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Tag: Bola Ahmed Tinubu

  • Tinubu purchases APC nomination, set for May 30 indirect primary

    Tinubu purchases APC nomination, set for May 30 indirect primary

    The National leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Presidential aspirant Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has purchased the APC’s N100 million presidential nomination and expression of interest forms.

    Tinubu, who is Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj sent representatives from the Bola Tinubu Support group and some key politicians; Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke; a member representing Agege Federal Constituency in the green chamber, Babatunde Adejare; and a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.

    Recall that APC pegged the nomination and expression of interest form at the whopping sum of 100 million naira for presidential aspirants.

    The fee of N100 million for presidential aspirants is inclusive of N30 million for the expression of interest form and N70 million for the nomination form.

    The party also fixed N50 million for governorship aspirants, N20 million and N10 million for senatorial and House of Representatives aspirants respectively, and N2 million for state House of Assembly aspirants.

     

     

  • Lagos can’t support you, Sanwo-Olu tells Rotimi Amaechi

    Lagos can’t support you, Sanwo-Olu tells Rotimi Amaechi

    Despite the visitation of Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi to Lagos State to canvass for votes in his quest to become Nigeria’s president, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made it clear to him that Lagos would support Tinubu.

    Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hosted 2023 presidential hopeful, Rotimi Amaechi, on Thursday in Marina.

    Amaechi is on a tour of states over his bid on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform for the party’s ticket in next month’s primary election.

    According to Sanwo-Olu, Lagos will support the party’s national leader, Bola Tinubu for the ticket.

    The governor said though Amaechi is qualified to lead Nigeria, the state’s endorsement is for Tinubu.

    He added that he’s been a direct beneficiary of Tinubu and now is the time to reciprocate his kind gesture.

    “I have sheer regard and respect for our leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; I have been a direct beneficiary of his leadership.

    “I have been part of his cabinet and continue to toe that line of leadership Asiwaju stands for. But because we are not God, God himself will help the course of this country.

    “You are eminently qualified, you are very experienced in this journey. But for a whole lot of us in Lagos, Asiwaju continues to be our rallying point.

    “I certainly know what your pedigree is and what you have done. I will be unfair if I don’t say that. I wish you all the very best”, Sanwo-Olu said.

    Earlier, Amaechi said considering experience, he would be a president that would protect the interest of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe or religion.

    He also added that he knows it would be difficult to get Lagos state support considering Tinubu is a former Governor and a contributor, saying he wishes himself and Tinubu the best of luck in their quest to grab the party’s ticket.

  • I’ll solve insecurity and economic problems in the country-Tinubu

    I’ll solve insecurity and economic problems in the country-Tinubu

    The National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) and presidential aspirant senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday in Lagos declared that Nigerians were tired of excuses and complains in the past years over the country’s numerous problems and challenges ranging from power supply, insecurity, banditry saying the country needs a very safe and serene environments.

    He added that solving these problems would be one of his priorities if elected president of Nigeria.

    Tinubu made this statement at a grand rally and gathering of youths under the aegis of Progressive Youth of South-West to declare their support for his presidential aspiration at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, in Onikan area of the state.

    youths from different states in the South-West region of , Ogun, Osun, Lagos Ekiti, Ondo and Oyo states converged on Lagos in their large numbers to drum up support for the aspiration of the former Lagos state Governor and the national leader of the APC

    In his address of the teeming youths, who he described as the brightest and brilliant, urged them to team up with him in his bid to change the story of Nigeria for the youths and tomorrow which they represent.

    He said: ‘’All you need is courage, determination and perseverance, if the YouTube alone has 2.9 billion people following it, including you all standing here, then Nigeria can excel, we can do it, you must develop the can do attitude, you must believe that this country is yours and you want to change the story. You must change the story of potential, the story of banditry and the story of tribalism.

    ‘’We as a nation can conveniently feed ourselves by being creative, visionary and committed, anybody who says we cannot, they can get out because it is voluntary. We cannot continue the lamentation of the past, we cannot continue with excuses of power failure, there is no nation that made rapid development without electricity, give us light and if we cannot be successful then you can abuse us, you cannot give us erratic light that is undependable and then blame us again that we are lazy.

    ‘’Nigeria it is about time, we have enough gas to fire up electricity and supply the rest of Europe and make money, long term from it. You know it. We don’t want to bore you with it, when I started we used to pick dead bodies on the streets, but today Lagos is one of the cleanest, most progressive states in the country.’’

    Tinubu urged the teeming youths to ensure they get their Permanent Voters Cards ready and vote ready for him and other progressives in forthcoming 2023 general elections in the country.

  • 2023: ‘Let his hands be shaking’, Tinubu remain APC’s choice – Jibrin

    2023: ‘Let his hands be shaking’, Tinubu remain APC’s choice – Jibrin

    Abdulmumin Jibrin, a former member of the house of representatives representing Bebeji/Kiru federal constituency has replied to critics of the National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC Bola Tinubu over a trending video showing his hands shaking.

    Jibrin said Tinubu, a 2023 presidential candidate remains their choice despite his alleged health issues.

    He urged those criticizing Tinubu to mobilize their own presidential candidate.

    Asiwaju’s critics have urged him to dash the dream of becoming Nigeria’s President and focus on his health to pave way for younger people to take over leadership of the country.

    However, Jibrin, in a tweet on his official Twitter handle on Tuesday, described the criticism as an attack, saying they are prepared for it.

    He said, “Let his hands be shaking, he remains our choice. You cannot suffocate our democratic space.

    “Go and mobilise support for your aspirants whose hands are not shaking. Aren’t you the majority? let’s meet at the ballot. We are resolute and our support is total. Where Asiwaju goes, we go!

    “We must be prepared for more and more unfair and senseless attacks. It is not a criticism but enmity. There will always be that small group spreading hate.

    “As with several presidents, some of these attacks will continue through the various elections and Tinubu’s tenure as president”.

  • Buhari speaks on life after 2023 as Tinubu hails him on 79th birthday

    Buhari speaks on life after 2023 as Tinubu hails him on 79th birthday

    President Muhamamadu Buhari, looking forward to life after 2023, has said he will be returning to his farm after handing over to the next president of Nigeria.

    On his 79th birthday on Friday in Istanbul, Turkey, President Buhari once again pledged that he will put in his best for Nigeria until the last day when in 2023 he hands over to a successor and returns to his farm to tender crops and livestock.

    “I look forward to the year 2023 when I finish, to go home to take charge of my farm. Between now and that time, I will do the best that is possible to advance the interest of the nation and its people, and carry out my duties as prescribed by the Constitution,” he said.

    His Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said in a statement, that Buhari had cut a birthday cake moulded in national colours, green-white-green to start the day.

    He said the President went straight to chair a planning meeting with officials in his delegation and thereafter drove to the Dolmabahce Palace for a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Tayyip Recep Erdogan.

    In response to the tribute on the occasion on behalf of the ministers and the rest of the delegation rendered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, President Buhari said he will put in his best for Nigeria until the last day when, in 2023 he hands over to a successor and returns to his farm to tender crops and livestock.

    “I thought that being away from Abuja I will escape these things. The Guards Brigade had written to tell me what they wanted to do on this day. Now here you are doing this far away from home.

    “I look forward to the year 2023 when I finish, to go home to take charge of my farm. Between now and that time, I will do the best that is possible to advance the interest of the nation and its people, and carry out my duties as prescribed by the Constitution,” he said.

    As he stepped out of his suite moving to the meeting room, President Buhari met a surprise lineup of the Nigerian delegation with a cake decorated in Nigeria’s national colours.

    The group broke into a chorus, as they began chanting “Happy Birthday, Mr. President.”

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs who spoke on behalf of the delegation and the Ambassador of Nigeria to Turkey, Ismail Yusuf Abba, congratulated the President on the good work he is doing for the country, and wished him a happy birthday, many healthy years ahead and the energy to give his best to the nation.

    Onyeama noted in particular that the President continues to have a good run with his health, getting better and more active with time.

    Meanwhile, in furtherance of sustained efforts at keeping Nigerians safer, President Buhari said Nigeria will partner with the Republic of Turkey in dealing with the current security challenges facing the nation.

    Speaking at a bilateral meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his Turkish counterpart shortly before the official commencement of the 3rd Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit in Istanbul, President Buhari acknowledged that Turkey had garnered a lot of experience dealing with security challenges of various kinds and Nigeria will latch onto that experience.

    President Buhari said, “Turkey has practical experience dealing with challenges over the years and Nigeria stands to gain from that.”

    Giving assurances that the relationship between the two states will continue to grow for the mutual benefits of both countries, President Buhari said he was pleased with the Turkish offer of support in the area of security and peace in Nigeria.

    “I wish to express my appreciation for the special invitation for this meeting and to express my happiness with your offer of assistance in dealing with the challenges facing us.

    ‘‘I await the reports of officials and the ministers as they hold meetings with their counterparts. I assure you that I will endorse all their positive recommendations,” President Buhari assured Erdogan.

    Earlier, the Turkish leader said that he was happy to receive President Buhari shortly after he paid an official visit to Nigeria.

    “Turkey understands the challenges facing Nigeria and its needs, and we are ready to assist you to meet those needs especially in the area of defence.

    ‘‘I am happy Nigeria is stepping up cooperation with other nations in areas of defence and health, and we are ready to cooperate with you on these areas and more,” said President Erdogan.

    Turkey, which has growing recognition in the world as a military power and had successes to show in Iraq, Syria, Libya and lately Azerbaijan said it welcomed the Nigerian government’s decision to buy naval ships from their shipyard, noting that discussions are ongoing on how to strengthen the capacity of the Defence Industries Corporation in Kaduna in line with an agreement signed during President Erdogan’s last state visit.

    Tinubu hails Buhari at 79, calls him a reformer

    Meanwhile, Sen. Bola Tinubu, a former Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Buhari on his 79th birthday.

    Tinubu, in a statement signed by him on Friday in Lagos, described the President as a great reformer and democrat.

    The APC National Leader said beyond his admiration and gratitude for the President’s achievements in office, he was proud to call him a friend and a brother.

    “Your legacy as a great reformer and democrat will live long into the future. You are a man of high intellect and exceptional character,” he said.

    Tinubu said that despite prevailing challenges, the president had continued to steer the ship of Nigeria through the most turbulent of waters.

    “Your tenure in office has coincided with some of the most difficult and challenging times this country and, indeed, the entire global community has faced.

    “Economic crises, global pandemics, insecurity and criminality have all played a role in making the past few years difficult for the people of our great country.

    “Yet, despite it all, you continue, calmly and with uncommon dignity, to steer the ship of Nigeria through the most turbulent of waters.

    “I, therefore, wish to appreciate the unseen and underappreciated work that you have done and continue to do to guide Nigeria ever nearer to its manifest destiny,” he said.

    The former governor of Lagos said that through the careful leadership and measured governance of the country, the President’s administration had achieved many things for which the people could be proud.

    He said that under President Buhari’s watch, previously abandoned infrastructure projects had been completed all over the country.

    “Unheralded reforms and measures taken by your administration are also taking effect to bring greater transparency and accountability to governance,” he said

    “I wish you a wonderful birthday and many more years in good health and renewed strength. Happy birthday Mr President,” he said.

    TNG reports Buhari, a Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, was born to a Fulani family on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State.

    He is a retired Nigerian Army Major General and has served as military head of state in Nigeria between 1983 and 1985, after taking power in a military coup d’état.

    Buhari ran for president of Nigeria in 2003, 2007, and 2011.

    In December 2014, he emerged as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2015 general election.

    Buhari won the election, defeating incumbent President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

    This was the first time in the history of Nigeria that an incumbent president lost a general election.

    He was sworn in on May 29, 2015.

    In February 2019, Buhari was re-elected, defeating his closest rival former Vice President Atiku Abubakar by over three million votes.

  • 5G roll out: Tinubu’s link to Mafab sparks outrage as NCC denies being aware

    5G roll out: Tinubu’s link to Mafab sparks outrage as NCC denies being aware

    Former Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who many have said is nursing presidential ambition has been linked to Mafab Communications Ltd, sparking an outrage.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mafab, battling MTN Nigeria and dislodging Airtel Communications Ltd, recently won the bid for the deployment of 5G network technology in Nigeria.

    As Tinubu is linked to Mafab, the process by which the little known telecom company emerged winner in the 3.5GHz spectrum band auction for 5G network deployment in the country has been called into question.

    The development sparked an outrage, especially on social media as many questioned how Mafab was able to out-bid Airtel, a more known telecom company.

    Some alleged Tinubu being who he is might have influenced the auction exercise carried out by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    However, Nigeria’s telecommunications regulatory body has denied ever knowing that the APC National Leader and presidential hopeful has links with Mafab.

    In a statement by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, NCC argued that higher standard of integrity and openness was emplaced in the auction of the 3.5GHz spectrum band for the deployment of 5G networks in the country.

    According to the statement, NCC came to the knowledge of Tinubu’s stakes in Mafab only recently from a report in the course of its routine media review.

    The statement titled 5G Auction: NCC not aware of Senator Bola Tinubu’s connection to Mafab Communications Ltd reads:

    “In the course of its routine media review, today, December 15, 2021, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) became aware of publications in some online media channels alleging the involvement of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State, in Mafab Communications Limited, one of the winners of the 5G spectrum sold by the Commission in a public auction conducted on Monday, December 13, 2021, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

    “It bears restating that, consistent with the Commission’s long-established regulatory culture and tradition, the process leading to the auction of the 5G spectrum was open, fair and transparent in the most, as the public auction followed a rigorous due process and was witnessed by a cross-section of stakeholders as observers, including the media, the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as well as civil society groups.

    “Mafab Communications Limited is a corporate entity duly licensed by the Commission to conduct telecommunications business. The company, which is in good regulatory standing with the Commission, currently holds international data access (IDA), inter-connect data exchange (IDE) and Value-Added Service (VAS) licences.

    “It is pertinent to state that the Information Memorandum (IM) for the auction of the 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum clearly set out eligibility criteria for participation of interested bidders in the auction, which included that new companies could participate in the bid.

    “Over the years, the NCC has had spectrum auctions and as an independent regulatory agency, has maintained an undisputable reputation of successful auctions based on openness, fairness and transparency, a fact widely acknowledged locally and internationally. NCC’s auction proceedings conform to international best practice, devoid of any undue influence or interferences whatsoever.

    “A higher standard of integrity and openness was emplaced in the 5G auction as the process was, for the first time, witnessed by the public both physically and virtually through a link provided by the Commission on its official website.

    “The Commission would like to assure Nigerians that, following the successful auction of the 5G spectrum, it is prepared to drive the implementation of the next phase of the deployment of the new technology, in line with the Federal Government’s approved plan, for the benefit of all citizens.

  • 2023: We are waiting for Tinubu’s return to take important decisions – Akeredolu

    2023: We are waiting for Tinubu’s return to take important decisions – Akeredolu

    Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who is also Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Southern Nigeria is waiting for the return of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu from London to take important decisions.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Akeredolu, while maintaining that the next President of Nigeria should come from the Southern region, made this known during an interview on Arise Television.

    Speaking on his visit to Tinubu and the 2023 elections, Akeredolu said his visit to Tinubu in the United Kingdom has nothing to do with the 2023 election.

    “APC is a party. APC will decide who the candidate will be. I have made the point everywhere; I’m going nowhere. I’m not going to leave APC. If I leave APC, I am going back to my chamber where I am more comfortable. For me, whatever APC decides, I will follow.

    “We went to visit our national leader and I was there, because there were a lot of rumours here and there, it was important for us to go and see for ourselves, and I was there, I have seen for myself and there is nothing alarming about his health.

    “We are praying that he returns back on time, He’s the capo for us here in the south west and south south. So we are waiting for him to come, so that by the time he comes, we can make some important decisions and he’ll support us,” he said.

  • Eid-El-Fitr: Tinubu calls for a better Nigeria

    Eid-El-Fitr: Tinubu calls for a better Nigeria

    National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday as Muslims completion of 2021 Ramadan fast called for a better Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Tinubu called for a better Nigeria free from want, violence and hatred, urging Nigerians to eschew divisive vices.

    This was contained in a statement in which Tinubu stated President Muhammadu Buhari and his government needed prayers.

    In the statement to mark the Eid-El-Fitr celebrations, the APC leader asked Muslim faithful, and indeed Nigerians, to pray for the President to be able to surmount the challenges facing Nigeria.

    The statement reads: “I join with Muslims in Nigeria and across the world in marking the faithful completion of this year’s Ramadan fast, one of the most critical pillars of Islam.

    “As Muslims we have fasted and prayed in a special way during this holy month. We have sacrificed.

    “This act of sacrifice in abstaining from food, drink and other worldly things from dawn to dusk, is not simply a ritual to be performed so that we may seem religious or pious to others.

    “We abstain from these ordinary things to strengthen our patience, forbearance, perseverance and tolerance. We do so as a sign of complete devotion to and love for Allah and in total appreciation of His mercy toward us.

    “In that an essential lesson that Ramadan teaches is love and compassion, we observe this holy month in order to bring more compassion and love unto this world and in our relations with all we meet, friends as well as strangers, fellow Muslims as well as those of other faiths or beliefs.

    “Now that the holy month of Ramadan is ending, we must counsel ourselves not to forget its great lessons. We must be better than we were before. We must treat each other with more compassion and understanding.

    “We must build a better society free from want, violence and hatred. We must never condone and tolerate the works and words of those who would do evil or who would pit brother against brother, Nigerian against Nigerian.

    “The righteous acts and efforts of Ramadan must guide our actions and conduct going forward. Let us put politics aside and continue to pray to Almighty Allah for our country and all its people.

    “Let us remember President Muhammadu Buhari and his government in our prayers that they may be given the requisite strength and wisdom to protect the nation, defeat the challenges that confront us and help establish Nigeria as a more prosperous and just land.

    “Let us pray for our brave soldiers and security agents confronting insurgents and bandits. We must keep in close remembrance those whose lives have been lost to or impaired by either the violence of terrorism as well as to those who have been lost to or harmed by the global pandemic that is Covid-19.

    “May we see an end to this disease and its consequences in no distant time. Not only must we pray for good things, we must also act in a better way.

    “We must dedicate ourselves to performing the compassionate and benign things that lie within the power of each of us to do in order to give peace and improve the lives of the people around us. This is the true message and meaning of Ramadan and of Islam itself.

    “As we commemorate the end of the hold month, may Allah (SWT) grant us His full blessings. May long life and happiness be upon you all. May He accept our prayers and all Ramadan efforts as act of Ibadah. Amin”.

  • I have nowhere I am going, Nigeria will not seperate – Tinubu

    I have nowhere I am going, Nigeria will not seperate – Tinubu

    National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Bola Tinubu has called on those clamouring for secession to jettison the idea, saying he has nowhere he is going and that Nigeria will not seperate.

    Speaking at the Special Ramadan Prayer Tafsir (Lecture) for Lagos State and Nigeria, held at the Lagos House, Marina on Sunday, Tinubu said that the country was better together than seperated.

    He said that the war drums some people were beating would result in the disintegration of the country like Sudan and Iraq.

    According to him, Nigeria is yet to recover from the effect of the civil war, hence, cannot afford to experience another war.

    ”For clamouring for war, God will not allow Nigeria to experience war. If we say Nigeria should seperate, people should remember what war caused in Sudan and Iraq. Such war does not end on time. We are yet to recover from the civil war.

    ”We are better together. I have nowhere I am going. Whoever has experienced war in the past will not pray for such. Nigeria will not seperate, it’s not acceptable to us. Our prayers is for prosperity and more wealth for the country,” he said.

    Tinubu also commended the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, for their achievements in the state.

    He said that the state had witnessed massive developments since the administration of Sanwo-Olu came on board and expressed satisfaction with their performance.

    In his goodwill message, Gov. Sanwo-Olu promised to fulfill his campaign promises and deliver on the dividends of democracy.

    He said that the state government was in the process of installing 2,000 cameras across the state for security surveillance.

    He said that the proposed last mile buses, which his administration would unveil this month (May), would eradicate the menace of Okada riders.

    According to him, more funds will be deployed into the state Security Trust Fund to empower police and other security operatives, while technology will be deployed around the state.

    The National Missioner, Ansaru-deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdul-rahman Ahmad, also called on those clamouring for the country to divide to have a rethink.

    Ahmad said that though insecurity was on the increase, but with constant prayers, change of thoughts and characters by Nigerians, the country would come out of it.

    The Islamic cleric encouraged all Nigerians to buy made in Nigeria products to strengthen the naira and the economy.

    He urged the Lagos State Government to make examples of lawless commercial motorcyclists, popularly called Okada riders, for peace and security in Lagos.

    Ahmad condemned the kidnappings in many parts of the country and advised government to implement the laws on insecurity as it affects development.

    ”For those clamouring to divide the country, maybe you should have a rethink. Ask yourself; where will this clamour for so called independence lead us? We should reinvent this country. Nigeria will be great.

    ”Today are in hard times, these are uncertain times. This is the time men are supposed to be seperated from boys. This is the time that regions need to think out of the box.

    ”We are insecure, we are unsure, there is hunger, there is anger and confusion in the land. This is the time we need divine intervention. If we gather and pray till 2023, Allah will not listen to us till we do some things.

    ”This is the time action is required, backed by deep thoughts for today and our tomorrow. We have often blamed leaders but we have to choose the kind of leaders we deserve. Everywhere is unsafe even the police station is not safe. We need to rejig,” he said.

    Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello ( Oniwasi Agbaye), called for more prayers, as what Nigeria was facing was as a result of sins in the country.

    Bello said Nigerians should truly love one another, and do away with corrupt practices.

    The event was attended by frontline Islamic clerics from all local government areas in the state and the General Officer Commanding 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Gen Abubakar Garba.

    Also, the former National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, business mogul, Aliko Dangote, among others.

  • Tinubu joins Gov Ganduje to support Kano woman who lost her legs in course of duty

    Tinubu joins Gov Ganduje to support Kano woman who lost her legs in course of duty

    National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to support a Kano woman who lost her legs in course of duty.

    Tinubu pledged support to the Kano State woman, named Khadijah Umar at an award night to mark the 2021 May Day organised by the Kano State Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on Saturday in Kano.

    Members of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Organisation who were present at the event pledged to support Khadijah Umar with modern artificial limbs on behalf of Tinubu, 2023 presidential hopeful.

    Umar, who had been working as a temporary staff member for the past 15 years at Hotoro Health Care Clinic, lost her legs in the course of duty.

    Governor Ganduje also presented a letter of permanent and pensionable appointment to Khadijah Umar at the event.

    Speaking at the event, Ganduje said henceforth, teachers and lecturers working with the state owned institutions of learning will be retiring on attaining 65 years.

    “The Federal Government has since approved this for teachers and lecturers working in its institutions, hence, teachers in Kano State are also not left behind.

    “Therefore, our teachers and lecturers as from now on will start to enjoy such retirement age from 60-65, and years of service from 35-40 as the federal workers are enjoying,” the governor said.

    According to Ganduje, the state government has introduced so many policies aimed at improving the welfare of its workers.

    He added, “We have introduced a contributory health scheme for workers in the state and their families to have the cheapest health services.

    “I am happy that with your co-operation, today we have the best contributory health scheme in Nigeria.

    “We are also collaborating with the private organisations in the state to see how they can benefit from such schemes aimed at strengthening the policy.’’

    The governor also said that the state government had introduced a health trust fund where five per cent of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and one per cent from the earnings of local governments would be contributed.

    “And that will provide health services to our workers and the people of Kano State.’’

    Ganduje added that the state government would serve as a guarantor for civil servants working in the state who would be willing to access loan facilities from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    He also said that his administration had introduced free and compulsory primary to secondary schools education.

    “Through that, our workers will not have to pinch from their salaries to pay school fees for their children.” he said.

    Ganduje said that one important thing done in the state was ensuring peace and stability, security for workers, the citizens and everybody.

    He said with that in place, the state would continue to be a place where everybody could flourish in harmony.

    Earlier, Mr Kabir Minjibir, the Chairman of Kano State chapter of the NLC, said the awardees were honoured for their hard work and adherence to the Civil Service rules.

    He said that the NLC found it necessary to honour not only civil servants who were dedicated and committed to their duties, but also workers from the private sector.

    “The NLC is giving certificates of excellence to those that deserved to be honoured while some of them will go home with cash gifts ranging from N50,000 to N100,000 each.” he said.

    Minjibir also lauded the Ganduje–led administration for effective security management in the state.

    He said that had brought about minimal cases of banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.

    He also commended the governor for efficient management of the first and second waves of COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

    “The governor has been up-to-date in the payment of salaries and pensions in the state, despite the economic turbulence being experienced in the country until recently when the economic situation began to bite harder,” the chairman said.

    Minjibir, however, described the theme of the 2021 May Day celebration: ‘COVID-19 Pandemic, Social and Economic Crisis: Challenges for Decent Jobs and People’s Welfare”, as a symbol for continued struggle for the survival under the current economic hardship.

    The chairman charged workers to continue to put in their best while discharging their duties.