TheNewsGuru

Tag: Atiku Bagudu

  • FG targets 0.6% poverty rate, 6.3% unemployment rate

    FG targets 0.6% poverty rate, 6.3% unemployment rate

    The Federal Government says it targets to reduce poverty rate to 0.6 per cent and unemployment rate to 6.3 per cent by 2030 and 2050 agenda.

    The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, said this at a news briefing for the 29th Nigerian Economic Summit (#NES29) in Abuja on Thursday.

    The theme of the #NES29 scheduled for Oct. 23 to Oct. 24 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja is “Pathways to Sustainable Economic Transformation and Inclusion”.

    Bagudu said that the theme was chosen to discuss the imperatives for transforming the nation’s economy while ensuring inclusivity.

    He said that the discussions around the theme would be on five sub-themes; namely, stimulating economic growth and mobilizing finance for sustainable development.

    They also include harnessing human capital development, promoting national cohesion inclusion and reforming public institutions, among others.

    Bagudu said that the sub-themes would address relevant pillars in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2025, the Nigeria Agenda 2050 and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “The main target of the Nigeria Agenda 2050 is to increase the country’s per capita GDP to 6,000 dollars and 33,000 dollars by 2030 and 2050 respectively.

    “It will also bring the poverty rate to 0.6 per cent and unemployment rate to 6.3 per cent, while transiting the economy to the highest per capita GDP in the group of upper-middle income economies.

    “The plan will be effectively implemented by successive governments through six number 5-Year Medium-Term National Development Plans and Annual Budgets,” he said.

    The minister said that the renewed hope agenda and eight priority areas of the current administration were aimed at fast-tracking the goals of the Nigeria Agenda 2050

    Also, the NDP 2021-2025 with a double-digit growth rate and inclusive development.

    “The ministry is in the process of conducting the mid-term review of the NDP 2021-2025 with the purpose of fine-tuning the plan and ensuring that the renewed hope agenda of the current government is incorporated into the NDP 2021-2025.

    “The Ministry will welcome innovative ideas from the stakeholders at the summit to ensure its effective integration into the NDP 2021-2025,” Bagudu said.

    He said that the success of the summit would depend on the active and deliberate participation of all critical stakeholders.

    The stakeholders, according to him include, the federal government, sub-national government, private sector operators, civil society organisations, the media and development partners,” Bagudu said.

    The minister commended the contributions and commitments of the various corporate organisations and government institutions towards the successful hosting of the summit.

    The Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, said their objective was to promote development in the country.

    “In the face of a rapidly changing global economic landscape and increasing inequalities, a strategy for sustained growth must ensure a form of industrialization that makes opportunities accessible to all people and broadly distributes income and non-income gains across society.

    “Our inability to fully integrate solutions to social issues into targeted industrial and economic policies undermines the developmental potential of our country, thus widening income inequality gaps.

    “While there has been a broad decline in poverty worldwide, both extreme and moderate poverty remain and continue to increase in our country.

    “Low productivity, inadequately diversified local economic activity, high unemployment rates and job insecurity remain a challenge for our country,” he said.

    Yusuf said that the country’s pressing concern was the need to translate economic growth into improved living standards for all its citizens.

    “In spite of experiencing growth at an average rate of over the past years, the country grapples with rising unemployment, income disparity, and multidimensional poverty.

    “These challenges are worsened by an uneven allocation of resources, macroeconomic instability, and institutional deficiencies.

    “Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2022 revealed that approximately 62.9 per cent of the population (i.e., 133 million people) live in multidimensional poverty, threatening the development of a vibrant middle class,” he said

    Yusuf said that the country’s youthful population presented a tremendous opportunity for accelerating national development through entrepreneurship and innovation.

    He said: “With a large pool of creative and ambitious young minds, the country has the potential to foster a vibrant start-up ecosystem and drive economic growth.

    “By leveraging technology and innovation, these creative minds can introduce disruptive solutions, create jobs, and contribute to the overall progress of the Nigerian economy,” he said.

    The chairman said that 2023 presented another opportunity to demonstrate a strong political will to tackle Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

    “Hence, the NESG aims to focus on enhancing the role of entrepreneurship, skills and innovation, as well as sub-national and local governments, as drivers of economic growth and development.

    “The ultimate objective is to foster the creation of a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable economy.

    “The summit aims to foster collaboration among key stakeholders from diverse sectors and devise effective strategies to promote good governance at all levels of government,” he said.

    The NES was organized annually by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

  • FG set to achieve double digit economic growth

    FG set to achieve double digit economic growth

    The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, says the present administration will strive to achieve double-digit economic growth.

    Bagudu said this in his maiden address on assumption of office on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to him, double-digit economic growth has been the goal of President Bola Tinubu, as it will be inclusive to every part of the country.

    “The president has always been emphatic that if other countries have done it, why not us, why not a double-digit growth, why not inclusion for all, an economy that promotes and rewards competition and efforts.

    “We have seen bold and courageous actions in order to reposition Nigeria and he has placed an institutional arrangement that he believes will lead Nigeria to have sustained double digit growth.

    “This will enable us achieve our economic objectives at which the ministry is central to the government achieving it,” he said.

    He said that the merger of the functions of the national Planning Commission and the budget office of the federation under the ministry of Budget and Economic Planning was a major policy change introduced by the president.

    Bagudu said that the framework for coordinated planning and budgeting roles within the ministry was to develop appropriate institutional framework to effectively operationalise them.

    Bagudu said that this would be done through harmonisation of planning frameworks,  alignment and prioritisation of medium term development plans.

    “Presidential priorities and targets campaign manifesto with sector medium term and strategic reports that are in sync with sustainable development goals,” he said.

    Bagudu said that there was the need to prioritise and conceptualise on how to promote Nigeria.

    He said that he would adopt an open door policy, stating that the ministry was an institution of knowledge that could do better through exchange of ideas.

  • Bagudu approves fresh appointments on handover day

    Bagudu approves fresh appointments on handover day

    Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi on Monday  made some appointments on his final day in office.

    The Governor approved the appointment of Alhaji Safiyanu Garba-Bena as substantive Head of Service of the state.

    He also approved the appointment of four new Permanent Secretaries.

    The appointment is contained in a statement signed by the Head of Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba- Bena  in Birnin Kebbi.

    “The permanent secretaries are Kudirat Shuaibu, Ibrahim Umar, Mustapha Tata and Suleiman San-Augie.

    “The appointments are  with immediate effect,” the statement reads.

  • Bagudu approves N2.57bn for payment of leave grant to state, LG workers

    Bagudu approves N2.57bn for payment of leave grant to state, LG workers

    The Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, has approved the release of N2.57 billion for payment of two years leave grant of 2021 and 2022 for the workers of state, local governments and Local Education Authorities (LGEAs).

    The approval is contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad-Augie and made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

    “Kebbi Government, under the leadership of Gov. Atiku Bagudu, has regularly met its obligations on human resource entitlements for its serving and retired workers.

    “This fact was attested to by both the state and national chapters of the Nigerian Labour Congresses (NLC) during their nationwide rally held in Birnin Kebbi recently.

    “Kebbi state under the leadership of Gov. Atiku Bagudu is among the few elite states with the best track records on staff welfare and development.

    ” All salaries, pensions, gratuity, leave grants, promotions, advancements and trainings have been regularly maintained by the administration from inception in 2015 to date,” it said.

    The statement reported the commissioner as calling on workers in the state to compliment the efforts of the government.

    “This is by always putting their best to be dutiful, loyal and hard working, to help government deliver on all the excellent Programmes pursued in uplifting the overall development of the state to greater heights,” the statement said.

  • Insecurity: Bagudu advises IDPs to remain in camp

    Insecurity: Bagudu advises IDPs to remain in camp

    Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi has urged Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Mahuta and Isgogo of Fakai and Zuru Local Government Areas to remain in the camps until the security situation has improved.

    Bagudu made the call while on a sympathy visit to the IDPs camps in Government Day Secondary School, Mahuta and Model Primary School, Isgogo, in Zuru Emirate on Friday.

    He sympathised with the victims of the banditry attack and condoled the families that lost their loved ones during the incident.

    “I am here to see you with important personalities and local government officials to sympathise with you.

    ” Take heart and bear with the situation as it is destined by the Almighty God,” he said.

    Bagudu said he had already directed for relief assistance and more security measures to be taken in all the affected areas.

    “You will be assisted by the government, you remain here until it is safe for you to go back. We are taking more measures to safeguard your lives and properties,” Bagudu said.

    He prayed to God to protect them and give them the fortitude to overcome their predicaments.

    The governor, however, warned of the dangers of spreading rumours and false information amongst people, which he said could further instill fear in the minds of people.

    Bagudu also visited the Palace of Chiefdom of Mahuta, Alhaji Muhammad Hudu, where he also commiserated with the community leader and held a meeting with LG Chairmen , Councilors and other stakeholders of the area to discuss on the prevailing situation and the need for synergy and cooperation.

    The governor was accompanied by Sen. Bala Ibn-Na’Allah, representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, Sen. Muhammadu Magoro and the Acting Head of Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba-Bena.

  • Security: Buhari has invested much in security, welfare of IDPs – Bagudu

    Security: Buhari has invested much in security, welfare of IDPs – Bagudu

    The Kebbi Governor, Atiku Bagudu says President Muhammadu Buhari has made tremendous investments in security and welfare of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the country.
    Bagudu stated this on Sunday in Ribah, Danko Wasagu Local Government at the the distribution of relief materials to IDPs by the National Commission of Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMIDP).
    He said that the Federal Government was recruiting more security personnel, while modern equipment, arms and ammunition were provided to the security agencies.
    “The security challenges we are facing are not peculiar to our country or the state alone.
    “I urge the people in the state, especially in the insecurity affected areas to be resilient, patient and continue to be your brothers’ keepers.
    “The people of our state will not be cowed down by a few unscrupulous elements who are bent on tormenting the law abiding citizens of the country.
    “Kebbi state is not doing badly in terms of the prevailing security challenges as peace is gradually returning to areas affected by banditry in Zuru Emirate,” he said.
    Bagudu acknowledged the courage of farmers in the state, adding that bumper harvests were being recorded in the state.
    “Our farmers are resilient and continue their cultivation, the situation did not deter them,” the governor said.
    Earlier, the Federal Commissioner of NCRMIDP, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman, said that the relief materials were provided to the IDPs to alleviate their suffering.
    She lauded Bagudu for according top priority to the welfare of the people of the state.
    Suleiman said, “a medical outreach would be conducted in the camp to check the health status of the IDPs.”
    Also speaking, the Chairman of Danko/Wasagu LGA, Alhaji Hussaini Bena, lauded to the Federal Government for providing the relief assistance to the IDPs in the area.
    “Such an assistance will go along way in reducing the hardship being faced by the IDPs in the camp,” he said.
    In his remarks, the Chief of Wasagu, Alhaji Musa Mukhtar, pleaded with the government to mobilize more personnel to the area in order to provide adequate security for the IDPs to return to their homes .
    “Our people are hardworking and resilient, what they need is not relief assistance, but security to go back home and cultivate their farms.
    “Give them security and they will feed the entire state and beyond, because they are real farmers.
    “Most of the refugees you see here are from the neighboring states displaced by the activities of bandits in their states,” he said.
    Mukhtar appreciated the myriad of intervention and assistance from the state government to the people of the area since the security crises started
  • Why we visited VP Osinbajo – APC Govs

    Why we visited VP Osinbajo – APC Govs

    Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, received the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors.

    Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Tuesday, said the governors were on a felicitation visit to the vice- president as he recovered from the leg surgery done in July.

    The vice-president expressed his appreciation to the governors for their visit and good wishes.

    He harped on the need for urgent measures to address issues on the economy and the lingering strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike.

    The vice-president and the governors agreed to engage the pressing issues further with a view to bringing fast resolution for the benefit of the Nigerian people.

    “We all need to work together on these critical issues. We need to think through things, and we need to do it fast,” he said.

    Osinbajo also commended the expertise of Nigerian doctors, and the availability of cutting-edge medical facilities existing in the country.

    The vice-president regretted that doctors were restrained by regulations from advertising and as a result many people were unaware of the level of quality medical services available locally.

    Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, spoke with State House correspondents shortly after the meeting with the vice-president.

    He said that the governors were excited that the vice-president had recovered from a serious medical procedure that he had.

    Bagudu said the governors appreciated Osinbajo, particularly for showing confidence, yet again, in the Nigerian medical establishment as he had the procedure in Nigeria.

    “We had the opportunity to ask him how capable the team that helped out was and how he would recommend that and how many Nigerians should take steps to find out the amazing opportunities and capacity that are in our medical establishments.

    “We felicitated with him and we thanked him for his leadership of the National Economic Council,’’ Bagudu said.

    Present at the meeting were Governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Simon Lalong of Plateau, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Muhammad Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa.

    Others were Governors Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara; Abubakar Bello of Niger, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun,  Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state, and the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi, Kelechi Igwe.

  • Kebbi Gov, Bagudu calls for prayers to fight insecurity

    Kebbi Gov, Bagudu calls for prayers to fight insecurity

    Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has urged Nigerians to repent and intensify prayers to end the lingering insecurity bedevelling the nation.

    Bagudu made the appeal at a Walima (Dinner) organised to celebrate “Kebbi @ 31”, held at the Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

    The Walima, which was organised by the Kebbi State Government, drew Ulamas (Islamic clerics) from different Islamic sects to preach and offer special prayers for restoration of peace across Nigeria.

    Bagudu, who was represented by Alhaji Babale Umar-Yauri, the Secretary to Kebbi State Government (SSG), said the state decided to celebrate the 31st anniversary in a different way.

    “We decided to invite Ulamas to preach to us, remind us about Almighty God and pray for peace to reign across Nigeria,” he said.

    The governor lamented that banditry, rape and kidnapping were alien vices infiltrated into Nigeria, assuring that with prayers, they will soon be a thing of the past.

    He observed that the herculean task leaders faced was something people should pity them for, hence the need for people to understand that the work “is not as easy as one thinks”.

    While appreciating the Ulamas for their contribution to the success of the state, Bagudu also appealed to them to sustain the tempo.

    Earlier, several Ulamas who preached at the Walima, reminded people as well as leaders of the need to be mindful of their responsibilities.

    The Ulamas included Sheikh Abbas Muhammad-Jega, who was represented by Sheikh Usman Adam-Jega; Sheikh Umar Malisa, represented by Sheikh Tijjani Muhammad; Sheikh Basiru Musa and Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Isa-Jega.

    Taking their texts from the Quar’an and Hadith, the clerics enumerated some qualities of a leader to include humility, humbleness, consultation before taking decision, leniency, fairness and justice.

    The clerics stressed the need for followers to be obedient and respect all constituted authorities to enable leaders discharge their responsibitues diligently.

  • Gov. Bagudu approves N52.9m for Kebbi schools to celebrate Sallah

    Gov. Bagudu approves N52.9m for Kebbi schools to celebrate Sallah

    Kebbi governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, has approved N52.9 million for the purchase of cows and food items for 75 boarding secondary schools in the state to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

    The approval is contained in a statement issued in Birnin-Kebbi on Wednesday by one of the governor’s aides Malam Yahaya Sarki.

    He stated that the fund was for the purchase of cows, rice, ingredients and other condiments required for the Eid-el-Kabir festival.

    “The state government is, therefore, pleading with parents to allow their wards to remain in school during the festivities.

    “This is to ensure that academic activities continue smoothly after the Sallah celebrations.

    “All school principals have been sternly warned to make judicious use of the fund for enhanced feeding,’’ the statement read.

  • Buhari commends gov. Bagudu for a successful APC convention

    President muhammadu Buhari has commded Kebbi state governor, Atiku Bagudu, for his efforts in making the APC Convention a success.

    The special adviser to Gov. Bagudu Atiku on Media made this known to newsmen on Friday in Birnin Kebbi.

    Sarki said the commendation was contained in a letter by the president addressed to the Chairman, Progressives Governors’ Forum, on  his role in the recently conducted APC national convention.

    At the convention, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was elected the party’s standard flag bearer for the 2023 elections.

    While describing the presidential primary as one of the most competitive and peaceful in the history of Nigeria’s democracy, the president extolled Bagudu’s invaluable efforts.

    He said: “I was pleased to see how you were very professional and efficient in handling the sensitive political position of Chairman, Progressives Governors’ Forum.

    “Your commitment in pursuit of equity and fairness speaks volumes in the cooperation displayed by APC governors.

    “This indeed demonstrates the camaraderie that brought us together over eight years ago.

    “The party primaries were peacefully conducted and the delegates have selected the candidate to carry the APC flag in the 2023 presidential poll.

    “Today, as a patriotic APC member and stakeholder, I trust that you will come together to work with our candidate to win the 2023 elections.

    “In the past seven years in government, we have achieved a lot.  However, we have a lot more to do. The APC project is far from over and we need all of you to come together to ensure our progressive journey to peace and prosperity is sustained.

    “Our candidate, His Excellency, Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is no stranger to you.

    “He is our friend and brother. We know his commitment, his track record and his capacity to lead our party to success. So now is the time for all of us to come together and march forward, as we did in 2015, to a convincing APC victory,” the president said.

    The president also said that he looked forward to working closely with APC governors to support Tinubu and all other APC candidates.