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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Senator Abe commends Buhari, wants more from APC NEC

    The Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, has urged members of National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to place the interest of the party above every other consideration.

    He also urged them to respect the informed position of President Muhammadu Buhari to conduct congresses across all strata of the party to bring it in conformity with extant constitutional provisions of the Nigerian constitution and its own constitution.

    Abe, who spoke during an extraordinary stakeholders meeting of the party in Port Harcourt commended Buhari for his clear, bold and courageous stand on the constitutional issue of the elected party officials.

    He said, “the President’s position has not only shown that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a party that respects the true tenets of internal democracy and the dictates of the law, but has also steered the party clear of prospective danger”.

    The Senator went further to assure that the party is irrevocably committed to the restoration of Rivers State to the expected dream of the people where justice and opportunities to create wealth would be made available to all.

    Abe said, “Those of us who have faith in what we are doing, don’t be deterred, don’t be worried; continue to work hard. We are irrevocably committed to the emancipation of Rivers State. We are totally dedicated to the restoration of our state. We are completely determined to recalibrate the entire engine, the machinery of our state so that this state will be what our founding fathers had intended”.

    “A place where there would be justice for all, both small and big; a place where there would be opportunity for all both small and big. A place where every tribe, every tongue, every denomination, every stranger will feel completely at home and will be given an opportunity to contribute their own quota to the development and prosperity of our state”.

    He regretted that members of the APC has dumped the party for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), due to crumbs promised them, saying that that the solution to the hunger we are currently facing in Rivers State is not by going to beg crumbs from the table of anybody.

    Abe, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on FERMA, said, “Sometimes when you are doing something, all kinds of naysayers will come up, all kinds of doubters will come, all kinds of inflections will come to try to dissuade you, try to defray people, they try to defeat you even before you go into any contest.

    “But those who know the secret of success know that first of all before you do anything, you must first convince yourself that what you are doing is the right thing. Once you are doing the right thing at the right time and in the right place, nobody can come to shake you from what you are doing”.

    “I am saying this because some members of our party across the state who left the party were misinformed, misguided and deceived to move because they feel we are divided so they moved to somewhere, where they can see something to eat immediately”.

    “But, let me say to everybody, that the solution to the hunger we are currently facing in Rivers State is not by going to beg crumbs from the table of anybody, it is by doing the right thing so that you are strong enough to be one of those that will cook the food that will be on the table. I think it is only when we do that and we can expand the table to increase the food, that is when the challenge of hunger that is currently the bane of Rivers society will be totally and completely eliminated”.

    “Today, Rivers State has one of the highest unemployment figures in the entire country and yet, this state has some of the greatest natural advantages, with which wealth can be created but we are not giving it that attention that is needed to generate wealth and create employment opportunities for thousands of our people”.

    The communiqué issued at the end of the stakeholders meeting, which was read by Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche enjoined members of the APC in Rivers State to return all party executives at all levels in the event of congresses irrespective of their factional leanings as a reward for their sacrifice and commitment to the APC, in the face of threats, intimidation and even physical danger.

    Earlier, former senator representing Rivers West District in the National Assembly, Senator Wilson Ake, who chaired the event stated that the attitude and attributes of Senator Magnus Abe has convinced members of the party to mobilize support for him.

    Also speaking, the member representing Ikwerre-Emohua Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chidi Wihioka, urged Nigerians to be vigilant and alleged that some names on permanent voter’s cards (PVC) issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are missing from the commission’s data base.

     

  • Nigeria has moved forward under Buhari – Itegboje

    Nigeria has moved forward under Buhari – Itegboje

    Nigeria has moved forward under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, in spite of the huge challenges it inherited, Amb. Samson Itegboje, Permanent Representative to the UN, said.

    Itegboje made thos known during a Town Hall forum organised by the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, DC and the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) U.S.

    The theme of the forum is “The strength and voice of the Nigerian Diaspora’’.

    The Envoys, however, said that the Buhari’s administration had been shy in publicising some of its achievements for the citizens to be properly informed.

    “We are witnesses to the fact that prior to the coming of the government of President Buhari, the economy was almost grinding to a halt.

    “In fact, President Muhamadu inherited a recessed economy waiting to happen.

    “Boko Haram was running riots in the country and has even held sway in 14 local governments in Borno.

    “Corruption had almost become normal and our infrastructure had decayed among others.

    “But this government went to work and I must confess that the government appears to be publicity shy,’’ Itegboje said.

    He reeled out some of the successes achieved so far in less than three years of the current administration, saying they are subject to verification.

    “It takes three years for a country to exit recession but it took this government less than one years and a half to exit recession.

    “Foreign reserves have peaked at about 43 billion dollars, the highest level in about four years and up from 24 billion dollars just a year ago.’’

    He said the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) had stopped the haemorrhaging of the Treasury, adding that N108 billion had been saved from the removal of maintenance fees payable to banks pre-TSA.

    “Nigeria rose 24 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Ranking and earned a place on the list of 10 top performers in the world.

    “According to third quarter 2017 figure, agriculture export is up year-on-year by 25 per cent while solid minerals export is up year-on-year by 78 per cent.

    “Raw materials export is up 70 per cent year-on-year and manufactured goods export is up 22 per cent year-on-year while our non-crude oil earning amount to 40 per cent in foreign reserves,’’ the Envoy said.

    According to him, government agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service and Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) were reporting highest ever revenue collection.

    He recalled that JAMB recently remitted N7.8 billion naira compared to a paltry N51 million between 2010 and 2016.

    “Six million rice farmers in 2015 have grown to over 12 million farmers, leading to a reduction in rice importation from Thailand.

    “Nigeria is the second largest producer of sorghum after the U.S., the third in millet after India and leads the world in yam and cassava production.

    “Overall, the government’s ambition is that agriculture should rise from 25 per cent to 40 per cent of GDP so that we can banish poverty and overcome our economic anxiety’’.

    He said power generation is at an all-time high of 7,000 megawatts while the Lagos-Kano, Lagos-Ibadan and Kano-Kaduna rails would be operational by 2019.

    Similarly, 25 major highways are being rehabilitated while coastal rail from Lagos to Calabar is being negotiated.

    According to Otegboje, while the positive indices may not have immediately impacted positively on Nigerians, the citizens will definitely get a new lease of life soon.

    Mr Pierro Tozzi, Staff Director, U.S. Congress on Foreign Affairs, commended the giant strides of Nigerians in the U.S.

    Tozzi, however, lamented about some of the challenges in their homeland.

    He said the U.S. had continued to contribute to various sectors of Nigeria’s economy adding, however, that the U.S. Congress was concerned about the herdsmen attacks in the North-Central geo-political zone.

    Mr Samuel Adewusi, Member, Board of Directors of NIDO USA, said the Diaspora Commission Act would coordinate Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute human capital and material resources, including their expertise, for the development of Nigeria.

    Adewusi said the Act provides a database of Nigerians in various fields and potentialities as the resource base for Nigeria to draw from, as well as protect the interest of all Nigerians.

    Many participants at the event, condemned the system of government and the leaders for their political failure and challenged the leaders to be more accountable and responsible to the citizens.

    They, however, pledged to continue to contribute their expertise to the development of Nigeria, adding “we have criticised ourselves enough’’.

    The event, which drew Nigerians from across the U.S., also addressed issues of immigration and consular activities at Nigerian missions among others.

     

  • MUST SEE: Reno releases teaser list of looters in APC

    Following federal government Sunday’s list of alleged looters in the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), spokesperson to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has come out with a list of alleged looters in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In Reno’s statement publishing the names of the alleged looters, the former presidential aide, launched a blistering attack on the Nigerian government and the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, over two lists of alleged looters released by the administration.

    READ MR OMOKRI’S FULL STATEMENT BELOW:

    A few days ago, the fallacious minister of information, the rightly named Lai Mohammed, whose first name rhymes with his life’s calling, released a so called ‘looters list’ with six names of alleged looters.

    After he was ridiculed by civil society, the opposition and the international community, Mr. Lai Mohammed hurriedly put out a statement tagging his list a ‘teaser’.

    When that lie refused to fly, the notorious fibber, Lai Mohammed, released yet another list yesterday, April 1, 2018.

    Coincidentally, April 1 is April Fools day and it was befitting that Lai released his list on that day because only a fool will believe the list he put together.

    His list did not contain even one member of the All Progressive Congress. If the list proves anything, it is that President Buhari, Lai Mohammed and their All Progressive Congress are not fighting corruption. Instead they are fighting corruption.

    I have taken the pains to produce a ‘teaser’ looters list of APC members who are collectively alleged to have looted over $2 billion (when you convert the dollar value of what they allegedly looted at the time they allegedly looted it).

    I challenge President Buhari and Lai Mohammed to explain why these men did not feature on their list and why they continue to remain in this APC government where they wield immense powers and influence, even over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that is meant to prosecute them.

    I further challenge President Buhari and Lai Mohammed to explain to Nigerians why they failed to reveal to Nigerians that President Buhari himself is a MAJOR beneficiary of the funds that the former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, received from the treasury for the security of Nigerians.

    I assure Nigerians that Sambo Dasuki is not in jail for a crime he committed in 2015. He is rather being persecuted for a ‘crime’ he committed in 1985.

    Please find below the teaser list of looters.

    Note that this is just a teaser. Depending on the reaction of the Buhari-led government, more names will be released.

    Looters List

    Rotimi Amaechi: Indicted by the Justice George Omeregi led Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry of looting ₦97 billion along with co indictees including a former army general.

    Saminu Turaki: Alleged to have looted ₦36 billion. First charged before Justice Sabi’u Yahuza of the Federal High Court in Dutse, Jigawa State. Currently facing trial before justice Nnamdi Dimgba at the FCT High Court.

    Timipre Sylva: A well known financier and supporter of the APC administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Alleged to have looted ₦19.7 billion. Was facing trial before Justice A. Y. Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja. However, two days after President Buhari was sworn in, the new APC government WITHDREW the charges preferred against Sylva on June 1, 2015 and on October 3, 2018, the EFCC returned to Sylva, 48 houses seized from him during the administration of former president, Goodluck Jonathan in 2013 to him.

    Murtala Nyako: Alleged to have looted ₦29 billion. Currently facing trial before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja

    Senator Danjuma Goje: Alleged to have looted ₦25 billion. Currently facing trial before the Federal High Court, sitting in Jos, Plateau State.

    Senator Abdullahi Adamu: Alleged to have looted ₦15 billion with the help of 18 co accused. Charged on March 3, 2010. The case continues to linger in court.

    Orji Kalu: Alleged to have looted ₦3.2 billion. Currently facing trial before Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

    Kayode Fayemi: Indicted by the Ekiti Judicial Commission of Inquiry headed by former Ekiti State chief judge and the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Ademola Ajakaiye, of sundry financial malfeasance totaling over ₦2 billion.

    Senator Joshua Dariye: Alleged to have looted ₦1.2 billion. Currently facing trial before Justice Adebukola Banjoko at an FCT High Court.

    Babachir Lawal: former Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Allegedly gave a ₦200 million contract to his own company from monies meant to look after Internally Displaced Persons. Has been sacked after protest by the opposition and civil society. Has still not been charged. Was allowed to be replaced by his own cousin.

    By the omission of these names, the Buhari led Federal Government has vindicated Transparency International.

    According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, Nigeria is more corrupt today under Buhari than at any other time since Transparency International started keeping records!

    We have moved 12 places backward from 136 to 148. Yet this administration has the guts to accuse a government under whom Nigeria made her best ever progress on the Corruption Perception Index of corruption? We moved from 144 to 136 in 2014 under President Jonathan because that government fought corruption in court and not through the media.

     

  • Buhari departs Lagos, attends in-law’s wedding in Abuja

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday departs Lagos after a 2-day working visit, where he inaugurated some projects and chaired the 10th Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Colloquium.

    On Buhari’s return, he went straight to the National Mosque Abuja where he performed the 2-Raka’at Juma’at prayer.

    The President also witnessed the wedding fatiha of Hamza Ahmed and Hadiza Jika which was performed immediately after the prayer session at the mosque.

    Dignitaries who graced the event were Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Governors of Nasarawa and Bauchi states, Alhaji Tanko Almakura and Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar respectively.

    Other personalities at the wedding were the National Security Adviser to the President, retired Maj-Gen. Babagana Mongonu, cabinet ministers and former National Chairman of PDP, Ahmodu Ali.

    The groom, Hamza Ahmed, is the younger brother of Aisha Buhari, the president wife.

  • JUST IN: Pres. Buhari meets Lekki Deep Sea Port developers

    President Muhammadu Buhari early on Friday met with the developers of Lekki Deep Sea Port flagged off by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday in events marking the president official two days visit to Lagos state.

    Flagging off the Deep Sea Port project on behalf President Buhari yesterday, Osinbajo said, the port is expected to ease congestion at the Apapa port.

    He said the Federal Government was informed the port will target about 1.5 million 20-foot equivalent unit container capacity annually, and an expected increase to as high as about 4.7 million when the project operations commence.

    The Vice President revealed that once the project is completed, government expects to influence generation of up to 170,000 direct and indirect jobs, and that the port would become one of the largest deep-water ports in West Africa and serve as a hub for port operations in the whole of the sub-region.

    Osinbajo stressed further that the promoters of the project also plan to dredge the port channel to about 16 metres draft, one that is not currently obtainable in any seaport or any port in the country.

    According to him, this is an indication that ships of larger sizes and very large crude carriers will be able to visit the port while greater efficiency and economy of scale will generate significant revenues for the Nigerian economy, with government earning a significant portion of it.

    The Vice President believes the construction of the port would also enhance the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), and its emphasis on supporting game-changing infrastructural projects directed at making major impacts in trade and commerce sector.

    He revealed that the Federal Government has provided an aggregate of about N90bn for the development of special economic zones in its last two budgets.

    “We are developing the Lekki special economic zone as a model special economic zone specifically targeting exports. The development of this deep seaport is mission critical to the achievement of the important objectives of creating a special economic zone,” he said.

    While noting that project is essentially private sector driven, Professor Osinbajo said the government remains committed to its economic philosophy of private sector leadership in its economic development effort.

    He commended the state government and other promoters of the project, as well as the Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi, whom he said his zeal has continued to drive the project.

    He also assured the stakeholders that the Federal and state governments would be ready to provide necessary support to ensure the completion of the project.

    The event was also attended by the deputy governor of Lagos State, Dr Idiat Adebule; and the Ministers of Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah, among others.

     

  • PDP describes Martin Luther King award saga as national disgrace

    With controversy surrounding the Martin Luther King leadership award presentation to President Muhammadu Buhari, opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has described the whole development as a national disgrace.

    After President Buhari was reported to have received Martin Luther King First Black History Month National Black Excellence and Exceptional African Leadership Award 2018, The King Center dissociated Martin Luther King Jr.’s family from the award, prompting a reaction from Buhari’s aides.

    The leading opposition party, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Thursday, said the whole development is an embarrassing one and that the “act has again made our nation a laughing stock before the international community”.

    “The lie by President Buhari’s handlers smacks of desperation by the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC), to procure international endorsement, ahead of the 2019 general elections,” the statement added.

    The party said the nation was jolted when The King Center distanced itself from the award and noted that, “the award given to President Buhari of Nigeria was not given by The King Center, at the request of The King Center or by the children of Martin Luther King Jr”.

    “It is now clear that this sinking, incompetent and deceptive APC administration, in their desperation, can fabricate and stage-manage anything, including name-dropping of international figures and agencies, in their desperate attempt to delude Nigerians, once again, now that the 2019 general election is fast approaching.

    “Nigerians have discovered that having failed to gain any endorsement from reputable international figures such as Bill Gates, the APC and the Presidency have now cheapened the nation by resorting to this despicable act of name-dropping of world-renowned human right activist, Dr. Martin Luther King jr, further dragging down our once sterling image before the comity of Nations.

    “The fact remains that not many Nigerians believed in the authenticity of the award in the first place, as the Buhari-led administration, by its undemocratic and anti-people proclivities, including records of violations of rights of citizens, is not deserving of any form of recognition by any human rights group, let alone the family of the world-acclaimed Martin Luther King jr.

    “Today, the PDP has been vindicated in its stand that the APC government is not only hypocritical but overtly deceptive and must not be trusted,” the PDP said.

    “It would be recalled that we had issued a statement, earlier this year, cautioning Nigerians and the international community to be wary of information and claims coming from the APC and the Presidency, particularly on endorsements and performances indices.

    “While we urge the Presidency to shed its proclivity for lies, we demand the immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution of all the Presidency officials involved in this messy scandal and crime against our nation.

    “Moreover, the Presidency and the APC should save the nation further embarrassment by jettisoning other planned endorsement stunts and fabricated performance indices, as Nigerians are already rallying with the repositioned and rebranded PDP in their collective quest to end the misrule of the APC and restore a sincere, purposeful and people-oriented government come 2019,” the statement further read.

     

  • Ambode address at the official commissioning of Ikeja Bus Terminal

    On behalf of the people of Lagos State, I welcome His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to the commissioning of this modern edifice which signposts our commitment to reforming our public transport infrastructure and management in our State.

    Mr. President, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, in the last three years we have committed to revamping and providing a new integrated transport system to support our growing population. We have initiated and completed the provision of infrastructure that are scalable and would support the daily needs of our people to meet their connectivity and mobility needs.

    The Ikeja Bus Terminal is one of our flagship transport infrastructure under the State Bus Reform Initiative. The first phase of this programme will see 13 new Bus terminals introduced including major terminals at Oshodi, Yaba, Ojota, Agege and the already completed Tafawa Balewa Bus Terminal.

    We have commenced the introduction of 5,000 new buses into the Lagos economy in the next 3 years. We will inject 820 environmentally-friendly high capacity buses in the first phase of this reform by September 2018, 300 New Bus Stops, 3 Bus Depots, and Intelligent Transport System which will aid Lagosians to plan their journeys on our public transport system.

    On behalf of the people of Lagos State, I want to publicly acknowledge the approval of Mr. President, for the import-duty waiver received on the buses in the Phase One of this programme with a further step that the next phase will be assembled here in Lagos to create jobs for our people. Our goal is to have the Assembly Plants within the next 20 months in Lagos.

    Our concentration is not only on bus/road transportation. We are promoting Non-Motorised Transport such as walking and cycling paths to give our people modal choices while promoting healthy living.

    Work is ongoing on the 27-kilometre Blue Line Rail project from Okokomaiko West of Lagos to Marina in Central Lagos. We are in discussions with various investors and stakeholders on our urban rail project, the Red Line from Alagbada to Marina.

    Mr. President, the success of a highly populated, cosmopolitan smart city-State like Lagos is strongly dependent on the efficiency of its transportation system. We are committed to a functional, efficient and integrated transport system which will support our population and facilitate our commerce. We will continually work till we achieve this objective and we will always count on your usual support, Sir.

    It is now my great pleasure to invite our President, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to formally commission the Ikeja Bus Terminal.

     

  • Osinbajo arrives Lekki, flags off Deep Sea Port, lists gains of port

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday in Lekki, Lagos Island, flagged off the Deep Sea Port project while explaining how the port will be of benefits to Nigeria and Nigerians.

    The port, which is expected to ease congestion at the Apapa port, Osinbajo said the Federal Government was informed will target about 1.5 million 20-foot equivalent unit container capacity annually, and an expected increase to as high as about 4.7 million when the project operations commence.

    The Vice President revealed that once the project is completed, government expects to influence generation of up to 170,000 direct and indirect jobs, and that the port would become one of the largest deep-water ports in West Africa and serve as a hub for port operations in the whole of the sub-region.

    Osinbajo stressed further that the promoters of the project also plan to dredge the port channel to about 16 metres draft, one that is not currently obtainable in any seaport or any port in the country.

    According to him, this is an indication that ships of larger sizes and very large crude carriers will be able to visit the port while greater efficiency and economy of scale will generate significant revenues for the Nigerian economy, with government earning a significant portion of it.

    The Vice President believes the construction of the port would also enhance the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), and its emphasis on supporting game-changing infrastructural projects directed at making major impacts in trade and commerce sector.

    He revealed that the Federal Government has provided an aggregate of about N90bn for the development of special economic zones in its last two budgets.

    “We are developing the Lekki special economic zone as a model special economic zone specifically targeting exports. The development of this deep seaport is mission critical to the achievement of the important objectives of creating a special economic zone,” he said.

    While noting that project is essentially private sector driven, Professor Osinbajo said the government remains committed to its economic philosophy of private sector leadership in its economic development effort.

    He commended the state government and other promoters of the project, as well as the Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi, whom he said his zeal has continued to drive the project.

    He also assured the stakeholders that the Federal and state governments would be ready to provide necessary support to ensure the completion of the project.

    The event was also attended by the deputy governor of Lagos State, Dr Idiat Adebule; and the Ministers of Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah, among others.

     

  • Which Martin Luther King’s family is Buhari’s aide referring to?

    Clarifying the leadership award received by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Buhari on Foreign Relations and Diaspora said the award was on behalf of the Martin Luther King’s family.

    Clarifying, after The King Center had denied the leadership award presentation, Dabiri-Erewa in a statement signed by her Special Assistant (SA) on Media, Abdurrahman Balogun, said, “The members, led by the Matriarch of MLK, Naomi Barbara King, were in Nigeria as part of the activities initiated to celebrate a low-key Black History Month in Nigeria as part of deepening partnership between Africa and its Diaspora”.

    The statement further read that, “As part of the activities, they visited President Muhammadu Buhari and gave him a commemorative plaque for his fight against corruption and what they termed from the “Africania Diaspora” a term for Africans in Diaspora for which the oldest of them all Naomi Barbara King was selected to present on behalf of the family (NOT MLK CENTER) as a sign of appreciation to the Nigerian President”.

    The King Center, established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King, wife of renowned American activist Martin Luther King Jr. had said neither the Center nor Mrs. Coretta Scott King nor the children of Martin Luther King Jr. approved any award presentation to Buhari.

    “The award given to President Buhari of Nigeria was not given by The King Center, at the request of The King Center or by the children of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King,” the Center stated in a tweet on its official Twitter handle.

    Owing to the fact that Dabiri-Erewa’s clarification is coming after The King Center denied the award, it becomes imperative to ask which Martin Luther King she is referring to in her statement.

    If Dabiri-Erewa is referring to Martin Luther King Jr., then Naomi Barbara King, as quoted in her statement, cannot be referred to as Matriarch of Martin Luther King Jr. family, and as such cannot present an award on behalf of Martin Luther King Jr.’s family

    Mrs. Naomi Ruth Barber King (Dr.) is wife of Alfred Daniel Williams “A. D.” King, who is the youngest son of Martin Luther King Sr., and so, Naomi Barbara King can be said to be Matriarch of Alfred Daniel Williams “A. D.” King’s family.

    However, she can also be said to be a Matriarch of Martin Luther King Sr.’s family, if the Martin Luther King, Dabiri-Erewa is referring to, is Martin Luther King Sr.

    Mrs. Naomi Ruth Barber King (Dr.) is the founder of A. D. King Foundation that was established in 2008.

     

  • Buhari commends Ambode, inaugurates Ikeja Bus Terminal

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday at the inauguration of the Ikeja Bus Terminal commended Lagos State Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode for the development he had brought to the state in the space of three years.

    Buhari, in his brief remarks during the ceremony, shortly after arriving the state for a two-day official visit, lauded Ambode for his reform in the area of public transportation.

    Buhari said that the Federal Government, on its part, would adhere to its plan for the ports and other transport infrastructure in the country.

    He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling security challenges, stabilising the economy, creating an enabling environment for jobs and returning Nigeria to its pride of place in the comity of nations.

    In his remarks, Ambode specially thanked President Buhari for waiving the import duty on the five thousand air-conditioned buses which would be operated from the terminal.

    He said the state looked forward to having an assembly plant for the buses in the next 20 months.

    Ambode said his administration was committed to improving public transport infrastructure and management.

    He said with the state’s bus reform project, 5,000 new buses would be introduced in the next three years.

    According to him, 820 environmentally-friendly high-capacity buses, in the first phase, are expected by September.

    In an address of welcome, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ade Akinsanya, said the terminal was part of the bus reform initiative, based on recommendations of the 2015 Lagos Transport Summit.

    The terminal has a concourse for arrival, ticketing, waiting and departure areas, loading bay, ATM gallery as well as food court and parking facilities.

    It is designed to change the face of public transportation and will convey more than 200,000 passengers daily to over 22 destinations across the state.

    The facility, which is sitting on 10,000 square metre-land space, is equipped with Intelligent Transport System (ITS), free Wi-Fi and electronically controlled shades, among others.

    Through the ITS, intending passengers can be informed of the departure time and arrival of the next bus, which allows them to plan their movement.

    The facility was designed and constructed by Planet Projects, an indigenous construction firm.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the president had earlier arrived at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, to begin the visit to the state, amidst tight security.

    The president’s plane landed at about 9.30a.m. at the Presidential Wing of the airport.

    Buhari was welcomed by Ambode and top officers of the various security outfits at the airport, including the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

    He inspected a ceremonial guard of honour at the Presidential Wing before proceeding to the Ikeja Bus Terminus for the inauguration.

    The president returned to the airport later and proceeded to Lagos Island via a chopper to attend a colloquium in honour of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    Security operatives immediately re-opened access to the general aviation terminal of the airport which was earlier barricaded, shortly after the departure of the president for the colloquium.

    Buhari received a rousing welcome from some Nigerians who lined up on the airport road to catch a glimpse of him.

    The crowd chanted “Sai Baba ”, as the president’s motorcade made its way back to the airport after the inauguration of the bus terminal.