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Tag: Femi Adesina

  • Femi Adesina reveals why Buhari did not push for Fayose’s impeachment

    Femi Adesina reveals why Buhari did not push for Fayose’s impeachment

    President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, has disclosed that the president refrained from removing former Governor Ayodele Fayose from office at a time he had the powers and opportunities to remove the Ekiti governor.

    Adesina made the disclosure in an article he wrote to commemorate Buhari’s 80th birthday anniversary, slated for December 17.

    In his weekly article titled: ‘Buhari at 80: No Malicious Bone In His Body,’ the presidential spokesman recounted how Fayose had criticized Buhari during the 2014 campaigns.

    Adesina noted that after the president won the

    election, he could have retaliated against Fayose by mobilizing the state House of Assembly against Fayose.

    The article reads: “How about Ayo Fayose, the Irunmole that eats Jollof rice. The former Ekiti State Governor had taken a stand against Buhari since 2014, during the campaigns. There was that infamous advertisement he placed in newspapers, displaying a coffin, and insinuating that if Buhari was elected, he would not last the distance.

    “Fayose’s party was beaten black and blue, and entered President Buhari. What would an average, vengeful person have done, if he were in the mould of the man with the teacup and saucer?

    “When Buhari came, the Ekiti House of Assembly was largely populated by APC members, whom Fayose had inherited. What to do? Just give a directive: remove that Governor within a week, and he directs the Inspector General of Police to lock down the Assembly chamber. But not Buhari. Why? Because he has no malicious bone in his body.”

    He recalled that Buhari gave Fayose a warm handshake during a Council of State meeting at the Presidential Villa.”

  • Buhari will continue to serve Nigerians until last day in office – Femi Adesina

    Buhari will continue to serve Nigerians until last day in office – Femi Adesina

    Mr Femi Adesina, Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, said the president would continue with the mandates of serving Nigeria and implementing policies for the betterment of the nation until May 29, 2023.

    Adesina stated this at the sideline of the 2022 Campus Journalism Awards organised by Youths Digest in Abuja.

    He said: “The mandate is for four years and those four years do not lapse until May 29, till the very last day, governance will continue. The president will continue to serve Nigeria.”

    He also advised journalists, especially young students, to adhere to the ethics of the profession and avoid being used to propagate negative ills in the society.

    ”If they strive to become ethical journalists, they can never fail because ethics will guide them to stay on the positive part of the profession.

    ”The profession has its positive and negative parts, there are those who use journalism for all the things that are despicable.

    “They pull down others; they do untrue stories, they blackmail and all others. But if you are determined to become an ethical journalists, certainly not even the sky is your limit, you will go as far as you can in the profession.

    ”So I will advise  our young journalists to take ethics seriously, ” he said.

    Also, Malam Mannir Dan-Ali, Director, Media Trust Limited, Publishers of Daily Trust Newspaper, encouraged young journalists to contribute meaningfully towards developing the nation.

    Dan-Ali also advised them to continue to highlight reports that would build the nation and unite the country.

    On his part, Mr Gidado Shuaibu, Executive Director, Youths Digest, said the annual award started in 2019 to encourage youths to engage in journalism as a profession and work within the ethics.

    ”The whole point of the Campus Journalism Awards is to pick out those doing well in journalism.

    “Everybody now is a journalist, using the social media platform.

    “But what we are doing now is to pick out those who are acting professionally, recognise and award them.

    “This is what we do every year and we will continue to do it,” he said.

    On her part, Miss Chinalurumogu Eze, overall winner of the 2022 campus Journalist, said the award would encourage her and others to perform well in the profession.

    “You have to keep putting yourself out there as journalists, you have to wait for the certificate before you start practising.

    “Being a campus journalist means you have to practice professionally, your portfolio becomes bigger and when you apply for bigger opportunities you will get it by putting your contents out there,” she said.

    Other highlights were the conferment of awards for different categories such as the Campus Journalist Of the Year, Broadcaster of the Year, Upcoming Writer of the year.

    Others are best investigative reporter, best entertainment report, author of the year, sport news of the year, editor of the year, pen club of the year, amongst others.

    Contestants were drawn from various higher institutions nationwide.

  • Tony Elumelu: Buhari’s testimony – By Femi Adesina

    Tony Elumelu: Buhari’s testimony – By Femi Adesina

    By Femi Adesina

    What a delightful week it has been for Mr Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Heirs Holdings, and the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

    On Monday, he stood tall in Sokoto at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference to receive a Recognition Award, handed out by no less a person than President Muhammadu Buhari himself.

    Elumelu was recognized alongside Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, Col Hameed Ali, Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, and Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, a former Chief of Army Staff. All these people had made salutary impact on the Nigerian Army in different ways.

    What qualified Elumelu, particularly, through his Foundation? Entrepreneurial and philanthropic activities for our soldiers, both living and dead. He organizes and funds skill acquisition trainings for the army, extending his bowels of mercy to both the living and the dead. The Foundation cares for widows and children of deceased soldiers, and no less than 220 widows have been given succor, without a prompting.

    After being trained, each widow is given a start up capital of two thousand dollars, while job opportunities are also given to retired and ex-service personnel in the conglomerate headed by Elumelu. This goes a long way to boost the morale of serving troops.

    The next day after Sokoto, what news did we hear again about Elumelu, this worthy son of Nigeria, and of Africa? He had been named one of the winners of TIME 100 Impact Awards for 2022, for his selfless humanitarian activities and support for business upscaling for Africans in Africa. He had in 2020 also been named on TIME’s list of 100 most influential people in the world.

    Of course, we know what Elumelu does for youths in Africa, spending millions of dollars annually to empower them for entrepreneurship. At a time people are bringing out smelly currencies from damp and dank places, to avoid the trap of naira redesign deadline, this Chairman of Elumelu Foundation is receiving National and global recognition for making money a servant, rather than a master.

    What are the secrets of his success? This master investor with the touch of Midas gave a glimpse in a recent thread on Twitter. He said he is where he is today because of luck, noting: “luck is important but that doesn’t make it a substitute for hard work or labor.”

    He added: “hard work and passion are the two most important ingredients for luck.

    “I am where I am today because of luck. Let me be clear, luck is important, but it is not a substitute for hard work or labor. Luck is part of the cocktail that you need for success.

    “There are two ingredients for luck – hard work and passion. The more work you put into something and the more passion you apply, the ‘luckier’ you find yourself.

    You have to work hard and be more passionate and committed about what you do, to be successful and make your own luck.

    “Hard work and passion are within your power and control, and you should apply them to earn your own luck and to help us foster a better and more prosperous world.”

    Elumelu has successful investments in banking, power, oil and gas, hospitality industry, and many others. Self-effacing and hardly one to throw his weight around, he is a model, an icon for Nigerian and African youths.

    In June this year, we were in Kigali, Rwanda, for the 26th edition of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and among the many world leaders that President Buhari met privately was Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness.

    Before the bilateral meeting started, Holness disclosed that he had just finished meeting with Tony Elumelu from Nigeria.

    And with a chuckle, the Nigerian leader said: “Tony? He’s a restless young man. Quite irrepressible. I see him all over the place.”

    That’s our President for you. He does his things quietly, unobtrusively, but he notices everything. He sees people all over the place. He cares for the big, and the small. The billionaire investors, and the start-up farmer. He keeps tabs on everyone under his care, including the Dangotes, the Rabiu Abdulsamads, the Jim Ovias, and the Tony Onyemaechi Elumelus.

     

    *Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity

  • No plan to remove INEC Chairman – Femi Adesina

    No plan to remove INEC Chairman – Femi Adesina

    The Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President, Mr Femi Adesina, has dismissed speculations of a plan to remove the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and stop the use of Bimodal Voter Registration System (BVAS) in 2023 general elections.

    Adesina stated this at a policy dialogue programme organised to mark the 2022 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI), in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The policy dialogue, themed “Media, Civil Society and Violence-free Election in Nigeria”, was organised by the Ministry of Justice, Kano State Government and Managing Conflict in Nigeria Programme.

    Adesina advised journalists not to give attention to people with hiding intentions to disrupt the 2023 general elections by spreading rumour.

    “Recently, there was one group that said the chairman of INEC was going to be removed because may be they didn’t want BVAS.

    “How many times has the President spoken about the role of technology in getting him into office?

    “He has spoken about it locally, internationally that three times he contested three times he ended at the Supreme Court because the government of the day will just write results.

    “Then he said until technology came and there was a permanent voter cards and so it was difficult to write results.

    “So, how and why can the same person has issues with BVAS? I saw that group on television, alleging that there was plan to remove the INEC Chairman and the media gave them that opportunity.

    “Such things should be treated with contradictions because they don’t make sense, at least not under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari,” he stated.

    Adesina said that just on Monday, Buhari at a meeting in Imo, he also gave matching order to police to ensure 2023 general election is credible.

    “If you are going to rig elections, of course the police will be critical in rigging it and here you hear the president saying at every opportunity that don’t rig election.”

    Adesina said while Buhari has always described his commitment to credible elections, the media, the electoral management body and other stakeholders have critical roles to play to achieve that.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that the Federal Government was committed to supporting journalists in discharging their social and constitutionally guaranteed responsibility.

    Mohammed, who was represented by Adesina, said that the Buhari-led administration was doing that through the provision of enabling atmosphere for quality journalism practice.

    He said that has always demonstrated his commitment to freedom of information and quality journalism in Nigeria.

    Mohammed advised participants of the policy dialogue to acquire needed information to help create awareness that would promote credible and violence free elections in 2023.

  • Nigerians will miss president Buhari when he leaves office – Adesina

    Nigerians will miss president Buhari when he leaves office – Adesina

    Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, to President Muhammadu Buhari, has posited that  Nigerians would miss his principal when he leaves office.

    Adesina added that president Buhari has done his best for the country despite many distractions coming from different angles.

    Adesina made this known via an article on his official Facebook page titled, ‘Buhari’s Footprints On Waterways’, He said Buhari would be missed by good Nigerians when he hands over.

    “He (Buhari) utilized and made our inland waterways more effective and efficient. Plus many more. Won’t good people miss him when he breasts the tape?

    “This quiet performer. We will surely do. But we are delighted that he has done his best for Nigeria, despite distractions from all fronts.”

    President Buhari will be leaving office at the end of his tenure in May 2023 alongside his media aide Femi Adesina.

  • Reactions as Nigeria marks 62nd Independence Day tomorrow

    Reactions as Nigeria marks 62nd Independence Day tomorrow

    As Nigeria marks its 62nd Independent Anniversary, some Nigerians said that the 23 years of uninterrupted democratic administration is worth celebrating.

    A cross-section of Nigerians who spoke in Damaturu and Dutse expressed joy over the feat achieved towards entrenching sustainable democratic governance in the country.

    They said the stability in the democratic process and political achievements outweighed contemporary challenges confronting the country in its 62 years of independence.

    The Anglican Bishop of Dutse, Rev. Marcus Dan Binta noted that the forefathers laboured hard to keep the country together since independence.

    He said Nigerians should thank God and appreciate the leaders for their efforts to bring progress and unity in the country.

    “I must confess that of recent we are seeing a Nigeria quiet different from the one we used to know. As we mark the 62nd Independence Anniversary, we should pray God for peace, unity and prosperity in the country.

    “We have some politicians with good agenda but at the end, what we see is quite different from what they come to tell us during their campaigns.

    “While we appreciate God these 62 years, honestly I am happy, there is good hope for Nigerians.

    “We are not saying that Nigeria is totally bad. There are good people who can bring positive change to the country.

    “During this elections for Nigeria to grow, let us choose leaders that have the fear of God, people with integrity and credibility, there is still hope for this nation,” the clergyman said.

    Also commenting, Maryam Ibrahim, the Coordinator, Safe Nigeria Now, an NGO, decried lack of internal democracy in some political parties in the country.

    Ibrahim, who is also the Secretary, Jigawa Social Protection Platform, said the recent primaries conducted by political parties was a source of concern.

    She urged political parties to abide by their respective constitutions and the electoral laws to further entrench democratic culture in the country.

    The political activist said the ammended Electoral Act 2022, gave hope to the electorate toward ensuring that their votes count.

    “A lot of Nigerians aspire inclusion of youth in governance,” she said, and faulted party delegates for alledged malpractices in the primaries.

    She also advocated laws to regulate conduct of party primaries to make it credible and transparent.

    In the same vein; Ali Abbas, an Associate Professor, Political Science Department, Yobe State University, said Nigerians have every reason to celebrate 62 years of independence.

    He said, “this is the first time in the history of our country that we enjoyed democracy for 23 years without military intervention.

    “This means our democracy is consolidating. The only process of acquiring power is through democratic process, as provided by the constitution. Politically Nigeria is maturing”.

    Abbas identified successful implementation of the electoral reform as another milestone towards entrenching democratic governance in the country.

    This, he said, would address pre and post-election violence which previously characterised electoral processes.

    The academic don warned politicians against promoting religious and sectional politics, and urged them to foster peace and unity in the country.

    He noted that such undemocratic attitudes were inimical to sustainable growth and posed threat to national security.

    “Insecurity is a serious challenge to political stability and development in Nigeria. Our election concern should be centred around electing transformational leaders, who understand their mandates, and who can discharge such mandates without fear or favour.

    “Leaders who understand the problems of Nigerians and who can solve the problems systematically but firmly.

    “There are issues of mistrust, misperception and miss understanding among Nigerians. The country needs a unifier, who can bring all Nigerians on board,” he added.

    “Security is paramount, it should not be only physical but that of social, economic, religious, cultural among others.

    “There should also be a shared development across all regions, ethnicities, religions and political divides.

    “Development should not be restricted to a certain parts of the country while the others are retrogressing.

    “So the people should think properly and appreciate democracy collectively,” he said.
    He also commended the past and present leadership for laying foundation for infrastructure development for sustainable social and economic development in the country.

    Oct. 1: President Buhari addresses nation Saturday

    Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari will on Saturday address the nation as part of activities commemorating the 62nd Independence Anniversary of the country, at 7.00am.

    Mr Femi Adesina, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, confirmed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    He said: ”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.”

  • Buhari hails King Sunny Ade at 76

    Buhari hails King Sunny Ade at 76

    President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the entertainment industry in celebrating juju music maestro and multi-instrumentalist, Chief Sunday Adegeye, better known as King Sunny Ade, who turns 76 on Thursday.

    In a congratulatory message issued by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Tuesday in Abuja, the president said he rejoiced with the internationally renowned artiste as he marked his birthday.

    Sunny Ade is believed to be the first Nigerian to be nominated for Grammy Award in the 80’s, playing a significant role in the huge success of the country’s music industry.

    His music had influence across genres, including Hollywood, where his songs were featured in many movies.

    The president extolled the gifted songwriter, producer and visiting professor of music at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife for taking Nigeria’s local beats to the world.

    He also lauded him for exporting the rich culture and placing instruments like the “talking drum’’ on global spotlight for research and adaption.

    Buhari said the recognitions and awards received by the multi-talented entertainer over the years, including the national award, MFR, were well deserved.

    The president prayed for his good health, strength and grace of more creativity.

  • Buhari grants Nigerian citizenship to 286 foreign nationals

    Buhari grants Nigerian citizenship to 286 foreign nationals

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja awarded Nigerian citizenship to 286 nationals, urging them to be good citizens of the country to enjoy all the rights and privileges bestowed on them.

    “You have pledged your allegiance to Nigeria. When you give your love and loyalty to Nigeria, she returns her love and loyalty to you,’’ the president told the awardees during an event at the State House.

    The president explained that out of the 286 foreign nationals presented with certificates of Nigerian citizenship, 208 received certificates by naturalisation, while 78 got certificates by Registration.

    According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, he urged them to make positive and useful contributions to the advancement, progress and well-being of the different communities they reside, adding that as citizens they must be in accord with the national ethics and code of conduct.

    “You are expected to abide by the Ideals and Institution of the Nigerian National Flag, Anthem, Pledge and respect for all Constituted Authorities.

    “All those concerned with Immigration matters are to offer our new citizens quick legal identification. Also, their Local Governments should assist with their integration in the local community to enable them enjoy all the entitlements of a Nigerian citizen,’’ he said.

    In exercising the constitutional powers conferred on him, by Chapter III Sections 25-31 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the President told the new citizens that Nigeria is a nation united by the principles of opportunity, equality, and liberty as enshrined in the Constitution.

    “No matter where you come from, or what faith you practice, this country is now your country. Our history is now your history, and our traditions are now your traditions. Nigeria is your home and pride and joy.”

    ‘’In line with our transformational ideals of strict adherence to due process and transparent procedures, the Ministry of Interior ensured that only deserving persons were recommended to the Federal Executive Council to be conferred with Nigerian citizenship.’’

    President Buhari recounted that the Federal Government in 2020 adopted the National Action Plan to eradicate statelessness and accordingly, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, inaugurated the High-level Steering Committee to Eradicate Statelessness in Nigeria by 2024.

    ‘’This ceremony therefore is a further demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment and determination to remove as many people as possible from statelessness.

    ‘’In this regard, I will like to reiterate our commitment to the strategic role Nigeria plays in the comity of nations, in its unwavering quest for greater human integration, towards ensuring peace and prosperity.’’

    Welcoming the new Nigerians, the minister of interior in his speech entitled ‘‘The more the merrier’’,  said the beneficiaries were from the United States, Europe, the Americas, Asia, Middle East, Oceania and Africa, who have seen the good in Nigeria.

    ‘’Without any doubt, Nigeria is a great nation, richly endowed and blessed with great people. Smart people continue to flock to our country to do business with us,’’ Aregbesola said, adding that Nigeria would continue to welcome every qualified citizenship applicant.

    The minister described the conferment ceremony as a celebration of the oneness of the human race, consistent with the mandate of the Ministry and the Buhari administration to lay a solid socio-economic and political foundation that will thrust Nigeria into one of the top 20 economies in the world.

    ‘’To achieve this lofty vision, the government is determined to encourage and attract foreign investors, high-net worth individuals, highly-skilled individuals and people with rare talents and strategic competencies into our country, ‘’ he said.

    Permanent secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore, read citations of select beneficiaries who received certificates and symbols of citizenship from President Buhari.

    They are Mrs. Kathryn Teresa Barrera, an American citizen, Professor Albert Alos Rovira, a Spanish citizen, Mr. Giuseppe Bellini, an Italian citizen, Dr. Nasra Ali, a Kenyan, Rev. Prof. John Brown Okwii, a Ugandan and Prof. Oumar Al-Moubarak Adoun, a Chadian citizen.

    Speaking on behalf of the new citizens, Barrera, who arrived Nigeria in 1974 at age 24, thanked the President and staff of the Ministry of Interior for making their dreams come true.

    The 72-year old Nigerian-American is the proprietress of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Mother and Children Welfare Association, caregiver of Orphans and Vulnerable Children including children living with HIV/AIDS.

    She currently lives with 20 children and young adults in training and in university, according to the citation read by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior.

  • President Buhari congratulates Darah on conferment of Honorary Doctor of Letters

    President Buhari congratulates Darah on conferment of Honorary Doctor of Letters

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday rejoiced with Prof. Godini Darah on the conferment of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) on him by Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Agbara-Otor, Delta.

    The conferment holds on Tuesday, Sept. 6 in recognition of Darah’s contributions to the advancement of knowledge within and outside Nigeria.

    Darah also has the honour to deliver the keynote address at the 4th Convocation of the university and the 6th Michael Ibru Memorial Lecture on Tuesday.

    In a congratulatory message issued by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina in Abuja, the president joined family, friends and professional associates to felicitate the respected scholar.

    He joined the academia to celebrate with “the folklorist, journalist and administrator whose lectures, writings and publications of many years continue to enlighten and motivate’’, Adesina stated.

    He added that Buhari noted Darah’s revolutionary approach to folklore and to oral literature and his ingenious treatment of national and international issues.

    He noted also that Darah simplified complex cultural, socio-economic and political issues, and puts them into relatable contexts making him a highly sought-after scholar.

    President Buhari wished Darah the best in his future endeavours.

    Darah had taught variously at the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Northeastern University, Boston, U.S.A., Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun, University of Africa, Toru-Orua and Delta State University, Abraka.

    He was also at a time, Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspapers.

  • IBB at 81 speaks on lessons that have shaped him over the years

    IBB at 81 speaks on lessons that have shaped him over the years

    As retired General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida marks his 81st birthday anniversary, the former military president has opened up on the lessons he has learnt over the years that have shaped him.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Babangida as saying the lessons he has learnt over the years that have shaped him are patience and respect for every human being.

    Speaking with journalists as part of activities to commemorate his 81st birthday in his Minna residence on Tuesday, the former military president called on Nigerians to steer clear of hate speech and other acts capable of causing disunity in the country.

    Babangida has also advised Nigerians to ignore unpatriotic politicians and individuals whose stock in trade was disrupting the peace of the nation. This, the former leader said, was imperative as campaigns for the 2023 General Elections would soon commence.

    Babangida said that Nigerians should not give up hope over the challenges bedevilling the country saying, “this too shall pass.”

    ”I plead with us to be patient with one another and be prayerful for God’s intervention in our socio-economic and political activities. We need to continue to sensitize people on how to live in peace and harmony for peace, progress and for the continuous existence as a nation,” he added.

    Babangida also urged Nigerians to continue to have faith in the unity of the country and remain resolute that Nigeria will get better.

    He said: ”If the media and journalists ignore the spreaders of hate, they will not have a platform to pass their messages across. You are doing enough to promote the unity of the country. You can change the psychic of Nigerians. I implore you to ignore those that preach hate and disunity. Ignore them and don’t bother about them”.

    The former president said that the media can shape how Nigerians behave, urging, ”you should put in more deliberate efforts to change the Nigerian narrative.

    “You can only do this through objective reportage and I like the debate that is ongoing in the media. It is giving the people the insight that they need to see. What the media is doing now is very good”.

    Appreciating God for seeing him through the years, the elder statesman said that patience is a virtue that has shaped him in the journey of life, while faith has kept him through everything.

    “I give thanks to God for keeping me through these years. The lessons I have learnt over the years that have shaped me are patience and respect for every human being. Nigerians should learn to imbibe these virtues,“ he appealed.

    Buhari salutes ex-Military President, Ibrahim Babangida at 81

    Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has sent best wishes to former military president, Ibrahim Babangida on his 81st birthday Aug. 17, 2022.

    In a congratulatory message  by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Tuesday in Abuja, Buhari joined family, friends and associates of the former leader in celebrating another year, heralded by God’s benevolence and mercies.

    The president noted the historical role of the former military president in shaping the political and economic development of the country, and his counsels to upcoming political leaders.

    Buhari prayed for longer life, good health and strength for the octogenarian.