregulated and unreported fishing are being effectively tackled.
He said between August 2018 and March 2023, over 220 vessels involved in maritime criminality within Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone, up to the Republic of Togo, had been prosecuted.
He commended the Falcon Eye maritime domain awareness project, domiciled with the Nigerian Navy and coordinated by ONSA, for providing high-quality real-time intelligence, leading to the arrest and prosecution of economic saboteurs.
He added that over 87 oil tankers involved in various crude oil and product theft have been arrested, the theft of over 3 million barrels of crude oil was prevented and 15 million litres of petrol and diesel recovered.
”Recent commendations from the International Maritime Organization, European Union and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to Nigeria on our efforts in reducing maritime criminality in the Gulf of Guinea and successful prosecution of pirates in the region are worth mentioning,” he said.
On cyber threats, the President underscored the importance of protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace from all forms of intrusion.
To this end, he said in addition to receiving regular briefing from the Cybercrime Advisory Council, the government had established the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team and revised the National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy in February 2021.
”To further complement these efforts, I will soon be endorsing the Presidential Order for the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure. This is bearing in mind that cyberspace creates a nexus for synchronizing efforts of our security and law enforcement agencies towards addressing numerous security challenges,” he said.
On the newly inaugurated top grade facilities, President Buhari described the secure and hi-tech offices as a demonstration of his administration’s firm commitment to ensure national security capabilities are kept abreast with the highest global standards.
He said the offices are designed to enhance strategic response to a broad range of current and emerging security concerns, noting that Nigeria exists in an interconnected world and therefore must be able to face and respond to both domestic and global security challenges.
Congratulating the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retired) and his team for this noble achievement, the President expressed confidence that the new facilities would in no small measure enhance the desired peaceful and secure environment for our country.
He also commended some of the key security policy documents either produced or revised by this administration and supervised by ONSA including the National Counterterrorism Strategy 2016, National Security Strategy 2019, National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy 2021 and the National Crisis Management Doctrine 2022.
”In broad terms, these policy documents emphasize a Whole-of-Government involving all the ministries, departments and agencies in combination with a Whole-of-Society involving civil society organizations and the citizenry.
”Thereby we can achieve a Whole-of-Nation, and ultimately a Whole-of-Region approach involving our contiguous neighbours, ECOWAS and AU partners in order to address various dimensions of security concerns.”
In his address of welcome, Monguno said the dynamic nature of global and domestic security environment necessitated the modification and expansion of some of the functions of ONSA.
He said while ONSA’s core mandate is to assess the security concerns of the country and advise the president on all matters bordering on national security, the changing nature of the security landscape over the last three decades in the country and across the world led to the broadening of ONSA’s mandate to accommodate the needs of emerging security threats.
”The new office for the NCTC is designed to accommodate the additional workforce and improved technological capabilities of the Centre, particularly the Exclusive Devices Analysis Office (EDAO) , increasing activities of countering violent extremism department and joint terrorism analysis branch.
”The new ONSA and NCTC complex boasts of office spaces, a world-class hall, conference rooms, team rooms, laboratories, an auditorium and an operations/crisis centre,” he said.
According to the NSA, the facilities would further enhance Nigeria’s already recognized contribution to global counterterrorism policy and practice efforts and give impetus to the country’s internal, bilateral, and multilateral cooperation and collaboration in tackling the menace of terrorism and violent extremism.
He commended President Buhari for his administration’s investment strategy in legacy infrastructure projects and also acknowledged the support of the National Assembly.
In his goodwill message, the UN Resident Coordinator for Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, commended President Buhari and his government for championing the NCTC, saying ”this is no doubt part of your legacy that will enable Nigeria continue to address domestic and regional security challenges”.
Schmale, who was represented by Kimaris Toogood, Peace and Advisor, Office of the Resident Coordinator (UN Nigeria), also commended the progress made by the Nigerian military to degrade the operational capacity of Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram and to improve intelligence gathering on suspected terrorists.
The top UN official in Nigeria praised ONSA for the development of threat assessments and watchlists, active cooperation with Interpol, establishment of multiagency screening processes, the trials of multiple terrorist suspects, and the development of Federal and State rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
”We all know that it takes both kinetic and non-kinetic responses to end terrorism. The fact that almost 80,000 persons have surrendered to authorities in the north-east since May 2021 represents a real opportunity to shift the dynamic.
”Challenges remain in terms of screening and identification of those individuals and ensuring appropriate responses in line with their needs and profiles. Some persons are no doubt deserving of and desperate for humanitarian assistance.
”And likewise, individuals will need to be accountable for their crimes and justice will need to be served.
”The UN stands willing and ready to support the Government of Nigeria on this effort, and commends Governor Babagana Zulum for developing the Borno Model and engaging with the UN on this matter, ” he said.
Schmale pledged that UN would continue to be a strong partner and supporter of Nigeria’s efforts to address the issues of insecurity and terrorism.
He recalled that since 2001, the Security Council has adopted more than 40 counter-terrorism resolutions.
”As outlined in these resolutions, Member States are obliged to implement significant measures at the national level while also enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation to counter and eradicate terrorism.
”As part of a whole of government effort these include criminalizing terrorist acts and prosecuting offenders, countering the financing of terrorism, enhancing border security, countering incitement to terrorism and addressing the root causes.
”The visit of the Members of the UN Security Council to Nigeria and the passage of Resolution 2349 of 31st March 2017 are the strongest demonstrations yet of the United Nations commitment to supporting Nigeria’s counter terrorism efforts,” the UN official said.
He stressed that the newly commissioned NCTC would effectively contribute to advancing implementation of these various Security Council resolutions and is thus a positive step towards Nigeria fulfilling its obligations under international law.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 21, 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES TONY ELUMELU AT 60
President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with distinguished banker, economist, and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, CFR, on his 60th birthday, March 22, 2023, sharing joy and warmth of the occasion with the entrepreneur, who was ranked amongst World’s 100 most influential personalities in 2020 by Time.
President Buhari felicitates with Chairman of the United Bank of Africa (UBA) Group on the milestone, affirming the honor and pride that the benefactor has brought to Nigeria, and Africa, with his achievements, lighting the way for many to grow through inspiration, mentorship and training, with focus on raising generation of entrepreneurs.
The President believes Elumelu’s benevolence typifies his humble background and upbringing, starting out as a young banker, daring to dream of a modern and technologically friendly financial institution, Standard Trust Bank, and leading one of the biggest mergers with the UBA, which made history and strengthened the economy.
President Buhari notes the combination of youthfulness in style, broadness in networking, with both old and young, and the passion in pursuing and realizing dreams that the entrepreneur continually projects, graciously guiding others to nurture their business ideas to reality, especially in meeting societal needs and rendering value.
As the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Transcorp and Tony Elumelu Foundation clocks 60, the President joins family members, particularly his wife, Dr Awele Elumelu, in thanksgiving to God for all the resourcefulness and impact, with brighter future ahead.
President Buhari prays for long life, good health and wisdom for the Humanitarian.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 21, 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS AGUMA BASSA, BENIN, BAKO EBIREDELU DOGWO AT 58
President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with His Royal Highness (HRH), Alhaji Bako Ebiredelu Dogwo, Aguma Bassa, Benin, on his 58th birthday, March 20, 2023, rejoicing with the royal father for service to his people and nation.
President Buhari recalls the invaluable contributions of the traditional ruler, who is the Coordinator General, Bassa Traditional Rulers and Elites, to peace, development and prosperity of his domain, particularly the attention to civic responsibilities, education and entrepreneurship.
As the Aguma Bassa turns 58, the President lauds his dedication, and commitment to his domain and the entire country, saluting his passion particularly for agriculture and support for the ‘Grow what we eat,’ and ‘Eat what we grow’ policy of the Federal Government.
President Buhari prays for the wellbeing of the royal father.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 19, 2023