Ø NIGERIA PRODUCES FOUR OF SEVEN UNICORNS IN AFRICA VALUED AT OVER $7.5BILLION
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday inaugurated the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship with the mandate to guide the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) 2022.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 14-member Council chaired by him, the President directed the Secretariat, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), to ensure faithful implementation of the Act, which provides incentives and support for start-ups, including tax breaks and access to funding.
The inauguration preceded the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting and had members of the Digital Innovation Council in attendance.
The President noted that Nigeria has been at the forefront of the remarkable growth of startups in Africa, with Nigerian start-ups raising over US$4 billion between 2019 and 2022.
‘‘It is worth noting the remarkable growth of start-ups worldwide, with over US$400 Billion of venture funding accessed in 2022.
‘‘This growth was fuelled by a surge in demand for digital services as people worldwide turned to technology to stay connected, work remotely, and access essential goods and services largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘‘In Africa, the startup ecosystem has also been growing at a remarkable pace.
‘‘In 2022, African startups raised a record of US$5.4 Billion in funding,’’ he said.
President Buhari, therefore, charged members of the Council to harness the potential of Nigeria’s young and innovative population, who have demonstrated their ingenuity, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit in creating innovative solutions to the challenges of the nation and the continent.
‘‘With this inauguration, which serves as our first meeting, I hereby direct the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), to convene another meeting of the Council in May 2023 to make further progress on the implementation of the Act.
‘‘I congratulate the members of the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship on their assignment and wish them a successful and productive engagement in harnessing our youth talents and uplifting our country’s economy to new heights,’’ the President said.
Describing the Startup Act 2022 as a testament to the vision and commitment of his administration to harness the potential of Nigeria’s young and innovative population, the President recalled that it was developed in collaboration with his office, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, with the support of the Tech Ecosystem.
He explained that the Act, which became law after its approval by the Federal Executive Council on 15th December 2021 and the Presidential assent on 19th October, 2022, provides incentives and support for start-ups, such as tax breaks, access to funding, ease of doing business, intellectual property protection, and participation in public procurement.
He particularly commended the efforts of Pantami and the Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, for this achievement.
The President acknowledged that as Nigeria aims to become a global talent factory through the implementation of the Startup Act 2022, its startup ecosystem still faces significant challenges, such as access to funding, support infrastructure, and skilled talent.
‘‘These remain major barriers to the growth of the ecosystem, particularly for early-stage start-ups.
‘‘The provisions of the Nigeria Startup Act 2022 represent an important step towards addressing these challenges and promoting the growth of a more vibrant and inclusive startup ecosystem in Nigeria.
‘‘Furthermore, implementation of the Act will lead to consolidation and further development of the gains recorded by Nigeria’s digital economy, in the last four years, in the areas of contribution to GDP and increased revenue generation, among others,’’ he said.
President Buhari stressed that the Council would serve a critical governance structure in the implementation of the Act, which will ensure that government agencies, entrepreneurs, investors, and support organizations collaborate with the startup ecosystem to achieve the goals of promoting the growth of a vibrant and sustainable startup ecosystem.
‘‘I had earlier directed the Secretariat, the National Information Technology Development Agency to commence the execution of the implementation plan it developed.
‘‘One of the important aspects of the implementation plan is the development of the Startup Portal, which will serve as a platform that will drive the implementation of the NSA 2022 and collaboration between all stakeholders,’’ he said.
The members of the Council include the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Vice Chairman; the Minister responsible for Communications and Digital Economy, who will preside over the Council in the absence of the President and Vice President; the Minister responsible for Finance, Budget and National Planning; the Minister responsible for Industry, Trade and Investment; the Minister responsible for Science, Technology and Innovation and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Others are four representatives of the Start-up Consultative Forum, one representative of the Nigeria Computer Society, one representative of the Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria) and the Director-General, NITDA, who will serve as Secretary of the Council.
In his remarks, Pantami noted that it is widely accepted that digital innovation and digital entrepreneurship are the two prerequisites towards building an indigenous digital economy.
He said the inauguration of the Council would support the administration to consolidate the gains and achievements recorded in the digital economy sector.
‘‘This administration has set three unprecedented records when it comes to ICT contributions to GDP. For example in the first quarter of 2020, ICT alone contributed to 14.07 per cent to the country’s GDP.
‘‘In the second quarter of 2021, ICT alone, without digital services, contributed 17.92 per cent to GDP while in the second quarter of 2022, ICT contributed 18.44 per cent.
‘‘Annually, this administration has been setting new records when it comes to ICT contributions to GDP,’’ he said.
The Minister also used the occasion to apprise the Council that Nigeria’s broadband penetration is now 100 per cent with the deployment of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite Internet service.
Furthermore, Pantani said out of 7 unicorns in the continent, Nigeria now accounts for 4 unicorns worth over $1billion each.
‘‘All these unicorns in Nigeria attained this position during this administration. The first was in 2019, while the second, third and fourth attained this position in 2021.
‘‘57.14 per cent of the entire African unicorns originated from Nigeria while the market value of 7 of them combined as at February 2023 is $11.45billion, with the 4 from Nigeria contributing $7.5billion,’’ he said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 5, 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH FORMER MINISTER OF AVIATION, OSITA CHIDOKA, OVER PASSING OF MOM, VICTORIA, 75
President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, and members of the family, over the passing of their matriarch, Deaconess Victoria Nneka Osita, 75.
The President condoles with friends and associates of Deaconess Osita, whose life and times, from testimonies, signpost a deep fear and reverence for God, which was reflected in all her engagements, particularly investments of love for people.
As the family mourns the departed, President Buhari urges a surrender to the will of God at the very difficult period, through prayers, and counting of her blessings as a mother, grandmother, wife, sister and worker in the Lord’s vineyard.
The President prays for a peaceful rest for the woman fondly called Mama Osi, and comfort for the family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 5, 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI SALUTES FORMER APC CHAIRMAN, ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE AT 71
President Muhammadu Buhari warmly extends felicitations to former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who turns 71, April 4, 2023, highlighting the boldness of the political leader in advocating reforms, and standing for the welfare of the people.
The President congratulates the former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress for his loyalty, commitment to democracy and development, championing the cause of workers for eight years as President of the Nigerian Labor Congress before joining politics.
President Buhari rejoices with the former party leader who won his seat to the Senate, further revealing his zeal to serve the country in various capacities, after many years as an activist and labour leader, where he consistently pursued good governance, particularly in improving the livelihood of workers, which directly impacts on economic growth.
As Oshiomhole clocks 71, the President believes the nation owes the former NLC president debt of gratitude for always drawing attention to the plight of workers, and fighting to ensure that policies reflect the reality of those on the last rung of the economic and political ladder.
President Buhari prays for the wellbeing of the former party chairman and his family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 4, 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH FORMER GOVERNOR OF ABIA STATE, ORJI UZOR KALU OVER PASSING OF WIFE, IFEOMA
President Muhammadu Buhari sympathizes with former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu, over the death of his wife, Ifeoma Ada kalu, 61.
The President commiserates with Sen. Kalu and Ifeoma’s family, friends and associates, urging trust in God for comfort and care during the very difficult period of pain and deep reflection.
President Buhari believes the testimonies of the late wife’s fear of God and charity should provide strength for the family, knowing that she lived well, and served the will of the Almighty.
The President prays for the repose of her soul, and fortitude for the family to bear the loss.
Femi Adesina
Special adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 3, 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS RENOWNED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, EZEKIEL OMISORE,96
President Muhammadu Buhari shares the grief with family members, friends and associates of distinguished Elder of the Yoruba Tennis Club and past President of Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers, Arole Ezekiel Iyiola Omisore, who passed at 96.
President Buhari affirms the dutifulness, courage and inspiration that Omisore brought into work and life, remaining humble and warm even in his 90’s, with evidence of influence as a bridge for those that were climbing up, and pillar for the downtrodden.
The President notes the remarkable contributions of the engineer to development of the country, employed by then Government of Western Region, Ministry of Works, as the first Nigerian Structural Engineer before he left to start the Engineering section of Design Group as an Associate Partner.
The President urges family members and friends to approximate the good works of Arole Omisore, who was also “Gbobaniyi” of Ile-Ife, “Alatunse” of Cathedral Church Of the Anglican, Ile-Ife and Asiwaju Okunrin of Christian Association of Nigeria.
President Buhari prays that his soul will find rest with the Lord.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 3, 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS MUSICAL MAESTRO EBENEZER OBEY AT 81
President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with multi-talented musician, Ebenezer Obey, on his 81stbirthday, celebrating the talented performer for 66 years of impactful global career, with evergreen signature tunes from the 50’s.
President Buhari affirms the influence of Obey, known as “Chief Commander”, on the blossoming Nigerian musical industry since he started out at 15 years, bringing a fusion of juju and highlife into a musical band ,International Brothers,in 1964, metamorphosing to “International Reformers” in the 70’s.
The President believes the revered mentor and teacher expands his reach through sharing knowledge, good works and charity, guiding younger musicians to get training and skills at his musical school, counseling many against destructive habits and providing scholarships for the less privileged, with visits to orphanages and other welfare institutions.
President Buhari joins family members, friends, professional colleagues and fans of Obey in appreciating the life-long dedication, diligence and sacrifices that culminated in the successes, and the willingness to always place God at the center.
The President prays for good health, and more years of blessings for the octogenarian.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 3, 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS ANTHONY JOSHUA’S VICTORY OVER JERMAINE FRANKLIN
President Muhammadu Buhari celebrates the victory of Nigerian-born boxer, Anthony Joshua, over Jermaine Franklin, commending the triumph of the gifted pugilist over a formidable opponent.
Extolling the mentality of Joshua, who did not allow personal setbacks and obstacles to dent his resilient spirit, the President says the former three-time world heavyweight champion has demonstrated that by hard work, patience, dedication, persistence and humility, those who dare do win.
President Buhari lauds Joshua for his courage and discipline, on and off the ring, and prays that this success will be a stepping stone to one of the greatest comebacks in boxing history.
The President believes that the accomplishments of Joshua on the world stage will continue to inspire many upcoming professionals, particularly sportsmen and women, not to be discouraged by temporary defeats and setbacks.
He wishes Joshua a bright future and fulfilling career.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
April 1, 2023