President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with Felix Onuah, one of the longest serving State House correspondents, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
Onuah was first assigned to cover the State House in 1991 and since then has continued on the job for several media organizations.
In 32 years, he has had the rare privilege of reporting eight Heads of State and Government, from Dodan Barracks, Lagos to Aso Rock, Abuja, beginning from General Ibrahim Babangida to President Buhari.
As a government that values the importance of press freedom and freedom of expression to democracy, the President commends the State House correspondent for Reuters World News Agency for maintaining a high standard of journalism over the years through objective and informed reporting, free from any political interference.
The President trusts that the versatile journalist, who is a calm and courageous voice among his colleagues in the State House Press Corps, will continue with the remarkable legacy of delivering news about Nigeria and the seat of government with insight, integrity, balance and knowledge.
President Buhari joins family, friends, colleagues and members of the State House Press Corps in wishing the veteran journalist with 36 years of experience more prosperous years in health and vitality.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 5, 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS GOVERNOR LALONG AT 60, COMMENDS HIM FOR HIS ‘FAR SIGHTED DECISIONS’ AS LEADER
President Muhammadu Buhari sends birthday wishes to the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong as he marks his 60th birthday, expressing gratitude for the immense affection shown to him by the Governor and the people of Plateau State.
“I express my special gratitude to Governor Lalong as he marks his landmark birthday. I thank you for the trust you have in our friendship.”
Lauding Governor Lalong for the work he has done since taking oath of office and the decisions he has taken in the last eight years, President Buhari said:
“These reflect his effectiveness as a leader. On matters of the security and wellbeing of the people, the Governor is an example for the whole country. I believe a great future lies ahead for him.”
In wishing him many happy years ahead, President Buhari urged Governor Lalong to continue to bring convenience and respect to the people of his state.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 5, 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI WRITES SENATE, SEEKS CONFIRMATION OF 12 NOMINEES FOR GOVERNING BOARD OF NORTH-EAST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Senate to confirm the appointment of 12 nominees as members of the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
The President’s request is contained in a letter addressed to Senate President Ahmed Lawan dated May 3, 2023.
‘‘In accordance with the provision of Part 1, section 2(5)(b) of the North East Development Commission Establishment Act, 2017, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of twelve (12) nominees as tabulated below, in the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission.
‘‘The Senate is invited to note that the tenure of the current Governing Board of the North East Development Commission will end on 7th May, 2023.’’
The nominees include: Barr. Bashir Bukar Baale, Chairman, (North East, Yobe), Suwaiba Idris Baba, Executive Director, Humanitarian Affairs, (North East, Taraba), Musa Umar Yashi, Executive Director, Administration and Finance, (North East, Bauchi), Dr Ismaila Nuhu Maksha, Executive Director, Operations (North East, Adamawa) and Umar Abubakar Hashidu, MD/CEO, (North East, Gombe).
Others are Grema Ali, member, (North East, Borno), Onyeka Gospel-Tony, member, (South East), Hon. Mrs Hailmary Ogolo Aipoh, member, (South-South), Air Commodore Babatunde Akanbi (rtd), member, (South West), Mustapha Ahmed Ibrahim, member, (North West), Hadiza Maina, member, (North Central) and a representative from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.
The President expressed hope that his request ‘‘will receive the usual expeditious consideration and confirmation of the Senate.’’
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 5, 2023

LESSONS WE LEARNT FROM 2023 ELECTIONS, BY PRESIDENT BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in London expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria considering the turnout of voters and the generally peaceful atmosphere under which it took place. He added that the country learnt lessons which would make subsequent polls even better.
The President stated this while addressing his colleagues at the Commonwealth Leaders Summit as part of the major events leading to the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Commonwealth.
The theme of the event focused on the future of the Commonwealth as a body and the role of the Youth.
According to the President, “these elections saw a remarkable turnout of voters and proof that Nigeria’s democracy is maturing. Despite some pockets of violence, we have demonstrated that a government can be elected peacefully and fairly.
“Lessons have been learnt and moving forward, we hope to perform even better. Based on this, I am delighted to note that we have taken another step towards deepening our democracy with peaceful, transparent and credible outcomes. Though we are aware that challenges still exist, we are committed to working towards a greater participation of all Nigerians in the democratic process, including those in the diaspora.”
While thanking the Commonwealth for sending a team to witness the conduct of the elections, he noted that the elections were generally free and fair, and the mood of the Nation after the announcement of the winners so far shows that democracy in Nigeria is maturing and can only get better.
President Buhari highlighted the key role Nigerian youths played during the elections as well as in support of national development, attributing a great part of this youth participation in the General Elections to the assent of ‘Not Too Young To Run’ Bill signed into law by his Administration in 2018.
He announced that Nigeria would also host the Commonwealth Youth and Students Summit for African Region, with the theme, ‘Making Change Happen’ in Abuja from May 9-11, this year.
The Nigerian leader used the opportunity to bid farewell to his colleagues, expressing joy at shared aspirations and values within the period:
“As I come before you today, I am also mindful that this would be my last official engagement with His Majesty The King and some of you as I leave office on 29 May 2023. I, therefore, feel both humble and grateful for this extraordinary and significantly important moment.
“Over the years, I have worked cordially with the leaders of Commonwealth to achieve the values and principles of the Commonwealth which are shared by its members – the aspirations of the Commonwealth family which include positioning it to be a strong and respected voice in the world and improving the lives of all its citizens are being vigorously pursued,” he said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 5, 2023