COVER
Nigerians Watching Us, Tinubu Tells Ministers
By Mathew Dadiya & Laide Akinboade,
Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, Monday, swore-in 45 ministers and tasked them to deliver on their responsibilities, saying he and them were in a vehicle, where he was the driver.
He said the entire Nigerian citizenry were watching as he the Ministers navigate the economy.
The Senate, in line with the constitutional obligations of Nigeria, had on Monday, August 7, screened and confirmed 45 ministers, who will superintend over the ministries of Federal Government in President Tinubu’s administration of ‘renewed hope.
’The President who wished the ministers success in “this new assignment” said, “we are on this boat even if it is a vehicle and I am the driver, the entire Nigerians are behind sitting and watching as you and I navigate this vehicle.
”Tinubu gave the charge while inaugurating the new cabinet members at the Conference Centre of the State House, at the Aso Rock Abuja.
He said the highest obligation of the ministers was to restore public faith in government so that Nigerians could once again believe that the right hands in government can show.
According to him, “I believe in you that the government can be a positive force for transformation and a vehicle for collective progress of this country.”
“The challenges we face today are very daunting yes, there are yet amidst this evident challenge, we have the opportunity to implement long overdue reforms that will improve the operation of government, transform our nation’s economy and ensure peace, safety and prosperity for our people.
“The men and women who have been sworn-in have been carefully selected by me for their track record of excellence and achievement in public and private sector.
“They reflected in diversity of Nigeria and bring to their new role an assortment of experience and expertise to help guide the nation’s affairs and also continue to rebuild the nation and re-engineer all our finances and defects, building blocks of Nigeria today and the future.
“As I said earlier on, you are not a minister of a particular state, colonies, region or ethnic nationality, you are a Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria. God be with you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“These are the objectives that underpin the renewed hope agenda. And these are the objectives that inspired the selection of a lot of these distinguished ladies and gentlemen ministers,” the President explained.
Tinubu pointed out that, the as “Ministers of the federal republic, you are not minister of a region or Minister of a particular state.”
He noted that since his inauguration on May 29, he had taken steps to begin implementing the agenda from which he campaigned and for which he received the mandate of Nigerian people.
“With the inauguration of ministers today, we are about to accelerate our governing efforts to move forward, highlighting our best aspiration for Nigerians. It is all about a great team. And I believe we have them here.
“It is the highest honour to be chosen to serve as the minister in the Federal Executive Council of our beloved Republic. With such high honour comes tremendous responsibility. In this moment of abundant promise and fail in equal measure.
“All of you who have been sworn- in ‘ve been called to distinguish yourselves. It is me who knows you. I delegate this authority but the greatest number of Nigerians are highly expecting delivery and accountability and transparency,” the President explained.
Tinubu told the new cabinet members that he expects that they will serve with integrity, dignity and deliver, vowing, “I will hold you to that standard we all promised Nigerians.”
The President said, their assignment begins immediately, as their country honors them today, by this call to service, they must each work to make themselves “worthy in the eyes of God and all our nation’s people.”
While charging them to hold each other responsible, the President said, “We have to do the job to meet the expectations of all Nigerians,” congratulating and welcoming them to the ‘administration of renewed hope.’
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRazak AbdulRahman were also in attendance at the event.
The President inaugurated the ministers five in a batch at the Aso Rock, Abuja.
The first batch comprised the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State Gas in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy, and Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman.
While the second batch was Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of State (Oil), Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari.
The third batch of ministers to be sworn-in, in are Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, and Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh.
The fourth batch included the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, Minister of Transportation, Alkali Sa’id, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite, and Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru.
While the fifth batch of ministers to be sworn in include Minister of State Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Gwarzo, Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mariya Mahmud, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu.
The sixth batch of ministers sworn in were Minister of State Education, Yusuf Sunumu, Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, and Minister of State Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman- Ibrahim.
The seventh batch of ministers sworn in were Minister of State Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, Minister of State Environment, Ishak Salako, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.
The eighth batch of ministers were Minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Power, Adedayo Adelabu, Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The ninth and last batch of ministers sworn-in are Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo, Minister of State for Steel Development, Maigari Ahmadu, Minister of Police affairs, Ibrahim Geidam, Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle, and Minster of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo.
Wike: I Have President’s Backing to Sanitize Abuja
The newly sworn-in Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike on Monday, said he has the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to sanitize Abuja and ensure things were done properly.
Wike stated this at his maiden news conference, as he assumed office as the Minister of FCT.
He revealed some of the areas he would concentrate on to include “security; stop street trading, stop indiscriminate parks and bus stops, ensure proper sanitation, restore Abuja master plan, demolition of illegal structure, return parks and gardens, return ground rents and revocation of lands with abandon buildings”.
The Minister said he won’t hesitate to demolish all illegal buildings and structures in the FCT as part of effort to restore the Abuja Master Plan.
He reiterated his commitment to overhaul the FCT and reposition it among the best cities in the world.
As the new sheriff in town, he said “It is not going to be business as usual. Those distorting Abuja Master Plan, if you build where you are not supposed to, the building will go down.
“If you build on a green area, sorry, it will go down. Those who were allocated land and refused to develop them, we will revoke such lands and re-allocate them to those who are ready to develop them.
“Those who don’t pay ground rent, we will not notify them to do so, but I will not be tired of signing revocation notices.
“Uncompleted buildings that have become a safe haven for criminals will be reclaimed by the government and put them to good use.”
The minister added that the government would no longer tolerate the indiscriminate operation of markets and motor parks by the roadside.
He said that people selling goods and wares under the umbrella by roadside, illegal motor parks and bus stops would no longer be tolerated, adding that they constitute part of the security challenge in the FCT.
“If you have a brother, sister, or uncle involved in any of these, please tell him that the time is up. The goal is to sanitise Abuja and make it safe for everyone,” he said.
He also said that efforts would be made to strengthen waste management and restore all traffic lights to keep the city clean.
He added that motorcycle and tricycle operators would be banned from the city and put an end to open grazing within the capital city.
“We will consult with stakeholders, the natives, and herdsmen to address some of these problems, including open grazing.
“We will provide alternatives to reduce the suffering of the people, particularly those without private vehicles.
“We will bring back mass transit to improve access to public transportation, and therefore, the person in charge of transportation must keep his record clean,” he said.
He said that emphasis would be placed on infrastructural development, taking one project at a time to restore the city to its glory.
The minister said that development would also be extended to the six Area Councils as part of strategies to decongest the city.
He also said that all revenue leakages would be blocked to be able to mobilise the needed resources for infrastructural development in the FCT.
On security, Wike said that he will work with all security agencies in the FCT and provide them with necessary tools and logistics to rid the city of all criminals.
According to him, FCT is supposed to be the safest city in the country, adding however, that the city is no longer safe.
“We will provide security agencies with necessary tools and logistics and after that, we will not want to hear any excuses. What we want to see is results.”
Wike also promised to consider the natives in political appointments with a view to carry everyone along.
He also stated that he is not in FCT to fly any party flag but to do the job as required by the constitution.
He solicited the support of all stakeholders, including the media to restore the confidence of the people on President Bola Tinubu-led administration drive to give people hope.
By David Torough, Abuja
Business tycoon Aminu Alhassan Dantata yesterday donated N1.5 billion to those affected flood in Maiduguri, Borno State.Dantata who was accompanied friends and associates in Kano was received in Maiduguri by the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum.The businessman extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of the state especially those who lost their beloved ones to the flood.
Dantata, 96 lamented the bad economy and prayed for the peace and harmony of Borno State and Nigeria. The Borno State governor expressed heartfelt gratitude for the visit.He acknowledged that its serves as a powerful beacon of hope and solidarity during the trying times.Zulum said, “The people of Borno deeply appreciate this show of humanity by a 96-year-old to visit us.“Let me say it, Our Baba has donated the sum of N1.5 billion to support the flood victims. May Allah bless and reward you with Aljannah.”This donation comes after Dantata’s nephew, Aliko Dangote also donated N1 billion to the flood victims.Meanwhile, Borno State government has raised the alarm, saying the people are at the risk of health crisis.Government has warned residents against eating vegetables from flooded areas because they are contaminated.A statement posted by the Ministry of Information and Internal Security on Facebook yesterday advised the public to abide by the warning for their wellbeing.The statement read, “Due to the recent flood disaster, vegetables from flooded areas are seriously contaminated with harmful substances, including sewage, dead bodies, chemicals and bacteria.“Consuming these contaminated vegetables can lead to serious health risks, including waterborne diseases, food poisoning, and other health complications. “To protect your health and safety, we urge you to avoid buying vegetables from flooded areas; only purchase vegetables from trusted sources and reputable markets; ensure that all vegetables are properly washed and cleaned before consumption.”Nearly 500,000 people have been displaced and more than 1 million affected by flood that recently submerged several parts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.The flood, described as the worst in the state in 30 years, resulted from the collapse of Alau Dam due to high rainfalls. The disaster also killed about 80 percent of animals in a zoo in the city as some ran away.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Niger State Government has signed a $2billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Turkish company, Direkci Group for the off-taking of Soya Beans in the State.The agreement signed at the Niger State Government House, Minna was witnessed by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, officials of Direkci Group led by their MD/CEO Mr Nurullah Mahmet and other top government functionaries.
The 10-year partnership, which will cost $200 million per year and $2 billion for the 10 years period, is under the Niger Foods, and is expected to boost agriculture in the State, create job opportunities and improve the economic status of local farmers. Bago appreciated the Turkish Government for the willingness to invest in Niger State.According to him, “This collaboration is a game-changer for Niger State and we are confident it will significantly reduce unemployment and boost food security.”He said going forward, the state government was equally willing to partner with Turkey in other areas beyond agriculture.The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Turkish company, Mr Nurullah Mahmet said they have been in agric business for decades and have established their presence in Nigeria for 17 years.He said they were attracted by the agricultural programmes of the state and partnering with the state would be mutually beneficial for both parties.He commended Bago for providing the needed impetus for agric investment in the state.The MD said they were willing to put in $10 billion in agriculture investment for the next 10 years and would work with the government of their country to provide security for their investment in the state.The Chairman, Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun disclosed that the Turkish firm will buy 500,000 tonnes of soya beans each year for 10 years.He said the agreement would empower local farmers by providing them with seeds and fertilizers, ensuring a guaranteed market for their produce.Adigun revealed that the Turkish firm was also investing in a 100,000 hectare Green House project with cold chain facility at the agro processing zone with an annual output of about 160,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables such as tomato and pepper among others.He added that the group will also establish a total of 2.5 million chicken production facility including eggs and feed mills production in two phases.Adigun said the partnership would establish 30,000 hectares of soya beans farms with irrigation systems in Adunu, Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.He announced that already, the group had ordered the first chicken house for 500,000 chickens and would be functional in six months time, while 2000 green houses were already being shipped as the group was also to provide $50 million as direct support to farmers.The agreement, according to Adigun will include the company providing security for their investment in areas prone to insecurity in the state.
From Sylvia Udegbunam EnuguEnugu State Government and Jelfah Nigeria Ltd yesterday signed N40 billion deal for the revitalisation of the long-moribund state-owned Sunrise Flour Mills, Enugu.The deal signed at the Government House, Enugu saw Jelfah acquire 60 percent equity stake in Sunrise Flour Mills and is expected to invest N24 billion in the iconic mills, which went moribund since 1985 just two years after it was commissioned in 1983.
The state government keeps 40 percent based on the existing assets of the company. Speaking at the brief signing ceremony and public announcement of the transaction, the Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah said this milestone, coming on the heels of the N100 billion deal to resuscitate the hitherto dying Enugu United Palm Products Limited (UPPL) is clear demonstration of his administration’s determination to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion through private sector investment.“Just a few months ago, we secured an investment size of N100 billion with a company known as Pragmatic Palms Limited, and today we have just witnessed Enugu State, again securing another investment size of N40 billion.“This investment will see Jelfah Group investing N24 billion into the existing Enugu Sunrise Flour Mills. N22bn will be directed into revamping and resuscitation of the Sunrise Flower Mill, and N2 billion is going to come to the State by way of cash.“The Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is also going to own 10,000 hectares of farmland, where we are going to cultivate the inputs for the flour mills such as cassava and grain.“This is a testament that when we say Enugu State is open for business, we are truly committed to it. We understand how to make a win-win deal, both for the investors and for the people of Enugu State,” Mbah stated.He assured Jelfah group of continued support, enjoining other prospective investors to come over to invest in the state.“We hope that this signals to other investors, who may still be on the fence that Enugu is actually ready for business. We are committed to not just creating the enabling environment, but also working with investors to help them derisk investments and grow their businesses,” the governor concluded.Speaking, the Chairman of Jelfah Group, Moses Saromi, said they were attracted by Governor Mbah’s vision, dynamic leadership, and speedily increasing ease of doing business in Enugu State under his leadership, saying that Jelfah was in a hurry to transform Sunrise Mills to a centre of excellence.“Your policies have unlocked new opportunities for private sector participation, and Jelfah is proud to be part of this progressive movement.“This acquisition of 60 percent equity not only aligns with Jelfah’s long-term vision, but also furthers the governor’s ambition of empowering the people, revitalising moribund assets, and ensuring sustainable development. And together with our consortium partners, our goal is to transform Sunrise Flour Mills into a centre of excellence, harnessing our collective expertise to drive growth and value creation.“So, we firmly believe that this partnership will catalyse positive change, spark job creation, elevate local production capacities, and contribute significantly to the socio-economic advancement of Enugu State,” he said.“We have worked hard in the last months to get to this point. We have a short term, medium term, and a long term plan for the flour mills. Activities will start in earnest. In another 90 days, you are going to experience a lot of movements and activities with regards to the revitalisation of the flour mills.“Our activities will include recruitment of people, who will run the plant, indigenes of the state, obviously. And as the governor rightly said, we are creating a model that will provide the inputs for the mills, such as the 10,000 hectres of farmlands to cultivate all the inputs for the mills,” he said.
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