Latest News
![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Commences State Visit To Paris](/media/k2/items/cache/bface1c35006a3962983adeedc04213a_L.jpg?t=20241128_044657)
President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Paris on Wednesday evening for a three-day State Visit to fortify Nigeria-France relations.
Touching down at Orly Airport around 5:10 p.m., President Tinubu was welcomed with full military honours by the French Republican Guard, marking a ceremonial start to his visit.
The official engagements will begin on Thursday at the historic Les Invalides, where French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron will warmly receive President Tinubu. The visit will continue with a distinguished reception at the Palais de l'Élysée, honouring the Nigerian leader.
The visit aims to enhance bilateral ties, focusing on key areas such as agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition. It promises substantial benefits for Nigeria.
In collaboration with President Macron, President Tinubu will address initiatives to boost youth exchange programs and enhance skills in automation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
The visit includes strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication.
Additionally, both leaders will attend a session hosted by the France-Nigeria Business Council, coordinating private sector involvement in economic development.
Brigitte Macron and Nigeria's First Lady will discuss empowering women, children, and vulnerable populations through Nigeria's First Lady's Renewed Hope Initiative.
President Tinubu and his wife will attend a state dinner hosted by the French President before their departure.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed Edith Uduma, an inspector, for allegedly collecting a bribe from Abraham Uzuobo, a sergeant, to conceal a rape incident.
Uzuobo was accused of raping a 17-year-old female suspect in a room inside South-Ibie police station in Edo state.
The suspect was detained at the police station for allegedly receiving stolen property.
In October, a video showing Uzuobo hurriedly wearing his trousers while the female suspect was lying on a chair inside a room in the police station appeared on social media.
In the video, Uzuobo was challenging a female officer for recording the incident.
The female officer in the background of the video was later identified as Uduma.
Uduma was the charge room officer (CRO) on duty on the day the incident happened.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said Uduma called her husband, Ibrahim Mohammed, a police inspector, instead of reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities.
Adejobi said Uduma and her husband demanded a N1 million bribe from Uzuobo to assist him in concealing the incident.
The force spokesperson said Uzuobo offered the couple N45,000.
“However, the sergeant offered only N45,000 in cash, which they collected at that instance, and after a few days, contacted the sergeant to request the same sum of N1,000,000, but the sergeant refused to comply,” Adejobi said.
“Dissatisfied by his refusal to follow through with the blackmail, they decided to report the erring officer to the DPO and also simultaneously share the video on social media.
“Everyone culpable in this case has been sanctioned appropriately, as there is no intention to impede justice.
“The erring sergeant has been dismissed and prosecuted and is currently in prison custody as the trial progresses.
“Inspector Edith Uduma was also dismissed for her role, while her complicit husband has been reduced to the rank of sergeant.
“However, it has come to the attention of the force that following her dismissal, Mrs. Edith has made numerous unfounded claims regarding her innocence and has sought to taint the reputation and integrity of the adjudicating authority, the inspector-general of police, in person and the entire police force.
“It is imperative to set the record straight and provide clear context regarding her actions and the decision to dismiss her from service.
“The dismissal of former police inspector Edith Uduma was not only justified but necessary, based on thorough investigations that presented irrefutable evidence of her failure to follow standard incident report protocol to immediately document the incident, attempt to conceal an offender for benefit, participation in extortion, and manipulating the justice process for personal gain.”
[TheCable]
![[PRESS RELEASE] Oyo Stakeholders Seek Speedy Passage of Digital Economy, e-governance Bill](/media/k2/items/cache/8249cd44fc340d8241a19ab89211c6e2_M.jpg)
The Oyo State government and some stakeholders have advocated the speedy passage of National digital economy and e-governance bill to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.
The stakeholders who gathered in Ibadan on Tuesday, said the passage of the Bill would smoothen government activities and boost government-citizen engagement.
This was the submission of speakers at a stakeholders’ engagement on the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill held in Ibadan.
Speaking during the event, the Minister for communications, innovation and digital economy, Olatunbosun Tijani represented by Banke Ajagunna, noted that the importance of the bill cannot be underestimated as it will enhance the digital economy and build trust between the government and the people.
The Minister called on Nigerians and the National Assembly to give the bill the needed support.
According to him, the consultative engagement is going on in all the states of the federation to seek the input of stakeholders on the bill.
He submitted that the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2024, is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
This bill, according to him, aims to drive economic growth through digital technology, improve public service delivery, and create a competitive environment for the Nigerian digital economy.
He noted that in a bid to migrate Nigeria into a smart country, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy proposed the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.
The Minister said the bill offers numerous opportunities for businesses to innovate and expand, with improved digital infrastructure and a supportive regulatory environment. Individuals will also benefit from improved access to digital services and better governance through e-Governance initiatives.
He highlighted the advantages of E-governance bill to include Economic Transformation and Establishment of a regulatory foundation to encourage digital commerce, cross-border trade, and innovation, positioning Nigeria as a major player in Africa's digital landscape.
He added that the bill, when passed will encourage Modernized, Citizen-Centric Public Services.
“It will facilitate the digital transformation of government services to make them more transparent, accessible, and responsive to citizens.”
He also said the bill will ensure Digital Access for All, saying, “it will promote infrastructure and digital literacy programs to make digital services accessible across Nigeria, including underserved regions.”
Speaking earlier, the Senior Special Assistant on ICT and E-Governance to the Governor, Mr. Bayo Akande hailed the federal government’s National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.
Mr. Akande, who observed that the nation is overdue for a digital economy, which is the order of the day, added that this bill will drive economic growth through digital technology.
According to Akande, “Despite advances in technology, Nigeria's digital economy faces critical challenges, Nigeria lags behind countries with robust e-governance frameworks that empower citizens and protect consumer data. Without intervention, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities in an increasingly digital world.”
He added, “though Oyo has already started to introduce digital methods in the governance space of the state, as the state recently deployed Business Process Automation, in a bid to make Oyo state government services go paperless, the bill is a step in the right direction.”
It also seeks to create export-oriented capacities in Nigeria’s digital economy, support international digital trade and investments, and provide a legal framework for these activities.
In attendance were various stakeholders including several Tech Ecosystem leaders.
E-signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State.
Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) on Monday announced the postponement of the "Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor" initially slated for Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island.
The Fund, in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, to announce the postponement of the meeting, said the new date for the event is December 18, 2024.
Balogun said the event, which is expected to be attended by Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, heads of security agencies, and critical stakeholders, among others, will now be held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, by 11 am prompt.
The Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor is an annual event where the Lagos State Security Trust Fund gives an account of its stewardship in the last one year.
[PRESS RELEASE] Joint Aviation Trade Unions' Forum Honours Aviation Minister With Leadership and Excellence Award
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] Joint Aviation Trade Unions' Forum Honours Aviation Minister With Leadership and Excellence Award](/media/k2/items/cache/faefaf7c32b821a3013018aae2f50882_M.jpg)
The Joint Aviation Trade Unions' Forum-JATUF, the umbrella body for all aviation unions in Nigeria, over the weekend, honoured the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, with the Leadership and Excellence Award. The award, which celebrates his visionary leadership and contributions to advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector, was presented during the 2nd Edition of the Aviation Union’s Leadership Conference on held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Lagos.
Representing the Minister at the event, Mr. Henry Agbebire, Director of Special Duties at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria-FAAN, conveyed Mr. Keyamo’s heartfelt gratitude. The Minister commended JATUF for its efforts in fostering synergy within the aviation industry and lauded this year’s conference theme, “Synergy for Safety and Productivity: Management-Labour Collaboration,” as both timely and essential to the sector’s growth.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Keyamo emphasized the critical role of partnership in achieving safety and productivity in aviation.
“Safety and productivity are non-negotiable imperatives in aviation. Achieving these objectives requires a shared vision and concerted action by all stakeholders, especially the management and labour arms of the sector. As the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, I recognize and deeply value the critical role aviation unions play in maintaining workforce morale, advocating for best practices, and ensuring the seamless operation of our industry,” he stated.
The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to fostering strong collaborations between the government and aviation unions, highlighting transparency, fairness, and open communication as foundational principles of his leadership.
“I am committed to strengthening our collaboration with aviation unions, ensuring open lines of communication, and addressing concerns with fairness and transparency. Our collective efforts have already yielded positive outcomes, and I am proud of the constructive relationships we have built so far. Together, we can achieve the shared vision of a resilient, efficient, and globally competitive aviation industry,” he added.
The Leadership and Excellence Award underscores Mr. Keyamo’s dedication to tackling the challenges within the aviation sector while building partnerships that prioritize safety, productivity, and innovation.
The event attracted key stakeholders from the aviation sector, who lauded the Minister’s proactive initiatives in addressing critical issues and driving sustainable development in the industry.
Tunde Moshood
Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, departed Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire to attend the opening of the International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources 2024 conference.
The event holds from November 27 to December 2, 2024, at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre.
Shettima’s visit is “At the invitation of Côte d’Ivoire’s Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné,” Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, said in a statement on Wednesday.
The statement is titled ‘VP Shettima Leaves For Abidjan, To Attend SIREXE 2024 Opening Ceremony.’
SIREXE conference is an international event organised by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire that focuses on “Policies and Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Extractive and Energy Industries”.
“The VP will utilise the event to share Nigeria’s experience in the hydrocarbon exploration and production sectors,” said Nkwocha.
The Vice President is expected to return to Abuja later today (Wednesday).
Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says the country’s foreign reserves rose to $40.88 billion as of November 21.
Cardoso spoke on Tuesday at a press conference after the monetary policy committee’s 298th meeting in Abuja.
He said the external reserves grew from $40.06 billion at the end of October to $40.88 billion in November.
The amount represents an increase of $82 million or 2.05 percent in 21 days.
“The external reserves rose marginally to 40.88 billion as of 21 November 2024, from 40.06 billion at the end of October 2024, available to finance 17 months of imports,” he said.
However, checks on the apex bank’s website showed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $40.27 billion on November 22 – less than what Cardoso presented.
Further speaking at the event, Cardoso said “the process of getting us where we are in terms of reserves has been a long one”.
“It is a clear indication that the policies we have put in place are certainly yielding fruits,” he added.
“However, and it’s very important to make a distinction here and to reiterate the fact that reserves are there for a multiplicity of different purposes, not least of which is to create buffers in the event of unanticipated shocks.
“So they are not there to simply whittle away. They are there to be used to more or less defend yourself where that becomes necessary.
“And when we talk about shocks that are not anticipated, I think we can see how the global economies are.”
Cardoso also said the bank will continue to intensify efforts to stabilise the currency and prices.
According to the CBN governor, “the currency has been stable compared to what it was in June”.
But he said for the value of the country’s currency to be stable, there needs to be increased exports and diversification of the economy.
Cardoso said diaspora remittance has increased due to policies that have been put in place.
He commended those in the diaspora for helping the country accomplish over $600 million in remittances.
![[PHOTO] Ondo Governor Presents Certificate Of Return To President Tinubu](/media/k2/items/cache/c73ba493b838dcb4707fd7d2da35e827_S.jpg)
Newly elected Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and deputy governor elect, Olayide Adelami presents their Certificate of Return to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With them are the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje and Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji. Abuja. Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Nominates Three New Board Members For The Code Of Conduct Bureau
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Nominates Three New Board Members For The Code Of Conduct Bureau](/media/k2/items/cache/8c2d34d7c6e0e8ed68d1af0ea01fb4e5_S.jpg)
In a move to enhance oversight mechanisms, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated three new members to fill existing vacancies on the board of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
The announcement was made in a formal letter addressed to the Senate President.
The nominees are Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle from Oyo State, Kennedy Ikpeme from Cross River, and Justice Ibrahim Buba, a retired judge of the Federal High Court.
Established in 1979, the Code of Conduct Bureau plays a critical role in maintaining integrity within public service and ensuring compliance with the country’s ethical standards.
The Bureau operates with a 10-member board.
On October 23, 2024, President Tinubu swore in the chairman of the board, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello.
The current board includes: Barr. Muritala Aliyu Kankia, Hon. E. J Agbomayinma, Barr. Ben Umeano, and Prof. Juwayriyya Badamasiuy.
Other members are Mr. Bulus I Zephaniah, and Hon. Abdulsalam Taofiq Olawale.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information & Strategy)
![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Honours Invitation For A State Visit To France](/media/k2/items/cache/94d063ba8229c0fc6fc30aa6905e6225_S.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday to begin a state visit to France in honour of an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.
The Nigerian leader's three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.
President Tinubu and his wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l'Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.
During the visit, President Tinubu and President Macron will harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.
Brigitte and Nigeria's First Lady will discuss the latter's passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
President Tinubu and his wife will be hosted at a state dinner by the French leader before their departure.
Top government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
Information & Strategy
More...
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Celebrates Revival Of Port Harcourt Refinery And Directs NNPC Limited To Promptly Reactivate Warri And Kaduna Refineries
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Celebrates Revival Of Port Harcourt Refinery And Directs NNPC Limited To Promptly Reactivate Warri And Kaduna Refineries](/media/k2/items/cache/e8730e97f7fd6611d4548bb383f62b95_XS.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery, marked by the official commencement of petroleum product loading on November 26, 2024.
The President acknowledges the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all our refineries and expresses gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project.
Furthermore, President Tinubu commends the leadership of NNPC Limited's Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, whose unwavering dedication and commitment were instrumental in overcoming challenges to achieve this milestone.
With the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, President Tinubu urges NNPC Limited to expedite the scheduled reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
These efforts will significantly enhance domestic production capacity alongside the contributions of privately-owned refineries and make our country a major energy hub, with the gas sector also enjoying unprecedented attention by the administration.
The President underscores his administration's determination to repair the nation’s refineries, aiming to eradicate the disheartening perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer that lacks the ability to refine its own resources for domestic consumption.
Highlighting the values of patience, integrity, and accountability in the rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure, President Tinubu calls upon individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation.
In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda focused on shared economic prosperity for all, the President reaffirms his administration's commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and boosting export capacity for Nigeria.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
November 26, 2024
Okupe, who made the assertion on Monday during an interview with Arise TV, tackled those agitating for the Northern presidency in the next election.
He identified sectionalism as the “most fundamental problems why Nigeria is stagnating”, stressing that “those who control the affairs of this nation, in terms of politics before now, were more interested in national interest than sectional interest”.
He stated, “I say this authoritatively without any fear of contradiction or equivocation, in 2027, power cannot return to the North yet. That’s not how we do it.”
“We rotate between the North and the South. The North does eight years, at the end of which the South does eight years.
“I’m not saying that Bola Tinubu must be president in 2027, but it’s not going to be a northerner,” he explained.
Media
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 250 basis points from 27.25% to 27.50%.
The decision was taken at the 298th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) according to a statement released by the CBN on Tuesday.
The statement disclosed further that the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) was retained at 50% for Deposit Money Banks and 16% for Merchant Banks by the MPC.
“The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Voted unanimously to raise Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 250 basis point from 27.25% to 27.50%; retain Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 50% for Deposit Money Banks and 16% for Merchant Banks. The Committee also retains the Liquidity Ratio (LR) at 30% and Asymmetric Corridor at +500/-100 basis points around the MPR,” the CBN statement shared via its official account on the X platform read.
The MPC meeting which was presided over by the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, urged monetary and fiscal authorities in the country to deepen collaboration to achieve price stability.
The MPC also noted that the cost of petrol has continued to impact manufacturers’ production costs.
Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has instructed commercial banks to prioritize cash disbursements through automated teller machines (ATMs), warning that institutions failing to comply would face penalties.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director of the Currency Operations Department at the CBN, Solaja Olayemi, the apex bank emphasized the need to ensure easier access to cash for Nigerians amidst reports of scarcity.
The CBN also cautioned against supplying naira notes to individuals or groups involved in the illegal hawking of currency.
Naija News reports that the directive comes as citizens lament the scarcity of cash, which has disrupted transactions and heightened economic uncertainty.
In the circular signed by Olayemi, the apex bank said it commenced spot checks to ensure efficient and responsible cash disbursement to the public and prevent the disbursement of mint banknotes to persons hawking naira notes.
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] AT AWOLOWO FOUNDATION WEBINAR: VP Shettima Urges Recommitment To Gender Equity In Nigeria
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] AT AWOLOWO FOUNDATION WEBINAR: VP Shettima Urges Recommitment To Gender Equity In Nigeria](/media/k2/items/cache/938ae221f5b1b97699127048f0ac5ab0_XS.jpg)
...Says federal government focused on women empowerment policies
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government's dedication to advancing gender equity through transformative policies.
The Vice President emphasised the indispensable role of women in building a balanced and equitable society.
VP Shettima stated this on Monday during the H.I.D. Awolowo Foundation Webinar in commemoration of the 109th posthumous birthday of Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
VP Shettima called for renewed national efforts to create an inclusive society where women are empowered to lead and thrive, saying, "Every nation’s treatment of women serves as the ultimate marker of its civilization.
"We cannot claim to have evolved as a nation unless we recommit ourselves to creating a society that offers women unconditional dignity and opportunity," the Vice President added.
VP Shettima paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, describing her as a "matriarch like no other and a jewel of inestimable value."
He lauded her contributions to modern Nigeria, noting her unwavering support for her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and her advocacy for women’s rights.
"Mrs. Awolowo’s courage and influence were instrumental in shaping policies like free education in the Western Region. This is what an empowered woman can achieve," he said.
On the historical struggles for women’s rights, the VP referenced the activism of global pioneers like Susan B. Anthony and Nigerian icons such as Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Hajiya Gambo Sawaba.
"These trailblazers compelled us to confront the structural inequalities holding women back. Thanks to their efforts, the conversation has expanded beyond suffrage to include workplace equality, reproductive rights, and the fight against domestic violence," he remarked.
VP Shettima also pointed to the transformative impact of technology, noting how digital platforms have amplified women’s voices and driven legislative victories like the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015.
"This landmark legislation is a testament to the power of women-led advocacy and their determination to create a safer, fairer society," he said.
Shettima further reiterated the importance of representation and leadership opportunities for women, even as he praised President Tinubu for his inclusive governance, shaped by the legacy of his mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, a formidable women’s rights advocate.
"Her legal battle for personal liberty set a precedent in our constitutional history, reminding us that women’s rights are human rights and must never be negotiable," he noted.
The Vice President called for urgent action to address societal inequalities, particularly in education and leadership. "The nation we must build is one where no girl is denied the chance to learn, no woman is denied the opportunity to lead, and no mother is denied the dignity of safety and respect," Shettima said.
He urged Nigerians to honour the legacy of women like H.I.D. Awolowo and embrace a collective responsibility to empower women.
"We are working to create an environment where women are not just supported but celebrated; where their aspirations redefine societal expectations and help build a viable, equitable, and thriving nation," the Vice President said.
In her keynote address, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, said November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
She explained that HID Awolowo was a fighter for social justice and human rights and took every opportunity to show the power of women in economic development.
"Every chapter of her story tells us that no bird can fly on one wing. We need the leadership and representation of women. We need partnerships for change—everyone must work for systemic change that will be sustainable.
"We need to end the scourge of gender-based violence as an absolute priority, essential for growth. Societies cannot achieve the equal and just society envisioned by HID Awolowo if we leave 50 percent of the world's population behind," she said.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the HID Awolowo Foundation Advisory Council, Senator Daisy Danjuma, noted that in building a more viable Nigeria, the role of women should not be overlooked.
"Together, let us chart a society where the role of women is recognized, celebrated, and utilized," she said.
Welcoming guests to the webinar earlier, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, described HID Awolowo and her late husband as giants of intellect, integrity, service, and sacrifice, saying their lives were a testament to the power of purposeful living.
"They left us a blueprint for leadership and a legacy of hope. It is, therefore, with immense pride (and I hasten to add humility) that I speak before you today, reflecting on the legacy of these two extraordinary individuals. To be their offspring is not just a privilege; it is a profound responsibility.
"Their legacy is not meant to be confined to history books or family stories. It is a legacy that demands to be shared, understood, and applied in Nigeria and beyond. Our role, therefore, is to identify actionable plans and strategies and amplify the voices and capacities of women," Dr. Dosumu stated.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)