I Will Never Forget The Role America Played In Stabilizing Nigeria’s Democracy – Buhari

July 12, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that he would never forget the role the United States of America played in stabilizing the Nigeria’s democracy, with emphasis on the 2015 general elections.

Receiving the outgoing Ambassador of the U.S, Mr. James Entwistle, at the Presidential Aso Villa, Abuja on Tuesday, President Buhari said the U.S insistence on free, fair and violent-free elections largely contributed to the deepening of democracy in the country.

“The U.S support before, during and after the 2015 elections was vital to Nigeria’s stability and I will never forget the role they played in the stability of Nigeria. We were lucky to have had an INEC Chairman who was competent and courageous.

“Mr. Ambassador, you occupied a position at a very strategic time in Nigeria’s history and I hope our historians will record this because it meant so much for our stability.

“I hope you write a book on your experience in Nigeria. The commitment of U.S in supporting Nigeria has been unprecedented”

President Buhari also thanked the Americans for their military, intelligence and humanitarian support to Nigeria on the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency.

He said that Nigeria valued U.S contributions to promoting regional peace and stability through the instrumentality of the G7.

President Buhari also received in audience, the outgoing High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Ambassador Perry Calderwood.

The President commended the Government of Canada’s humanitarian assistance to Nigerians displaced by the insurgency in the North East, and their commitment to polio eradication in the country.

He highlighted the Federal Government’s effort to facilitate voluntary return of displaced persons in addition to ensuring that conditions in North-eastern Nigeria improve significantly before the next farming season.

In their separate remarks, Ambassadors Entwistle and Calderwood had expressed concern on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the North East with looming reports of food crisis and malnutrition.

Entwistle said the bilateral relationship between both countries had remained very vibrant and cordial.

“I had a marvelous three-and-half years in Nigeria and I am grateful to have been involved in the memorable elections in 2015.”

On his part, Calderwood conveyed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s desire to strengthen ties with Nigeria in Canada’s quest for partnership on international engagements, including its bid for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council, 2021-2022. [myad]

FCT Minister Asks Infrastructure Advisor To Consider Satellite Towns In Rail Transportation

Greenbarge Reporters

July 12, 2016

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has asked Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NIAF), to consider satellite towns in the territory in the plans for massive railway transportation system now in the offing.

He asked the body to carry out a study with a view to according attention to the satellite towns to better the lives of residents dwelling in such areas, adding that he gives priority attention to the provision of basic infrastructure in these areas because a large number of population resident in them.

The minister spoke on Tuesday when a delegation of the NIAF, led by its Technical Team Leader, Mr. Michael Mutter, paid him a visit in his office, to make presentation on public transportation in the Territory.

Muhammad Bello who appreciated the support the FCT Administration has been receiving from NIAF, assured that his administration would support the International Donor Agency to achieve more results.
He assured that his government would avoid some of the pitfalls in the management of the bus system and that a lot of work has been done in the rail transportation policy with all the other related items captured in the draft paper that has been sent to the National Assembly.
He asked NIAF to take a closer look at the operations of the Abuja Urban Mass Transit Company (AUMTCO) to give professional advice on how to improve its services, adding that efficient mass transportation is very significant to the smooth running of every municipality.
The Minister said that maintenance of the Bus Rapid Transit system in the FCT has been quite stressful as result of the quality of the buses as well their suitability for the terrain they are operating.
“Even if the buses were up and doing, we’ve realized that the way the company is structured now, their revenue stream cannot pay for their expenses. So, these are the challenges that we are facing. Especially on the Central Business District to Masaka corridor, I have read some reports from the FCT Engineering Department, from Federal Road Safety Commission as well as the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the general feeling is that the road as presently designed is not wide enough to meet up on the requirements of BRT operation. It’s not as wide as the 10 lanes that we have on the Kubwa and Airport Expressways. These are areas that people have raised concerns,” he stressed.
“But, in overall, I’m so pleased that we are relating and partnering with a very reputable organization like yours, with the full support of the UK AID and also the government of the United Kingdom. I’m happy that you consider the FCT as one of your best clients.” [myad]

Ministry Of Finance Organizes 2 Day Retreat In Kano On Revenue

Greenbarge Reporters

July 12, 2016

The Federal Ministry of Finance has organized a two-day National Retreat on Revenue generation to be held in Kano. It is aimed at evolving new ideas and strategies for boosting revenue generation to finance the 2016 budget and upgrade the country’s infrastructure.

A statement from the the Director of Information, Malam Salisu Na’Inna Dambatta, said that the retreat is scheduled to take place from July 13 to 15.

The statement said that Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state would deliver the keynote address, while the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, would declare the Retreat open.

It said that experts on revenue generation and administration are said to have been invited to make presentations and contribute in articulating the way forward in revenue generation for Nigeria.

The statement said that eight state governors, ministers, Chief Executives of various government revenue-generating agencies, Directors of Accounts and Audit as well as Revenue Officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies are expected to participate in the Retreat to share their experiences and articulate new strategies on boosting revenue generation and prudent application of such resources to finance the implementation of various development projects.

It said that some of the presentations will focus on expanding Nigeria’s revenue base in which strategies and new sources would be discussed; another paper will address non-oil revenue and proffer the way forward for success, while the extraneous factors that could affect the implementation of the 2016 budget would also be dissected at the Retreat.

“The experts would also speak on continuous audit of independent revenue in the age of change and mechanisms for enhancing Internally Generated Revenue by States through non-tax revenue to finance their budgets.

“There would also be discussions on guidelines for domestic borrowing, techniques on improving revenue generation from Oil and Gas and how to fund a national budget under a dwindling mono-economy.

“At the end of plenary, participants would be broken into several syndicate groups to assemble and forward the ideas and new strategies that emerged from the presentations as recommendations to the Federal Government for consideration and implementation.” [myad]

Ship Tracking: Nigeria Seeks Technical Cooperation with International Mobile Satellite

Greenbarge Reporters

July 12, 2016

Nigeria has sought greater Technical Cooperation with the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) to enhance the performance of the country’s Long Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT) system.

This request was made by the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi when he visited the Director General of IMSO, Captain Moin Ahmed in London recently.

The minister, who expressed appreciation to the IMSO for its technical assistance to the country observed that as a member state of IMSO, Nigeria has a Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) data centre operated by Pole Star.

He said that Nigeria can benefit from greater collaboration with the IMSO to enhance the performance of the LRIT system.

The minister requested for further collaboration with the IMSO on the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre based in Nigeria and guidance on integrating Nigerian Maritime and Aviation Search and Rescue services.

In his remarks, the Director General of IMSO, Captain Moin Ahmed expressed his pleasure for hosting the minister and assured Nigeria of the cooperation of the IMSO.

Captain Ahmed promised to collaborate with the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in terms of staff training and update on new technology and equipment.

He also pledged the commitment of IMSO to offer guidance on the integration of the Maritime and Aviation Search and Rescue services in Nigeria.

IMSO is the intergovernmental organization over sighting public satellite and security communication. It was appointed by the IMO to act as the International LRIT Coordinator to ensure the operation of the international system for the Long Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT) worldwide, by auditing and reviewing the performance of the system. [myad]

GTB Wins Euromoney Awards, Becomes Best Digital Bank In Africa

Greenbarge Reporters

July 12, 2016

Foremost African financial institution, Guaranty Trust Bank plc has reaffirmed its position as a leading global brand with its recent recognition as the Best Bank in Nigeria and Best Digital Bank in Africa’ at the 2016 Euromoney Awards. The award ceremony was held in London last week Wednesday, at the prestigious Tower of London.

Now in its 25^th year, the Euromoney Awards for Excellence covers more than 20 global product categories, best-in-class awards and the best Banks in over 100 countries around the world by recognizing institutions that have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and momentum in the markets they operate.

In selecting its recipients, Euromoney combines quantitative and qualitative data to honor institutions that have brought the highest levels of service, innovation and expertise to their customers.

According to Mr. Clive Horwood, Euromoney Magazine’s Editor, “Competition for the awards this year was tough, arguably the toughest it has been since the start of the global financial crisis. In winning these awards, GTBank stands out not only because of its stellar performance but by its ability to define what its core strengths are, abide by these strengths and build its business around them. According to him, banking in the future will be about what you do, as well as what you don’t do. GTBank stands out as Euromoneys’ best bank in Nigeria & Africa’s Best Digital Bank for its ability to adapt to local situations while maintaining international standards of best practice.”

Receiving the award on behalf of the Bank, Managing Director/CEO of GTBank, Segun Agbaje, said: “We are humbled and proud to emerge double award winners for Best Bank in Nigeria & Best Digital Bank in Africa. Winning these awards is an acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication of our staff, management and Board. It also represents our commitment to serving our customers and making banking simpler and more accessible for them.

He said that winning the “Best Bank in Nigeria” award a record nine times is a reflection of the loyalty of our stakeholders which enables us consistently deliver superior performance.

GTBank has consistently played a leading role in Africa’s banking industry. The GTBank brand is regarded by industry watchers as one of the best run financial institutions across its subsidiary countries and serves as a role model within the financial service industry due to its bias for world class corporate governance standards, excellent service quality and innovation. [myad]

See Ya Later, Outgoing US Ambassador Seems To Be Saying To Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

July 12, 2016

The outgoing United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James F. Entwistle in a handshake with President Muhammadu Buhari, who received him and US Embassy Deputy Head of Mission, Mrs. Maria Brewer on Tuesday at the Presidential Aso Villa, Abuja when the envoy paid him a farewell visit. Mrs. Aisha Buhari, wife of the President was there to add her voice to a goodbye to the Ambassador. Photo: Sunday Aghaeze. [myad]

Niger Delta Commission Owes Contractors N450 Billion

Greenbarge Reporters

July 11, 2016

The Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, has said that the commission is currentlyowing contractors about N450 billion.

Semenitari, who spoke with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday, promised that the NDDC would clear the debt as soon as funds are made available to the commission by the Federal Government.

She maintained that the NDDC would not deliberately refuse to pay contractors who have completed contracted awarded to them, adding that the paucity of fund is responsible for the delay in payment.

Semenitari, who spoke ahead of Tuesday’s commissioning of the Rivers State Secretariat of the NDDC, pointed out that some contractors within the category were not paid because they could not provide their Tax Identification Number.

“The NDDC is owing contractors about N450 billion, but if we get that money, we will clear the debt we are owing contractors. The commission cannot refuse to pay for the jobs done.

“When we came on board, there was debt as far back as 2009. We have cleared the debt of N10 million and below, which we were owing some of the contractors.”

Semenitari, however, disclosed that the NDDC is planning to decentralise the commission so that the commission at the state level would have more powers, and that the headquarters of the NDDC will only be for policy making.

“We are strengthening the NDDC at the state level to make them stronger. The centre should be for policy making. Based on this, we are going to have more competent hands at the state level.”

She said that that the NDDC has not received a dime as ecological funds, even as she called on multinational oil companies operating in the country to always remit three percent of their annual budget to the commission as stipulated by law.

The NDDC boss stated that the failure of the oil firms to remit such funds was making it difficult for the commission to carry out their objectives.

She noted that the NDDC was taking a look at the records to know the level of compliance of the oil companies in remitting such funds to the commission within the past 16 years.

“Payment from the oil firms, which is three percent of their budget is also an issue. The challenge with this is that when the funds are not remitted by the oil companies, the region suffers because the commission will not be able to fund some projects.

“Again, the destruction that is going on in the region means that we cannot go on with all our plans. When we sell oil, we get more funding; if we don’t get oil, we don’t get funding,” Semenitari added.

On contractors, who abandon projects after collecting mobilisation funds, the acting managing director of the NDDC explained that the commission had decided to give zero mobilisation in order to eradicate the abandonment of projects.

Source– PUNCH. [myad]

Buhari’s Government Considering Special Tariffs On Agric Sector – Osinbajo

Greenbarge Reporters

July 11, 2016

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has announced move by the federal government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to create special tariff regime for the growth of the agricultural sector in the country.

Osinbajo, who had a meeting on Monday with a group of Nigerian and Mexican agro-business interests at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, made it clear that agric sector remains an integral part of the country’s plan for sustainable economic growth and development.

“President Buhari has said it repeatedly that agriculture and solid minerals, especially agriculture is our economic way out. This is the president’s vision, and our job is to look for ways to get that dream actualized.”

The Vice President emphasized that President Buhari is ready to support the agricultural plans “in any way necessary,” adding that the federal government will ensure conducive customs and immigration policies including tariffs in order to attain the vision.

He added that this is why the President set-up the Presidential Council on the Ease of Doing Business to attract local and foreign investors.

“There is no doubt in which direction we should go, agriculture is in the forefront and we do realize the urgency of the moment and the importance of getting things done quickly.”

He said that with the experience of the Mexican company-Carlos, he is optimistic that the plans and projections tabled at the meeting would be attained.

He said that under the plan, Wells Farm would partner with Carlos in several agricultural business initiatives and employ a total of about 85,000 Nigerians.

A suggestion to replicate the partnership with Carlos in the other geopolitical zones just like Wells Farm which is based in the South-South was also discussed.

Farms are being opened and talks are already on with a number of other states in the federation to ensure this. Carlos, the Mexican agro-business interest is said to be one of the biggest concerns in the South American country and is part of the story of how Mexico raised its foreign earnings from Agriculture in the last few decades to about $398B.

Those who attended the meeting were the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Heineken Lokpobiri Lokpobiri, a Mexican agro-business concern, the San Carlos Group and their Nigerian partner, Wells Farm, from Edo State as well as the CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Segun Awolowo, Jnr. [myad]

Presidency frowns At BringBackOurGirls Group Over ‘Collateral Damage’ Statement

Greenbarge Reporters

July 11, 2016

The Presidency has expressed disappointment with the BringBackOurGirls group, over its recent statement that President Muhammadu Buhari has “broken all promises” made to the group about rescuing the missing Chibok girls and that the government had been “lackadaisical” in the rescue mission.

“The Presidency will like to appeal to the officials and members of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) campaign group, not to waver in their support for the government in the war against terrorism and in the ongoing effort to free all Nigerian citizens taken captive by the Boko Haram terrorist group.”

A statement by the senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said that President Buhari had never made bogus promises or played to the gallery.

“It is misleading of anyone to preach that the Chibok girls are within an easy grasp. If the military under the President knew where they are held, they will bring the Chibok girls home today.

“While their intentions are honourable, perhaps the BBOG leadership have not considered the collateral damage which inevitably follow its riveting and dispiriting claim that the President has “broken all promises” allegedly made to the group on this issue. Or that he has been “lackadaisical” in rescuing the Chibok girls. The Federal Government’s focus has always been to free the Chibok girls alive and unharmed.”

The statement recalled that the past year of President Buhari’s administration has seen the Nigerian military step up bombardment of the Sambisa Forest, a stronghold of the Boko Haram terrorist group, leading to the capture of hundreds of insurgents.

It also placed on record the fact that so far, according to the Army, no fewer than 15,000 captives, mostly women and children have been rescued from the terrorists from February to date.

“In addition, dozens of communities that were previously under the control of the terrorists have been liberated, allowing thousands of previously displaced citizens to return home and resume their normal lives.

“Thousands of these women and children freed from captivity have also been reunited with their families.

“This huge number of rescued women and children may not be prominent names, and their disappearance may not have generated any massive media attention and campaign.

“However, their liberation is just as important as that of every other missing woman and child, and a testament to the devotion of our military personnel who daily risk life and limb in the effort to bring back every Nigerian citizen kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists.

“Along with these ongoing efforts to rid our country of terrorists and terrorism, the Nigerian government is focused on the welfare and rehabilitation of rescued Nigerians, many of whom were found in a state of severe malnutrition and illness.

“The President is conscious always about the fact that terrorism in Nigeria is part of a global phenomenon. Since coming to office, his response to it has been firm and well considered.

“The Presidency is open to renew cooperation with the BBOG group, international bodies, religious groups, social workers, and all others who are assisting in the field to ensure that those who have so far been rescued from Boko Haram captivity are given the support they need to make a full recovery and be reintegrated fully into society.

Groups such as the BBOG can also lend a helping hand to military families whose losses need to be appreciated and focused upon.

“The life of every single Nigerian matters to this government and the security agencies, under the command of President Buhari, will continue to exert all its powers to ensure that every Nigerian is safe from the brutality of terrorists and terrorism.” [myad]

50 Year Old Teacher Packs Out Of Matrimonial Home Because His Wife Used To Beat Him

Greenbarge Reporters

July 11, 2016

A 50 year old teacher, Musiliu Yusuf, has narrated how he packed out of his matrimonial home because his wife used to beat him at slightest provocation even as he complained that his wife has been in the habit of sleeping with neighbours.

Musiliu told an Igando Customary Court in Lagos that his wife was impregnated by one of her lovers in their matrimonial home: “my wife committed adultery; she got pregnant for one of her lovers in our matrimonial home.”

Musilu, who was testifying in a divorce suit instituted by his wife, Hassana, said: “my wife is promiscuous; my fellow landlords are her boyfriends. She got pregnant for one of them, they mock and make jest of me whenever they see me.

“I stopped making love to her in June 2014 due to her infidelity and in 2015 she told me she was pregnant. I rejected the pregnancy and even after delivery of the baby, I refused to care for her because the baby is not mine,” the estranged husband said.

The respondent tendered the list of hotels visited by his wife and some of her lover as exhibits.

“I packed out from the house I built on four different occasions because I fear for my life as my wife always beat me on any slight provocation.

“I finally ran out on June 14, 2015 and refused to go back just to save my life because I don’t want to die.”

Musiliu said that contrary to his wife’s claim that they both built the house and school, he never collected any money from her.

The respondent also presented as exhibits all the title documents of the properties which were in his name.

But, his wife, 39 year old Hassana, a teacher, who filed the suit to end her 13-year-old marriage, said that her husband threatened to kill her in order to inherit what they both acquired.

“He threatened to kill me so that he can take over what we both laboured for. He always boasts that nobody will question him if he kills me.

“We jointly bought a coaster bus and two plots of land. We used a plot to build a house, the other a school.”

The petitioner said that her husband was in the habit of accusing her of infidelity.

“My husband is suspicious of my moves; every man I talk to is my boyfriend.

He has no trust, whatsoever in me,” the estranged wife said.

Hassana said that her husband packed out of their home without any notice to an unknown destination.

“On many occasions, he had abandoned me and the children. He once left the house for a year.”

The mother of four said because she refused to grant her husband loan, he rejected her fourth child.

Delivering his judgment, the President of the court, Adegboyega Omilola, said that it appeared that the estranged couple was tired of the marriage and all efforts to reconcile both parties had failed.

“Since both parties consented to the dissolution of their marriage, this court has no choice than to dissolve the marriage.

“The court pronounces the marriage between Hassana Yusuf and Musiliu Yusuf dissolved today; both parties henceforth cease to be husband and wife.

“Both are free to go their separate ways without any hindrances and molestation,” Omilola ruled. (NAN). [myad]

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