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  • Wike frowns at congratulatory billboards, advertorials as FCT minister

    Wike frowns at congratulatory billboards, advertorials as FCT minister

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has requested well-wishers to refrain from placing congratulatory billboards in his honour.

    The Director of Press, Office of the Minister, Mr Anthony Ogunleye, stated this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

    “The attention of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been drawn to lamp post billboards, full scale billboards and other adverts congratulating him on his appointment as minister.

    “While the minister deeply appreciates the warm wishes and support of the citizens, he kindly, but strongly requests that such billboards and advertisements be discontinued forthwith.

    “The minister acknowledges the overwhelming goodwill from the residents of the FCT and beyond and understands the sentiment behind these congratulatory displays and is genuinely touched by the show of support.

    “However, in the spirit of public service and commitment to his responsibilities, the minister wishes to focus his full attention on assisting President Bola Tinubu in realising his vision and renewed hope agenda for Nigeria,” he said.

    Ogunleye said that Wike’s foremost duty lies in contributing to the development and growth of the FCT and the well-being of residents and the nation as a whole.

    He added that the minister held in high regard, the aspirations and expectations of the FCT residents, and he remained dedicated to fulfilling his role with utmost sincerity and dedication.

    According to him, this can be achieved by concentrating all efforts on the task at hand and joining hands with public servants to serve the country to the best of their abilities.

    “Wike sincerely hopes that the public will understand his perspective and continue to extend their support and cooperation.

    “He looks forward to working hand in hand with all stakeholders to build a stronger, more prosperous, and united FCT and Nigeria,” the director said.

  • Another round of flooding coming in ember months – Minister warns states

    Following an increase in the volume of flow along River Benue, the Federal Government has advised state governments to prepare against flooding in the coming ember months.

    The advice came from the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, and the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday.

    The Minister said “The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has noted an increase in the volume of flow along the River Benue system, registering a flow level of 8.97m as of today.

    “This is compared to a flow level of 8.80m on the same date in 2022. Meanwhile, the flow level on the River Niger system remains stable, with the level of the River Niger at Niamey, Niger Republic, standing at a normal level of 4.30m.

    “Reports from inland dams, including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro, also indicate a consistent flow regime,” Utsev said.

    The minister said it was important for states to prepare since the country was already witnessing heavy rainfall.

    He added, “In light of the aforementioned factors, it is imperative for all levels of government – federal, state, and local – to heighten the level of preparedness and deploy appropriate measures to minimise the potential impact of flooding during the peak of the rainy season.

    “There should be sensitisation of the general public by the states on the need for people living along the river banks to relocate to higher grounds during this peak period of rainfall. States and local governments should intensify efforts in clearing blocked drainages and also construct new ones where they do not exist.

    He also advocated for the removal of illegal structures constructed within the floodplains, he urged the general public, especially road users, to desist from walking or driving through any pool of water or flood.

    “As at today, there is no threat to lives and properties, especially those states that are contiguous to Rivers Niger and Benue.”

    On the situation at Lokoja, the minister stated that despite the heightened flow volume along the River Benue system, the flow situation at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers in Lokoja, Kogi State, remained within normal parameters.

    “The flow level at the monitoring station downstream of the confluence records 7.8m today, compared to 8.24m on the same date in 2022.”

     

  • Nigerians ‘ll witness improved power supply soon – Adelabu

    Nigerians ‘ll witness improved power supply soon – Adelabu

    The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has promised Nigerians that they will witness improved power supply across the nation soon.

    Adelabu made the promise on Friday in a chat with newsmen when he arrived at the Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia Ibadan.

    The minister, who received a rousing welcome from his political associates, supporters, family and friends, noted that his ministry was the most criticised sector and so important to the economic emancipation of Nigerians.

    According to him, the task ahead is huge because the nation has suffered so long as a result of the low performance of the ministry, in terms of power supply to Nigerians.

    Adelabu, however, allayed the fear of Nigerians about the challenge, saying the turn-around they had been looking for  in the power sector had come.

    The Minister said he would do everything possible to make sure the Ministry, under his leadership, laid a good foundation for 24/7  power supply in Nigeria.

    “We know it’s not something that is achievable overnight but we believe that once the foundation is laid, others can also build on it.

    “I can tell you that between six months and one year, we will start seeing improvement in the power sector.

    “Within the next six months, there would be major addition to the national grid, in terms of hydro power plant, that is the Zugeru 700mw in Niger state, that is about to be completed. This will be the biggest one in Sub-sahara Africa when completed.

    “The Kanji dam that we all grew up to know supplies about 460mw, Sororo dam supplies about 520mw.

    “I will do everything to ensure that Zugeru power plant is inaugurated and subsequently add 700mw to the national grid,” he stated.

    The minister noted that it was a fact that some resources had been wasted in the sector and it had not really succeeded as expected by Nigerians.

    He, however, reminded Nigerians that “this is a new era and I will use everything that God has given me to ensure that we have stable power supply in the country.”

    Adelabu hinted that he and all relevant people in the sector would sit down, between two weeks and one month, to study what was on ground.

    “The status of each of the stages in the power supply value chain, be it generation, distribution and transmission, to know where the challenges are.

    “When we study all these, we will be able to put together a turn around master plan of the power sector and inform Nigerians of the master plan of the sector under my leadership.”

    He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for counting him worthy for the position of minister, pledging to exceed the expectations of Nigerians in general.

    The minister and his entourage later observed Jumat service at Oja’Oba Central Mosque Mapo Ibadan, where Sheik Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere charged him to use his new position to the service of humanity.

    Agbotomokekere urged Adelabu to have the fear of his creator in his day to day activities while carrying out his statutory responsibility.

    The minister, who also paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadan land, was encouraged to be a good ambassador of Ibadan land.

    Speaking on behalf of Oba Olalekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Abiodun Daisi – a member of Olubadan in Council, congratulated Adelabu on the new appointment.

    He described the minister as a humble and industrious son of Ibadanland, “who is an exceptional person because of his love for Ibadan land”.

    “Adelabu’s passion for his home town, Ibadan, made him to establish many industries in Ibadan land where many people were employed to earn their living.

    “I urge you, on behalf of Olubadan, to do your best in fixing the problem of electricity in Nigeria,” he said.

  • Newly appointed minister, Tahir, vows to uplift education sector

    Newly appointed minister, Tahir, vows to uplift education sector

    Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman has assured stakeholders of uplifting the education sector to meet the nation’s requirements for national development and growth.

    The minister gave the assurance while speaking at a reception held for him after his swearing in at the International Conference Centre, Abuj, by Adamawa North indigenes in the Federal Capital Territory.

    Prof. Mamman stated that President Bola Tinubu has shouldered his ministers with enormous responsibilities, just as he reiterated his determination to accomplish the renewal of a new hope in the country.

    He promised to discharge his duties with the utmost sense of responsibility to achieving set goals to uplift the nation’s education sector.

    The minister added that the education ministry is key to the development of the country and expressed his commitment to leave a mark during his tenure as minister.

    While thanking God for given him the opportunity to serve the country as minister, he expressed gratitude to Tinubu for seeing in him the qualities to serve as minister.

    He stated that the president is determined to make Nigeria what it deserves to be and thanked the people of the Adamawa State for turning out en masse to honour him, adding that if the people of the state come together to speak with one voice, they can make the state great.

    Speaking earlier, the Convener of the Adamawa North lndigenes in the FCT, Alhaji Abdul Rahman Kwacham, described the appointment of Prof. Mamman as a plus to Adamawa State and Nigeria at large.

    He thanked President Tinubu for appointing Prof. Mamman as minister, saying that the education sector which caters to the development of the nation’s youth is key to the advancement and development of every country.

    Prominent guests that attended the reception include former Governors Murtala Nyako, Bala Ngilari, ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mistapha, NDLEA boss, Buba Marwa, former military administrator, Aliyu Kama and other distinguished sons and daughters of Adamawa State.

  • Tinubu did not send me here by mistake – Keyamo tells ministry staff

    Tinubu did not send me here by mistake – Keyamo tells ministry staff

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not mistakenly appoint him to head the ministry, urging the cooperation of all members of staff to work harmoniously together toward advancing the ministry.

    According to him, the effective collaboration with the staff will enhance maximum output.

    “Thank you for the warm welcome. The  President did not send me here by mistake. I think he has clear ideas as why he sent me here. I will need your maximum cooperation to make us succeed.

    “ I have read your roadmap development in 2016,  read it thoroughly, point for point. Our intension is not to disrupt things that have been done so well. Government is a continuum.

    “If there are things that have not been done properly within the road map, we may look at them again, “ he said.

    The minister, however, said he might add to the roadmap but not to pull down the roadmap or tear it down  to start over again.

    Keyamo, who said he liked the aviation roadmap structure, stated that he would like to know the stage of its objectives and  achievements.

    “Like I said, government is a  continuum, it is the same party that is in power. There are things that have been done properly well. There are things that have not been done properly well.

    “Things that are still in the pipeline, we will look at all of these. My intention is to get my briefings within the few days or weeks. We will do this thoroughly as we can.

    “We will develop our ideals and take it to the President for approval so that we can kick off. That is what I intend to do here,“ the minister said.

    Keyamo said his watch word would be transparency in the ministry.

    He said Nigerians, at any point, wanted to understand what the ministry was doing.

    “For me, my watch word will be transparency here. At every point in time, the Nigerian people want to  understand what we are doing. Nothing will be done in secrecy.

    “They must understand what we are doing. We must carry them along so that we will not have the kind of complaints we had in the past.

    “We should be as open as possible because we are serving the Nigerian people. My history is people oriented from private practice to public office, “ he said.

    Keyamo recalled that he was more than one decade prosecutor for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    According to him, things from the more complex issues to the simplest issues that Nigerians want to see, the complaints they have, the part of the optics they see every day about the ministry will be looked into.

    “Nigerians may not know the work you have been doing behind especially in terms of safety of passengers in the  aviation environment. But, they may appreciate few things they see.

    “We will look at all these to see how we can improve on them. For every point in time we must put the people first.  This is not a forum I can mention all the things I noticed in your roadmap.

    “We will have our briefings as soon as possible. We may work late to achieve our objectives. I beg for your cooperation, because I need you   to succeed, “ he said.

    Responding, Dr Emamanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry,  described Keyamo as a  result and target oriented leader for having the  aviation roadmap as his vision.

    According to him, the  members of  staff are ready to work with Keyamo to position  the aviation sector to where it is supposed to be.

    “The good thing about our members of  staff is when you lead we follow.

    “ This gives us hope that what we will start doing in the aviation sector, we shall conclude them. We also have some litigation issues which you will also help us to bring into conclusion.

    “Since you are in the right direction, we are hopeful to follow you in that way. I pledge our loyalty. We hope you will achieve the results in the ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, “he said.

  • My ministerial appointment is call to service – Oyetola

    My ministerial appointment is call to service – Oyetola

    Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, the immediate past governor of Osun and the new Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, says his appointment is a call to service.

    He spoke on Monday night in Abuja on the sidelines of the reception organised for him by the Osun chapter of the APC and other stakeholders.

    The minister, who also said he was challenged to be appointed to head a new ministry, gave an assurance that he would excel in the presidential mandate given him.

    Oyetola thanked President Bola Tinubu for considering him worthy of a ministerial appointment.

    He also expressed gratitude to the organisers of the event, saying the level of solidarity displayed was encouraging and would propel him to do even more in the interest of Nigerians.

    The minister added that he would need the cooperation and support of all stakeholders to succeed in the new ministry.

    “I thank almighty God for this wonderful opportunity to serve and the people of Osun for coming all the way from the state to celebrate with me here.

    “I am indeed happy seeing people from all walks of life, including traditional rulers, coming to celebrate with me.

    “I feel challenged to be made a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because it comes with a lot of responsibilities.

    ”I pray that the Almighty will see me through.

    “Being a new ministry, I will have to start from the scratch, and I trust God Almighty to succeed and deliver on my new mandate,” he said.

    Also speaking at the event, Sen. Iyiola Omisore, the immediate past National Secretary of the APC, described Oyetola’s appointment as ” a round peg in a round hole.”

    He expressed optimism that Oyetola would deliver on his new mandate.

    Chief Bisi Akande, former Interim National Chairman of APC, said Oyetola’s appointment was well deserved, adding that it was an honour for the people of Osun.

    Akande, also a former governor of Osun, said the appointment had rekindled the hope of the people of the state in the Nigerian project and in the Tinubu-led administration.

    The APC leader, who wished Oyetola a successful tenure in office, thanked the president for the appointment.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyetola had earlier on assumption of duty outlined his vision for a thriving blue economy sector that prioritises sustainability, innovation and economic growth.

    The minister, while speaking at his maiden news conference at the Ministry of Transportation on Monday, acknowledged the abundant marine resources existing in the country’s coastal region.

    He stressed the need to fully harness the country’s marine resources.

    The minister also said he would promote better inter-agency cooperation and coordination between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority.

    “As someone with a strong private sector background, we shall promote greater private sector inclusion while fostering greater efficiency through specialisation and the effective delineation of core duties between the units.

    “We must seize this opportunity to create positive change, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come,” the minister had said.

    The reception was attended by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, traditional rulers, members of the Osun House of Assembly and diplomats among others.

  • What Omo-Agege said on Keyamo becoming Aviation Minister

    What Omo-Agege said on Keyamo becoming Aviation Minister

    Former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate has reacted over the appointment of Mr Festus Keyamo as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Keyamo was among the 45 Ministers who took the oath of office on Monday.

    At the ministerial inauguration reception ceremony, Omo-Agege was among the plethora of guests in attendance.

    “Olorogun Festus Keyamo, stepping into a new position is an exciting feat, and I’m delighted you have this opportunity.

    “Knowing you, you’ll shine more in this new role than you already do. Congratulations on your new appointment.

    “I also want to in a very special way thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for finding one of our own worthy to serve in the Federal Executive Council (FEC),” the former Deputy Senate President stated.

    Keyamo demands staff cooperation to advance aviation industry

    Meanwhile, Keyamo has pleaded for the cooperation of all members of staff to work harmoniously together toward advancing the ministry.

    According to him, effective collaboration with the staff will enhance maximum output.

    “Thank you for the warm welcome. The  President did not send me here by mistake. I think he has clear ideas as to why he sent me here. I will need your maximum cooperation to make us succeed.

    “ I have read your roadmap developed in 2016, read it thoroughly, point for point. Our intension is not to disrupt things that have been done so well. Government is a continuum.

    “If there are things that have not been done properly within the road map, we may look at them again, “ he said.

    The minister, however, said he might add to the roadmap but not to pull down the roadmap or tear it down  to start over again.

    Keyamo , who said he liked the aviation roadmap structure, stated that he would like to know the stage of its objectives and  achievements.

    “Like I said, government is a  continuum, it is the same party that is in power. There are things that have been done properly well. There are things that have not been done properly well.

    “Things that are still in the pipeline, we will look at all of these. My intention is to get my briefings within the few days or weeks. We will do this thoroughly as we can.

    “ We will develop our ideals and take it to the President for approval so that we can kick off. That is what I intend to do here,“ the minister said.

    Keyamo said his watch word would be transparency in the ministry.

    He said Nigerians, at any point, wanted to understand what the ministry was doing.

    “For me, my watch word will be transparency here. At every point in time, the Nigerian people want to  understand what we are doing. Nothing will be done in secrecy.

    “They must understand what we are doing. We must carry them along so that we will not have the kind of complaints we had in the past.

    “We should be as open as possible because we are serving the Nigerian people. My history is people oriented from private practice to public office, “ he said.

    Keyamo recalled that he was more than one decade prosecutor for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    According to him, things from the more complex issues to the simplest issues that Nigerians want to see, the complaints they have, the part of the optics they see every day about the ministry will be looked into.

    “Nigerians may not know the work you have been doing behind especially in terms of safety of passengers in the  aviation environment. But, they may appreciate few things they see.

    “We will look at all these to see how we can improve on them. For every point in time we must put the people first.  This is not a forum I can mention all the things I noticed in your roadmap.

    “We will have our briefings as soon as possible. We may work late to achieve our objectives. I beg for your cooperation, because I need you   to succeed, “ he said.

    Responding,  Dr Emamanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry,  described Keyamo as a  result and target oriented leader for having the  aviation roadmap as his vision.

    According to him, the  members of  staff are ready to work with Keyamo  to position  the aviation sector to where it is supposed to be.

    “The good thing about our members of  staff is when you lead we follow.

    “ This gives us hope that what we will start doing in the aviation sector, we shall conclude them. We also have some litigation issues which you will also help us to bring into conclusion.

    “Since you are in the right direction, we are hopeful to follow you in that way. I pledge our loyalty. We hope you will achieve the results in the ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, “he said.

  • Nigeria’ll compete with other countries digitally – Bosun Tijani

    Nigeria’ll compete with other countries digitally – Bosun Tijani

    The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has said that Nigeria had the opportunity to compete with other countries digitally not just other sectors.

    Tijanni, speaking with the Heads of Agencies and other stakeholders under the Ministry on Monday in Abuja, urged them to kick the ground running.

    The minister assumed duty hours after his inauguration by President Bola Tinubu.

    The minister, who took over from Prof. Isa Pantami, was among the 45 ministers sworn in by Tinubu.

    He pledged to come up with policies and regulations that can protect Nigerians from devices that contradict some emerging technologies and transform the industry.

    Tijanni said: “This is at the same time that the policy opens up opportunity for more people to actually build us into prosperity.”

    According to him, he would build on the gains recorded so far in the ministry through effective collaboration with key stakeholders in the industry.

    The minister addd: “I think it is always good to also take stock as well. You cannot improve what you do not know.

    “It is impossible for us to move forward. If you do not assess what we have accomplished.

    “The best way to make it effective is to use technology that connect our citizens to the services they want to use in a dignified way.

    “Our goal is not to come up with policies from the public sector, whether it is from this ministry or not, that will put people in pain before they can access government services.”

    Tijanni also said that the ministry was opened to collaboration with other countries, adding that there is no country that can become strong technically in isolation.

    He said: “The minister can formulate policies and regulations but if we are not working closely with industry, the things we want to see will never be built to the point where prosperity can come to our nation.

    “If we do not collaborate with countries all over the world, we are going to be limited by what is available at the minute in terms of knowledge.

    “We are going to be partnering with the best organisations and institutions in the world.”

    According to Tijanni, part of the challenge is how to connect people to opportunities so that they can progress.

    “This ministry is critical to unlocking opportunities for our people regardless of where they are.

    “We are the face of the ministry which means, we have to update and upgrade our skills.

    “This is to ensure that we are connected to modern knowledge, but most importantly, ensure that there is dignity in everything,” he said.

    Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) are among the agencies under the Ministry.

  • What you should know about the new minister of education, Tahir Mamman

    What you should know about the new minister of education, Tahir Mamman

    President Bola Tinubu has yesterday appointed Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN as the minister of education.

    Maman prior to his appointment  was  a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Here is what you should know about the new minister of education.

    Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN is a member of the legal community. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1983 and graduated from the Nigerian Law School a year later.

    He was employed by the University of Maiduguri and was later elevated to the Dean of the Faculty of Law.

    Maman acquired his Master’s Degree from the University of Warwick and, soon after, his Ph.D.

    In 2005, he became the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School. His eight-year tenure witnessed massive infrastructural development of the institution. Before his appointment as the School’s DG, he was the Deputy Director of the Kano Campus of the Nigerian Law School.

    He is a recognized member of the Body of Benchers. He was a board member of the International Association of Law Schools based in Washington.

    In September 2015, Prof. Mamman was conferred with the esteemed title of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) as a recognition for his exceptional contributions within the legal realm. This recognition underscored his standing as a legal luminary and his profound impact on the legal profession. Presently, Prof. Mamman serves as the Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, situated in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. His role as an academic leader continues to shape the minds of future legal professionals, instilling in them the values of integrity, excellence, and ethical practice.

    In recognition of his exceptional contributions, the Federal Government of Nigeria bestowed upon Professor Mamman the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), a testament to his commitment to nation-building and the advancement of legal education. Prof. Mamman’s academic and professional journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the legal field.

    His practice areas include Arbitration and Mediation and Corporate and Commercial Law. As an esteemed member of the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Bar Association, Professor Mamman remains at the forefront of legal discourse and innovation.

  • Ministerial slot: I‘ll not disappoint Tinubu, Senate – Keyamo

    Ministerial slot: I‘ll not disappoint Tinubu, Senate – Keyamo

    Mr Festus Keyamo, ministerial nominee for Delta, on Monday, said that he would not disappoint President Bola Tinubu in nominating him as minister-designate.

    Keyamo, a former Minister of State for Employment, Labour and Productivity, also thanked the Senate for its magnanimous consideration, saying he would not disappoint the parliament.

    He made this known while briefing newsmen in Abuja after his screening.

    Keyamo said: “I thank the Senate for their magnanimous consideration and I also want to thank Mr President for his complete benevolence to have given me this rare opportunity to serve this nation.

    “I cannot thank him enough. I want to clear it that I will not disappoint Mr President; I will not disappoint the Senate; I promise, I will not.

    He said he had learnt some lessons.

    “In the bid and passion for both the executive and the legislature, to bring dividends of democracy to Nigerians and to ensure that Nigerians have the benefits of government programmes, perhaps some compromises are needed at all times other than the strict adherence to legality.

    “Compromises are needed here and there for the purpose of bringing succour to Nigerians. Because when people hold to their sides because of legality, at times, it is Nigerians that suffer for it.

    “I want to thank the Senate; I want to thank the Senate President and all the distinguished Senators for their magnanimity.