Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: President Muhammadu Buhari

  • President Buhari Proud of Ebonyi Governor’s Defection to Ruling APC

    President Buhari Proud of Ebonyi Governor’s Defection to Ruling APC

    President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the defection of Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it “as a bold move driven purely by principle rather than opportunistic motives.”

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    Reacting to the defection, President Buhari said:

    “I am proud of Governor David Umahi for taking this bold decision in accordance with his conscience and principles rather than any external influence or coercion.”

    According to the President, “Good governance is very important to us in the APC, and I’m glad that the governor has cited this as a major factor in his decision to join us. I urge our citizens to pay less emphasis on identity politics if we want our democracy to make a positive impact on our country.”

    He noted that “with men like Umahi, I foresee a brighter future for our democracy because the voters will be more motivated by performance records of parties and their candidates.”

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    “Let me once again; commend the boldness of Governor Umahi for taking this courageous decision in a country where principles are in short supply among many. I know people might call him names, but that is the price men of principles have to pay for acting according to their conscience and convictions” President Buhari added.

  • Opposition PDP Accuses President Buhari of Insincerity with Fuel Price Regime

    Opposition PDP Accuses President Buhari of Insincerity with Fuel Price Regime

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has tackled the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government over the hike in new fuel price.

    The opposition party rejected an increase in the pump price of fuel to N170 per litre by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, describing it as wicked, unbearable and unacceptable, particularly given the prevailing excruciating economic crunch already foisted on Nigerians by the Buhari administration.

    The party insisted that the increase in the pump price would worsen the already suffocating economic situation in the country.

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    “Such hike will also be an additional log tied on the economic neck of Nigerians,” PDP said.

    The party noted that the APC-led administration has “no justification to increase the cost of fuel to anything above N100 per liter talk less of N170, when there are practical options to maintain affordable price given our production capacity and potentialities.”

    “It is evident that the continuous increase in the pump price of fuel under opaque and nebulous indices is a product of incompetence and large scale corruption being perpetrated by a few individuals in the Buhari administration, who are bent on fleecing Nigerians and holding our nation to ransom.

    “Our party notes that the APC administration has failed to come clean on the parameters being used for the hike in prices vis-a-vis our production, export and accruing revenue.

    “Indeed, the APC administration is not being honest with Nigerians regarding the status and volume of oil production, sales and accruing revenue.

    “This is in addition to its failure to fix our refineries and end crude oil theft, allegedly to aid APC interests.

    “This appears to provide answers to why the APC administration has failed to offer any explanation on huge fraud going on in the management of our nation’s oil resources including the alleged stealing over N9.6 trillion ($25 billion) by APC interests, as detailed in the leaked NNPC memo.

    “It has also failed to publish details of its sleazy oil subsidy regime, including the involvement of APC interests in the claimed under-recovery for unnamed West African countries, running into trillions of naira, while Nigerians are made to bear the burden of high fuel costs.

    “Such humongous fraud in the management of our oil resources is responsible for the high costs and unspeakable hardship being suffered by millions of Nigerians who can barely afford their meals and basic necessities of life,” PDP said.

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    The party urged Buhari to end the alleged “corruption and the stealing of our oil resource under his watch by APC leaders, recover the looted resources and immediately reverse this increase in price of fuel.”

    “President Buhari should also take steps to fulfill his promise to revamp our refineries or accept his failures and apologize to Nigerians.

    “It is still not yet late for him to get more competent hands to run our oil sector instead of imposing more hardship on Nigerians,” said PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Buhari, El-Rufai, Saraki, PDP Mourn Passing of Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Balarabe Musa

    Buhari, El-Rufai, Saraki, PDP Mourn Passing of Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Balarabe Musa

    President Muhammadu Buhari; the Governor Nasir El-Rufai-led Kaduna State Government; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have mourned the passing of the first elected governor of Kaduna State, Balarabe Musa, who served the state from October 1979 to June 1981.

    While joining the government and people of Kaduna State in mourning Musa, Buhari said the former governor’s passing would be “sorely missed by all Nigerians, who have diligently followed his antecedents as a voice for the voiceless.”

    The President believed Musa “reflected the passion and vigour that heralded Nigeria’s independence, which steadily translated into activism for return to democracy at the height of military interregnum and has remained steadfast in the call for good and inclusive governance.”

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    As the former governor goes home, Buhari affirmed that he left “a bold footprint on Nigeria’s democracy, and his role in promoting good governance and development will always be remembered and appreciated by posterity.”

    The President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest, and comfort his family, friends and associates.

    Announcing the death of Musa, El-Rufai said Kaduna State is proud of the public service the former governor rendered to the state and its people.

    “Alhaji Balarabe Musa will be remembered as a progressive politician who tried in his time as governor to expand the horizons of opportunity for ordinary people.

    “He made notable contributions to industrialising the state. As a leader, he demonstrated at the ballot box, the capacity of a political party devoted to the protection of the interest of ordinary people to acquire power democratically.

    “As a private citizen, he projected the qualities of principled politics, decency, integrity, consistency and commitment to improving the lives of our ‘talakawa’ in Kaduna State and Nigeria.

    “Despite the setback of his unwarranted impeachment from the office of Governor, Alhaji Balarabe Musa remained steadfast to his principles and spoke his mind often, helping to project a radical voice in public discourse in defense of democracy, and to advance social justice.

    “As we pay tribute to his life of unblemished public service, we pray Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him al-Jannar Firdaus and to comfort his family,” said El-Rufai, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Muyiwa Adekeye.

    In his condolence message, Senate President Bukola Saraki, described the passing of Musa “a renowned statesman who fought for our return to democracy and a former Governor of Kaduna State” as “a great loss to the nation.”

    He therefore sent his heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Kaduna State, saying Musa would be “dearly missed.”

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    On its part, PDP said it’s “deeply grieved by the death of elder statesman, outstanding democrat and former governor of old Kaduna state, Alhaji Balarabe Musa.”

    The party described Musa’s death “as a huge national loss given his steadfastness, patriotic contributions and zeal in fighting for the unity, stability and development of our nation.”

    “Alhaji Musa was a forthright leader, an embodiment of ideals, who spent better part of his life championing the entrenchment of justice, equity, fairness and rule of law in every sector of our national life, despite the challenges he faced.

    “Our party commiserates with the Balarabe Musa family, the government and people of Kaduna State, as well as his friends and associates even as we pray that the Almighty God grants eternal repose to his soul and fortitude to the family and the nation at large, to bear this irreparable loss,” PDP said, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • President Buhari Mourns Former Governor of Kaduna State in Nigeria’s North

    President Buhari Mourns Former Governor of Kaduna State in Nigeria’s North

    President Muhammadu Buhari joins government and people of Kaduna State in mourning a former civilian governor of the state, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, whose passing will be sorely missed by all Nigerians, who have diligently followed his antecedents as a voice for the voiceless.

    In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu, President Buhari believes Alhaji Musa reflected the passion and vigour that heralded Nigeria’s independence, which steadily translated into activism for return to democracy at the height of military interregnum and has remained steadfast in the call for good and inclusive governance.

    As the former governor goes home, the President affirms that he left a bold footprint on Nigeria’s democracy, and his role in promoting good governance and development will always be remembered and appreciated by posterity.

    President Buhari prays that the almighty God will grant his soul eternal rest, and comfort his family, friends and associates.

  • Nigeria President Buhari Reinstates Sacked UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Dissolves Babalakin-led Council

    Nigeria President Buhari Reinstates Sacked UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Dissolves Babalakin-led Council

    President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday ordered the immediate dissolution of the Wale Babalakin-led Governing Council, University of Lagos.

    This was coming as the Buhari administration gave reasons for the reinstatement of the suspended university’s Vice Chancellor, Toyin Ogundipe.

    Though Babalakin and some members of the council have since tendered their resignation letters, the latest decision of to Federal Government was in fulfilment of the recommendation of a Special Visitation Panel set up by President Buhari to resolve the crisis rocking the institution following the controversial removal of Ogundipe.

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    “President Muhammadu Buhari, and Visitor to University of Lagos has approved the Report of the Special Visitation Panel to University of Lagos.

    “The highlights of the findings and recommendations approved by Mr. President are as follows:

    “The removal of Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe as the Vice Chancellor did not follow due process.

    “The Vice Chancellor was not granted an opportunity to defend himself on the allegations upon which his removal was based. He should accordingly be re-instated.

    “All allegations made against the Vice Chancellor and the management of the University before and after the Constitution of the Special Visitation Panel should be referred to regular Visitation Panel for thorough investigation and necessary recommendations.

    “The process adopted by the Council in the appointment of Professor Omololu Soyombo as Acting Vice Chancellor of the university was inconsistent with the provisions of the law relating to the appointment of an Acting Vice Chancellor.

    “The Governing Council should be dissolved.

    “Mr. President after careful review of the report has approved all the recommendations of the panel.

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    “Accordingly, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe is hereby reinstated as the Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos.

    “The Governing Council of University of Lagos Chaired by Dr. B. O. Babalakin is hereby dissolved,” said a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Education, Ben-Bem Goong.

    It would be recalled that Ogundipe was accused of financial impropriety and gross misconduct. He was removed controversially at a council meeting which took place at the headquarters of the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja.

    The relationship between Prof. Ogundipe and Dr. Babalakin became strained about two years ago.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • ‘Keep the Peace’ – Nigeria President Tells Youth

    ‘Keep the Peace’ – Nigeria President Tells Youth

    President Muhammadu Buhari Monday said he has mandated his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari, to meet with traditional rulers across the nation with a view of addressing some of the demands being made by the youths.

    While responding to the recent #EndSARS protest and the mayhem and destruction of public and private property that came in its wake, Buhari tasked Nigerian youths to embrace peace, saying it’s in their own interest ultimately.

    President Buhari receives in audience Hajia Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations in State House on 9th Nov 2020.

    The President spoke at State House in Abuja, while receiving in audience the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, who’s Nigeria’s former Minister of Environment.

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    Buhari said: “Our own generation is on the last lap, we are exiting.

    “It is in the interest of the youths to keep the peace. They want jobs, infrastructure and development. I have sent a team led by the Chief of Staff (Professor Ibrahim Gambari) to go round the country, talk to traditional rulers, who will then talk to the youths.

    “The views of the youths have been heard.”

    He added that the current administration inherited severe infrastructural deficits, “and that is what we are fighting to correct. We can’t just sit, fold our hands, and do nothing. We are doing our best within the limits of resources.”

    Buhari rued the fact that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has shrunk the global economy, noting that “this is something you can’t see, smell, or hear,” but which has wrought devastation on lives and livelihoods round the world.

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    On climate change, the President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said Nigeria was concerned about the recharge of the Lake Chad, which has great implications on security, irregular migration, and livelihoods.

    In her remarks, the UN Deputy Secretary-General said she was on a courtesy call with her team to flag interest on challenges that concern the global body, particularly COVID-19, climate change, security, and humanitarian responses to the diverse challenges.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Stakeholders in Nigeria’s South-West Demand Youth Empowerment After EndSARS

    Stakeholders in Nigeria’s South-West Demand Youth Empowerment After EndSARS

    Stakeholders at South-west Peace Dialogue which took place in Lagos over the weekend have demanded for the repair of economic assets destroyed in the wake of the #EndSARSProtests that turned bloody in the region.

    The stakeholders, including the South-west governors, traditional rulers, political leaders and leaders of thought, at the end of the meeting issued a 13-point communique, called for a comprehensive programme that would address youth employment and empowerment in the country.

    The communique, signed on behalf of the participants by Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said: “The security architecture of the country requires adjustment to adequately address the threats and realities of insecurity in the country. There should be more police presence in communities in the South-west states.

    “A comprehensive programme that addresses youth employment and empowerment should be prioritised. Closer coordination and complementarity between the States and the Federal Government. Curricular of tertiary institutions should be reviewed, with emphasis placed on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.

    “We recognise the damaging and negative impact of fake and false news, and we worry about its destructive and dangerous potency. We call on Federal Government to use the instrumentality of existing laws and regulations bench-marked from other countries to provide safeguards against the spread of fake news. The 2015 Cyber Act must also be fully used.”

    The South-west leaders also demanded a review of reports of past constitutional conferences, including the 2014 National Conference and implement some of the recommendations, especially with reference to security, economy, equal treatment for citizens all over the country.

    Lagos State Government hosted the dialogue, which was at the instance of all the six governors of the South-west states, to forge a common front with traditional institutions in addressing the issues that led to the recent nationwide youth demonstration, which ended in violence that shook the region to its foundation.

    President Muhammadu Buhari was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari.

    Also, all serving members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) from the region and Inspector General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Adamu, attended the event held at the Banquet Hall in the State House, Alausa.

    Buhari, in his remarks, said the vigorous manner of the #EndSARS protest indicated the frustration of the youth, who he said had been ignored for a long time in governance. He said the political class must go beyond the lip service and equip the young people with skills that would make them competitive in market.

    The President reiterated his commitment to addressing the root causes of the protest, pointing out the reforms which the youths clamoured for would be done and cases of abuses would be pursued to logical conclusion.

    He said: “Our government’s effort are emerging from multiple level. The Vice President and governors are designing an engagement framework through the National Economic Council that will be rolled out across States of the Federation.

    “Chief among them is police reform across all its dimensions. Community policing as an additional layer that can resolve some of our security issues.”

    Speaking at the event, Akeredolu, who is also the Chairman of the South-west Governors’ Forum, said the coordinated violence sparked by the #EndSARS protests shook the South-west to its foundation, given the unrestrained manner with which public assets and infrastructure that had sustained the region’s economy were destroyed by hoodlums.

    He said the style of the attacks, especially in Lagos, was worrisome, noting that the peace in the region remained fragile in the aftermath of the violence.

    Akeredolu said there’s need to fully restore peace in the South-west and address the issues that made youths to be used by those who orchestrated the destruction.

    According to him, “Before our very eyes, what started as a peaceful demonstration turned to a different thing that became a threat to all of us, who are regarded as elite. What we witnessed in the violence showed that something needs to be done to address the underlying issues and come out with solutions. We must be able to sustain the peace in our region at all cost.”

    To Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the engagement could not have come at a better time than the present period when the region had just come out from disturbing events.

    He believed the dialogue would open a new chapter of peace and prosperity in the South-west.

    The discussion went into an executive session in which all the South-west Governors, traditional rulers and heads of security agencies deliberated on the way forward.

    Oba Ogunwusi, on his part, applauded the initiative, which he described as “right step” but upbraided the political class for lack of consultation with traditional institutions in decision making.

    He said the dialogue would bridge the gap of communication between political leaders and traditional rulers.

    Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, attacked the unitary system being practised, saying the arrangement had led to insecurity and restiveness.

    Also, Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, said security must be fortified in the region to protect the economy of the South-west. He also called for the creation of South-west Development Agenda to revamp and rebuild the destroyed assets.

    Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, in his remarks, fingered politicians as the cause of issues that led to the #EndSARS protest, saying unemployment contributed to the problem.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • $1.2bn Brazilian Loan Will Plunge Nigeria’s Economy into Further Devastating Pitfall, PDP Tells Buhari

    $1.2bn Brazilian Loan Will Plunge Nigeria’s Economy into Further Devastating Pitfall, PDP Tells Buhari

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised fresh alarm over the latest plans by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to “further mortgage our nation through an additional $1.2 billion loan from Brazil despite the public outcry against the accumulation of loans from China and other foreign interests.”

    PDP cautioned the Buhari Presidency not to “further weaken our nation and using nebulous agricultural programmes as justification for further accumulation of foreign loans, without clear terms and conditions, to the detriment of the poor masses and generations yet unborn.”

    The party further warned that “the loan request, if approved by the National Assembly, will exacerbate our nation’s debt burden, mortgage our agricultural sector, weaken our investment capacity and worsen our food security challenge.”

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    “Our party invites Nigerians to note that with the $1.2 billion (N459 billion) Brazilian loan, in addition to the N5.20 trillion borrowing already proposed in the 2021 budget, our nation’s debt burden will hit a disastrous N36.2 trillion which will plunge our economy into a devastating pitfall,” said the opposition party.

    PDP urged the National Assembly to save the nation by being circumspect in handling the loan request in the national interest.

    “Instead of this recourse to reckless borrowings,” PDP tasked “the Buhari Presidency to apply itself productively by looking inwards and finding ways to harness and create wealth with the resources abounding in our country.”

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    “What Nigeria needs now is for government to be more innovative and resourceful in galvanizing a productive economy instead of reducing our nation to a beggar status among the comity of nations,” PDP said, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • How President Buhari Intends to Move Forward with #EndSARS Demands

    How President Buhari Intends to Move Forward with #EndSARS Demands

    Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday night again indicates his readiness to move forward with the demands of the Nigerian youth through the EndSARS protest by appealing to come to the negotiation table and not be afraid.

    The President made the appeal in his remarks at the maiden National Youth Day celebration, observed on November 1, which coincides with the African Youth Day celebration in Abuja.

    At the event with the theme: ”Invest in the Youth, Secure Our Future”, where winners of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development 60-day App Challenge and Youth Innovators were recognised and received cash rewards, the President assured that his administration will not attempt to stop or suppress their voices, President Buhari further appealed to Nigerian youths to end street protests and participate in meaningful discussions with government aimed at comprehensive reforms to end all forms of police brutality against Nigerians.

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    In the same vain, President Buhari has also condemned wrongful use and imposition of violent force against any innocent, law-abiding persons, particularly young people, a stigma that compelled Nigerian youths to recently take to the streets in protest against police brutality in the country. The agitation le to the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, a unit in the Nigerian Police Force.

    President Buhari, who was represented at the event by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Muhammad Bello, reiterated that the pleas of Nigerian youths have been heard by his administration and advised them not to be afraid to come out to dialogue with the government on the best way to reform the police.

    He said that the Federal Government ‘‘now wants to hear concrete and practical ideas,’’ from the youths, while acknowledging their constitutional right to peaceful protests.

    ”You must realize that protests cannot last indefinitely. My government will not lift a hand to stop or suppress you.

    ”However, the fact of the matter is that other forces and actors will seek to take over your protests that they may redirect them in ways you did not intend and perhaps do not agree with.

    ”Every successful protest movement the world over has understood that there comes a time when activity must move from the street to the negotiation table. That time for you has come. Do not be afraid of this reality. You should welcome it.

    ”It is important that we all strive to use this moment constructively. Too many people have already sacrificed too dearly. It is our duty to use this fateful situation to move ourselves to a more just and caring society.

    ”As youth, you have a nation and a future to build. My government will always be your faithful partner in this essential and patriotic endeavours.”

    He said, ”No one who is obeying the law, whether they are in line waiting for a taxi or in a peaceful protest line, should be harassed or brutalized by law enforcement agencies.

    ”It is because of my abiding belief in the people’s constitutional rights that we moved with dispatch to abolish SARS and to consider other reforms that will enhance the quality of law enforcement and improve the relationship between the police and public which is a pre-requisite in a just society.

    ”To allow protests is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength and belief in democracy, and faith in the innate goodness of our people.

    ”This also shows confidence in the ability of our government to work with the people toward a reasonable and practical resolution to any challenge,” he said.

    The president highlighted that in order to empower youths across the nation, whom he described as agents for social change, economic growth and sustainable development, his administration has established no fewer than 25 initiatives.

    He noted that these noble initiatives, ongoing in the last five years, were aimed at placing Nigerian youths on the path of career development, entrepreneurship, skills development and direct employment.

    ”Today we will unveil the official logo of the N75 billion Nigeria Youth Investment Fund for the period of 2020 – 2023.

    ”This novel fund is dedicated to investing in the innovative ideas, skills and talents of Nigerian Youths and to provide our youths with a special window to access much needed financing, business management skills and other inputs critical for sustainable enterprise,” he said.

    The President announced that over one million applications have already been received since the Youth Investment Fund Portal went live on 12th of October 2020.

    He listed other youth-based initiatives, consistent with his administration’s policy of positioning youths for strategic leadership in different fields of endeavour, as follows:

    ”The birth of the Nigerian Youth Policy in 2019, the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund in July 2020, Young Farmers Initiative, Digital Skills, Entrepreneurship, Employability and Leadership/Mentoring (DEEL) programme, which recently received an approval of N4 billion naira for implementation, and the Not Too Young to Run Act.”

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    Other initiatives, according to the President, include the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES) , the N-Power, SI and Disaster Management, the Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Programme , Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) and the Youth Enterprise with Innovation In Nigeria (YouWIN).

    The President also added the $20 million Technology Fund for Young Innovators as some of the major initiatives empowering youths across the country.

    Restating his call for national unity, President Buhari said Nigerian youths are better positioned to drive the indivisibility of Nigeria and collectively overcome whatever challenges bedevilling the nation.

    He said, ”On this special occasion, we affirm our faith and confidence in the indivisible entity called Nigeria and in its future.

    ”We face many challenges but, in you, this nation has the collective ability and drive to overcome that which confronts us”, President Buhari affirmed.

  • President Buhari Welcomes International Partnerships to Spur Development

    President Buhari Welcomes International Partnerships to Spur Development

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja expressed the commitment of the government of Nigeria to work with an international think-tank group and investment promoter, Horasis Global Visions Community, to find solutions to challenges facing the country, its government and corporate entities.

    Speaking at a virtual meeting with the members of the Visions Community led by its founder and chairman, Dr Frank-Jürgen Richter, cross-sectional representatives of State Governors and corporate organizations in Nigeria, President Buhari said: ”I am excited about the work that Horasis has been engaged in since it was founded in 2005.

    President Buhari receives in Virtual audience Horasis Global Visions Community led by its Chairman Dr. Frank-Jurgen Richer in State House on 30th Oct 2020

    ”As a platform for frank discussions and generation of multidisciplinary ideas for the resolution of multi-faceted challenges facing mankind, the work of governments and corporate organisations are expected to be impacted more positively,” he said.

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    President Buhari accepted the request of the global think tank to create its African hub in Nigeria, commending their vision for an expanded manufacturing through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to make the country a major beneficiary of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (ACTFA) coming into effect next year.

    ”It is my hope that many corporate organizations in Nigeria will be drawn into the mainstream discussion around several challenges facing Nigeria and indeed the rest of Africa,” the President said.

    President Buhari expressed the commitment of the government of Nigeria to the proposed annual Africa Summits of the organization, with Nigeria hosting, in the strong belief that Nigeria will fully benefit from the meetings.

    The Chairman of the group, Frank-Jürgen Richter, commended Nigeria’s economic growth in the last few years and gave strong assurances that the Africa Summits with Nigeria as the hub will bring the benefits of increased FDI.

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    Other speakers at the meeting, including the Chairman of the Horasis Visions Community in Nigeria and a former Minister of National Planning, Prof Shamsudeen Usman, the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Engineer Mansur Ahmed, expressed excitement about the good prospects of increased manufacturing through FDI to give a competitive advantage to Nigeria in view of the ACFTA.