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[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Celebrates Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, As He Clocks Eighty Years On The Throne
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Celebrates Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, As He Clocks Eighty Years On The Throne](/media/k2/items/cache/3e3c9f6cdd1dabff15a6a056d1bc433e_L.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu congratulates the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on his 71st birthday on 20 October, which also coincides with the eighth anniversary of the King’s ascension to the throne of his ancestors.
He notes that since the coronation of the 40th Oba of Benin in 2016, his kingship has heralded a new era of peace, understanding, and civility among the people.
The President believes that Ewuare’s illustrious career in diplomacy has influenced his leadership style and reassured the people of his ability to lead with wisdom and grace.
Oba Ewuare served at various times as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Angola and Sweden, with accreditation to Norway, Denmark, the Republic of Finland, and later Italy.
President Tinubu extols the Oba’s courage and unwavering commitment to preserving his domain's rich cultural heritage and tradition.
He says the King’s relentless efforts and exploration of international networks to return priceless and timeless artefacts, which carry the weight of the Benin Kingdom's history, identity, and nationality, reflect his love for his people.
The President says this cultural preservation work is a source of pride and connection for all who share the Benin Kingdom's rich history.
The President commends Ewuare II for his wise counsel to leaders in the private and public sectors and strong advocacy for participatory democracy and development. His sustained efforts in promoting civic responsibility and participatory democracy inspire hope for a brighter future.
President Tinubu offers his heartfelt prayers for the continued well-being of the Oba of Benin, his family, and the entire kingdom.
May the Kingdom continue to prosper under the wise and benevolent leadership of Ewuare II, and may he and his family be blessed with health and happiness.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
Nigeria gets $100m for establishment of Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank - AfDB announces
AFOLABI
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved $100 million for the establishment of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank in Nigeria.
Akinwunmi Adesina, AfDB president, spoke on Friday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the 90th birthday lecture of former head of state Yakubu Gowon.
“I am delighted to announce here today that just three days ago, the African Development Bank’s board of directors approved $100m for the establishment of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank for Nigeria,” he said.
Adesina said the initiative highlights AfDB’s commitment to supporting youths who he believes are critical to the development of the country.
The AfDB boss said the new bank will support the youths’ businesses in Nigeria using technical assistance, business incubation, quasi-equity, and debt.
Additionally, the bank will deploy guarantee instruments to de-risk the lending to the businesses by financial institutions in Nigeria.
“It will be a new day and a new dawn for Nigeria,” he added.
On June 25, 2023, Adesina said his institution was ready to establish an entrepreneurship investment bank in Nigeria.
Adesina said the establishment of such a bank is in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s plans and vision for young people in Nigeria.
The Rivers State Government has approved a new minimum wage of ₦85,000 for its civil servants.
George Nwaeke, the state’s Head of Service, announced that Governor Siminalayi Fubara granted the approval during a private meeting with labour leaders and senior government officials.
Nwaeke confirmed that the implementation of the new wage would take immediate effect.
“He (Governor Fubara) has set a figure that is higher than the national minimum wage, approving ₦85,000.00. This is a significant development for civil servants in Rivers State, who have never had it this good since the state’s inception,” Nwaeke said.
When inquired about the payment of arrears, Nwaeke disclosed that a technical committee has been formed to devise a feasible payment plan that will also tackle issues concerning the outstanding arrears.
“The committee, which I will serve as Deputy to the Secretary to the State Government, will iron out the details regarding the payment of arrears and inform the public accordingly,” he explained
In response, Chairman of the Joint Negotiation Team, Chukwu Emecheta, commended Governor Fubara for fulfilling the expectations of Rivers State workers and appreciated his commitment to their welfare.
“For the governor to approve this new minimum wage amidst all the difficulties is a clear demonstration of his commitment to the well-being of the workers. We are overjoyed by this decision,” Emecheta remarked.
Similarly, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Rivers State, Alex Agwanwor, remarked that the new minimum wage would significantly ease the financial burdens faced by workers in the state.
“With Lagos and Rivers both approving ₦85,000, but given their differing IGRs, this places Rivers State at the forefront. The governor has proven once again that he is the most labour-friendly governor in Nigeria, and we fully support him,” Agwanwor said.
A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has intensified his criticism of Nigeria’s economic situation under President Bola Tinubu, expressing deep concern over the nation’s weakening currency.
Igbokwe, who was an active campaigner for Tinubu during the 2023 elections, took to social media on Friday to voice his frustration following a recent report from the World Bank that declared the Nigerian naira as the weakest currency in Africa.
In his Facebook post, Igbokwe highlighted the paradox of Nigeria’s economic potential, stating that the country’s abundant resources and demographic advantages do not align with the current economic assessment.
Igbokwe wondered why the “currency of the most endowed and populous country in Africa with the most educated people, huge and fertile landmass, favourable weather and excellent talents among other advantaged factors, has the weakest currency in Africa.”
He attributed the dire economic situation to widespread nepotism and a self-serving approach to governance, lamenting that “almost everybody is working for themselves; nobody is working for this great country.”
This is not the first time Igbokwe has raised concerns about the administration’s policies. In September, he criticized the new electricity tariffs and urged President Tinubu to take action to alleviate the burden on citizens.
The NNPC Limited and Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture (NNPC-CNL JV) has announced a significant oil discovery with the successful drilling of the Meji NW-1 well in Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) 49, located in the shallow offshore region of the Western Niger Delta.
The area, which now operates under the terms of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, remains a vital component of Nigeria’s energy production sector.
In a statement released on Friday, Chevron’s General Manager of Policy, Government, and Public Affairs, Olusoga Oduselu, confirmed the development, stating that the well was spud on September 2, 2024, and reached a total depth of 8,983 feet by September 13.
The well encountered approximately 690 feet of hydrocarbons within Miocene sands, extending the productive Meji field.
The drilling operations were completed on October 2, and the rig has since departed the location.
“This achievement aligns with Chevron’s commitment to advancing its Nigerian resources,” the statement read, highlighting that the discovery fits into the company’s broader global exploration strategy. This strategy focuses on “discovering new resources that extend the lifespan of existing production assets and reduce development cycle times.”
The discovery marks a positive development for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, reinforcing the offshore region’s potential.
The NNPC-CNL JV reiterated its commitment to partnering with the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to ensure continued progress in the country’s oil and gas development.
“We remain dedicated to collaborating with the Nigerian government and stakeholders to support the growth of the oil and gas industry and the overall Nigerian economy,” the statement emphasized.
The Kano State Hisbah Board has confirmed the arrest of Auwal Danladi Sankara, the Commissioner of Special Duties in Jigawa State, for allegedly engaging in a romantic relationship with a married woman, Tasleem Baba Nabegu.
The arrest took place on Friday after Hisbah operatives caught Sankara in the act in an uncompleted building that reportedly belongs to him.
Hisbah, known as the Sharia police, made the announcement following intelligence tracking and a series of complaints received about Sankara’s alleged misconduct.
Abba Sufi, the Director General of the Hisbah Board, confirmed the arrest, stating, “Yes, it is true we have arrested Auwal Danladi Sankara with a married woman in an uncompleted building. Unknown to him, we were tracking him based on reports we received against him.”
The allegations surfaced after Nasiru Bulama, the husband of the married woman, lodged complaints with multiple authorities, including the Kano State Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Bulama accused Sankara of engaging in illicit sexual activities with his wife, who is also the mother of his two children.
The Hisbah DG revealed that Sankara would face multiple charges in court on Monday, not only related to the alleged affair but also for operating illicit drug centers disguised as hotels, known by names including “Picklock” and “360.”
Sufi added, “We have been having problems with Sankara because he is operating illicit drug centers in the names of hotels, involving prostitution and drug addiction activities.”
The remains of that great daughter of Igbara-Oke Kingdom, ACP Ayodele Fadairo (Nee Salotun), were buried today (18/10/24) in Ikoyi Cemetery, Lagos.
ACP Fadairo, popularly known to her many fans as Aunty Ayo L’alagbon, retired from the Nigeria Police Force more than a decade ago.
Her tomb is now adjacent to the the premises of the
Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, FCIID, Alagbon-Close, Ikoyi, Lagos.
That command is simply known as Alagbon.
Aunty Ayo served meritoriously there in the course of her distinguished career in the Force.
Legendary highlife muscian, Orlando Owoh, sang about his experience at Alagbon and his encounter with Aunty Ayo among other police officers. It was Orlando who actually registered the sobriquet “Aunty Ayo L’alagbon” in popular consciousness. Orlando paid compliments to Aunty Ayo in the music for her professionalism and humanity as a police officer.
It was learnt that the organisers of her admirably curated funeral deliberately chose the spot, separated only by a fence from the Alagbon police station, as the resting place of Aunty Ayo.
The well-attended funeral service conducted at the cemetery was preceded earlier in the week by a Service of Songs and a Christian Wake.
During the Wake yesterday there were testimonies to Aunty Ayo’s remarkable life of impact, selflessness and generosity of spirit.
A colourful reception was later held for guests in Ikeja.
Different groups, donned in the _aso-ebi_ uniform presented guests with lavish souvenirs and food packs.
Many serving and retired police officers were at Aunty Ayo’s grave side to pay their last respects just as many members her church, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries International (MFM) and others were also there to say farewell to the lady and officer.
Aunty Ayo was also a noble alumna of the Anglican Grammar School, Igbara-Oke (AGSI). Among the old students of the great school at the occasion were a former president of the AGSI Alumni Association, Chief Wale Taiwo, SAN, and a former national officer of the body, Mr. Dele Oyedokun.
The Igbara-Oke Community in Lagos was, of course, well represented by its members including former Chairman of Igbara-Develoment Council (IDC), Siji Ijogun, and the Chairman of Igbara-Oke Citizens in Lagos, Barrister Toyin Bankole.
Not a few observers of the funeral activities said Aunty Ayo’s was a lesson in living a good life.
![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE ] President Tinubu Celebrates OONI Of Ife's 50th Birthday](/media/k2/items/cache/8e800ecf8daad49c9a5486406da48e4a_S.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu proudly joins Nigerians, the people and chiefs of Ile-Ife, and the global Yoruba community in commemorating the 50th birthday of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, the Ojaja II.
The President notes Ooni's extraordinary leadership and maturity since ascending the throne at 41, emphasising his significant role in preserving the rich traditions of the Yoruba people in the ancient city known as The Source.
President Tinubu acknowledges Oba Ogunwusi's deep sense of duty, wisdom, and knowledge as he fulfils his responsibilities as both the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, Osun State, and the revered spiritual leader of the Yoruba people.
The President also recognises Ooni’s critical contributions as Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, where he serves as a unifying figure, a steadfast supporter of government policies, and a passionate advocate for religious tolerance, peace, and the unification of our nation.
President Tinubu commends Oba Ogunwusi's tireless advocacy for women and youth empowerment through education and entrepreneurship, underscoring his admirable philanthropy and unwavering commitment to uplifting those in need throughout Nigeria and beyond.
With heartfelt optimism and support, the President pays tribute to the Ooni for exemplifying the traditional Yoruba values of humility, peace, and generosity while also honouring the dignity and integrity of his exalted throne.
As the esteemed Yoruba monarch celebrates this significant milestone, President Tinubu offers his sincere prayers for the continued success and prosperity of His Imperial Majesty's reign, which will undoubtedly benefit the people of Ife and the nation at large.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
The Federal High Court in Kaduna has discharged three #EndBadGovernance protesters—Usman Isa Adebayo, Salihu Shuaibu, and Khalid Aminu—who had been detained for over two months.
Recall that on October 4, 2024, the trio had filed a motion for bail. At the hearing on Thursday, October 17, 2024, the court ruled in their favor, striking out the charges against them due to a lack of evidence.
The prosecutor for the Department of State Services (DSS) moved to withdraw the charges, prompting the presiding judge to dismiss the case.
“Khalid, Usman, and Salihu have been discharged. The DSS prosecutor applied to withdraw the charges against them, and the judge struck out the case for lack of evidence,” a source close to the case confirmed to SaharaReporters.
Although the activists are currently completing necessary administrative procedures, they are expected to return home shortly.
The protesters were initially arraigned by the DSS under the administration of President Bola Tinubu on two counts of criminal conspiracy and unlawful assembly, in violation of Section 70 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C.28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004.
The charges stemmed from their participation in an “End Bad Governance” protest on August 4, 2024. During the protest, the defendants were accused of inciting public disorder by mobilizing crowds through loud music, chanting, and displaying flags and headbands perceived to undermine national cohesion.
Reacting to the court’s decision, #RevolutionNow convener Omoyele Sowore took to his X account, praising the discharge. “Today, after 75 days of unjust incarceration, the lawless @OfficialDSSNG withdrew its illegal charges against Khalid Aminu (@KHALYD16) before the Federal High Court in Kaduna,” Sowore wrote. “The judge has struck out the case, and Khalid is expected to rejoin his family soonest. Special thanks to Khalid’s father for his steadfastness and to @ShehuSani for his unwavering support.”
We Expected ₦100,000 Or More - Labour Reacts As Sanwo-Olu Approves ₦85,000 Minimum Wage For Lagos Workers
AFOLABI
The Organized Labour has commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his approval of ₦85,000 minimum wage for Lagos State employees.
The Labour union expected that the minimum wage for Lagosians would exceed ₦100,000, considering the peculiarities of Lagos in transportation, accommodation, utility and feeding.
It, however, acknowledged that Sanwo-Olu took a step in the right direction.
“We were expecting nothing less than N100,000 but, at least it is a step in the right direction,” the labour union stated.
Naija News reports that Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, announced that the minimum wage for civil servants in the state is ₦85,000.
The Governor announced this during an interview with Channels Television.
He said, “I’m glad to let you know that the minimum wage for Lagos, which we have discussed with our union, is ₦85,000 today.
“It is not a competition. I am not going to say that we are paying more than some people, it is a function of affordability and capacity.
“We know too well that when people live in Lagos, Lagos has a premium in terms of the cost of living. We are fully aware.
“We also increased our salary earlier in the year. I will want to come back in January and say that I have been able to increase the minimum wage of Lagos to ₦100,000, not because I want to make anybody look bad, but because I want my people to have a living wage.”
In a statement issued to journalists on Thursday, Labor representatives characterized the endorsement as a significant and positive move.
The Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State Chapter, Funmi Sessi, remarked that the new minimum wage approved for Lagos workers is a timely and encouraging development given the nation’s current economic challenges.
Sessi noted that the union had anticipated a minimum wage exceeding N85,000, considering the unique circumstances within the state.
“The state governor knows the peculiarities of Lagos in transportation, accommodation, utility and feeding; the workers and Lagosians pay more on all these.
“We were expecting nothing less than ₦100,000 but at least it is a step in the right direction.
“We are expecting a massive infrastructure provision in the state; there should be an alternative to road transportation,“ she said.
The chairman urged the government to ensure security and protection of lives on waterways.
“Recently, there was an accident that happened where two boats collided at night, and we lost lives. If people are sure of getting to their destinations safely, they will like to take alternatives to the road,” Sessi noted.
Also, Ishola Adejumo, the Chairman of Radio, Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, also commended the governor for the approval.
He described the cost of living in Lagos as very high, saying that there was a need for a commensurate wage.
“The ₦85,000 minimum wage is a welcome development and very much anticipated.
“This is a state that sets the pace for other states in Nigeria; the centre of excellence, land of aquatic splendour, a cosmopolitan state, the economic hub of this country.
“Therefore, people who work in Lagos deserve a better wage because they spend more compared to other states,” he said.
Adejumo urged the governor to sustain the tempo in other areas.
“The governor should sustain the BRT subsidy and all other measures that will bring succour and happiness to the working people of Lagos.
“We congratulate him and thank him,” he said.
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The Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, will take delivery of 50 brand new aircraft between December 2024 and 2026.
Abubakar made this known at the second biannual meeting with Branch chiefs and Air Officers Commanding, on Thursday in Abuja.
He said that NAF had successfully inducted 12 aircraft into its inventory over the past year, saying it was a remarkable achievement that the service had not witnessed in a very long time.
According to him, these are exciting times that demand innovative thinking, resilience, and dedication.
He encouraged officers and men to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty as they contribute to the overall mission of the NAF.
“A few months ago, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force, which ushered us into a golden era of transformation and evolution.
“Over the past years, we have successfully inducted 12 aircraft into our inventory, and God willing, we shall take delivery of 50 brand new aircraft between December this year and 2026.
“This is a remarkable achievement that we have not witnessed in a very long time. Indeed, these are exciting times that demand innovative thinking, resilience, and dedication.
“I am confident that, under your leadership, the men and women under your commands will rise to the occasion and excel in all tasks set before them,” he said.
The CAS said that several critical issues were discussed leading to several resolutions and recommendations during the last meeting with Branch chiefs and AOCs in June.
He said that a number of those resolutions had been implemented including the establishment of two new staff branches, namely the Civil-Military Relations Branch and the NAF Transformation and Innovation Branch.
Abubakar said the meeting would offer them the opportunity to critically review progress, address shortcomings, recalibrate strategies, and strengthen their unity of purpose towards achieving the desired objectives.
He said the decisions made from the forum must be grounded in sound judgment and a firm grasp of their objectives.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has called on the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to review its current monetary and fiscal policies, stating that they are not working effectively.
The governor made this call at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update in Abuja on Thursday.
Mohammed urged the government to avoid being dogmatic in its approach, emphasizing the urgent need for change due to the growing hardship in the country.
He highlighted the plight of ordinary Nigerians, warning that hunger and economic hardship have created a volatile situation. He revealed that even people in his position are facing the threat of being lynched by frustrated citizens.
Mohammed also called on the federal government to develop more effective economic policies, stressing that the funds currently being received are insufficient to address the widespread hunger.
“When the reforms started, the sub-nationals supported the President. But now, the macroeconomic policies causing inflation need to be reconsidered. There is hunger, people are suffering, and Nigerians are not benefitting from these reforms.
“What are you doing to reduce hunger? We must help the people cope.
“The purchasing power of the people has drastically diminished.
“My brother Cardoso (CBN governor), these policies are not working. They need to be reviewed. Let’s not resort to blackmail,” the governor said.
The Federal government has taken delivery of the first batch of 846,000 doses of the R21 malaria vaccines, from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The official launch of the vaccines on Thursday was attended by officials of the Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and development partners.
peaking to newsmen while taking delivery of the vaccines, the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, described the arrival of the vaccines as a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to eliminate malaria in the country.
He said the vaccines would first be distributed to states with the highest burden of the disease, particularly Kebbi and Bayelsa and would serve as a complement to other treatments for malaria.
Pate also cleared the air on concerns about the efficacy of the vaccine, stating that it has proven to be safe and efficient for malaria treatment.
Also, the Director General of the NPHCDA, Muyi Aina, explained the plans for distribution, adding that an enforcement team would be set up by the agency and the date and location for the administration of the vaccines would be communicated in due course.
Aina said about 140,000 doses are expected in the coming months as the target is to make available one million vaccines for the first batch.
The R21 malaria vaccine, which would be administered in two doses per vial, was produced by the Serum Institute of India.
A bill seeking the creation of Ogoja State has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives on Thursday.
The bill, sponsored by Godwin Offiono and three other on during plenary.
The constitution alteration bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create an additional state in the South-south region.
Moving the motion, Mr Offiono said the “essence of this bill is rested on equity.”
If the bill is passed into law, it would bring the number of states in the South-south region to seven.
The bill scaled second reading without any opposition from members and was referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review.