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Buhari Hails Wike’s Exceptional Performance In Infrastructure Delivery …Presents Gov, 43 Others With Excellence Awards In Public Service

Published

2 years ago

October 24, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the exceptional performance of the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, in infrastructure delivery in the governance of the state over the last few years.
Buhari said this while presenting Wike with the “Distinguished Award in Infrastructure Delivery” at the maiden edition the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) ceremony, held at Presidential Villa, Aso Rock in Abuja, last Friday.
In addition to the Rivers State governor, 43 other Nigerians, including former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan were conferred with awards in different categories.
Jonathan was honoured in the peace building category.
Buhari, who said the award was devoid of politics, stressed that the initiators of the award deployed one of the best indices to determine the level of performance of public officers.
With the award, the 44 recipients, he noted, have been challenged to perform above board henceforth, knowing that they were being monitored by the people.
Buhari spoke further, saying that at present, issues in corruption continue to affect the civil service in many countries around the world.
The president stated that several reasons of the issues in corruption still exist because of deep-rooted problems like nepotism, cronyism, political patronage as well as lack of transparency and accountability.
Buhari urged leaders in the private and public sectors to be more mindful of their positions as “trustees of the people”, urging them to always work toward leaving a legacy that will be long remembered.
“I wish that leaders will arise and stand up to be counted among leaders who have distinguished themselves to do the right thing and leave their footprints on the sands of time,” he said.
The president, specifically, saluted former president Jonathan, saying since he left office, he had deployed his rich experience to ensure peace in many parts of Africa and had led mediation talks in several parts of the globe.
“Today, I am happy to have the opportunity to recognise 44 persons and organisations who have distinguished themselves across many sectors of the government and indeed, the economy.
“I am particularly happy to recognise Dr Goodluck Jonathan, my predecessor, for his contribution to peace building from the Niger Delta region, which has snowballed into peace in the region and now, around the world.
“Since leaving office, he has deployed his rich experience to ensure peace in many parts of Africa and has led mediation talks in several parts of the globe.
“I want to also specially recognise the Chairman of BUA International Limited, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for his interventions in education through the BUA Foundation, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), and his personal philanthropic initiative.
“This initiative funds tertiary education institutions in Nigeria from its yearly $100million ASR Africa Fund for Social Development and Renewal. I am happy that five universities have so far benefited with many more to come,’’ he said.
The president urged public servants to make accountability and integrity their watchwords.
“I am equally elated to have some state governors and my ministers receive this award. This is to put on record that this award is borne out of empirical evidence of performance and not politics.
“This award is a recognition of the giant strides you all have made towards the transformation of Nigeria and you have consistently put hard work and dedication at the centre of your initiatives.
“Let me use this opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ for your contributions to the transformation of our country.
“This award is a validation of your approach, but much more as a motivation for you and other upcoming leaders to continue doing more towards the attainment of a better Nigeria in all sectors of the economy,’’ he added.
He thanked organisers of the event, The Best Strategic Media (TBS), led by Ms Mariam Mohammed, a publisher and public relations expert, for the continuous support of his administration.
Buhari said the initiative was commendable, “for deploying one of the best indices to determine the level of performance of public officers.’’
“I know that public officers will be challenged to perform above board, now that they know they are being monitored by the people,’’ the president noted.
Buhari said he was delighted that the maiden edition of the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) was a private-sector initiative, organised by TBS in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to recognise excellent service delivery.
According to him, public service is a public trust where officers and employees must be accountable to the people whom they should serve at all times with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency.
He said: “They are expected to act with patriotism and think out of the box in order to solve the many problems facing the people they lead.
“At present, issues of corruption continue to affect the civil services in many countries, around the world.
“Several reasons for these issues still exist because of deeply rooted problems like nepotism, cronyism, political patronage as well as lack of transparency and accountability.
“These vices distract them from delivering on their mandate and aspirations.
“The unsystematic enforcement of law and institutional mechanisms for holding civil servants and public officials accountable for their actions will always lead to a negative impression to the citizens”, the president said.
Secretary to the Federal Government, Boss Mustapha, said the award was purely a public sector initiative which independently assessed the performance of public servants in the discharge of their roles and responsibilities.
“The Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service is an award they recognise and rewards innovation, purposeful leadership and other exceptionally deserving individuals that have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the public service and the country at large.”
Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, who gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the recipients, noted that while 16 out of the 36 state governors received awards in various categories, none of the 774 council chairmen were found worthy for recognition.
To this end, he recommended that the National Assembly should, as a matter of national importance, review the functions and system of the local governments in Nigeria.
“On behalf of all those that have received awards, I wish to say a very big thank you to the president and organisers,’’ he said.
While describing the event as unique, the former president assured that the awards would serve as an impetus for more service to the nation and humanity.
He charged the organisers of the award to also consider other Nigerians, particularly teachers and medical practitioners for recognition.
In his remarks, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, said Buhari has demonstrated leadership in recognising excellence in public service beyond political affiliation.
He noted that if the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service, which was completely devoid of politics,was sustained, it would spur competition and engender good governance.
“For me, just like what Mr President said, it has nothing to do with politics. It has to do with achievement, and for me, that shows leadership, that they don’t choose only those that people will say oh, they belong to the same political party.”
After the event at the Presidential Villa, a reception in honour of Wike was organised with the Enugu State Governor, Hon Ífeanyi Ugwuanyi, who was conferred the State Judicial Reform Award, in attendance.
Chairman of the event and Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, noted that Wike and Ugwuanyi, have shown capacity as reputed leaders with success records despite the odds against them.
Ikpeazu said it was imperative for leaders to always turn their adversaries into advantage for the good of the generality of the people.
He added that the expected liberation of Nigeria would happen in his generation.
Also speaking, the former governor of Plateau State, Senator Jonah Jang, said it was important for leaders to be very concerned about who takes over from them.
He said it was disheartening to see one’s success and achievements in office destroyed due to lack of capacity of a successor to sustain such positive feat.
On his part, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, said the people of the Middle Belt were resolved in their admiration and support for Wike because he was courageous, has integrity, and was also a tremendous achiever who has passionately delivered democratic dividends to Rivers people.
The Chairman of Rivers PDP Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, said the state was happy to have a courageous leader like Wike.
He explained that Wike’s financial prudence was the reason why Rivers State has since 2020 maintained first position in fiscal performance in the country.
The NEAPS was set up to recognise distinguished public service to Nigeria, either contributions to individuals, state or local community, or the public through excellence in leadership, service, or humanitarianism.
To be eligible, the recipient must be a living public official or a private a citizen excelling consistently in a given sphere of influence, in good character standing and must also be at the forefront of service and innovation.
The individual must show an act of public service beyond the acts of their given mandate in endowing their society positively.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan; Speaker House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and service chiefs were among those honoured with various awards for their services.
Other awardees were 16 state governors including Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Yahaya Bello (Kogi); Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Babagana Zulum (Borno)and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).
Some cabinet ministers; the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari and Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mohammed Nami, were also honoured at the event.

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Tinubu Pledges Peace, Justice, Development in Ogoniland….Fubara Lauds President on Peace Talks

Published

1 day ago

January 22, 2025

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu has assured the people of Ogoniland that his administration will prioritize peace, justice, and sustainable development in the region.

The President said this during a closed-door meeting with the leaders of Ogoniland led by the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed details of the meeting in a statement titled ‘President Tinubu pledges peace, justice, development in Ogoniland.’

At the meeting, Tinubu called for unity and reconciliation, urging the Ogoni people to set aside historical grievances and work together to achieve peace, development, and a clean environment.“

We must work together with mutual trust. Go back home, do more consultations, and embrace others.“We must make this trip worthwhile by bringing peace, development, and a clean environment back to Ogoniland,” Tinubu said.

“We cannot in any way rewrite history, but we can correct some anomalies of the past going forward. We cannot heal the wounds if we continue to be angry,” he added.

Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to coordinate the negotiations as he called for inclusive consultation and mutual understanding.

The President commended the delegation for embracing the Federal Government-led dialogue and emphasised the need for collaboration, trust, and inclusiveness to resolve lingering issues in the region.

He asked ministers, the NNPCL, and the Rivers State Government to cooperate with the Office of the National Security Adviser to achieve this mandate.Tinubu told his guests, “It is a great honour for me to have this meeting, which is an opportunity to dialogue with the people of Ogoniland.

“It has been many years since your children and myself partnered to resist military dictatorship in this country. No one dreamt I would be in this chair as President, but we thank God.

“Many of your sons present here were my friends and co-travellers in the streets of Nigeria, Europe, and America. I know what to do in memory of our beloved ones so that their sacrifices will not be in vain,.

”Fubara thanked the President for his support of the Ogoni people and for welcoming an all-inclusive representation of the people to the Presidential Villa.

He said the meeting was a follow-up to an assignment the President gave him through the National Security Adviser.

Emphasising the importance of resuming oil operations in Ogoniland, the governor pledged the delegation’s commitment to adhering to the President’s instructions and providing the necessary support to achieve the government’s objectives.“

What we are doing here today is to concretise the love and respect we have for the President for being behind this meeting and for him to tell us to go back and continue the consultations with a timeline so that the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland will commence,” Fubara said.

On his part, Ribadu commended the Ogoni people for their trust in President Tinubu and for embracing dialogue as a path to meaningful progress and enduring solutions.

“Guided by Mr. President’s vision that every voice is heard and every interest is considered, my office, the DSS, the government of Rivers State and the Minister of FCT embarked on a diligent and consultative process to assemble this delegation,” Ribadu said.

He noted that the over 50-member delegation that met with the President reflected the rich diversity of Ogoni society, representing various constituencies, interests, and viewpoints.

“The presence of this delegation is a testament to the Ogoni people’s readiness to engage constructively in the pursuit of peace, justice, and sustainable development,” he noted.

A representative of the Ogoni leadership, King Festus Babari Bagia Gberesaako XIII, the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom, expressed the community leaders’ willingness to engage in the process of finding lasting solutions to the lingering challenges in Ogoniland.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said the Federal Government aimed to conclude the Ogoni cleanup within three to four years, with half of the project completed.

The delegation included Senators Lee Maeba, Magnus Abe, Olaka Nwogu, Victor Giadom, Kenneth Kobani, Monsignor Pius Kii, Leedom Mitee, Senators Bennett Birabi, Barry Mpigi, Prof. B. Fakae, among others.Also in attendance were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas; and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari.

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Nigeria, S/Arabia, Deepen Ties On Solid Mineral Exploration

Published

1 day ago

January 22, 2025

The Tide

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have renewed plans to build the capacity of their geological agencies by leveraging the breakthroughs recorded by Saudi firms in mineral exploration.

Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, made this known in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.

He said that this was on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,

Tomori said the decision was taken at a closed-door meeting between a delegation from Saudi Arabia led by its Minister of Mining, Bandar Al-Khorayef, and Nigeria’s delegation led by Alake.

He said Alake proposed for both countries to collaborate on areas of economic advantage, urging partnerships based on the sector’s value chain.

Citing Saudi Arabia’s renowned gold market as an example, Alake said Nigeria’s gold refineries could access the Saudi market under protective clauses, guaranteeing expansion opportunities for both economies.

On his part, the Saudi Minister disclosed that its government and the private sector were working together to introduce new technologies for mineral exploration.

He emphasised that new products were showcased at the minerals forum conference to foster business partnerships and raise awareness of their applications.

Alake also met with officials of the Saudi Chamber of Commerce, where he canvassed their investment in Nigeria’s mining sector.

He urged them to leverage the large deposits of lithium and iron ore, which were being processed in Nigeria in line with the value addition policy.

To de-risk their investment, the minister promised to direct the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, to provide relevant data on their minerals of interest.

According to the minister, the global transition toward electric machines, which use lithium batteries, has positioned Nigeria as a critical supplier of minerals

Tomori quoted him saying, “Partnership with Saudi investors will encourage the export of finished industrial inputs.”

Acknowledging the investment in steel production in Saudi Arabia, the minister cited examples of companies processing iron ore to steel in Nigeria as precedents that could be replicated.

He said that Nigeria was committed to creating an enabling environment for investors to ensure smooth operations in mining projects.

The minister said they included the establishment of laboratories for the separation and analysis of mineral samples, among other facilities.

“Nigeria has the best certified laboratories for minerals in West Africa,” he said.

The Tide source reports that the 2025 Future Minerals Forum (FMF) with the theme: “Year of Impact,’ was held from Jan. 14 to 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The meeting was to bolster international collaboration in producing the critical minerals essential for the global energy transition.

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FG, States, Local Govts Share N1.42trn In January

Published

1 day ago

January 22, 2025

The Tide

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has disbursed a total sum of N 1.424 trillion to federal, state and local governments. The total amount is derived from the federation account revenue generated in December 2024.

The disbursement, which was made at the January 2025 Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting held in Abuja, last Friday comprising distributable statutory revenue of N386.124 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N604.872 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N31.211 billion and Exchange Difference revenue of N402.714 billion.

According to a communiqué issued by the committee, the total gross revenue of N2.310 trillion was available in the month of December 2024, while the total deduction for cost of collection was N84.780 billion, total transfers, interventions and refunds was N801.175 billion.

According to the communiqué, gross statutory revenue of N1.226 trillion was received for the month of December 2024. This was lower than the sum of N1.827 trillion received in the month of November 2024 by N600.988 billion.

Also, the gross revenue of N649.561 billion was available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) in December 2024. This was higher than the N628.973 billion available in the month of November 2024 by N20.588 billion.

The communiqué stated that from the N1.424 trillion total distributable revenue, the federal government received total sum of N451.193 billion while state governments received total sum of N498.498 billion.

The local government councils received total sum of N361.754 billion and a total sum of N113.477 billion (13 percent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.

On the N386.124 billion distributable statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N167.690 billion and the state governments received N85.055 billion while local government councils received N65.574 billion. The sum of N67.806 billion (13 percent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

“From the N604.872 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, the Federal Government received N90.731 billion, the State Governments received N302.436 billion and the Local Government Councils received N211.705 billion.

“A total sum of N4.682 billion was received by the Federal Government from the N31.211 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL). The State Governments received N15.605 billion and the Local Government Councils received N10.924 billion.

“From the N402.714 billion Exchange Difference revenue, the communiqué stated that the Federal Government received N188.090 billion and the State Governments received N95.402 billion. The Local Government Councils received N73.551 billion, while the sum of N45.671 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue,” the communique stated.