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Tag: Dogara

  • Dangote, others raise N300m at Dogara’s 50th birthday

    The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and other donors yesterday raised about N300 million at the 50th birthday celebrations of Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

    The money, raised from the launch of a book titled ‘Dogara: A Real Made Flint’ in Abuja, is to be donated to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    Dangote’s company purchased 100 copies of the book at N100m followed by Capt Idahosa Okunbo, N50m, while Chief Emeka Offor bought 20 copies with N20m.

    The governors of Bauchi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Edo and Borno states bought copies of the book with N10m each, while Senator Sahabi Kaura also purchased at N10m.

    The 359 members of the House of Reps also purchased 359 copies of the book at N50,000 each, making N17.9m, while 109 senators purchased the book at N60,000, totalling N6.5m.
    Speaking at the occasion, President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, said Dogara represents patriotic Nigerians, who are worthy of being entrusted with leadership.

    He said Dogara is one of the backbones of the good relationship the Executive arm enjoys with the Legislature.

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who chaired the occasion, said in the last two years, he has found Dogara to be a gentleman who is humble and hard-working, saying “He’s also someone very reliable. The scarce commodity in politicians is reliability, but Yakubu Dogara has it in abundance.”

    Dogara said he would invest the remaining part of his life in helping the less privileged through a foundation that he would institute.

    Meanwhile, Dogara yesterday visited some orphanages around Abuja to mark his birthday.

    Dogara, accompanied by some members of the House, family members and friends, first visited the Treasure Orphanage and Abuja Children Home, both in Karu where he made donations of some food items to the orphanage.

    He said the theme of his birthday was ‘Giving back to the society’, which was why he decided to visit the orphanage to donate and encourage children, saying “That’s what we should be doing at this stage of our lives.”

  • Buhari salutes Dogara @ 50, says Nigeria’s future secure in youths’ hands

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday congratulated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, as he turns 50 years.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President said having followed Dogara’s political trajectory, he believed that Nigeria’s future can be secured with great leadership by younger Nigerians.

    Such youths, he added, should be fired with the zeal to build one great nation that everyone can call a home.

    The President noted that Dogara’s personal attributes of selflessness, maturity and friendliness have eased the relationship between the Executive and the Legislative arms of government.

    The statement read, “On behalf of the Federal Executive Council and all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, as he turns 50 years.

    “President Buhari joins the National Assembly, the Nigerian Bar Association, friends and family of the erudite and charismatic leader in celebrating the years of remarkable achievements and awards that have culminated in this golden jubilee.

    “The President extols Dogara’s humility, simplicity and discipline in providing exceptional leadership for the lower house for over two years by diligently bridging the gaps and creating a harmonious atmosphere for debates and exchange of ideas for national development.

    “President Buhari affirms that the Speaker’s personal attributes of selflessness, maturity and friendliness have substantially eased the relationship between the Executive and the Legislative arm, resulting in the passage of bills that directly impact the livelihood of Nigerians.

    “Recalling his personal interactions with the Speaker, and having followed his political trajectory in the House of Representatives, President Buhari believes Nigeria’s future can only be secured with great leadership by younger Nigerians, who are fired with the zeal to build one great nation that everyone can call a home.

    “President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will grant the Speaker longer life, good health and wisdom to serve the country and humanity.”

  • Saraki, Dogara, Tinubu, Governors, others preach love, tolerance at Christmas

    Some Nigerian leaders on Monday (Christmas day) advised Nigerians especially the Christians to emulate the sacrificial life of Christ by demonstrating love and tolerance towards each other to achieve a better Nigeria.

    The President of the Nigerian Senate, Bukola Saraki, said the season affords Nigerians the opportunity to pray and work towards a greater Nigeria.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, Mr. Saraki also urged Christians to use the festive occasion to pray for unity, peace and prosperity of Nigeria.

    He called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the service of humanity in line with the true teachings of Jesus Christ which emphasises tolerance, patience, brotherly kindness, care for the needy and love for one another, among other virtues.

    “The yuletide season presents us an opportunity once more to love, share and forgive. I urge all Nigerians to utilise the period to pray for unity, peace and prosperity in the nation.

    “We must also rededicate ourselves to the true virtues of faith in God, love for one another, honesty and peaceful co-existence. It is time to make these virtues more evident and practical in our daily lives,” Mr. Saraki said.

    Similarly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, urged Nigerians, particularly Christians, to spread love to their neighbours and remember the underprivileged as they celebrate Christmas.

    In a statement to mark Christmas, Mr. Dogara said Jesus Christ was an embodiment of sacrificial love.

    He said when Nigerians begin to exhibit unconditional love to one another, the impact will bring about a positive change that will lead to unity and development which will move the nation forward.

    “As we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, let us all remember that it is a time to spread the love of Christ with family, friends, neighbours and the underprivileged in the society

    “We should bear in mind that the greatest command Jesus gave to his followers is to love one another. Not only does this have spiritual benefits, it will also make Nigeria a better place because love overcomes all things including hatred, violence and other vices,” he said.

    Also, the Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, felicitated with Nigerians, particularly Christians at the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

    Mr. Ambode in a statement by his chief press secretary, Habib Aruna, urged Nigerians to use the period of Christmas to rekindle acts of love, kindness to one another and to the vulnerable in the society.

    He said the season symbolises love, care and compassion for persons, especially the weak, vulnerable and less-privileged.

    “This season is another opportunity to increase our acts of kindness and touch the less privileged in our society,” he said.

    Also in a statement by his spokesperson, the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, in his Christmas message, urged Nigerians to pray and support their leaders as they strive to find lasting solution to the myriad of challenges confronting the nation

    Mr. Tambuwal also called on Nigerians to continue to reflect on positive tenets that unite the nation and strengthen the polity.

    “This period calls for introspection and continued prayers for our dear nation.

    “On behalf of the people and Government of Sokoto State, I wish all Nigerians, especially those of Christian faith, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ahead,” he said.

    The Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s Christmas, saying it is a season to celebrate peaceful co-existence and show love to one another.

    The governor’s message was contained in a statement on Sunday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu. He tasked Christians to offer special prayers during the yuletide for greater peace, love, unity, peaceful co-existence and progress of Nigeria.

    “I call on all Christians; indeed, all Deltans and all residents in Delta State, to reflect on the virtues and teachings of Jesus Christ in their lives and activities so that Nigeria and indeed the world would be a better place for all of us.

    “I wish all Deltans and indeed all Nigerians, a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year in advance as I pray for the warmth of God’s love to fill every heart and home,” he said.

    The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, In a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Agbo, urged Nigerians to live a Christ-like life, which he noted was a life of sacrifice, selfless service, love and forgiveness.

    He called on Nigerians to use the Christmas celebration to intensify prayers for the peace and security of the state and the nation in general.

    Mr. Dickson also called on political leaders to emulate Jesus Christ, who used his ministry for the good of all, by using their offices to advance the cause of the ordinary people.

    “Service to man is service to God; he that serves man well, serves God well,” he said.

    The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, urged Christians to exhibit the spirit of peace, love and forgiveness, all through the Christmas celebration and beyond.

    Mr. Amosun in a Christmas message by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Adedayo Adeneye, noted that these were the values that Jesus Christ preached and exhibited all through his sojourn on earth.

    “As we mark the Christmas, all true Christians must remember the reason for the season as well as the person, whose birth we are celebrating, who is Jesus Christ,” he said.

    Similarly, former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, in a Christmas message urged Nigerians to keep their hope alive despite challenges facing the nation and the world at large.

    He stated this in a statement signed by his media aid, Ayomide Giwa, where he asked Christians and Nigerians to rediscover themselves and dedicate themselves to love.

    “Christmas was the time to rediscover and rededicate ourselves to love, peace, unity, equity and justice.

    “The lessons of humility, selflessness, love and simplicity learnt from the birth of Jesus, should be our guiding principles,” he said.

    The Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, called on Nigerians to celebrate this year’s Christmas with love and trust.

    He urged Christians to celebrate beyond mere merriment of the yuletide by abiding in Jesus Christ whom he described as the reason for the season.

    Mr. Umahi called on Christians to use the solemnity of the remembrance of Jesus symbolised by Christmas to show love and accommodation to every other tribe and faith as demonstrated by Christ.

    The Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, in his Christmas message enjoined Nigerians to shower cash and gifts on the less-privileged this festive season to enable vulnerable compatriots have a feel of Christmas celebration.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Yomi Layinka, the governor urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of true love and sacrifice which the life and times of Jesus Christ epitomised.

    Mr. Ajimobi urged Christians to use the opportunity of the season to pray for the country’s economic turnaround and political leaders to surmount the challenges assailing the country.

    “I congratulate our Christian brothers and sisters on the Christmas celebration.”

    “As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I enjoin all to imbibe the spirit of true love and sacrifice for one another.”

    In his Christmas message, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress and former governor of Lagos, Bola Tinubu, urged Nigerians to learn from the example of Jesus Christ “who faced and overcame the greatest evil” by uniting to overcome our challenges

    He also called for support for President Muhammadu Buhari so that the country can overcome its current challenges.

    “Today, Christmas Day, is one of the most precious days of the year for it celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Be you Christian, Muslim or just a human being with a soul that yearns for peace, compassion and hope, Jesus Christ belongs to all of us. His teachings are universal in application and speak of truths eternal”

    “This Christmas, let us acknowledge his birth but let us also give that acknowledgement its fullest meaning by recognizing how Jesus lived and what he lived for. He reached out to all. Jesus fed the poor and healed the sick. He spread compassion and charity and preached love and justice. There are no finer aims than these and we can do no better than to do all we can to follow his example,” Mr. Tinubu said.

     

     

  • Buhari, Dogara congratulate new Emir of Katagum

    President Muhammadu Buhari and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara on Saturday congratulated the new Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Baba Umar Farouq, who succeeded his father and late emir, Alhaji Kabir Umar.

    The President’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Saturday.

    While commending the Katagum Emirate Council and the Bauchi State Government for the peaceful transition of power, Buhari said “the new emir is a worthy successor to his late father’’.

    He, therefore, enjoined him to use his experience as a retired federal pqermanent secretary to build on the enduring and inspiring legacies of his predecessor by ensuring peace and development of the emirate in particular, and the state in general.

    “Traditional rulers are important in promoting and sustaining peace and development in our rural and urban communities,’’ he said

  • Happening Now: Osinbajo, Gowon, Shonekan, Dogara attend Christmas Carol inside Aso Rock

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; a former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.); a former Head of Interim National Government, Ernest Shonekan; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara , are among dignitaries currently attending the 2017 Christmas Praise Concert inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, is also attending the event holding inside the old Banquet Hall.

    Others present are members of the Federal Executive Council as well as the wife of the Vice-President, Dolapo.

     

    Details later…

  • Dogara advocates private sector participation to tackle housing deficit in Nigeria

    …frowns at violation of NHF Act, housing policies

    …says New Housing Laws to cover self-employed Nigerians

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara has called for increased private sector participation in order to address the national housing deficit and pledged the commitment of the House towards enacting the required legislation.

    Speaking at a public hearing by the House Committee on Housing on a motion and four bills related to the National Housing Fund and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Dogara stated that citizens’ welfare should be of utmost importance to any government and shelter should, therefore, be considered a foremost priority.

    “The government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has a duty and responsibility to carter for the welfare of its people. Housing or shelter is one of the most important and fundamental needs of man. The very concept of human dignity requires that a man should have a roof over his head. This is why the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria provides, inter alia, that the “state shall direct its policy towards ensuring that suitable and adequate shelter, suitable and adequate food, reasonable national minimum wage, old-age care and pensions, and unemployment and sickness benefits are provided for all citizens”

    He further revealed that the proposed amendments would make housing laws more encompassing and introduce the necessary changes, as existing schemes have not been very successful.

    “The National Housing Funds (NHF) scheme was designed to assist public servants own homes while saving a percentage of their income. The private sector employees were also captured under the Act. Similarly, the government – through mortgage institutions – is expected to provide loans to real estate developers to build low-cost houses for the people. Unfortunately, both programmes have not yielded the desired results as Houses are still not within the reach of the generality of Nigerians. Indeed, the provisions of the National Housing Fund Act and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria Act are observed more in breach by most stakeholders mandated to perform one responsibility or the other under the laws. The proposed amendments capture virtually everybody including self-employed persons.”

    He pledged the commitment of the House to working with stakeholders towards the provision of safe and affordable housing.

    “Let me assure you of the determination of the House to collaborate with all stakeholders in ensuring supply of safe and affordable homes and provision of viable legislative frameworks that will lead to private sector participation and ownership in order to reduce these deficits. The Bills being considered today will have far-reaching effects on many institutions and stakeholders and these stakeholders should pay attention to the issues and offer workable solutions.”

    Stakeholders in the housing sector include The Central Bank of Nigeria, The Pension Commission, Pension Fund Administrators, Commercial and Merchant Banks, the Federal Mortgage Bank, the Organised private sector, the Nigerian Labour Congress, the National Insurance Commission of Nigeria, Employers of Labour both private and public, NSITF, among others.

    The motion and bills considered during the public hearing are; A motion on the need to ensure full compliance with the National Housing Fund Act for effective housing delivery in Nigeria (HR.59/2017); A Bill for an Act to repeal the National Housing Fund Act Cap. N45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Re-enact a National Housing Fund and for related matters (HB.1077); A Bill for an Act to repeal the National Housing Fund Act Cap. N45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Establish the National Housing Trust Fund Act, and for related matters (HB.891); A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria Act, Cap. F16 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make comprehensive provisions for the re-establishment of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and its Board of Directors and for related matters (HB.911); and A Bill for an Act to establish the Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders of Nigeria to regulate the activities and ensure professionalism in the system and for related matters (HB.465).

  • Dogara to speak on Legislature and deepening democracy in Nigeria

    Dogara to speak on Legislature and deepening democracy in Nigeria

    As part of showcasing the critical and stabilising role the Legislature plays in democratic consolidation in Nigeria and imparting such knowledge on the younger generation to prepare them for leadership roles in the future, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, will deliver a lecture on the legislature’s role in deepening democracy in Nigeria to the University community in Nasarawa State.

    The Speaker will be presenting a paper, titled “Deepening Democracy: The Role of the Legislature”, at the 3rd public lecture of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State.

    Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar and former Nigerian permanent representative to the United Nation, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, were previous speakers in the first and second series respectively.

    Former Nasarawa State governor, Sen Abdullahi Adamu is slated to chair the occasion which will hold on Monday, December 11, 2017, at the University Assembly hall.

    Hon Dogara, a Masters Degree holder in International Commercial Law, has special interest in democratic studies, independence of the legislature and constitutional law.

  • Dogara extols T Y Danjuma @79

    …says future generations will forever remember his sacrifices

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has described elder statesman, General Theophilus Danjuma, as one of Nigeria’s pantheons, saying his contribution to nation building and wellbeing of Nigerians is exemplary.

    In a letter signed by the Speaker to commemorate the 79th birthday anniversary of Gen Danjuma, the Speaker said future generations will continue to remember and appreciate his sacrifices for Nigeria’s unity, peace, progress and stability.

    He said, “The House of Representatives and I heartily rejoice with and celebrate you, our worthy leader, highly revered and accomplished elder statesman, Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd), on this auspicious occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.

    “Sir, we celebrate your outstanding services and contributions to nation building, as well as your efforts at promoting the well-being of Nigerians regardless of ethnicity or creed. Your exceptional zeal for the greatness and development of Nigeria has placed you among the pantheons of our nation.

    “Your career as a military Officer was exemplary, reaching the peak as Chief of Defence Staff. Your humanitarian and philanthropic activities have touched many lives, especially those of the poor and weak and are worthy of commendation and emulation.

    “Undoubtedly, future generations will continue to remember and appreciate the sacrifices you have made for national unity and the fact that you have continued to offer your wise counsel for the peace, progress and stability of the Nigerian nation.

    “We applaud your efforts at giving succour to the victims of terrorism in the North East region including its rebuilding, reconstruction and rehabilitation.

    “It is therefore with exceeding gratitude that I restate our congratulations and best wishes for a fulfilled, healthy and more fruitful years ahead.”

  • Dogara stops consideration of NAFDAC’s N18.9bn budget

    The House of Representatives on Tuesday stopped the consideration of the 2017 budget of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.

    The budget of N18.9bn had earlier passed first and second readings before the House referred it to the Committee on Healthcare Services for NAFDAC to defend the proposals before the committee would report back to the plenary for approval.

    However, when the report was due for consideration on Tuesday in the Committee of the Whole, it turned out that the Chairman of the Committee on Healthcare Services, Mr. Chike Okafor, was unavailable.

    Besides, the budget, which was listed against Okafor’s name, lacked details.

    In Okafor’s absence, the Deputy Chairman of the committee, Mr. Mohammed Usman, moved for the consideration of the budget.

    But, as members settled down, the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, immediately observed that there were no details of the proposals.

    “What is worth doing is worth doing well.

    “This is not how we handle budgets in the House. There have to be details attached. Without the details, we can’t proceed”, the speaker said.

    Usman, reading the document Okafor prepared, merely gave the block figures of the budget.

    The overhead cost from Federal Government’ appropriation in the budget is N7.5bn; while the overhead proposal from Internally Generated Revenue and other sources is N8.2bn.

    The personnel cost is N4.4bn.

  • 2019: Buhari meets Tinubu, Saraki, Dogara in Aso Rock [Photos]

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met behind closed door with a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and former Governor of Lagos State, Sen. Bola Tinubu, in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that before his meeting with Tinubu, Buhari had earlier met with the Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Dogara Yakubu.

    The two separate meetings between the President and his visitors took place at the new Banquet hall.

    President Buhari, had on Oct. 26, met with the leaders of the National Assembly after the cancellation of the planned dinner for lawmakers in the Presidential Villa.

    The President was to host the lawmakers to dinner at the new Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, by 8:30 p.m. on Thursday.

    He, however, met behind closed doors at his official residence with the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara with the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and some presidential aides in attendance.

    President Buhari had earlier met with President Alassane Ouattara of Cote D’ivoire, who was on official visit to Nigeria.

    Ouattara had since returned to Abidjan, the capital of Cote D’ivoire.

     

     

    NAN