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Buhari Swears – in Ministers, Creates Three New Ministries

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By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

At last, President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday, inaugurated a new cabinet for his second term in office, three months after his inauguration on May 29, 2019.

The President commenced the event with the administering of oath of office on the reappointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, and the 43 Ministers who are now part of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The swearing in ceremony took place at the Aso Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmed Lawan; Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Idris Wase; All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole; and senior presidency officials in attendance.

  

It was also witnessed by family and friends of the new ministers; APC national leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State; Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State; the Chief of Defence Staff and military service chiefs, as well as the Inspector-General of Police.

Also present was the embattled Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, who is being investigated over an alleged N3billion fraud by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. 

She had been absent from public functions in the past few days, particularly the induction retreat organised for the incoming ministers in Abuja, at which she was listed as one of the resource persons. 

President Buhari in his remarks, charged the ministers to work closely and harmoniously with fellow cabinet members as well as with the Permanent Secretaries in their respective Ministries.

This, he said, has become necessary considering the fact that, the task of moving the country to the Next Level requires dedication, focus, and collective efforts.

He reminded them of his earlier charge to channel cabinet memos through the SGF and requests for meetings and presidential matters through his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.

Buhari warned that failure to follow appropriate vertical and horizontal channels of communication in the work of the cabinet among them would be sanctioned with requisite repercussions. 

The President said: ”The core objectives of this Administration are to improve security, achieve diversified, inclusive economic growth and fight corruption. I am convinced that we can build a buoyant economy that supports inclusive growth and creates broad-based prosperity for every Nigerian – one that will absorb the two million Nigerians entering the labour market each year, as well as reduce the backlog of over 20 million unemployed or underemployed Nigerians.

”We must also intensify efforts to reduce internal security threats and eliminate corruption at all levels so as to ensure that our citizens have a safe and corruption-free environment where they can live and conduct their businesses, without fear and intimidation.

All these are only possible if we are relentless about delivering on the priorities that are vital to our overall objectives – and on the specific actions and targets that have been identified to guide policy direction and implementation as specified in our roadmap.

We have also agreed on the appropriate Key Performance Indicators and deliverables to be achieved in the road map on Government priorities – 2019 – 2023. 

”I am pleased to note that at the end of the retreat, we have agreed and prioritized the key strategic initiatives required to drive socio-economic growth in our country, which must be accomplished, because the people of Nigeria expect nothing less from us. 

”Our primary business over the next four years is to work together towards delivering the results that the people of Nigeria expect from us.  We have a great opportunity as an Administration to build on the progress already made in order to fundamentally shift Nigeria’s trajectory on the path of steady growth and development.

”While recognizing the existing challenges, and the urgent need to surmount them, we must not fail to note the progress we have made since inception.  

”Our economic policy, which is the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, is still robust and on course with the necessary policies and initiatives to sustain the country’s exit from recession, engender growth and promote the value chain of infrastructural development.  We believe that we can sustain our legacies and developmental strides if they are based on sustainable policies and good governance.”

While assigning portfolios to the Ministers, Buhari announced three new Ministries, namely Ministry of Police Affairs, which he had scrapped in 2015; Ministry of Special Duties and International Affairs;  as well as Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.

The Ministers who were sworn-in in groups of fives and three, making a total of nine batches; were seven female and 36 male Ministers as screened and cleared by the Senate last month.

Meanwhile, a one-minute silence and special prayer were observed in honour of late Mr. Tijani Yusuf, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on General Duties, who died two weeks ago; before the new Ministers took a group photograph with the President. 

Ministers at the State House

The Ministers and their portfolios as announced by President Buhari at the ceremony are: Dr. Ikechukwu Ogah (State, Mines & Steel); Mohammed Musa Bello (FTC); Godswill Akpabio (Niger-Delta); Chris Ngige  (Labour & Employment); Sharon Ikeazor (State, Environment); Adamu Adamu (Education); Maryam Katagun (State, Industry)

Timipre Sylva (State, Petroleum); George Akume (Special Duties); Mustapha Shehuri (State, Agriculture); Goddy Jedy Agba (State, Power); Festus Keyamo (State, Niger-Delta); Ogbonnaya Onu (Science); Osagie Ehanire (Health); Clement Ike  (State, Budget); Richard Adebayo (Industry); Geoffrey Onyeama (Foreign Aff.); Ali Isa Pantami (Communication); Emeka Nwajiuba (State, Education); Suleiman Adamu (Water Res.)

Zainab Ahmed (Finance, Budget and National Planning); Muhammad Mahmood (Environment); Sabo Nanono (Agriculture); Bashir S. Magashi (Defence); Muhammad Buhari (Petroleum); Sen. Hadi Sirika (Aviation); Abubakar Malami (Justice); Ramatu Tijjani (State, FTC); Lai Mohammed (Information)

Gbemisola  Saraki (State, Transport); Babatunde Fashola (Works & Housing); Adeleke Mamora (State, Health); Mohammed H. Abdullahi (State, Science & Tech.); Zubair Dada (State, Foreign Aff.); Olamilekan Adegbite (Mines & Steel); Tayo Alasoadura (State, Labour); Rauf Aregbesola (Interior); Sunday Dare (Youth & Sports); Paulen Talen (Women)

Rotimi Amaechi (Transport); Maigari Dingyadi (Police Aff.); Sale  Mamman (Power); Abubakar D. Aliyu (State, Works & Housing); Sadiya Umar Faruk (Humanitarian, Disaster Management & Social Development). 

NEWS

CAN Congratulates Roman Catholic Church on Election of Pope Leo XIV

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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has congratulated the Roman Catholic Church on the election of Pope Leo XIV. This significant milestone brings joy to Catholics worldwide, and CAN joins in celebrating this momentous occasion.This was contained in a statement issued by CAN and signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abuja.

Archbishop Okoh described the emergence of Pope Leo XIV signifies renewal and hope for the Catholic Church.
He added that CAN is confident that the new Pontiff will advance peace, justice, and inclusiveness, continuing the legacy of his predecessors.He said, CAN prays that Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate be blessed with wisdom, good health and strength to lead God’s people on the path of righteousness.
May God guide and strengthen him in his ministry.

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President Tinubu Bags Lifetime African Achievement Award

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President Bola Tinubu has bagged the Lifetime African Achievement award from the Millennium Excellence Foundation based in Ghana.Tinubu while receiving the award commended patron of the Foundation, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, for the invitation extended to him and the success of the event put together by the Foundation.

The president represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, received the award as special guest of honour during the 25th anniversary of the Millennium Excellence Prize, in Kumasi, Ghana.
Tinubu said, “I salute the visionaries who have nurtured this institution for a quarter of a century and also celebrate the values of honour, integrity, service, and excellence that underpin its work.
“Specifically, the organisers for identifying and celebrating Africa’s shining lights, individuals whose lives and work had lifted the continent and inspired generations.“It is no small achievement to have honoured such illustrious figures as the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Prof. Wole Soyinka, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Dr Mo Ibrahim, among others.”He charged the young generation of Africans to rise with courage towards contributing their quota in making the African continent a more united, peaceful and prosperous one.He emphasised the need for such contribution to be carried out in the area of science, technology, education, governance, entrepreneurship and arts.He further called on Africans to always work closely together in shaping their shared destiny, while urging the event organisers to continue to inspire excellence, uphold values of leadership with service and invest in the youth to foster collaboration across borders.“The award ceremony had from inception in 1988 remained a beacon of inspiration and recognition across the continent.“It’s mission of identifying, celebrating and supporting those who had distinguished themselves in the pursuit of African development resonated deeply with the aspirations of Nigeria and indeed, all African nations,” he added.The event featured presentation of the Lifetime African Achievement Prize to Tinubu, the global intra-African trade excellence in Africa to the President/Chairman, African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), Dr Benedict Oramah.Also, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, received the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize for Governance and Public Service, the Founder/Chairman, BUA Group, Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu, received African Excellence in Business, while Mr Dumo Lulu-Briggs, received African Traditional Leadership and Business Excellence award. (NAN)

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Cocoa Contractors Seek Pull Out of Soldiers from Cocoa Estate in Cross River

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From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

Cocoa allottees in Cross River State’s Abonita Government Estate have demanded immediate withdrawal of soldiers allegedly deployed to the area to intimidate and harass them.

The allotees made demand during an interactive session with journalists at the weekend in Calabar

They called on the Chief of Defense Staff Christopher, Gen.

Musa to withdraw the soldiers giving security to a cocoa merchant in the area by name Mbu Liku

The allotees who include, Joseph Ekong, Pastor Duke Njor, Ekuri Boniface, Nic Ntui,Clement Isong-Amba, Pastor Etta Roland among others alleged that  soldiers had on several occasions assaulted and harassed them.

Nic Ntui, who spoke on behalf of allottees, claimed that the soldiers, reportedly accompanying a cocoa merchant Mbu Liku, have been preventing them from accessing their cocoa  plots which they legitimately paid money into coffers of the state government.

Ntui alleged that armed soldiers usually stormed the estate, chasing them away, intimidating them, allowing Mbu Liku to harvest cocoa.

“There’s already an existing ruling in suit No: HM/73/2020. And Dismissal in Suit No:HC/MSC 24/2024. An action by way of prerogative orders of mandamus and prohibition,” Ntui maintained.

Recall that there are ongoing disputes over land ownership and allocation at the Abonita axis of the estate, with court cases pending in various jurisdictions.

The affected farmers pray that the ongoing investigation by the military high command be thorough so that the officers involved in deployment of errant soldiers into the farms can be fished out.

The Abonita Cocoa Estate has been a point of contention, with the Cross River State government facing challenges in managing the estate.

Meanwhile an update by the state security Adviser (SSA), to Cross River state, retired Maj. Gen. Okoi Obono, after his April 12, 2025 visit to Abonita çocoa estate to ascertain the veracity of claims by the allotees stated that soldiers at Achufa, Ajassor Mission and Etomi check points were those used by Mbu Liku to intimidate allottees.

The Security Adviser’s update sighted by our correspondent recommended that officers detailing  troops to Mbu Liku should be re-deployed and warned, and ensure that soldiers attached to Mbu Liku be withdrawn immediately.

A letter from O. N Agbor & Co Legal Practitioners dated April 4, 2015, signed by S.O Ijeoma Esq, also alledged intimidation, arrest and torture of their clients who are allottees at the Cross River cocoa Estate.

The letter addressed to Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) Armed Forces Complex Area 7 Garki- Abuja, urged soldiers to stop aiding Mbu Liku to intimidate their clients who are small holders’ scheme in the cocoa value chain in Cross River State.

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