State House Press Release

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite  Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th  Regular Course.

He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.

Oluyede has held many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School.

General Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.

Oluyede has earned many honours for his meritorious service in various fields of operations. These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.

Others are the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal.

Oluyede also received the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.

He is married and has three children.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser Information and Strategy

To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU PERFORMS GROUNDBREAKING OF 18-FLOOR IBOM TOWERS IN LAGOS 

• Says Akwa Ibom State’s investment will strengthen relationship, grow revenues

• We invested in real estate to grow our State economy, says Eno

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, performed a groundbreaking ceremony of an 18 storey multipurpose building called Ibom Towers in Lagos by Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday, saying the landmark project represents not only physical growth but a symbol of inter-state collaboration and shared prosperity.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who praised the bold move made by Governor Umo Eno for identifying Lagos as a good place to invest, said Akwa Ibom State’s investment in Lagos will strengthen the relationship between the two states and grow their revenues.

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke while performing the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ibom Towers owned by the Akwa Ibom State at Plot 868A, Bishop Aboyade Cole, Victoria Island in Lagos State.

Ibom Towers, located in the commercial heart of Victoria Island, Lagos, when completed, is expected to be a good revenue source for Akwa Ibom State. The project is expected to be delivered in the next 24 months.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, during his address, said, “The decision by Akwa Ibom State to embark on this ambitious venture here in Lagos is a testament to the dynamism of our great city as a commercial hub and to the visionary leadership of Governor Umo Eno. This groundbreaking affirms our commitment to welcoming and fostering projects that strengthen economic ties and create new opportunities across our regions.

“As Ibom Towers rises, it will serve as a beacon of the fruitful alliance between Lagos and Akwa Ibom, creating a unique space that encourages business, investment, and vibrant community life. Projects like this one are the embodiment of our collective vision for Nigeria’s growth, driven by creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.”

Speaking earlier, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, said his state decided to invest in real estate, particularly in Lagos, to grow Akwa Ibom state economy and increase its revenue base.

“In our determined effort to grow more means of income and deepen our investment portfolio, we are here to perform a groundbreaking ceremony of this 18 storey Ibom Towers,” he said.

Governor Eno, who said he had been a follower of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership when he was Governor of Lagos State, noted that the right reform he took in Lagos State grew the state economy, and it became the best-performing state in Africa.

In his remarks, the first Governor of Akwa Ibom State in the current Fourth Republic, Obong Victor Attah, said he had wanted to embark on the project when he was the Governor of the State but couldn’t execute it because he did not get the support of the relevant stakeholders.

Attah urged Governor Eno not to give attention to those who may accuse him that instead of developing his state, he is developing another person’s state, noting that the value of land and building in Lagos is not the same as Akwa Ibom.

“Don’t pay attention to those who may blame you for not developing your state by building such property in your state. The value of land here in Lagos is far above that of Akwa Ibom State. You have a vision. The future belongs to those who have the audacity to see the future before it becomes a reality,” he said.

Speaking on the importance of the Ibom Towers, the Managing Director of the Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation, Pastor Imoabasi Jacob, said the tower is an investment meant to increase the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) of Akwa Ibom State and create more value for the future.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY

30 OCTOBER 2024

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU MOURNS LAGOS SCHOLARSHIP BOARD’S EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has mourned the death of the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mr Abdulrahman Lekki, describing his demise as a rude shock and a big loss to the State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described Lekki, who passed away on Wednesday, as a committed and passionate public officer.

He said the deceased served the state with dedication as the Executive Secretary of the State’s Scholarship Board and was deeply committed to empowering young people through education.

The Governor also condoled the immediate family, friends, and associates of the departed, as well as the management and entire staff of the Lagos State Scholarship Board.

He said, “I am saddened by the death of the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Scholarship Board, Abdulrahman Lekki. He was diligently and deeply committed to empowering many young people through education.

“Abdulrahman Lekki would be greatly missed, particularly by the Lagos State Scholarship Board. I pray that God will grant the soul of the departed eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus and grant his immediate family, friends, and associates the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY

30 OCTOBER 2024

Undergraduate Bags 14 Years Jail Term in Port Harcourt

Justice A. T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State,  has convicted and sentenced a final year student of the University of Port Harcourt, Henry Nathaniel Ekanem fourteen(14) years imprisonment for internet fraud.

He was jailed on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 upon arraignment by the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on seven-count charges bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and impersonation.

One of the counts reads:

“That you, Henry Nathaniel Ekanem on or about 17th September, 2024, at Choba in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud, did obtain the sum of Twenty Two United states of America dollars ($22)  from Diana Roskov by fraudulently representing yourself as Coran Capsha, manager of the singer, Chris Stapleton, a pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud- Related Offences Act 2006.

He pleaded guilty when the charges were read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, A. Abubakar called witnesses, tendered some documents as evidence which were admitted by the court and marked as exhibits. He thereafter prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.

Counsel to the defendant, F. T. Fred-Boufini did not oppose the prayers by the prosecution. She rather prayed the court to temper justice with mercy stressing that the defendant was a first time offender with no previous criminal records.

Justice Mohammed convicted and sentenced the defendant to two years imprisonment on each of the seven -count or an option of fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000) payable into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The judge also ordered that all the phones recovered from the convict be forfeited to the government,  being proceeds of crime.  The convict shall also depose an affidavit of good behaviour before the court.

Ekanem started his journey to the Correctional Centre when he was arrested by operatives of the Commission sometime in September, 2024 at Choba, Port Harcourt,  for internet fraud and other fraud-related  activities. The convict successfully defrauded one Diana Roskov,  among others,  by fraudulently representing himself as Coran Capsha, manager of the singer, Chris Stapleton through WhatsApp and Instagram chats.

Media & Publicity

 October 30,2024

2024: APC INAUGURATES NATIONAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL FOR ONDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

– We’re impressed with Gov Aiyedatiwa’s achievements in 10 months, says Sanwo-Olu

– Ganduje, Govs Dapo Abiodun, Biodun Oyebanji, Sen. Omo-Agege, others to lead party’s campaign

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, on Monday inaugurated the National Campaign Council of the party for the governorship election in Ondo State.

The inauguration ceremony held in Akure, the State capital, with Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Chairman and former Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, as Secretary.

The ceremony was attended by Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun and his Ekiti State counterpart, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, both of who are chairmen of sub-committees of the campaign council.

Speaking at the event, Ganduje said the National leadership of the APC will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to achieve an overwhelming victory in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.

The former Kano State Governor charged members of the committee to put all their efforts into the campaign to make the party’s victory a smooth one.

Accepting the role as Chairman of the campaign council, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that the people of Ondo State will vote massively for Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on November 16.

Sanwo-Olu said; “When I saw the compendium of all Governor Aiyedatiwa has been doing, he’s doing and intends to do, I was impressed. This shows that he’s the best man for the job and we are presenting the best for the people of Ondo State.

“If you look at the composition of the National Campaign Council, you will see that our party is serious about winning the election and on behalf of the Council, I want to promise that we will run an issue-based campaign and there will be a free, fair and credible election in Ondo State.”

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES OLORI ONIKEPO OLUFUNMIKE AKANDE ON HER 80TH BIRTHDAY

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Olori Onikepo Olufunmike Akande, OON, CON, as she joyfully marks her 80th birthday on 29 October.

A true pioneer, Onikepo  Akande holds the honour of being Nigeria’s first female Minister of Industry and the second female President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

In celebrating her, President Tinubu highlights Olori Akande’s trailblazing record and her contributions to Nigeria’s public and private sectors.

Affectionately known as Nike, she is revered not only as an exceptional leader but also as the Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadanland, a devoted wife to Oba Adebayo Akande, the Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, a proud mother, and beloved grandmother.

In the early 1990s, she served as a director of the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NICON) and the Nigeria Industrial Development Bank (NIDB), now known as the Bank of Industry. She was also a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Centre for Women Development in Abuja from 1992 to 1994.

President Tinubu commends her exceptional service as a boardroom player, public administrator, community leader, philanthropist, and business executive.

President Tinubu also praises Nike Akande for her tenure as Minister of Industry, acknowledging her dedication and commitment to driving progress in the nation.

 Her remarkable career, bolstered by her Harvard education and expertise in investment, has earned her numerous national and international accolades, particularly in empowering women in commerce and entrepreneurship.

The President expresses deep gratitude to Nike Akande for her unwavering commitment to mentoring and uplifting others, asserting she is a role model to countless women across Nigeria.

He honours the Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadanland as a symbol of beauty, diligence, courage, affection, and kindness. President Tinubu also notes her exemplary role as a supportive wife to a respected traditional ruler and as a mother whose children have achieved great success.

The President prays to God Almighty to bless Nike Akande with continued health and longevity, allowing her to share her inspiring life story and encourage others to embrace optimism and resilience.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

October 28, 2024

STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

PRESIDENT TINUBU EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER BLACKOUT IN THE NORTH, DIRECTS SPEEDY RESTORATION OF ELECTRICITY

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed concern over the blackout in the northern region of Nigeria in the last week. He is now leading efforts to end the disruption that has paralysed social and economic activities, summoning the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The President has directed the Minister of Power and relevant agencies to speed up the pace of work to restore electricity to all the affected states in the North.

President Tinubu is saddened by the reports of vandalism and wilful destruction of power infrastructure and other public assets that caused the unfortunate blackout.

In a meeting with the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, who briefed on efforts made by the Transmission Company of Nigeria to repair the damaged Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines, the President directed a long-term solution to the problem.

President Tinubu charged TCN engineers not to relent in bringing immediate relief to the people who need electricity to sustain their social and economic activities.

To ensure that restoration work continues unhindered, President Tinubu also directed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to work with the Army and Air Force to deploy adequate security personnel, including aerial cover, to protect the engineers who are fixing the damaged transmission line.

President Tinubu implores traditional rulers, community leaders, and other leaders of thought to work with security agencies to protect public assets and infrastructure.

He said the government will no longer condone deliberate sabotage and destruction of public utilities.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information and Strategy)

October 28, 2024

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

FGN DONATES N500 MILLION TO THE NIGERIAN LEGION AS TINUBU COMMENDS THE ARMED FORCES

The Federal Government on Tuesday donated N500 Million to the Nigerian Legion as President Bola Tinubu commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their unwavering efforts towards combating the various security challenges bedeviling the country.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, announced the donation at the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration Emblem and Appeal Fund Launch at the State House, Abuja,

President Tinubu said that without the armed forces’ efforts to stabilise the country, the administration’s reform policies and economic theories would have little impact.

“No matter what economic theory we propagate or postulate, if there is no security, we cannot promote peace and development”, President Tinubu said.

“I am grateful to all of you on behalf of the country. The challenges are severe, but you are this country’s first line of defence. Thank you for your patriotic commitment to Nigerian unity, stability, and progress.”

President Tinubu, who emphasized that the welfare of the security forces would remain the government’s top priority, also extolled men and women who have paid the ultimate price in defence of the country, assuring that their sacrifices will not be in vain.

“We came today to remember our fallen heroes, men and women who have sacrificed their lives for this country’s unity, stability and progress. We are committed to their values, principles, beliefs, and the unity and strength of this country as we pass on a banner without stain to the next generation.

“It is a great honour for me to launch the emblem once again. The welfare of our men and women in the Armed Forces will continue to be our top priority. I want to thank all of you.”

Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru thanked President Tinubu for his continued support of the welfare of the armed forces, serving retired and fallen heroes, and their relations.

“Let us remember that unveiling this Emblem serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of our collective responsibility to uplift our Armed Forces and their families. Therefore, you will agree that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is more than just a commemoration; it is a call to action.

“Hence, this Appeal Fund we are launching today to provide essential support to our veterans and their families becomes crucial. The funds raised will directly contribute to welfare programs, offering vital services such as healthcare, education, and financial assistance.

Retired Major General Abdulmalik Jibril, the national chairman of the Nigeria Legion, praised the President for his continued support for the legion and their families, especially for the unprecedented donation.

He added that with the donation, “their families will not be left in the streets and will not be beggars.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Executive Council, service chiefs, heads of other security and paramilitary agencies, and representatives of the Nigerian Legion were also present at the event.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

October 29, 2024

PRESIDENT TINUBU ASSURES OF MORE STABILITY  IN THE OIL SECTOR WITH NAIRA FOR CRUDE TRANSACTIONS, URGES STAKEHOLDERS TO UPHOLD THE INTEREST OF THE NATION

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, speaking Tuesday in Abuja, commended the Implementation Committee on the Naira-based sales of crude oil and refined products and asked the members to resolve any teething problems.

In a review meeting at the State House, the President said that using the Naira was conceived to remove the exchange rate hurdle.

“Whatever solution we proffer in crude oil and refined products sales in Naira should not take us back to our experience in the last 40 years.

“There can be cost and revenue adjustment in the oil sector, but the issue is that the government will not have to go back to the old way of doing things,’’ the President stated.

President Tinubu said the various players in the oil sector, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd and the Dangote Refinery, should work to improve the economy and the livelihood of Nigerians.

The President urged stakeholders to look inward and consider supplying enough petrol and petroleum products for local consumption to stop the persistent reliance on importation. He said this would enable the channelling of foreign exchange into the development of the real sector.

The President advised stakeholders to use Afreximbank as a settlement bank to resolve the Naira pricing for crude and refined products. Afreximbank is already on board as the financial adviser.

“The market must determine what we are doing. Once you allow the market to determine the profit and loss, independent marketers and the government side can meet on the worksheet. I want the issues resolved without future waste of time,’’ he added.

“We can have energy security, and the motivation for Alhaji Aliko Dangote will not be defeated.  It will be more predictable on a medium and long-term basis,’’ the President said.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said the administration’s groundbreaking steps to sell crude in Naira would not be reversed, and the government would not be involved in determining the rate of exchange for the oil sector.

The President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group told the President that the refinery had more than 500 million litres of fuel in reserve after supplying 400 million to the economy.

He said the refinery could collaborate with the other refineries managed by NNPC Ltd to meet an estimated 32 million litres of local petrol needs.

At the meeting, the Federal Inland Revenue Service Chairman, Zach Adedeji, who chairs the technical committee, said importing refined products should end once we have the capacity to produce enough to meet domestic needs.

“The vision of Mr President is to turn Nigeria into a hub for refined products to export to the world.”

Other stakeholders at the meeting included Prof. Benedict Oramah, the President and Chairman of the Board of Afrexim Bank, and Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the minister of budget and national planning and Group Managing Director of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari.

The president’s special adviser on energy, Olu Verheijen, and the CEOs of NIMASA and Nigerian Ports Authority also attended, along with Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, head of Upstream Regulator, and Farouk Ahmed, head of Midstream & Downstream Regulator,  NMDPRA.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information and Strategy)

October 29, 2024

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES ONIKEPO AKANDE AT 80

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Nigeria’s first female Minister of Industry and second female President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief (Dr.) Onikepo Akande, on her 80th birthday.

The Governor, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Akande, a renowned economist, accountant and industrialist, as a distinguished Nigerian who has served the country passionately and made significant contributions to the business world and society.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Chief Onikepo Akande, the Iyalaje of Ibadanland, who turns 80 on Tuesday, deserves all the accolades for her immense and impactful contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy and governance.

He said: “On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, I congratulate the first female Minister of Industry, Chief (Dr) Onikepo Akande, on her 80th birthday.

“Dr. Onikepo Akande is worth celebrating on her 80th birthday based on her positive impact in the country. She has served Nigeria passionately and made significant contributions to the business world and society. She is an icon in the business world and beyond.

“She contributed positively to governance and nation-building as a Minister of Industry and later as delegate at the 2014 National Conference.

“As Chief (Dr.) Onikepo Akande joins the league of octogenarians today, I pray that God will grant her good health to enable her to render more service to humanity, the business community, Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.”

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY

29 OCTOBER 2024

ONDO GUBER: APC INAUGURATES SANWO-OLU-LED 305-NEMBER NATIONAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

• We’ll win poll with nothing less than 80 percent of total votes, says Chairman

Lagos State Governor and the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for November 16 Ondo State governorship election, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured his party leadership that the committee would win the forthcoming governorship election with nothing less than 80 percent of the total votes.

He urged all the party leaders and members to work for the victory of the APC gubernatorial candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the November 16 poll.

Sanwo-Olu, who is the South-West leader of APC, spoke on Monday during the inauguration of the APC National Campaign Council by the party leadership led by the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, at Akure, the capital of Ondo State

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who noted that the party had given him the same assignment in the state twice, pledged that the campaign council will do everything within their means constitutionally and professionally to defeat other political parties in the November 16th poll.

The Lagos State Governor appreciated President Bola Tinubu, who he described as the leader of the party, for giving his support for the APC National Campaign Council to lead the governorship campaign in Ondo State.

He said: “On behalf of my entire team, most of whom are here today, we want to assure our party and everybody that we will do everything within our means; constitutionally and professionally to ensure that a free, fair, highly competitive election and campaign about issues is what we will be doing.

“It will not be a campaign on sentiment and abuse but on issues because Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has made our life a lot easier. We can boldly come out for Governor Aiyedatiwa because he has made us proud within his 305 days period as a governor of the state.

“We will go out with our full chest to campaign for him. We will not disappoint the party and the people of the state. We will win with nothing less than 80 percent of the total votes.”

In his address, the APC National Chairman, Ganduje, expressed confidence that the ruling party in Ondo State will win the governorship election with a wide margin in a free and fair contest.

Ganduje while inaugurating the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led 305-member council, urged them to swing into action and build a strong synergy with the state and local campaign council for APC to be victorious in the next month gubernatorial poll.

“We are here to create an enabling environment so that the election will be free and fair. And the election will be victorious for our party. We must support him (Governor Aiyedatiwa) so that he will continue to provide good governance for the state. He is a lucky man, and he will continue to be lucky,” Ganduje said.

Speaking earlier, Governor Aiyedatiwa said he deserved to be reelected based on performance, noting that within the last 10 months in office, he had focused on infrastructural development, public utilities renewal, boosting agricultural production, entrepreneurship and youth development, job creation and security.

He said: “We are filled with hope and determination as we look forward to the election of 16th of November, 2024 with so much enthusiasm. For us, it is an election that promises to be a defining moment for our great Party, Ondo State and Nigeria at large.

“What we are doing here today is a display of the strength of our will when we work together. It is the evidence of our capability which by God’s grace will produce victory on 16th November, 2024.

“I believe government is about the people. We are resolute and committed to that faith. We have worked hard for the heart of the people. We are talking to them house to house, door to door and mouth to ears. Above all, we are committed to a peaceful and credible election, where votes count.”

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY

29 OCTOBER 2024