Category: Government

Felicia Asuquo, Abuja 

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has dismissed the controversial statement of the Catholic Bishop, Matthew Hassan Kukah, on Tinubu’s refusal to sign the Peace Accord.

Kukah, who spoke on Sunday at the Edo election security town hall meeting in Benin, said, “What is also very interesting is that the current president, when he was a presidential candidate, did not sign. It wasn’t our fault that the political opposition didn’t take advantage of it.”

Revolting against the false claims, Tinubu’s presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday clarified that “President Tinubu signed the two peace accords preceding his election in 2023.

He explained that “The first accord, committing the candidates to a free and credible election in the country, was signed on September 29, 2022. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Tinubu.

“The second agreement, signed on February 23, 2023, was for the candidates to accept the election outcome,” Onanuga elucidated.

Tinubu’s aide, however, threw light on Bishop Kukah’s misstatement with pictorial evidence of President Tinubu signing the peace accord. Onanuga clarified that “Tinubu signed.”

Emmanuel lkpeama 

The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has approved the appointment of Dr. Law Mefor as the new Commissioner for Information in Anambra State.

Investigator news reports that Dr. Mefor replaces Sir Paul Nwosu, who has moved on after over ten years of meritorious service to the Anambra State Government.

Dr. Law Mefor, a distinguished academic and public intellectual, brings a wealth of experience to his new position. With an impressive academic portfolio, he holds a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, alongside degrees in General and Applied Psychology from the University of Jos, Forensic Psychology from Nasarawa State University, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Calabar, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.

Over the years, Dr. Mefor has established himself as an educator and media consultant, lecturing for over a decade at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja. He has also made significant contributions as a syndicated columnist, publishing thought-provoking articles in The Cable and various online and mainstream newspapers.

Dr. Mefor’s public service career spans over a decade in the Nigerian Senate, where he served as Senior Legislative Aide and Special Assistant to Senators, the Deputy Senate President, and the Senate President. His deep involvement in legislative processes and policy research adds a valuable dimension to his appointment.

A prolific author, Dr. Mefor has written several influential works, including “The Audacity of Power,” a political analysis; “The Senator Ken Nnamani Portrait,” a biographical work; and creative pieces such as the novels Dream Abuja and Corpers’ Odyssey, and the poetry collection Phantasmagoria.

Governor Soludo who expressed  confidence in Dr. Mefor’s ability and extensive experience to strengthen the communication machinery of the state and foster a more vibrant information environment for the government’s developmental strides,wished him success as he assumes his new role.

The Governor went further to commend Sir Paul Nwosu for his dedication and contributions during his tenure as Commissioner for Information, wishing him the very best in his future endeavours.

Emmanuel lkpeama 

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the people and Government of Zamfara State over recent floods in Gummi Local Government Area and the death of over 40 farmers in a boat accident on their way to their farms at the weekend.

President Tinubu in a press release signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy,Bayo Onanuga   commiserate with the government and good people of Zamfara over the twin tragedies in the Zamfara community, while promising support for the victims.

The President went further to direct emergency agencies to comprehensively assess the two incidents to address the root of the calamity, while directing response agencies to work with the Zamfara State Government to help those affected by the disaster.

Emmanuel lkpeama 

Residents of Omilade Street in Oshodi Isolo local government area of Lagos state and its environ, may soon have a   cause to smile as the local government chairman,Hon Oloyede said plans have been advanced to ensure that the ongoing reconstruction of Omilade street continues to progress as it will soon receive a facelift.

Investigator news reports that the reconstruction work began with drainage construction on the street. The drainage work has reached over 70% completion.

The council boss assured speedy work on the street to ensure a hitch free movement of people and goods.

Oloyede said he remains committed to the development of Oshodi-Isolo local government and would not leave any stone unturned in ensuring infrastructure gets to every part of the council area.

As he appealed for understanding, support and cooperation of the people as infrastructural development projects continue a Ross the local government saying they should be patient as the roads would be delivered on record time.

Residents have continued to pour in their appreciation of the executive chairman for the good works he is doing across the council.

Felicia Asuquo 

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) ‘s new report on the country’s trade balance.

According to the report, Nigeria recorded another trade surplus in the second quarter of 2024, hitting N6.95 trillion. The current surplus is 6.60% higher than the N6.52 trillion surplus recorded in the first quarter.

Just days after the country recorded almost 100 per cent oversubscription of its first $500 million domestic bond and half-year revenue of N9.1 trillion, the latest report underscores the increasing positive shifts in the economy over the last year.

President Tinubu who expresses confidence in the reforms his administration is pursuing,believes they will create a more robust economy that will usher in a new era of prosperity for Nigerians.

The NBS report reflects the country’s strong export performance in the second quarter.

Although total merchandise trade in Q2 2024 stood at N31.89 trillion, a 3.76% decline compared to the preceding quarter (Q1 2024), it marked a 150.39% rise from the corresponding period in 2023.

The NBS reported that the Q2 surplus was essentially driven by exports to Europe, the United States, and Asia.

Total exports stood at N19.42 trillion, accounting for 60.89% of the country’s total trade. This represents a 1.31% increase from N19.17 trillion in the first quarter and a 201.76% surge from N6.44 trillion recorded in Q2 2023.

The dominance of crude oil exports remains a key factor in this performance, contributing N14.56 trillion, or 74.98% of total exports.

Non-crude oil exports, valued at N4.86 trillion, comprised 25.02% of the total export value, with non-oil products contributing N1.94 trillion.

The strong export performance, particularly in crude oil, ensured Nigeria maintained a favourable trade balance.

In Q2 2024, European and American countries dominated Nigeria’s top export destinations. Spain emerged as the largest export partner, receiving goods valued at N2.01 trillion, accounting for 10.34% of Nigeria’s total exports.

The United States followed closely with N1.86 trillion (9.56%), while France imported N1.82 trillion of Nigerian goods, representing 9.37% of total exports.

Nigeria’s other major export partners include India (N1.65 trillion or 8.50%) and the Netherlands (N1.38 trillion).

Generally, the economic indicators, which were very low when President Tinubu assumed office last year, are turning positive.

The government will continue to consolidate on the gains of the reforms as more fiscal and tax policy reforms already embarked upon by the administration come to fruition.

President Tinubu is determined to confront the inhibitions that have stunted the growth and development necessary to unlock the country’s full potential.