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  • FG confers 385 citizenship to foreigners on naturalization, registration

    The Federal Government has conferred 385 Nigeria citizenship on foreign nationals from different continents across the world.

    The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made this known at the 1st 2023 Conferment ceremony of Nigeria Citizenship by Naturalisation and Registration on Saturday in Abuja.

    The minister said one of the objectives of the present administration was to lay a solid socio-economic and political foundation that would elevate Nigeria into one of the 20 great economies of the world.

     He said to achieve this vision, the federal government was determined to encourage and attract foreigners, investors, resourceful individuals, and people with rare talents and unbounded energy into the country.

    “Today’s conferment ceremony will be granted to 385 foreigners who have gone through diligent checks by the relevant agencies of state as stipulated by the constitution and have fulfilled all statutory and administrative requirements.

    “I need to state that the acquisition of Nigerian citizenship is a great privilege and not everyone that applies becomes successful.

    “However, that we have a high number of foreigners willing to become Nigerians is an indication that the ongoing efforts to make Nigeria a destination for investment and peaceful coexistence is beginning to yield good fruits.

    “As we continue to welcome foreigners to do business here who, after interacting with us, are now desirous of becoming one of us.”

    The minister said that it was under the present administration that the largest number of foreigners had been naturalised.

    “Between 2011 and 2013, a total of 266 foreigners became Nigerians. In 2017, 335 people took up Nigerian citizenship.

    “But last year, 286 foreigners and today at this ceremony, 385, making a total of 671 have acquired Nigerian citizenship.

    “I am still not pleased with this figure. In Europe and America, thousands of foreigners are inducted into citizenship every year.

    “They do this to attract youths and people in their prime who would like to contribute to the development of their countries.

    “The bane of the smooth pathway to Nigerian citizenship however is the constitutional requirement of continuous residency in Nigeria for 15 years.”

     This, he said, was a huge disincentive, considering that in the U.S. and most European countries, it is five years.

    Aregbesola added that some of these countries have made a habit of snatching young and resourceful brains, who after four years of schooling and working for just one year, through easy pathways, to obtain migration to their countries.

    He, therefore, urged the relevant institutions of state to reconsider this in the next effort at amending the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We ought to have easier pathways to citizenship for foreigners than currently obtains.

    “Also, while the foreign wives of Nigerian men can automatically become citizens through registration, this same privilege is not available to foreign husbands of Nigerian women.

    “This discrimination has robbed us of the gains we could have gotten from this category of foreigners, if there is a pathway for them through registration, as obtains for their opposite sex.”

    According to him, the Interior Ministry has sought and got the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to execute new pathways to permanent residency for eligible foreign nationals.

    Aregbesola added that the ministry had been invested with the power to grant permanent residence to foreign nationals who had demonstrated exceptional talents, knowledge, and skills in rare fields of Science, Technology, and Medicine, among others.

    He expressed optimism that such privilege would no doubt attract more people of talent and resources to the nation and give them the confidence and assurance to stay permanently in Nigeria.

    The minister, however, congratulated the new Nigerians who have scaled the hurdle to proudly become Nigerians, adding that Nigerians are among the greatest people on the earth and well-revered across the globe.

    He assured them that they would not regret the decision they have made to become Nigerians, reminding them, however, that every privilege goes with responsibility.

    “You will be required to make the best contribution ever to Nigeria’s development in every area, including the defence of its territorial integrity if need be and promotion of the welfare of the people.”

    He, however, welcomed them all to Nigerian citizenship.

    However, President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, while confering the citizenship on them, urged them to be good ambassadors of Nigeria. 

  • Sunshine Stars target double glory in FA Cup, Super Six

    Chairman of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, Babatunde Ogunja has said the club is gunning for double glory this session.

    Ogunja said this in an interview in Awka ahead of Sunday’s FA Quarter Final clash against Bendel Insurance at the Awka township stadium.

    He said the Akure-based side were prepared and set to shock Insurance with their first defeat this season.

    He attributed the good run of his club to hard work, discipline, focus on set goals. and motivation of players.

    The chairman thanked the governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, for his immense support to the club.

    According to Ogunja, “we want the two honours, the Federation Cup and the Super Six. We are up to the task that is why we are where we are today.

    “On our quarterfinal match with Bendel Insurance, the Benin-based team will ‘swallow a bitter pill’ on Sunday. We are going to give them their first defeat this season,” he said.

    Ogunja criticised the abridged league system used for the just-ended 2022/2023 NPFL season but commended the standard of officiating which, according to him, has improved significantly.

  • May 27: Children deserve the best education, others – NAPTIP

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says that every child in the country deserved to get better of education.

    The Director General (DG) of the Agency, Mrs Fatima Waziri-Azi, made the remarks during activities to commemorate the 2023 Children’s Day celebration in Abakaliki.

    The day is celebrated every May 27 annually, to improve on children’s welfare.

    The theme for the celebration is “Investing in our future means investing in our children”.

    Waziri-Azi, who was represented by Mrs Bertha Offor, the Head, NAPTIP, Ebonyi Liason Office, maintained that education was the right of every children and the responsibility of parents and government to provide .

    The Director General stated that the event was to create the needed awareness on children on issues of human trafficking and violence against persons.

    She added that the purpose was to expose and enlightened children on the agency’s mandate and activities in the state.

    “You are our better tomorrow. It is the responsibility of parents and government to provide quality education for children in the urban and rural areas.

    The Attorney General, Ministry of Justice in the state, Mr Cletus Ofoke, commended the agency for the enlightenment to enrich children’s knowledge against trafficking.

    Ofoke, representated by Mrs Faithvin Nwanchor, Coordinator, Gender-Based Violence Taskforce in the state, said that the event would expose children more on their rights.

    “As we mark the children’s day celebration with you, we want to enlighten you more on your rights.

    “We also want you to learn and identify the ills perpetrators commit against children,” Ofoke said.

    The DG, National Human Rights Commission, Mr Anthony Ojukwu, said the celebration was also a way to brighten up children and expand their knowledge as well.

    Ojukwu, represented by Mr Ejimnkeonye Oduenyi, Assistant Chief Legal Officer of the commission, said it was an opportunity to highlight any plights young Nigerians face.

    Declan Nwaji and Matter Abah, students from Government Technical College and Presco Secondary Schools, promised to instill same on fellow students and peer groups to forestall possible attacks on children.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured pupils and students from primary and secondary schools in the state

  • FG reaffirms commitment to protect Nigerian children

    President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing a protective environment for children to grow and attain their full potentials.

    The president made the commitment at the Children’s Day Parade in Abuja on Saturday.

    Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Pauline Tallen, said government had embarked on various projects to protect Nigerian children.

    He said part of government’s intervention in that regard was the School Feeding Programme, adding that it had assisted in increasing children enrolment in schools.

    He said, “government is providing one nutritious meal to increase enrolment and it is gaining success.”

    The president said the 2023 Children’s Day celebration was a special one as it coincided with the Inaugural Lecture and the beginning of a new government.

    He further said, “children are the greatest resources that any nation has and the foundation and building block upon which the future of any country is built.

    “It is in line with this that we set aside this day to celebrate the protection and promotion of the rights of our children.”

    Speaking on the theme of the day, “Investing in our Future means Investing in our Children”, the president said it was apt.

    According to him, the theme is strategically chosen to enable stakeholders discuss the problems faced by children in the country.

    Buhari, who, said the problems faced by children ranged from physical to psychological, added that the 2023 theme was chosen to proffer solutions.

    He said the theme would help with discussion around how parents could instill values in children.

    He further said good parenting “promotes physical, emotional and psychological development of a child up to adulthood.

    “Parents must therefore be concious of their responsibility towards children as good character begins from home.”

    The president said there was an urgent need for parents and relevant stakeholders to instill values that would regenerate society for better tomorrow.

    “All organisations, the media, private sector, teachers and parents should renew commitment to shaping the lives of children to inculcate the right values,” he said.

    On implementation of laws like the Child Rights Act, Buhari said it was gladdening that 35 states had adopted the Act.

    He expressed optimism that Bauchi State, which had yet to adopt the Act would do so soon.

    The president said, “all states are implementing the Child Rights Act and I am proud to say 35 states including the FCT have domesticated the Act.”

    On Violence against Persons Prohibition(VAPP) Act, he said it had been fully domesticated by the 36 states.

    He said parents, teachers, religious leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders deserved commendation for helping to raise children that would make Nigeria proud.

    Buhari urged children to respect their parents and teachers and other older persons in society as they continued to work for actualisation of their dreams.

  • 4 die in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway accident

    Four persons were confirmed dead in an accident close to Mountain Top University on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Saturday while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

    Mrs Florence Okpe, the Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Abeokuta.

    Okpe said that the accident occured at 4:53am and involved a Lexus RX 350 marked KTU 738 HM and a Mack truck with registration number T 21024 LA.

    She said that the accident was caused by excessive speeding and use of phone while driving.

    The FRSC spokesperson said that the bodies of those who died in the accident were deposited at Real Divine Hospital morgue, Ibafo.

    Meanwhile, Mr Ahmed Umar, the Sector Commander, cautioned motorists on the use of mobile phones while driving and the dangers associated with such.

    He also commiserated with the families of the victims and advised them to contact FRSC Ibafo command for more information on the victims.

  • May 29: NSCDC deploys 700 personnel in Jigawa

    The Jigawa command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has deployed 700 personnel for the inauguration of the state Governor-elect, Malam Umar Namadi.
    The command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), CSC Adamu Shehu, said this in Dutse on Saturday.

    Shehu said that the personnel were deployed to all routes leading to the venue of the inauguration on May 29.

    He said that the aim was to ensure peaceful transition of power in the state.
    Shehu advised members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements in their areas to the nearest security formations.
    The Namadi is the incumbent Deputy Governor of the state and is expected to take over from Governor Muhammad Badaru.

  • Inaugural Lecture: Tinubu absent as Buhari preaches unity, all-inclusion

    From left: National Youth Leader, All Progressive Congress, Mr Dayo Israel; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Saad Abubakar; Vice President-Elect, Kashim Shettima; President Muhammadu Buhari, former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyetta and Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Mathew Kukah, during the 2023 Presidential Inauguration Lecture to mark the Inauguration and Swearing-In of the new President-Elect in Abuja on Saturday.

    President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was absent on Saturday missing at the 2023 Inaugural Lecture in Abuja, with President Muhammadu Buhari calling on Nigerians to embrace unity and inclusiveness so as to accelerate development.

    Buhari made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the 2023 Presidential Inauguration Lecture, which was delivered by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

    According to Buhari, Nigerians have recognized the challenges and divisions that have tested the very fabric of the nation.

    “We have confronted the persistence of corruption and the imperative to empower all citizens.

    “But more importantly, we have witnessed the transformative power of democracy and the immense potential it holds to our great nation,” he said.

    Buhari said that Kenyatta‘s lecture had also proven that democracy was not merely a system of governance but a way of life.

    “It requires active participation, inclusivity and relentless pursuit of truth and fairness.

    “We have understood that true democracy thrives when the voices of all citizens are heard and represented regardless of their background or social status.

    “The underlying philosophy of this lecture has been rooted in the belief that our nation’s progress rests on the pillars of unity, inclusiveness, and shared responsibility,” he said.

    He added that the task of nation-building was a collective one, transcending political affiliations and personal interests.

    “With a commitment to leave no Nigerian behind, ensuring that every citizen feels the positive impact of governance and enjoys the dividends of democracy.

    “The lessons we have learned here are not a mere intellectual exercise but a call to action.

    “As I prepare to hand over the reign of governance to the President-elect on May 29, I feel a new sense of hope hitched on the capacity of my successor,” he said.

    Earlier, in his lecture titled “Deepening Democracy for Development and Integration”, Kenyatta commended the Nigerian president for presiding over a successful transition programme.

    He also commended Nigerian politicians for ensuring that the electioneering period was largely peaceful against expectations in certain quarters.

    “I must take this opportunity to extend my most heartfelt and sincere congratulation to the people of Nigeria for choosing yet again to walk the more difficult path.

    “To look past the challenges of a difficult election and to embrace the learnings that come from a maturing democracy.

    “What has set Nigeria apart from any other nation in our continent today is that its leaders have chosen to disappoint naysayers and the prophets of doom.

    “They have opted instead, to express their political differences within the framework of a constitutional order,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, said that democracy guaranteed freedom.

    According to Shettima, the survival of democracy, however, is dependent on the use of that freedom.

    “It is forever a work in progress. I hold precious our democracy because an imperfect democracy is better than the most perfect dictatorship.

    “It is more just; more humane and even more productive, ” he said.

    From left: Former Ogun State Gov. Gbenga Daniel; former governor of Edo, Adams Oshiomhole and former Edo Commissioner of Information, Mr Kassim Afegbua, during the 2023 Presidential Inauguration Lecture to mark the Inauguration and Swearing-In of the new President-Elect in Abuja on Saturday.

    He said that the Bola Tinubu administration would do all it could to forge unity and inclusiveness in governance.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, said that Nigeria had experienced deep divisions and polarisation exacerbated by politics, poverty and illiteracy over the years.

    According to Mustapha, who also chairs the Presidential Transition Council, politics, ethnicity and religion and other fault lines strained the fabric of the society, threatening the very essence of its unity.

    “We acknowledge the damaging influence of hate news and propagation of divisive narratives which have sown seeds of discord and hindered our socio-political development,” he said.

    He said that the theme of the inaugural lecture was of paramount significance.

    “It is our firm belief that by embracing this theme, we can transcend the existing faultlines and forge a renewed sense of common purpose, understanding, and shared responsibility among Nigerians, ” he said. 

  • Makinde unveils gas distribution masterplan

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde at the weekend unveiled a newly-conceived gas distribution masterplan, in partnership with Shell Nigeria Gas Limited.

    The development is to create a platform for constant gas supply across the state, to boost industrialisation and employment opportunities.

    The unveiling of the gas master plan was done at the courtesy room of the Governor’s office, State Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan, in the presence of the team from Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, led by its manager, Mr Ed. Ubong.

    In his remarks, the governor said the innovation would serve as catalyst to springboard most of his administration’s policy thrust in his second tenure.

    He also said that the possibility of sufficient gas supply in the state would expand the economy and increase number of industries in the state.

    “It will take most jobless youths off the street, especially with the recent London Summit, organised by the government to woo investors.”

    The Manager of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, Ubong  expressed readiness to partner with the Oyo State Government for the success of the project.

    He assured the governor of the economic viability of the master plan, adding that the plant would begin operation in the first quarter of 2024.

  • Gov Inuwa chairs SEC Valedictory Session

    *Members pour encomiums on Gombe Gov; 11- Man Transition Management Committee Inaugurated

    The Gombe State Executive Council, earlier today held a valedictory session to round off the life of the council. This is just as Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya inaugurated an 11- member Transition Management Committee.

    In his Valedictory remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya thanked the cabinet members for their sacrifices and dedication which saw to the success of his first tenure, noting that the achievements recorded by his administration would not have been possible without the efforts of the members whom he described as good team players.

    Governor Inuwa recounted that “preparatory to the coming of the government, during the campaigns and the elections in 2019, we worked as a team with the majority of you here participating directly as a result of which we shared the same vision. That made it possible for me to bring you into government. And I would like to say that you did not disappoint me and did not disappoint the people of Gombe State.
    You have done very well and impliedly, this government did very well.

    “The successes recorded are results of the sacrifice, commitment, dedication, loyalty, and above all the resilience of all of us that work in this team. And As a leader I am very proud of the good work that you did which is very visible and clear to all”, he added.

    “For the errors you made personally as human beings, I learned to know that to err is human and to forgive is divine. I have forgiven anybody, not only you any other person that offended or intentionally tried to tarnish the image of this government for his selfish interest or whatever reason, I have forgiven you and I hope everybody will forgive me as well.”

    The governor urged the ex-members to be steadfast, committed, and loyal to the course on which they all stand, wishing them God’s guidance and success in their future endeavors.

    In his remarks, the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau noted that, Governor Inuwa received over 26 awards from reputable national and international organisations within his first tenure which is an indication of his outstanding leadership style and accomplishments.

    He mentioned the most recent and notable awards which include the Presidential Awards as the best state in the ease of doing business in 2021 and 2022 consecutively, the Pro-Labour Governor Award 2022 by the Trade Union Congress, Most Improved State In Rural and Urban Infrastructural Development 2022 by Business Day Newspaper among others.

    Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to have served under Governor Inuwa Yahaya. commending the mutual relationship between his office and all other MDAs.

    He also thanked Governor Inuwa for teaching them what he called the rudiments of politics. “We thank you so much, your Excellency for the vision, the passion, the courage, the commitment, and the resilience with which you lead us all”, the Prof said.

    He informed the governor that almost all the Ministries, Departments and gencies of the State Government have so far submitted their handover reports to his office in accordance with the governor’s directive.

    He said he “constituted a mini committee that worked diligently to compile the submissions and produce an abridge report for the governor’s review and consideration.”

    In his contribution, Justice Zubairu Muhammad Umar who spoke on behalf of cabinet members from Gombe North, thanked Governor Inuwa for giving them the opportunity to serve the good people of Gombe State.

    He specifically extolled the governor for establishing good leadership based on the principle of hard work, integrity, respect, accountability, fairness, and the rule of law; assuring the governor of their readiness and willingness to continue serving the state wherever they find themselves.

    Also in his remarks, Hon Muhammad Magaji Gettado Sa’id, Gombe Central and of course the generality of the people of Gombe State are proud to have Governor Inuwa as a leader, recounting the unprecedented development project the governor executed like the multi-billion Naira Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, revolutionary road infrastructure, and the much priority he attached to Agriculture which is the mainstay of the people of Gombe State.

    Mr Audu Lauco, who spoke on behalf of Gombe South SEC members, commended the foresight of the governor in churning out policies that can continue to exist beyond this generation.

    “Your policies and projects have long-term effects on the people. You always tell us that you want to do something that long after you must have left office people will remember you. And for that, Your Excellency even if you leave office today, the work you have done outlived those who have done for 16 years. And you will continue to be remembered for that. “, he affirmed, describing the governor as a detribalise leader that treat people equally without discrimination based on religion, tribe, or section.

    In her short remarks, Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari representing the female cabinet members, described governor Inuwa ‘as truly a he for she governor’, applauding his policies and programmes which she said are always pro-women.

    “Your Excellency, when you came in 2019, Gombe was at its lowest ebb; we were at zero, and in 2023 we are heroes. Gombe is leading the whole of the Northern Region. By 2027 inshallah we are going to be superheroes”, she said.

    Meanwhile, immediately after the valedictory session, Governor Inuwa also inaugurated the Transition Management Committee to handle the administrative transition of his government from the first tenure into the new government beginning from May 29.

    Unveiling the composition of the committee, the governor said the team will be headed by retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Daudu as Chairman and will have other members including Malam Aliyu Kamara, Arch. Sulaiman Muhammad Puma, Amb. Edward Sarki, Permanent Secretary Budget, and Planning, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Ibrahim Jalo Ali; Permanent Secretary General Duties, Mr. Eranus Mamman; Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro, Mr. Luth Edward, Ahmad Usman Shanu, and Dr Muazu Shehu who will serve as secretary.

    The terms of reference of the committee include among others: obtaining the end of the term report, identifying challenges faced by various ministries and departments, and making recommendations for improvement of the performances of MDAs to enable the effective and successful commencement of the next tenure.

    “I believe the committee members can deliver on their assigned duties and responsibilities”, the Governor maintained.

    Responding on behalf of other members of the Transition management committee, the Chairman, Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Daudu, thanked Governor Inuwa for finding them worthy of the assignment, assuring him that they will do their best in giving a convincing report that will help in facilitating a successful transition and second tenure.

  • El-Rufai sacks Kaduna Assembly Clerk, Perm Sec, one other

    El-Rufai sacks Kaduna Assembly Clerk, Perm Sec, one other

    Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, has sacked the Clerk of the State House of Assembly, Bello Zubairu Idris, a permanent secretary, Yau Yunusa and secretary of the Kaduna Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA), Mr Francis Kozak.

    A statement issued by Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Muyiwa Adekeye also disclosed that, the governor has also accepted the retirement of Stephen Joseph, a permanent secretary.

    According to the statement, “the Kaduna State Government has announced the immediate disengagement of Yau Yunusa Tanko, a permanent secretary, Francis Kozah, secretary of the Kaduna Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA) and Bello Zubairu Idris, the Clerk of the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

    “The governor has also accepted the retirement of Stephen Joseph, a permanent secretary.”