Tag: Dele Alake

Christmas: FG announces free train rides, 50% discount for buses

President Bola Tinubu has announced a 50% cost reduction for buses and free train rides starting from December 21st to January 4th for inter-state travels.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, made the announcement to State House Correspondents on Wednesday.

According to him, this was aimed at cushioning the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.

He said, “It is in this wise that the President is announcing through us that beginning from tomorrow, December 21, Nigerians willing to travel can board public transport via mini buses, luxury buses at 50 per cent discount of current cost and all our train services on the route the trains currently serve at zero cost on their travels this holiday season.

“The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Transportation, will be working with transporters, road transport unions, the Nigerian Railway Corporation to seamlessly deliver on this special presidential initiative.”

“I can tell you that all the relevant stakeholders in that industry have been discussed with or been engaged and all the parameters laid out and the Minister of Transportation has the full details and it’s on top of the game.

“In fact, the Presidents of the various transport unions have been met…and everything is in top shape in terms of execution.”

Alake, however said air travel was excluded from the initiative because the initiative is targeted at the masses.

“The initiative is for the masses. Air is luxury. The masses don’t use air transport. So they are our main target,” he said.

December 20, 2023
Era of exporting crude minerals from Nigeria over – Tinubu

The era of exporting raw gold, lithium and other crude mineral resources from Nigeria is gone for good, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said yesterday.

President Tinubu said many local companies have already adjusted their business plans to the new normal, urging others to do same.

The President said the creation of the policy of value addition to mineral resources before exportation by his administration was to halt the huge losses recorded through the exports of unprocessed mineral commodities.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Tinubu spoke in Abuja at the second day of the eighth edition of the Nigerian Mining Week, which was organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria.

“This administration has hit the ground running with remodeling the former Ministry of Mines and Steel Development into the ministry of Solid Minerals development and Ministry of steel developments, in order to demonstrate the resolve of the federal government to maximise the potentials of the mining industry significantly and improve its contribution to the revenue of government.

“The present administration has observed the huge losses recorded by the nation through the exports of crude mineral commodities and therefore has evolved a policy of value addition to its mineral resources before exportation, the policy will ensure that the teaming youths in the country will also be meaningfully absorbed in economic benches that will empower them while developing their skills.

“Through this policy, the era of export of crude minerals from Nigeria is gone. It is gratifying to note that many companies in Nigeria have already adjusted their business plans to this new normal and we hope others are encouraged to do same

“We are determined to use every potential to industrialised this great country. There is no reason why Nigeria and Africa should not be leading in any of the critical mineral value chains.

“The recent global trends in the energy transition initiatives have led to stunning discoveries which has opened Nigeria to geological exploration works that have grown the availability of huge lithium resources of high grade across many states in Nigeria,” he said.

TNG reports Tinubu was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume said at the second day of the eighth edition of the Nigerian Mining Week.

The event organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria was hosted by the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development at the International Conference Centre (ICC).

October 18, 2023
We’ll work with governors to properly harness solid mineral resources – Alake

Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has noted that the Federal Government, is making frantic efforts to work with state governments to properly harness Nigeria’s solid mineral resources.

The media personnel cum Minister made this disclosure when Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State paid him a courtesy visit on Friday in Abuja.

He said, “The ministry will work with governors to harness mineral resources for maximum socio-economic development of the country.

“Nasarawa State is very significant in terms of the development of the mineral sector, and we are putting the mechanisms together.

“We want to make sure that the nation derives maximum benefits from this God given gift of minerals that are in abundance in Nigeria.”

According to Alake, solid minerals is the next petroleum in Nigeria, saying that the nation would harness and utilise the resources efficiently and effectively.

The minister, however, emphasised the need for effective synergy and coordination in all the dynamics surrounding minerals exploration, exploitation and judicious utilisation of the resources.

He thanked the governor for the visit, adding that partnerships between the federal government and states would promote and bring strong development to the sector.

September 16, 2023
Why I was drafted into the Solid Minerals ministry – Dele Alake

Solid minerals minister, Dele Alake has revealed why he was drafted into the ministry by Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He noted that many people expected that the president would make him the minister of information due to his background, expertise, and track record in perception and information management.

Continuing, he said that president Tinubu gave everyone a shocker.

Alake made this known on Monday, August 21, in Abuja at his assumption to office as the new minister of solid minerals, adding that the sector holds immense significance for the nation’s economic growth and vitality.

He stated that President Tinubu’s decision to appoint him to this ministry was based on his recognized sense of responsibility and courage to propel the agenda forward.

“Now if you all can sit down to analyse the global trend of economic development, you would note that the hydrocarbon that is the oil is fading out and the world is moving towards alternatives like gas, electric cars, and the rest. So what is the next economic growth factor? It is a solid mineral.

“Given the nature of this sector to our economic growth and vitality of this country which is dear to the heart of Mr President, it’s just very apt and proper for him to send me here because he knows and trusts that I have a demonstrable sense of responsibility and courage to drive the agenda, that is why I am here. We are going to drive that agenda with the full cooperation of everyone.

“In my world, where I come from, you know you are in the civil service and have your rules and regulations but in my world, there is no strictures, I have been in the civil service as a commissioner before. My modus operandi is results, I really don’t care how you get me the results as long as you use legitimate means to get the result.

“I am going to set an agenda with focus and objectives, we would get the results. Now we are not going to be allowing civil service structures and scriptures to stifle us out of creativity and flourishing, what we need is attitudinal change.

“Now when a memo reaches your table, regardless of what the subject matter is, that memo must leave your table within an hour, that is the way I work and whoever doesn’t shape in, ships out.”

August 21, 2023
BREAKING: Tinubu orders federal institutions to stop ‘arbitrary increase’ of fees

President Bola Tinubu has warned federal institutions against “arbitrary increase in sundry fees payable” amid the hardship faced by Nigerians as a result of fuel subsidy removal.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu to have said where possible, the institutions should defer further increase so that parents and students don’t face too many difficulties.

The President has also approved the removal of all restrictions on the student loan to make it available to any student or household that may desire it.

These disclosures were made in a statement by Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy.

According to the statement, President Tinubu has also approved the provision of buses to the students’ bodies of all universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.

The statement reads: In furtherance of his desire to ease the burden of the fuel subsidy removal on students of higher institutions of learning, President Bola Tinubu has approved provision of buses to the students’ bodies of all universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.

“The desire of the President is to see that students can access their campuses without much difficulty as a result of higher transportation costs. The provision of the buses will also remove the burden of additional cost of daily commuting on parents and guardians.

“In line with his promise to ensure no Nigerian student abandons his or her educational pursuits as a result of lack of money and economic circumstances of their parents, President Tinubu has also approved the removal of all restrictions on the students’ loan to make it available to any student or household that may desire it.

“Similarly, President Tinubu has directed the authorities in all Federal Institutions of higher learning to avoid arbitrary increase in sundry fees payable and where possible defer further increase so that parents and students don’t face too many difficulties.

“While it is important to reiterate that President Tinubu has directed release of over 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains to families in 36 states and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the government is working to ensure that vulnerable students can also benefit from conditional cash transfers and food distribution.

“The Federal Government salutes the courage, wisdom and partnership of Nigerian Students as our country navigates this challenging time.

“President Tinubu will continue to prioritise education and the needs of the students, improve welfare of teaching and non-academic staff and invest in infrastructure to make our institutions of higher learning become more globally competitive”.

July 31, 2023
BREAKING: Tinubu to address Nigerians in nationwide broadcast today

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will make a broadcast to the nation today Monday, July 31, 2023 at 7 pm.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications & Strategy made this known in a statement this morning.

“Television, radio stations and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and Radio Nigeria for the broadcast,” the terse statement reads.

The broadcast may not be unconnected with the pledge by the Tinubu-led administration to maintain an open-door policy by informing Nigerians about its policies and programmes.

The issues of the fuel subsidy removal, its economic impact as well as the various palliatives for Nigerians may dominate the president’s speech.

July 31, 2023
We will support Google to create 1 million jobs for Nigerian youths – Tinubu

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has noted that the Federal Government of Nigeria will support global tech giant Google Incorporated to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria.

The Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Dele Alake disclosed this on Friday during a courtesy visit by Google Global Vice President, Mr Richard Gingras.

President Tinubu told the visiting Google executive that Nigeria has creative and talented young people who are ready and motivated to learn, especially in this age of Artificial Intelligence, stressing that the tech giant has the capabilities and tools that the young people need to excel.

“I am glad that Google is ready to partner with us. You have answered our call on digital innovation and to help our youths. You are supporting our efforts to promote digital economy. We are ready to work with you on your commitment to create 1 million digital jobs in Nigeria.

“We will give you all the support you need to have a beneficial corporate responsibility. We have started our economic reforms, even though tortuous,” the President said.

On Google’s promotion of free speech, freedom of the press and democracy through its platforms, President Tinubu declared: “It is in public interest to continue to defend free press and free speech. We are committed to supporting a free society.”

In his address, the Google Vice President had earlier told President Tinubu that he was in Nigeria for the West Africa Journalism Innovation Conference.

He said he had been inspired by the creativity and talent of young people in Nigeria who are embracing technology and digital tools to expand access to information and promote democracy.

Mr Gingras told President Tinubu that his organisation has deep interest in Nigeria and stands ready to support the Federal Government.

He said that Google would help secure Nigeria in the age of disinformation and fake news, saying that his organisation seeks to continue its partnership with the Nigerian government.

July 29, 2023
Federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free, presidency insists

The Nigerian government has refuted reports suggesting an increase in tuition fees for universities, emphasizing that students in federal universities across the country do not pay tuition fees.

The Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, Dele Alake, clarified the situation Wednesday, stating that what some universities charge are discretionary sundry fees.

“It was widely reported earlier this week across some news media outlets that the Nigerian Government had increased tuition fees in federal universities in the country. These reports are inaccurate and not correct,” Alake said in a statement.

According to reports, schools like the Bayero University, Kano (BUK), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the University of Uyo, the University of Maiduguri, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and Federal University, Dutse have all increased their fees.

The Special Adviser further explained that the charges students encounter are for various services like hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory, and other related costs. “They are not tuition fees,” he reiterated.

Alake pointed out that the affected universities had provided reasons for the increase in their sundry charges and made it clear that they are not mandatory tuition fees. He emphasized that federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free.

“For avoidance of doubts, federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free,” Alake stressed.

He maintained that President Bola Tinubu was committed to ensuring access to quality tertiary education for all Nigerian students, regardless of their parents’ economic situation.

The recently signed Students’ Loans Bill will go into implementation ahead of the next academic session in September, and the Federal Government intends to strengthen other mechanisms to support students in need.

“Parts of the government’s plans to make sure all diligent students complete their education on time, notwithstanding their parents’ financial situation, include work-study, merit-based scholarships, and grants,” Alake added.

The government’s spokesperson reiterated that President Tinubu prioritizes the welfare and interests of Nigerian students and will continue to work towards providing opportunities for quality higher education for all.

July 26, 2023
BREAKING: Tinubu orders review of N8,000 for 12m Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate review of the N8,000 conditional cash transfer programme for 12 million Nigerian.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the presidency disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the cash programme was not the only item in the whole gamut of the relief package of President Tinubu.

In a statement signed by Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Tinubu also ordered the immediate release of fertilisers and grains to approximately 50 million farmers and households respectively in all 36 States of the Federation and the FCT.

According to the statement, the President assured that the N500 billion approved by the National Assembly (NASS) to cushion the pain occasioned by the end of subsidy regime will be judiciously utilised, adding that the beneficiaries of the reliefs shall be Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic, religious or political affiliation.

The statement reads below:

You will agree with me that it has become part of the culture of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to constantly dialogue with Nigerians who voted him into office. The President covenanted with Nigerians that their welfare and security will be topmost in the Renewed Hope Agenda of his government.

In the last few days, the conventional and new media platforms have become awash with stories of the government intending to embark on conditional cash transfer to vulnerable households mostly affected by the painful but necessary decision to remove subsidy from petrol.

The story has been widely reported that the Federal Government is proposing to give 12 million households from the poorest of the poor N8,000 monthly for a period of six months as government palliative to reduce the discomfort being experienced by Nigerians consequent upon subsidy removal.

A lot of ill-informed imputations have been read into the programme by not a few naysayers. The Administration believes in the maxim that when there is prohibition, there must be provision. Since subsidy, the hydra-headed monster threatening to kill the economy, has been stopped, government has emplaced a broad spectrum of reliefs to bring help to Nigerians.

While it should be noted that cash programme is not the only item in the whole gamut of relief package of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a listening leader who has vowed to always put Nigerians at the heart of his policy and programme, the President has directed as follows:-

That the N8,000 conditional cash transfer programmed envisaged to bring succour to most vulnerable households be reviewed immediately. This is in deference to the views expressed by Nigerians against it.
That the whole gamut of palliative package of government be unveiled to Nigerians.
Immediate release of fertilisers and grains to approximately 50 million farmers and households respectively in all the 36 states and the FCT.
The President further assures Nigerians that the N500 billion approved by parliament to cushion the pain occasioned by the end of subsidy regime will be judiciously utilised. The beneficiaries of the reliefs shall be Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic, religious or political affiliation.

President Bola Tinubu has promised to always prioritize the wellbeing of Nigerians and he is irrevocably committed to the vow. A number of decisions taken so far by this Administration have buttressed this stance.

You will recall that the President took a similar decision after listening to complaints from the business community/stakeholders about burdensome taxes, particularly multiplicity of taxes they are made to experience. This warranted the signing of four (4) Executive Orders cancelling some classes of taxes, while suspending the implementation dates of others.

In addition, the President has also set up a Tax Reform/Fiscal Policy Committee to bring up recommendations that will engender a wholesome fiscal environment for the country and remove anti-business barriers.

I wish to assure Nigerians that President Tinubu will continue to be a listening leader whose ears will not be dull to the views expressed by the citizenry. The President believes government exists to cater for the interest of the people and he has demonstrated this so clearly.

July 18, 2023
Tinubu to jet out to Guinea-Bissau on Saturday for ECOWAS summit

Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu will jet out to Guinea Bissau on Saturday to attend the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States.

This was made known by The President’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake, via a statement released on Friday in Abuja.

Participants at the summit, which begins on Sunday, are expected to address memoranda on five pressing sub-regional issues.

They include the report of the 50th ordinary session of the Mediation and Security Council covering security challenges faced by the member countries; report of the 90th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on the financial situation of the body and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, as well as the report on the status of transition in the Republics of Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea.

Another item on the discussion table is the memoranda on the ECOWAS single currency programme and the report on obstacles to the free movement of goods on the Abidjan-Lagos corridor.

Guinea-Bissau is the first African state Tinubu is visiting since assuming office on May 29, 2023.

Recall that the Guinea Bissau president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló also visited Tinubu in Lagos last week.

So far, Tinubu has visited Paris, France, where he participated in the summit for ‘A New Global Financing Pact’ hosted by French President, Emmanuel Macron, on June 22 and 23.

From June 24 to 27, the President was in London for a private visit, where he reportedly met his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

President Tinubu will return back to Nigeria on Sunday.

July 8, 2023