DAWA MEDIA Team

07/09/2024

07/09/2024

01/05/2024

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU TO NIGERIAN WORKERS:

I Do Not Take Your Understanding, Patience, Support For Granted

* Says their days of worrying are over

* Pledges to consider national living wage over minimum wage

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the Organised Labour that their understanding, patience, commitment and support in the course of implementing his administration's policies and programmes are not taken for granted.

He applauded the Nigerian workers for their contributions to ongoing efforts by the government to save the nation's economy, describing them as "an indispensable component of the nation’s engine," in the bid to build a just and progressive society.

The President who gave the assurance on Wednesday during a colourful ceremony to mark the 2024 May Day celebration at the Eagle Square, Abuja, said it is a fundamental truth that the workers are Nigeria's backbone, even as he acknowledged and appreciated their hard work, sacrifices, and contributions to the nation's stability and prosperity.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima who represented him at the event, President Tinubu commended the choice of the theme for this year’s May Day celebration, "People First," saying it did not only resonate with his administration’s agenda, but also demonstrates that "the working class holds a central position in the affairs of this nation."

Delivering the President's address titled, "Solidarity in Action: Collaborative Governance, Empowered Workers", VP Shettima stated: "Great Nigerian workers, your role as an indispensable component of the nation’s engine cannot be overstated by any government if the quest for a just and progressive society is to be realised. Therefore, I extend my most heartfelt congratulations to you on this very important celebration.

"I do not take for granted the understanding, patience, commitment, and support you have shown throughout the implementation of this government’s policies and programmes aimed at positively transforming our great nation. Your contributions have played a significant role in our efforts to rescue the economy since we came on board".

The 2024 Workers Day was marked with high hopes, as President Tinubu told the workers that their days of worrying were over, just as he hinted at his administration’s readiness to consider a national living wage that will address their living condition, instead of a minimum wage, if suggested by the 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage set up on January 30, 2024, by the federal government.

He said, "The committee's mandate was to provide counsel and suggest a national minimum wage that aligns with our current economic conditions. Since then, the committee, in collaboration with labour leaders, has been diligently working towards proposing a new National Minimum Wage.

"Unfortunately, despite concerted efforts, the committee was unable to reach a consensus at its last meeting. This shall be resolved soon and I assure you that your days of worrying are over. Indeed, this government is open to the committee’s suggestion of not just a minimum wage but a living wage."

Noting that he assumed office at a time Nigeria, like many other nations, were grappling with what he described as “daunting socio-political and developmental challenges”, President Tinubu maintained that his government has been "resolute in confronting these obstacles head-on.

"The scourge of criminality, from banditry to kidnapping and the farmer-herder crises, alongside terrorism, continues to afflict our nation despite the tireless efforts of our armed forces. We are aware of the toll this takes on our economy. I assure you: we are fully committed to tackling these security challenges," he added.

The President however observed that it would be impossible to "achieve a just and equitable society that caters to the needs of every member, including the strong and the weak, without fostering peace and unity."

He pointed out that Nigeria’s "shared vision for national growth and development can only be realised in an atmosphere of industrial harmony and peaceful coexistence in every segment" of the country.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, reminded the workers that it was the first May Day under President Tinubu, pointing out that it is a reminder “of the great sacrifices made by the working class toward the enthronement of dignity of labour which are key to national growth and development."

According to the Minister, while President Tinubu "believes that every worker deserves to work in an environment free from exploitation, discrimination, and oppression," the government is "creating workplaces that offer respect, job security and inclusivity for all."

Onyejeocha assured labour that the Tinubu administration “empathizes with the plight of workers and will do all it can to address these issues," urging the organized labour "to maintain social dialogue in resolving disputes."

In his goodwill message, the Minister of FCT, Barr Nyesom Wike, pledged the commitment of the FCT administration under his watch to the needs and welfare of workers in the territory, noting that they are the backbone of the public service in the area.

He said the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission is a testament to the administration's obligation to the welfare of workers in the public service, assuring them that they will be treated with dignity, respect and fairness.

On her part, the representative of the Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA), Comrade Adenike Ajala, reiterated the commitment of the organisation to the concerns of the Nigerian worker, pledging NECA's resolve to always uphold the principle of collective bargaining in all engagements regarding the wellbeing of workers.

In a joint speech, presidents of Nigeria's two major labour unions, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), maintained that prioritizing the welfare of workers and pursuing policies that improve productivity are critical for national development.

NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero and TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo said, "Leadership is about the people. There is no other measure for success in government except its impact on the lives of the people."

They urged the government to swiftly conclude negotiations on a national minimum wage that reflects economic realities for Nigerian workers.

Other dignitaries at the Workers Day celebration were the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume; representative of the Senate President, Sen. Didet Plang; Chairman, House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity, Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati; former presidents of the NLC, Sen. Adams Oshiomole; Comrade Ayuba Waba and Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar; former executives of the various unions and representatives of the diplomatic community, among others.



Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
1st May, 2024

17/04/2024

Zulum: Borno committed to agricultural development

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has reiterated his administration's commitment to developing agriculture in Borno State.

"Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, as you are aware, the Borno State Government has given top priority to the development of Agriculture in the state, and that is why concerted efforts are made to mobilise both human and material resources to boost agriculture in the state", Zulum said.

He added, "Towards this end, the state government has procured agricultural machinery and inputs such as tractors, chemicals and fertilisers, among others.

Governor Zulum also gave assurance of his continuous assistance to farmers in the state. He said, "This, I believe, will go a long way in enhancing the productivity of our farmers. The government is, therefore, poised to ensure that our farmers are assisted in every way to increase their agricultural productivity.

Zulum stated this on Tuesday in Maiduguri during the flag-off ceremony of the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP).

RHI-WASP is the initiative of the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to support women engaged in agricultural activities and contribute to the food sufficiency agenda of President Tinubu.

The first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was represented at the occasion by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Kashim Shettima.

About 220 women farmers and people with disabilities have benefited from the programme; among them, 120 women farmers, 20 from each of the six northeast states received N500,000 each and 100 people with disabilities from Borno each received N100,000.

"Today, we are supporting twenty (20) women farmers per state in the Northeast zone with the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) each, the first lady said.

She added, "The draft cheque will be handed over to the first ladies of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States who are also RHI State Coordinators for onward disbursement to all beneficiaries in their respective states. These farmers are those in the agricultural sector, animal husbandry, poultry and fish farming."

Earlier in a goodwill message, the wife of Borno State Governor, Dr Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum, expressed gratitude to the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the gesture to support agricultural women in the northeast and over 100 people with disabilities from Borno.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Governor of Borno, Umar Usman Kadafur; wives of the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States; and the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori.

Also in attendance are Senators for Borno North and Central, Muhammed Tahir Monguno and Kaka Shehu Lawan, members of the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba and Dr Zainab Gimba, Deputy Speaker of Borno House of Assembly, Engr Abdullahi Askira, Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, commissioners and other senior officials of government.
Borno Social Media Frontiers - BSF
The Governor of Borno State
All Progressives Congress
Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Borno State
Kashim Shettima
Borno APC New Media

17/04/2024

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

Nigeria Will Become Major Global Economic Force Under President Tinubu - VP Shettima

*Says Executive will liaise with NASS on review of ICAN Act


Vice President Kashim Shettima has tipped Nigeria to become a major economic force in the world under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, the Tinubu administration is committed to creating an unprecedented enabling environment for both local and foreign investors to thrive.

The Vice President who spoke on Wednesday in his office at the Presidential Villa while playing host to a delegation from the Commonwealth Enterprise Investment Council (CWEIC) led by its CEO, Rosie Glazerbrook, noted that this is being done through harnessing resources of the country’s youth population in digital technology, improving electricity supply, boosting production and manufacturing, among other initiatives of government.

This is just as he assured a delegation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) who also paid him a courtesy visit that the executive arm of government would liaise with the National Assembly to consider the review of the Institute’s enabling Act of 1965 in order to ensure its current practices are in harmony with global standards and international best practices.

Addressing the CWEIC delegation earlier, VP Shettima said the Tinubu-led federal government is determined to transform the country’s demographic bulge into demographic dividends, assuring that the “administration will harness the resources of its young population to build a more prosperous and progressive country.”

He noted that Nigeria is ready for business and President Tinubu, a pro-business leader who rose from the business ecosystem, is committed to supporting the growth of businesses in Nigeria.

The Vice President declared that the Tinubu administration is ready to create the enabling environment for businesses in Nigeria to prosper, whether they are indigenous or foreign.

Speaking on the country’s position in the global growth projections, Senator Shettima said, “Nigeria is where the attraction should be for investors all over the world as Nigeria will become a major global economic force under President Tinubu.

“By 2050, Nigeria will be the third most populous country in the world and only recently, an investment bank projected that by 2075 Nigeria’s economy will be the third largest in the world. It shows that the trajectory of global growth is facing Africa and Nigeria will make or mar that transition. So, the future belongs to Africa. If Nigeria works, Africa works. You have come to Nigeria at the right time - a time when a pro-business government is at the helm of affairs in the country and we are ready for business,” the Vice President emphasised.

On her part, the CEO of the Commonwealth Enterprise Investment Council (CWEIC), Glazerbrook, pledged the group’s support to the Nigerian government.

She highlighted some of CWEIC’s forthcoming events both in Nigeria and outside, including the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Forum in London in 2025, and the proposed Trade and Investment Forum to be held in Nigeria in the second half of 2025.

Pledging CWEIC’s support to the Nigerian economy, she said, “We want to help boost trade and investment into Nigeria and equally support Nigerian businesses looking out to develop plans for more interactions with foreign partners.

“We will really like to look up ways where we can encourage the Nigerian government and the business community to take advantage of the commonwealth market across the 56 countries and other partners in the Middle-East and North Africa."

Present at the meeting with the Vice President were Founder of Zenith Bank, Chief Jim Ovia; Chair of the CWEIC in Nigeria, Mr Olasupo Shasore; CWEIC Country Director, Nigeria, Mr Obinna Anyanwu, and representatives of partners and members of the Council from the public and private sectors.

Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima on Wednesday assured the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) that the executive arm of government would liaise with the National Assembly to consider the review of the Institute’s enabling Act of 1965.

The VP was responding to the appeal made by a delegation from ICAN led by its President, Dr. Innocent Okwuosa, that the Executive should initiate the review of the Institute’s Act 1965 to ensure its current practices are in harmony with global standards and international best practices.

Highlighting the significance of ICAN, the Vice President told the delegation from the Institute that the Tinubu-led federal government is proud of their accomplishments.

“We are very proud of your accomplishments, apolitical stands on issues, standing with the interest that supersedes other considerations. Our task reform committee is headed by one of your best,” he said.

VP Shettima assured the body of his support at all times, saying he would personally attend ICAN’s forthcoming conference slated for Abuja, even as he said his office will partner with the Institute to achieve set goals.

“We will liaise with the National Assembly and see to it that the 1965 Act which has become obsolete and outlived its usefulness is reviewed, taking into cognizance the views and perspectives of your members,” he told the ICAN delegation

Earlier, ICAN President and leader of the delegation, Dr. Okwuosa, solicited the VP’s support in ICAN’s bid to review its establishing Act of 1965 currently before the National Assembly, noting that “we will appreciate His Excellency’s support to amend this obsolete Act”.

He commended the initiatives of the President Tinubu administration such as the fuel subsidy removal and unification of the foreign exchange rates, among others, describing them as bold and courageous, noting that they reflect the thrust of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.

Inviting the Vice President to its 2024 Conference, Dr. Okwuosa outlined the Institute’s contributions to the development of the nation’s economic policies and national development through its research works and direct participation of its members in key government committees and offices.

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
17th April, 2024
Borno Social Media Frontiers - BSF
The Governor of Borno State
Borno APC New Media
Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Borno State
All Progressives Congress
Kashim Shettima

11/04/2024

Zulum busts vendors trapping water for commercial gain

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday, busted an illegal water vendor who had constructed specialised dams manipulating the distribution network to trap water pumped for public use to gain commercial benefits.

Zulum, during a surprise visit to communities in Jere and Maiduguri Metropolis, discovered that certain vendors have constructed specialised water dams blocking and diverting water flow in order to create artificial shortage.

The vendors were artificially creating water shortages to inflate prices and maximize their profits while citizens suffer.

“It is unfortunate to notice that while the government spend millions to provide water to the people, few individuals have constructed a specialised dams, most with multiple layers of reservoirs. Some of them can store more than one million litres of water”, Zulum said.

He added, “Every day, our treatment plant process and distribute about 40 million litres of water; these criminals trap the larger amount of those supplies for commercial gain.”

Expressing his anger, Zulum vowed to take swift and decisive action against those responsible. He said, "It is unacceptable that some individuals would exploit the suffering of our people for their own selfish gains. We will not tolerate such criminal activities that jeopardize the lives of our citizens.”
©️DAWA MEDIA TEAM
Borno APC New Media
The Governor of Borno State
Borno Social Media Frontiers - BSF
All Progressives Congress
Kashim Shettima
Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Borno State