Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Founder of DAAR Communications and African Independent Television (AIT) is dead.
Dokpesi, who was a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died at the age of 71 in Abuja.
His son, Raymond Dokpesi (JNR), announced the passing in a brief statement on Monday.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of High Chief Raymond Aleogho Anthony Dokpesi (Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno Kingdom) who passed away on May 29th, 2023,” the statement reads.
“High Chief Dokpesi was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
“High Chief Dokpesi was also a respected and accomplished businessman, a pioneer in the media industry, and a philanthropist who dedicated his life to the service of his country and his community. His legacy will live on through the impact he made on the lives of many.
“The Dokpesi family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. We ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of our patriarch. We also ask for privacy during this time as we grieve together as a family.”
He added that more details on the funeral arrangements will be released in due course.
There is currently chaos and confusion over the hurried introduction of “Brown Card”, a new document for permanent residency for foreigners in Nigeria by the immediate past government.
The innovation, which was announced by the former minister of interior, Rauf Aregbesola, was packaged without the input of relevant agencies and stakeholders. Aregbesola made the announcement at the conferral ceremony for 385 foreigners.
However, there has been apprehension and confusion since the introduction as stakeholders are querying the hurried nature of the new policy. These worries revolve around the execution, and the intention of this policy. A source close to the new administration disclosed that the policy is being reviewed.
Currently, there are reports of unscrupulous ISIS characters using the back door routes with ECOWAS passports from countries such as Guinea Bissau thronging through West Africa. Who can key into this Brown Card.
It would be recalled that towards the twilight of the previous administration, many policies and bills were signed which are expected to benefit Nigerians in the long run. However, this is one of those policies that is being revisited by the new administration to ensure that the interest of Nigeria, overrides the interest of a few.
I stand before you honoured to assume the sacred mandate you have given me. My love for this nation is abiding. My confidence in its people, unwavering. And my faith in God Almighty, absolute. I know that His hand shall provide the needed moral strength and clarity of purpose in those instances when we seem to have reached the limits of our human capacity.
This day is bold and majestic yet bright and full of spirit, as is our precious nation.
As a nation, we have long ago decided to march beyond the dimness of night into the open day of renewed national hope.
The question we now ask ourselves is whether to remain faithful to the work inherent in building a better society or retreat into the shadows of our unmet potential.
For me, there is but one answer. We are too great a nation and too grounded as a people to rob ourselves of our finest destiny.
This nation’s journey has been shaped by the prayers of millions, and the collective sacrifices of us all.
We have endured hardships that would have made other societies crumble.
Yet, we have shouldered the heavy burden to arrive at this SUBLIME moment where the prospect of a better future merges with our improved capacity to create that future.
To the surprise of many but not to ourselves, we have more firmly established this land as a democracy in both word and deed.
The peaceful transition from one government to another is now our political tradition. This handover symbolizes our trust in God, our enduring faith in representative governance and our belief in our ability to reshape this nation into the society it was always meant to be.
Here, permit me to say a few words to my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr President, you have been an honest, patriotic leader who has done his best for the nation you love. On a more personal note, you are a worthy partner and friend. May History be kind to you.
For many years, Nigeria’s critics have trafficked the rumour that our nation will break apart, even perish.
Yet here we are. We have stumbled at times, but our resilience and diversity have kept us going.
Our burdens may make us bend at times, but they shall never break us.
Instead, we stand forth as Africa’s most populous nation and as the best hope and strongest champion of the Black Race.
As citizens, we declare as one unified people devoted to one unified national cause, that as long as this world exists, NIGERIA SHALL EXIST.
Today, Fate and Destiny join together to place the torch of human progress in our very hands. We dare not let it slip.
We lift high this torch so that it might shine on every household and in every heart that calls itself Nigerian. We hold this beam aloft because it lights our path with compassion, brotherhood, and peace. May this great light never EXTINGUISH.
Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you. We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate. We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own.
We are here to further mend and heal this nation, not tear and injure it.
In this vein, may I offer a few comments regarding the election that brought us to this juncture. It was a hard fought contest. And it was also fairly won. Since the advent of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria has not held an election of better quality.
The outcome reflected the will of the people. However, my victory does not render me any more Nigerian than my opponents. Nor does it render them any less patriotic.
They shall forever be my fellow compatriots. And I will treat them as such. They represent important constituencies and concerns that wisdom dare not ignore.
They have taken their concerns to court. Seeking legal redress is their right and I fully defend their exercise of this right. This is the essence of the rule of law. Over six decades ago, our founding fathers gave bravely of themselves to place Nigeria on the map as an independent nation.
We must never allow the labor of those who came before us to wither in vain but to blossom and bring forth a better reality.
Let us take the next great step in the journey they began and believed in.
Today, let us recommit our very selves to placing Nigeria in our hearts as the indispensable home for each and every one of us regardless of creed, ethnicity, or place of birth.
My supporters, I thank you. To those who voted otherwise, I extend my hand across the political divide. I ask you to grasp it in national affinity and brotherhood. For me, political coloration has faded away. All I see are Nigerians.
May we uphold these fitting and excellent notions as the new Nigerian ideal.
My fellow compatriots,
The Nigerian ideal which I speak of is more than just an improvement in economic and other statistics. These things are important; but they can never convey the fullness of our story.
Our mission is to improve our way of life in a manner that nurtures our humanity, encourages compassion toward one another, and duly rewards our collective effort to resolve the social ills that seek to divide us.
Our constitution and laws give us a nation on paper. We must work harder at bringing these noble documents to life by strengthening the bonds of economic collaboration, social cohesion, and cultural understanding. Let us develop a shared sense of fairness and equity.
The South must not only seek good for itself but must understand that its interests are served when good comes to the North. The North must see the South likewise.
Whether from the winding creeks of the Niger Delta, the vastness of the northern savannah, the boardrooms of Lagos, the bustling capital of Abuja, or the busy markets of Onitsha, you are all my people. As your president, I shall serve with prejudice toward none but compassion and amity towards all.
In the coming days and weeks, my team will publicly detail key aspects of our programme. Today, permit me to outline in broad terms a few initiatives that define our concept of progressive good governance in furtherance of the Nigerian ideal:
The principles that will guide our administration are simple:
Nigeria will be impartially governed according to the constitution and the rule of law.
We shall defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality that threaten the peace and stability of our country and our subregion.
We shall remodel our economy to bring about growth and development through job creation, food security and an end of extreme poverty.
In our administration, Women and youth will feature prominently.
Our government will continue to take proactive steps such as championing a credit culture to discourage corruption while strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of the various anti-corruption agencies.
SECURITY
Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.
To effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform both our security DOCTRINE and its ARCHITECTURE.
We shall invest more in our security personnel, and this means more than an increase in number. We shall provide, better training, equipment, pay and firepower.
THE ECONOMY
On the economy, we target a higher GDP growth and to significantly reduce unemployment.
We intend to accomplish this by taking the following steps:
First, budgetary reform stimulating the economy without engendering inflation will be instituted.
Second, industrial policy will utilize the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency.
Third, electricity will become more accessible and affordable to businesses and homes alike. Power generation should nearly double and transmission and distribution networks improved. We will encourage states to develop local sources as well.
I have a message for our investors, local and foreign: our government shall review all their complaints about multiple taxation and various anti-investment inhibitions.
We shall ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard earned dividends and profits home.
JOBS
My administration must create meaningful opportunities for our youth. We shall honour our campaign commitment of one million new jobs in the digital economy.
Our government also shall work with the National Assembly to fashion an omnibus Jobs and Prosperity bill. This bill will give our administration the policy space to embark on labour-intensive infrastructural improvements, encourage light industry and provide improved social services for the poor, elderly and vulnerable.
Agriculture
Rural incomes shall be secured by commodity exchange boards guaranteeing minimal prices for certain crops and animal products. A nationwide programme for storage and other facilities to reduce spoilage and waste will be undertaken.
Agricultural hubs will be created throughout the nation to increase production and engage in value-added processing. The livestock sector will be introduced to best modern practices and steps taken to minimize the perennial conflict over land and water resources in this sector.
Through these actions, food shall be made more abundant yet less costly. Farmers shall earn more while the average Nigerian pays less.
INFRASTRUCTURE
We shall continue the efforts of the Buhari administration on infrastructure. Progress toward national networks of roads, rail and ports shall get priority attention.
FUEL SUBSIDY
We commend the decision of the outgoing administration in phasing out the petrol subsidy regime which has increasingly favoured the rich more than the poor. Subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources. We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions.
MONETARY POLICY
Monetary policy needs thorough housecleaning. The Central Bank must work towards a unified exchange rate. This will direct funds away from arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plant, equipment and jobs that power the real economy.
Interest rates need to be reduced to increase investment and consumer purchasing in ways that sustain the economy at a higher level.
Whatever merits it had in concept, the currency swap was too harshly applied by the CBN given the number of unbanked Nigerians. The policy shall be reviewed. In the meantime, my administration will treat both currencies as legal tender.
FOREIGN POLICY
Given the world in which we reside, please permit a few comments regarding foreign policy.
The crisis in Sudan and the turn from democracy by several nations in our immediate neighbourhood are of pressing concern.
As such, my primary foreign policy objective must be the peace and stability of the West African subregion and the African continent. We shall work with ECOWAS, the AU and willing partners in the international community to end extant conflicts and to resolve new ones.
As we contain threats to peace, we shall also retool our foreign policy to more actively lead the regional and continental quest for collective prosperity.
Conclusion
This is the proudest day of my life. But this day does not belong to me. It belongs to you, the people of Nigeria.
On this day, Nigeria affirms its rightful place among the world’s great democracies. There, Nigeria shall reside forever.
The course of our past and the promise of the future have brought us to this exceptional moment.
In this spirit, I ask you to join me in making Nigeria a more perfect nation and democracy such that the Nigerian ideal becomes and forever remains the Nigerian reality.
With full confidence in our ability, I declare that these things are within our proximate reach because my name is Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I am the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God bless you and May He bless our beloved land.
On Monday in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu declared that his administration would end the subsidy on petroleum products.
Soon after being sworn in as the 16th President of Nigeria, Tinubu declared “Subsidy is gone” in his inaugural speech at Eagle Square, Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu stated during his inaugural speech on Monday in Abuja that his administration’s minimum GDP growth target is 6% per year. Additionally, he pledged to govern the nation with “compassion and amity toward all.”
“In terms of the economy, we’ll aim for GDP growth of no less than 6%. Budgetary reforms will be used to accomplish this. In his inaugural speech at Eagle Square, Abuja, Tinubu promised to make maximum use of home production while reducing importation.
He committed to evaluate any concerns about numerous taxes in order to increase foreign direct investment.
“Our administration will examine all concerns about various taxes, as promised to our foreign investors. All firms would be permitted to bring their hard-earned profits home, added Tinubu.
The former governor of Lagos and Nigeria’s vice president, Kashim Shettima, had taken the oath of office together a few hours earlier.
CareerLife Nigeria, a well-known non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting career success, has announced the completion of the second batch of its career moms mentorship program.
According to a release, the program is especially intended to help mothers who took time off from their careers to raise children and are having trouble reentering the workforce.
Yewande Jinadu, the founder of CareerLife Nigeria, stated that many women have a terrible time trying to get back to work after having children and frequently give up on their careers completely.
After going through these difficulties after the birth of my first child, I made the decision to start this program to give women the crucial support network they required to regain control of their professions.
She claimed that during the organization’s most recent 10-week mentorship program, participants actively participated in insightful conversations about overcoming stereotypes and barriers at work, challenging limiting beliefs, navigating office politics skillfully, avoiding common job search pitfalls, and prioritizing overall well-being as women.
Throughout its run, the program promoted transformative conversations by concentrating on issues that were empowering.
She emphasized that the Career Moms program placed a strong emphasis on participant development and progress, which raised members’ visibility on professional networking sites.
In expressing her gratitude, one of the workshop participants said, “Through the program, I regained my enthusiasm for reading and writing.”
“I updated my CV using the detailed template provided, which resulted in two invitations to interviews in less than two weeks. Despite turning down a job offer because of unfavorable terms, my confidence has grown immensely. I am now confident in my ability, she further said.
Another participant, who also expressed her renewed tenacity, said, “I continually remind myself to keep focused on my goals regardless of the current conditions, I am not defined by a break in my career.”
The organization’s efforts to give Nigerian adolescents essential employable skills and combat unemployment while adhering to Sustainable Development Goal 8 included this transformative program, which was one of those attempts.
The organization promised to keep creating and carrying out different events and programs.
Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, has encouraged the federal government to stop funding youth empowerment initiatives and instead make long-term investments in the country’s youth.
This was spoken by Akinwummi at Bola Tinubu’s inaugural speech in Abuja, Nigeria. “Nigeria needs to develop a youth-based economy, We need to stop implementing so-called youth empowerment initiatives”, he said.
He continued saying,”Youths don’t need free stuff. Investments are required. The present financial systems refuse to lend to young people and never will. Even when they use a palliative approach, special funds are neither systemic nor sustainable”.
“What is required to unleash the entrepreneurship of the youth in Nigeria are brand new financial ecosystems that understand, value, promote, and provide financial instruments and platforms for nurturing youth business ventures at scale”.
The head of the AfDB also revealed that the $618 million I-DICE program to foster digital and creative businesses had been launched by the continental bank in collaboration with Agence Francaise de Developpement and the Islamic Development Bank.
He claimed that the scheme would boost Nigeria’s economy by $6.3 billion and generate six million new jobs.
In order to design and assist the establishment of young entrepreneurship investment banks, the bank was now “working with Central Banks and countries,” Akinwummi continued.
In order to create and implement new financial services and products for young people’s businesses and initiatives, these new financial institutions will be led by specialists and bankers who are youthful, professional, and extremely capable.
“Several African nations intend to establish investment banks for young entrepreneurs. Nigeria ought to set up an investment bank for young businesses. Nigeria’s main asset is not its natural resources, it is its human capital” he stated.
“In a fast digitizing global economy, we must spend extensively in human capital to develop the capabilities Nigeria needs to be globally competitive. The development of abilities in ICT and computer coding, as well as in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), as well as other areas, must be accelerated. These fields will shape the employment of the future”, he continued.
According to Universal Insurance Plc, it paid N471.5 million in compensation to Next Cash and Carry, a grocery store in the Federal Capital Territory that was damaged by fire in December 2021 and burned to the ground.
The insurer, which recently received the Independent Newspaper Awards ceremony’s “Insurance Brand of the Year Award 2022,” said in a statement that it had stayed faithful to the subject of promptly paying policyholders’ claims.
It was recalled that the business compensated policyholders who experienced losses between 2015 and 2020 with N1.2 billion in claims.
According to the breakdown of the compensation paid, the company paid claims totaling N1.2 billion across nine insurance classes in 2016, N111.1 million, N330.3 million, N334.2 million, and N338.2 million.
Dr. Benedict Ujoatuonu, the firm’s managing director and chief executive officer, stated that the organization’s dedication to satisfying its clients was non-negotiable while discussing the claims profile of the company.
He stated, “We realize the value of speedy claims payment, and we remain consistent in our drive to deliver on our commitments to our esteemed clients.
The insurer said that in order to provide insurance accessibility throughout the nation, it had increased its presence in Lagos in the meantime.
“Expanding our market is our primary strategy for business growth this year,” he declared. We have added offices in Lekki and Apapa as part of this plan.
Universal Insurance, a non-life insurance firm, with a N12.3 billion asset base, 16 billion fully paid shares, and a N8 billion issued share capital. More than N9.7 billion is in the company’s shareholders fund.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi urged his followers and Nigerians in general to remain peaceful and law-abiding ahead of Bola Tinubu’s inauguration as president.
Obi, who made the appeal in the early hours of Monday, revealed that nefarious plans are being developed against him and his followers in the coming months, with efforts being made to tarnish his reputation.
disappointments. We stand at that critical moment in time when, as a people, we must collectively come to grips with the reality of our injured destiny as well as the reasons for that injury. It is for us to reassess our plight as a young democracy and identify clear pathways to
The former Anambra State governor stated that calumny efforts are being refined in order to slander his character and undermine his hard-earned integrity.
Obi stated in the early hours of Monday that “the schemes will aim to degrade our support base and confuse the public.” No malevolent campaign, however, would change the essence of my character or weaken my patriotic dedication to a better Nigeria.”
He said, “For all Nigerians, this is a time for deep reflection. It is also a time to re-examine our assumptions, even as we reaffirm our hopes. Let us calmly review our aspirations, in order to recalibrate our expectations and pin down the causes of our missed opportunities and disappointments.
“We stand at that critical moment in time when, as a people, we must collectively come to grips with the reality of our injured destiny as well as the reasons for that injury. It is for us to reassess our plight as a young democracy and identify clear pathways to a better and greater future for us all.
“As we await the verdict of the election tribunal, I urge all Nigerians to use this opportunity to renew their commitment to the Nigerian ideal. That ideal remains noble and worth every sacrifice we can make.
“Nigeria remains our only patrimony and it is a patrimony we must protect, rather than violate. We have no other nation but this, so let us remain committed to rescuing and rebuilding it.
“The judiciary is part of the democratic enterprise and a critical governance tool for determining the propriety of the decisions and actions of every citizen and every institution of state. To that extent, and for that reason, I urge everyone to treat it with the respect and dignity it deserves.
“We expect that the Nigerian judiciary will use the election cases now before it to reaffirm its independence and integrity. It has to do so, for all our sakes and for itself.
“Nigerians must, therefore, remain peaceful and law abiding. No matter the depth of anyone’s reservations about what is going on in the polity today, no matter the real and imagined provocations, and no matter the disagreement out there, we should remember that this will not last forever.
“I remain committed, and untiring, in my determination to work with like-minded fellow Nigerians to end the curse of missed opportunities and squandered hope that has become our lot here.
“I will never shrink from that original commitment, because I firmly believe that we must change from the present politics of criminality, and corruption, in order to make a new Nigeria possible.
“I call on fellow Nigerians, especially the youths to remain steadfast, calm, patient, and peaceful. Our journey may be long and difficult but it is worth it in every way. Victory is assured.
“We have to work together to move our beautiful country from corruption and criminality to a center of productivity rather than aimless consumption.
“I am aware of some evil designs being hatched against me and my supporters in the coming months. Efforts will be made to taint my image. Campaigns of calumny are being perfected to defame my character and diminish my hard-earned integrity.
“These schemes will aim at degrading our support base and confusing the public. But, no evil campaign will alter the substance of my character; nor diminish my patriotic commitment to a better Nigeria. It is about the future of our youths. it is about ending the Years of Locust.
” In all of this, I thank Nigerians, our great party (LP) and the media. The latter, as the Fourth Estate of the realm, has remained a trusted ally.
“This Estate must continue to guide our people on the immense promise of a future in a new Nigeria.
“God bless Nigeria and protect the troops keeping us safe in this season of vaulting insecurity. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Nigeria Police on Monday warned the public to ignore “false news making the rounds on social media alleging the sack of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba by a Federal High Court in Awka.”
According to Muyiwa Adejobi, the force’s public relations officer, “the said judgment is subject to appeal, and the alleged news is thus false, unfounded, and perceived to be the handiwork of mischief makers.”
“IGP Alkali was appointed in a letter-number SGF.20/S.6/83 dated 30th Nov 2021 for a 4-year tenure and his stay in office is within the purview of his appointment.
“It is imperative to note that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, dismissed a suit that sought to compel the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Usman Alkali Baba, to vacate his office on March 1, 2023.
“The Federal High Court, in the judgment delivered by Justice J. K. Omotosho, held that going by the provision of Section 7 (6) of the Police Act, 2020, anyone appointed as the IGP has a statutorily recognized four-year tenure.
“It described the IGP’s four-year tenure as sacrosanct, stressing that his retirement as the IGP had nothing to do with age or years of service.
“It is pertinent to state that maintaining the four-year period for individuals appointed as IGP is being institutionalized by the provisions of the law, not on personal grounds to favour an individual, but for the general betterment of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Consequently, members of the public are on this notice advised to ignore the false news making the rounds on social media. IGP Usman Alkali Baba remains the Inspector-General of Police and is duty-bound to execute the responsibilities of the office in accordance with extant laws.
“Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police reaffirms the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police to the improvement of policing services within the country as well as the entrenchment of professionalism and community-oriented policing.”
The House of Representatives (Reps) revised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act to increase the apex bank’s lending limit to the federal government from 5% to 15%.
The amendment was passed during a special session of the legislature conducted on Sunday.
It comes amid popular anxiety about why the National Assembly would approve President Muhammadu Buhari’s request for ways and means advances, given that the 23.1 trillion naira request exceeded the CBN’s 5 percent lending cap.
The lawmakers believe the change will allow the government to meet its current and future obligations in the Ways and Means Committee’s approval of the Ways and Means.
The bill was passed by the House just 24 hours after the Senate passed it in a similar extraordinary session.
The House, like the Senate, altered the 2023 supplementary budget to allow for its implementation until December 31, 2023.
Data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revealed that the federal government spent $894 million to service foreign debt obligations from January to April 2023.
The export and international payment data released over the weekend showed that the federal government spent $ 112.35 million in January 2023, $288.5 million in February, $400.5 million in March, and a significant service of $92.8 million for the month of April.
However, the data revealed also that total direct remittances for the first four months of 2023 were $451.61 million.
Further breakdown showed that in January, $79.2 million was recorded, and in February, $83.76 million was recorded, while in March, $138.6 million was recorded, and in April. $159.04 million was recorded.
However, the World Bank had disclosed that money sent home by Nigerians who live abroad is projected to hit $20.9 billion in 2022, with analysts citing the ‘Naira-4-dollar’ scheme and talent exodus as major factors behind the expected increase in remittances.
According to the World Bank’s Migration and Development Brief report, remittance flow to Nigeria grew by an estimated 8.85 per cent in 2022 from $19.2 billion in 2021.
Africa’s biggest economy saw its diaspora remittances plunge to $17.2 billion in 2020 amid the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic from $25.3 billion in the previous year.
“Nigeria witnessed a sharp recovery in flows during 2021 (13.2 per cent), maintaining the improved momentum of 2021 into the first quarter of 2022,” the report said.
It however stated that the remittance growth fell in Q2 to 0.5 per cent, compared to the same period in 2021.
“Moreover, the country is reaping little benefit from the surge in crude oil prices, while the expatriate community faces real income losses in the United States, the United Kingdom and the Euro Area,” the report further said.
Canada has announced more expedited Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) processing and more thoughtful application procedures.
In a statement, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Sean Fraser stated that the new approach will allow families to be together sooner while their permanent residence is being finalized.
He stated that in the future, the majority of these applications will be processed within 30 days, and applicants will benefit from processing methods tailored to their special situation as spouses and dependents.
The Minister stated that numerous applications have already been completed using these new technologies, with an approval rate of 93%.
“Family reunification through immigration is not only a matter of compassion; it is a fundamental pillar of Canadian society. Today’s announcement is a mandate commitment to help build inclusive and resilient communities.
“We are supporting Canadians and newcomers by reuniting families faster, and also allowing them to work and support themselves more quickly once they’re here.
“By doing so, Canada is helping newcomers achieve their true potential, while also strengthening Canada’s economy and social fabric,” Fraser said.
Additionally, spousal applicants and other open work permit holders whose licenses expire between August 1 and the end of 2023 will be able to renew their work permits for an additional 18 months.
According to the statement, a comparable option was recently made available to many people with expired post-graduate employment permits.
President-elect Bola Tinubu and Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima have both been sworn in as President and Vice President of Nigeria, respectively.
The Oath of Office was administered by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kayode Ariwoola, on Monday, May 29, 2023.
Tinubu, a former Senator and governor of Lagos State was declared the winner of the February 2023 presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress polled a total of 8,794,726 votes to defeat his closest rival of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, who polled a total of 6,984,520 votes in the election while Peter Obi of the Labour Party came third in the election with a total of 6,101,533 votes and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP came fourth with 1,496,687 votes.
According to the data at the FMDQ Security Exchange where forex is traded officially, the dollar to naira exchange rate stood at (undisclosed).
This would mean that the Nigerian currency either gained or lose in value against the United States dollar, as the foreign exchange (forex) trading closed at N460.96 per $1 on Thursday, May 25.
How much is the dollarto naira at the black market today?
Going by sources at the Bureau De Change (BDC) in Lagos, the dollar to naira last traded ₦769 in the black market in the state.
It is, however, pertinent to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognise the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in forex to approach their respective banks
There are a few crucial elements that can increase your chances of ranking well on Google’s search engine, yet there is no surefire method. High-quality content, pertinent keywords, effective on-page SEO, user experience, backlinks, and other elements are among them.
Here are seven resources that might assist you in comprehending and putting into practice successful Google ranking strategies:
“The Beginner’s Guide to SEO”
This comprehensive guide by Moz covers the fundamentals of search engine optimization (SEO) and provides actionable tips to improve your website’s visibility on Google.
“Keyword Research: The Definitive Guide”
Backlinko’s guide focuses on finding the right keywords for your content, helping you understand user intent and optimize your pages accordingly.
“On-Page SEO: Anatomy of a Perfectly Optimized Page”
This article by Neil Patel delves into the key elements of on-page SEO, such as title tags, meta descriptions, header tags, and keyword placement, to help you optimize your content effectively.
“The Ultimate Guide to Link Building”
Link building is a crucial aspect of SEO. This guide from Search Engine Journal explores various link-building strategies and tactics to help you acquire high-quality backlinks and improve your search rankings.
“Mobile SEO: The Definitive Guide”
With the increasing prevalence of mobile devices, optimizing your website for mobile users is essential. This guide by Yoast explains the importance of mobile SEO and provides actionable techniques to enhance your site’s mobile experience.
“How to Create High-Quality Content”
High-quality, engaging content is vital for attracting both readers and search engines. HubSpot’s article provides insights and practical tips on creating valuable content that resonates with your target audience.
“Website Speed Optimization: How to Improve Page Load Times”
Google considers website speed as a ranking factor. This guide from Ahrefs outlines strategies to optimize your website’s loading speed, resulting in improved user experience and search rankings.
Always keep in mind that there are several aspects involved in ranking on Google, therefore it’s critical to modify your tactics in light of the most recent best practices and algorithm adjustments. Keeping your website visible in search engine results requires ongoing study and being current with SEO changes.
My fellow Nigerian brothers, sisters and friends of Nigeria.
2. I address you today, in my last assignment as a democratically elected President of our great and well-endowed nation, with a deep sense of gratitude to God, a great deal of appreciation to the Nigerian people and a modest sense of fulfilment.
3. Today we mark and celebrate another peaceful transition of power from one elected government to another in our steady march to improve and sustain Nigeria’s democracy.
4. This year we witnessed the most keenly contested Presidential Elections since the first Republic and this demonstrates that our democracy is getting better and more entrenched with each election.
5. We must as a nation improve and sustain gains we make in the electoral process, on an incremental basis for Nigeria to take its rightful place among Nations.
6. Our democracy provides for, allows and encourages seeking redress for perceived injustices, enabling some candidates and political parties that did not agree with the results to go to court.
7. Irrespective of the outcome of the various cases, I urge all parties involved to accept the decision of our courts and join hands to build a better Nigeria.
8. I salute the doggedness and resilience of all the Presidential Candidates and their political parties for believing in our judicial system by taking their grievances with the election results to court.
9. In the course of the campaigns, we had argued and disagreed on how to make Nigeria better but we never disagreed or had any doubts that Nigeria has to be better.
10. As your President, I call on all of us to bring to bear the strength of our individualism, the power of our unity, the convictions of our beliefs to make Nigeria work better and together with one spirit and one purpose.
11. To my brother, friend and fellow worker in the political terrain for the past ten years – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu -, I congratulate you on the realisation of your dream, which was propelled by a burning passion to put Nigeria amongst the leading nations of the world.
12. You have indeed worked for this day and God has crowned your efforts. I have no doubt that your passion for excellence, reliance on competence, fairness in relationships, commitment to equity, loyalty to the country and desire for Nigeria to be globally relevant would come through for you, under God’s guidance, as you lead our country to levels higher that I am leaving.
13. You are the best candidate among all the contestants and Nigerians have chosen well.
14. The last eight years have been an exciting experience in my desire and commitment to see a Nigeria in which public goods and services are available, and accessible within a united, peaceful and secure nation.
15. Fellow Nigerians, on the strength of your overwhelming support for me and my political party, I started this journey with a great deal of promise and expectation from you. I never intended to be just politically correct but to do the correct things that will make meaningful impact on the lives of the common Nigerian.
16. This high expectation was not misplaced because, like the ordinary Nigerian, I had grown tired of watching the country progressively moving away from the path of correctness.
17. To ensure that our democracy remains resilient and our elected representatives remain accountable to the people, I am leaving behind an electoral process which guarantees that votes count, results are credible, elections are fair and transparent and the influence of money in politics reduced to the barest minimum. And Nigerians can elect leaders of their choice.
18. We are already seeing the outcome of this process as it provided an even playing field where persons without any political God-Father or access to money defeated other well-resourced candidates.
19. The Nigerian economy has become more resilient due to the various strategies put in place to ensure that our economy remained afloat during cases of global economic downturns. Related News
20. You would all recall the supply chain disruptions and economic downturn that the world witnessed between 2020 and 2022 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The deftness of our response to the pandemic still remains a global best practice.
21. Furthermore, we increased the ability of the poor and rural Nigerians to earn a living, provided more food for millions in our villages and gave our women opportunities to earn a living.
22. Young men and women in urban centres were also supported to put their skills into productive use. Our administration also provided an enabling environment for the private sector to engage in businesses for which their return on investments is guaranteed.
23. The private sector proved a strong partner in our drive to build a resilient and sustainable economy as evidenced by the growing number of turn-key projects in various sectors of the economy.
24. In the course of revamping the economy, we made some difficult choices, most of which yielded the desired results. Some of the measures led to temporary pain and suffering for which I sincerely apologised to my fellow countrymen, but the measures were taken for the over-all good of the country.
25. Mindful of the need to ensure adequate infrastructure to drive economic growth, we completed age-long projects and processes notably amongst which are the Petroleum Industry Act, completion of some power projects, completion of the second Niger bridge and various important roads linking cities and states.
26. Our battle to ensure that all Nigerians live in a safe and secure environment has achieved considerable results. As I complete my term in office, we have been able to reduce the incidences of banditry, terrorism, armed robbery and other criminal activities considerably.
27. To sustain the gains made so far, I call on all Nigerians to be more vigilant and support the security agencies by ensuring that our values defined by being your brothers’ keeper govern our actions.
28. Up-till now, I still grieve for our children still in captivity, mourn with parents, friends and relatives of all those that lost loved ones in the days of the senseless brigandage and carnage. For all those under unlawful captivity our Security Agencies are working round the clock to secure their release unharmed.
29. Fellow Nigerians, you know how dear the desire in my heart is, to rid the country of corrupt practices that had consistently diminished our efforts to be a great country.
30. I did pursue this commitment relentlessly, in spite of the expected push back. I am happy that considerable progress had been made in repatriating huge sums of money back to the country and also taken over properties illegally acquired from our common wealth.
31. To improve service delivery, we began the implementation of a number of reforms aimed at producing an Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-oriented (EPIC) Federal Civil Service and the results are beginning to show.
32. On the international scene, Nigeria’s influence continues to grow as exemplified by notable Nigerians occupying headship and leadership positions in renowned global bodies.
33. Our democracy is built on and continues to thrive on the principles of separation of powers. The leadership and members of the National Assembly deserve my appreciation for their patriotism which did not detract from their roles as a check to the executive arm.
34. I also want to use this opportunity to express my appreciation to a good number of Nigerians who provided their support and encouragement to help me navigate the exciting journey in moving Nigeria forward.
35. I cannot and will not forget the millions who prayed for me during my illness in my first term of office. I am constantly praying for you and for Nigeria to thrive in peace.
36. As I retire home to Daura, Katsina State, I feel fulfilled that we have started the Nigeria Re-Birth by taking the initial critical steps and I am convinced the in-coming administration will quicken the pace of this walk to see a Nigeria that fulfils its destiny to be a great nation.
37. I am confident that I am leaving office with Nigeria better in 2023 than in 2015.
38. I thank you all. And may God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday, May 28, 2023, apologised for the impacts of his economic policies on Nigerians.
The president, in his farewell broadcast, said the decisions were for the benefit of the country.
Buhari noted that some of his policies caused “temporary pain and suffering” to Nigerians.
He stressed, “some of the decisions were difficult choices, the measures were taken for the overall good of the country.”
“In the course of revamping the economy, we made some difficult choices, most of which yielded the desired results.
“Some of the measures led to temporary pain and suffering for which I sincerely apologise to my fellow countrymen, but the measures were taken for the overall good of the country,” he explained.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, has criticized the Federal Government’s (FG) gasoline subsidy policy, claiming that it solely favors the wealthy.
On Saturday, at the presidential inaugural lecture in Abuja, Adesina stated that the continuing payment to subsidize petroleum goods is hurting the Nigerian economy.
According to him, gasoline subsidies alone will cost Africa’s most populous country $10 billion in 2022.
He explained that Nigeria continues to borrow for purposes that should not be borrowed for, urging that such funds be directed toward national development.
“The place to start therefore is to remove the inefficient fuel subsidy. Nigeria’s fuel subsidies benefit the rich, not the poor, fuelling theirs and the government’s endless fleet of cars at the expense of the poor,” Adesina stated.
“Estimates show that the poorest 40 per cent of the population consume just three per cent of petrol.
“Fuel subsidies are killing the Nigerian economy, costing the economy of Nigeria $10 billion in 2022. That means that Nigeria is borrowing what it doesn’t have to borrow.”
Rather than spending billions of dollars on crude oil, the AfDB president urged the federal government to encourage private-sector refineries and modular refineries for efficiency and competitiveness.
According to him, the action is vital to reduce the price of petroleum goods at the pump.
He praised President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for recently commissioning the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, claiming the initiative will transform Nigeria’s economy.
Adesina also praised Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, for spending $19 billion in the country’s refineries.
Senator Kashim Shettima, the Vice President-elect, addressed fears on Saturday that he and his principle, Bola Tinubu, have an agenda to Islamize Nigeria.
Since Tinubu named Shettima as his running mate last year, several organisations and individuals have expressed differing opinions, with some claiming that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Muslim-Muslim ticket is a plan to Islamize Nigeria.
Speaking during a lecture in Abuja as part of the ceremonies leading up to Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, the incoming Vice President allayed such anxieties, claiming there was no plan to Islamize Africa’s most populous country.
Tinubu, according to Shettima, is a Muslim who is married to a Christian and pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
“I was a child of necessity, there is no Islamisation agenda. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a Muslim who is married to a Christian, not only a Christian but a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
“Someone who has not Islamised his family, people are alluding that he has the intention to Islamise the nation,” he added.
The Vice President-elect said that he chose an Igbo man of Catholic faith as his Chief Security Officer on purpose.
A Northerner was also chosen as his security aide, and he stated that his decision was based on togetherness and inclusivity.
“Politics is about perception. As we begin the formation of a new administration, I deliberately picked an Igbo man, a Catholic, to be my Chief Security Officer,” he stated.
“For the purpose of inclusivity and togetherness, again I deliberately picked a Northern Christian to be my ADC. So the so-called founder of Boko Haram is going to be protected by…”
President Muhammadu Buhari will deliver his farewell address to the country on Sunday, according to Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina.
The show will begin at 7 a.m., according to a statement issued by the media aide on Saturday.
“President Muhammadu Buhari will make a farewell broadcast as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on Sunday, May 28, at 7 am,” the statement reads.
“Television, radio stations and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and Radio Nigeria for the broadcast,” the statement added.
The special address comes ahead of President-elect Bola Tinubu and Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima’s inauguration in Abuja on Monday.
Buhari was elected Nigeria’s president in 2015, ending the People’s Democratic Party’s (16-year) reign.
He was re-elected for a second term in 2019 and will give over control to President-elect Bola Tinubu on May 29.
