President Muhammadu Buhari welcomes the completion and delivery of 300 housing units of two-bedroom each and other livelihood enhancing infrastructure at two Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Borno State.
The housing units and the other infrastructure, constructed by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) were delivered at the IDPs camps in Gwoza and Nganzai Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State.
Specifically, 200 housing units, a fully equipped 20-Bed Primary healthcare centre, skill acquisition centre, a mini sports pavilion and a community hall were inaugurated at the IDPs camp in Nganzai.
The other facilities unveiled for the displaced persons at the local government include a fully furnished four blocks of twenty-four classrooms, a water scheme with full reticulation, access roads and an integrated 400 units of solar streetlights.
The President commends the OSSAP-SDGs for delivering for use the IDPs 100 housing units in Gwoza, a fully equipped 20-bed Primary Healthcare Centre and a quarter for security operatives.
The other projects unveiled include three fully furnished blocks of six classrooms, a water scheme with complete reticulation, access roads, 500 poles of integrated solar streetlights and market lockup/open shops.
The projects in Gwoza and Nganzai LGs were commissioned on Wednesday 26 April and Thursday 27 April respectively at an event attended by top officials of Borno government led by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, traditional and religious leaders, federal and state lawmakers as well as the management of OSSAP-SDGs.
Speaking at the event, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, expressed appreciation to President Buhari for providing the needed resources that have enabled her Office to work closely with sub-national governments to deliver key interventions to fast-track the achievement of the 2023 agenda.
Orelope-Adefulire, also appreciated the Borno State Government for the support given to her Office to deliver on the initiative.
The SSAP-SDGs noted that the projects were in line with the promise of the President to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years with emphasis on delivery of key interventions with multiplier effects on multi-dimensional poverty, such as basic healthcare, vocational skills development and education provisioning as well as the North East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP).
She added that the interventions were also meant to help Nigeria accelerate the progress on the SDGs by 2030 and the Borno State Strategic Development Plan by 2024.
“It is worthy to mention that the provision of decent and affordable housing is a fundamental human right, enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goal 11, which seeks to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. These housing units, alongside the other facilities, will go a long way in improving the living conditions of the Internally Displaced Persons and ensuring their safety and resilience,” she said.
The presidential aide added that the facilities have spillover effects on other related Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1, which seeks to end poverty; SDG 2, which seeks to end hunger and promote food security; SDG 3, which seeks to promote good health and well-being; SDG 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education; SDG 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality; SDG 6, which seeks to ensure access to clean water and sanitation and SDG 7, which seeks to ensure access to affordable and clean energy.
The projects are also in line with SDG 8, which seeks to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth; SDG 9, which seeks to promote resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialization; SDG 10, which seeks to reduce inequalities; SDG 13, which seeks to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts; SDG 16, which seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive societies; and SDG 17, which seeks to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
“My office and Borno State Government have worked closely to complete these interventions which demonstrate our commitment to providing sustainable infrastructure that meets the needs of the communities. We look forward to working together to achieve more SDGs in Borno State and Nigeria at large so that “No-One is Left Behind,” the SSAP-SDGs added.
Also speaking during the inauguration of the projects in Nganzai, Gov. Zulum hailed President Buhari and OSSAP-SDGs for the projects for the benefit of people, who were displaced by the insurgency in the state.
He noted that housing is a critical aspect of the resettlement and rehabilitation process for communities affected by the insurgency and the projects executed by OSSAP-SDGs in the State are the largest single intervention by any organisation since the beginning of the insurgency in the state.
“This will enhance the living condition of the people, and also provide a sense of security and stability,” he said.
Governor Zulum also reiterated his commitment to the resettlement and rehabilitation of communities affected by the insurgency.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 3, 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES WITH FORMER DG, NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION, AL-HASSAN YAKMUT SALEH AT 62
President Muhammadu Buhari warmly congratulates former Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Al-Hassan Yakmut Saleh, on his 62nd birthday, May 5, 2023, rejoicing with the administrator, who has contributed immensely to the development of sports in Nigeria, starting out as a professional volleyball player.
President Buhari extols Saleh for his passion and resilience in the growth of sports and the well-being of athletes, working over many years with four ministers of sports, with extensive knowledge in sports administration, which gracefully translated into gains when he served as the Director General of the NSC.
The President affirms the historic roles of the administrator in national development, serving variously as Director/Secretary to Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Correctional Services (NCS), and Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) Board in the Ministry of Interior, Director Planning, Research and Statistics in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and Director of Employee Relations and Welfare in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
President Buhari prays for the well-being of the sports administrator and his family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 4, 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES VETERAN STATE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT, FELIX ONUAH, AT 60
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