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Category: News

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Federal Govt declares May 29 Public Holiday

    The Federal Government has declared Monday, May 29, 2023 as work-free day for all workers in the country to commemorate the inauguration 16th elected President of Nigeria.

    The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in Abuja on Friday on behalf of the Federal Government.

    A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Shuaib Belgore, said the Minister felicitated with all Nigerians on the momentous occasion, commending them for their faith in democracy as expressed in the nationwide election that produced the President-elect and his Deputy being inaugurated and indeed in all elections across the nation.

    He enjoined them to continue to support and promote democracy through adherence to the rule of law and uphold all democratic institutions.

    “Democracy anywhere is an unfinished business and the only way it can keep developing and serve its end of being the vehicle to good governance and the welfare of all the people is by adhering to its tenets of rule of law, support for democratic institutions, promotion of free and responsible press and advancement of the frontiers of freedom for all the people,” the Minister said.

    Ogbeni Aregbesola urged Nigerian also to continue to promote ideals of peaceful coexistence and love for our neighbours, noting that we can only practice democracy and enjoy its dividends in a peaceful environment.
    The Minister commends all Nigerians for their strident efforts at achieving an unbroken civilian rule and successful change of governments since 1999.

  • Buhari congratulates Abdulrazaq on emergence as NGF Chairman

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on his emergence as the new Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

    Buhari, in a congratulatory message issued by his Spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, on Friday in Abuja, urged the governor to give his best in providing leadership for the forum.

    He commended the governors for their maturity and stability of the NGF over the years, especially in electing new leaders.

    The president also acknowledged the significant role which the forum has been playing in stimulating discussions on development, promoting democracy and counseling political leaders on service to the nation.

    He was optimistic that the new NGF Chairman would further improve relations, tighten policy issues and provide more opportunities for growth among states and the Federal Government, considering his antecedents in business and government.

    The president wished AbdulRazaq the very best in the new assignment. 

  • 6.2 magnitude quake jolts eastern Japan

    An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 struck Japan’s eastern regions, the country’s weather agency said on Friday.

    According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) the temblor occurred at 7:03 p.m. local time at a depth of 50 km.

    It measured 5 lower on Japan’s seismic intensity scale which peaked at 7.

    The temblor’s epicentre was located off eastern Chiba prefecture at a latitude of 35.6 degrees north and a longitude of 140.7 degrees east.

    No tsunami warning had been issued.

  • Many feared dead as al Shabaab attacks African peacekeepers in Somalia

    Al Shabaab fighters on Friday attacked a military base housing Ugandan forces of the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, with a Somali captain saying both sides suffered heavy casualties.

    The militants attacked the base belonging to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in Bulamarer, 130 km (80 miles) southwest of the capital Mogadishu.

    Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) deputy spokesman Deo Akiiki“there was an attack this morning at our base by elements of al Shabaab but we are waiting for official communication from ATMIS headquarters.’’

    ATMIS had been assisting Somalia’s federal government in its war against the Islamist group.

    The mission was assessing the security situation, it said on Twitter, without providing details.

    Al Shabaab claimed in a statement that it carried out suicide bomb attacks and killed 137 soldiers.

    There was no immediate official confirmation of the casualties and the group tends to give figures that differ from those issued by the authorities.

    The militants attacked an ATMIS base and an adjacent one belonging to the Somali military, a Somali military captain who gave his name as Abdullahi told Reuters from the Lower Shabelle region.

    “That prompted a fierce battle for hours. All groups including al Shabaab suffered heavy casualties,” he said.

    Residents of the town said they woke up to the sound of huge explosions and heavy weapons.

    Local resident Rukia Farah said “Now we see al Shabaab in the town. We cannot know how many died. We are not hearing any shots from ATMIS and government now.’’

    Since 2006, the militant group has been fighting to topple the government and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of Islamic law.

    A government pushback since last year has seen the group’s control erode over vast swathes of land. But it is still capable of launching significant attacks on government, commercial and military targets.