Salisu Sani Idris - News Agency Of Nigeria

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Wed, 2023

Foreign

American Int’l University, Gambia, offers scholarships to Nigerian student evacuees from Sudan

By Temitope Ponle

Mr Abiodun Odunuga, Co-founder, Friends of Nigeria, Europe, a non-governmental organisation, said he had received offers for scholarships from the American International University, The Gambia, for a number of the Nigerian student returnees from Sudan.

Odunuga said the scholarships received were for students with practical courses and who were willing to come to The Gambia.

He also said they were for students willing to participate in the Paris Graduate School for online courses, such as in Human Resources and Business Management courses.

Odunuga was speaking on Wednesday when a delegation led by Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), visited Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar of JAMB, in Abuja.

Also speaking at the event, a member of the Parents Association of Nigerian student evacuees from Sudan, Hajia Asmau Muhammad Yerima, says the provision of facilities to enable students to continue their studies in Nigeria, is part of the therapy for the trauma they went through.

Yerima thanked Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the federal government for their efforts and kind gesture to the students since the crisis began in Sudan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the war that broke out in Sudan disrupted the academic programmes of many Nigerian students which led to the evacuation of over 1,856 citizens back to the country.

JAMB had assured Nigerian student evacuees of the board’s arrangement to enable them complete their education in Nigerian Universities, if they so wish.

A statement issued by Mr Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM, on Wednesday, indicated that both parties held discussions on how the student returnees, who wish to complete their respective studies in Nigeria, could so do.

Oloyede expressed his readiness to work with the universities regulator, the National Universities Commission (NUC), to ensure a seamless transition for the completion of courses by the affected students.

The JAMB registrar, however, noted that in line with the Arusha/Addis Ababa Declaration, a university transfer student must spend at least two years in any university before certification.

He maintained that university admission was personal to individuals and each student could approach institutions of their choice, while JAMB would streamline the admission based on the laid down guidelines.

Oloyede listed some of the guidelines to include transcripts of examination records of previous years, filling of the uploaded forms, and ensuring that the university applied to had accreditation for the course, among others.

For those whose courses could be completed online, he said that National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) had provision for online courses.

“I advise both the students and parents to study the rules very well and comply, and ensure the admissions are properly ratified by JAMB, with the issuance of an admission letter from JAMB to the students concerned at any level, after they have been appropriately transferred to their universities of choice.”

He also used the opportunity to commend Dabiri-Erewa for being proactive at all times on issues affecting Nigerians abroad, describing the commission as a “good supplement“ to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Earlier, the NIDCOM chairman said the commission was inundated with calls from parents and students expressing concerns on how they would complete their respective studies in Nigeria.

She said that the guidelines released by JAMB would, however, be made public and posted on NIDCOM websites and other social media handles of the commission.

She also expressed her appreciation to Oloyede and JAMB for being a strategic partner with NIDCOM. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Wed, 2023

Health

Senator hopeful Buhari will assent to Public Health Emergency Bill

By Abujah Racheal

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, says he is hopeful that President Muhammadu Buhari will assent to the Public Health Emergency Bill before the end of his administration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the bill, when approved, would revoke the 96-year-old Quarantine Act, and establish a framework for managing public health emergencies of national and international concern.

Oloriegbe, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during a roundtable with legislators, organised by the Nigeria Health Watch, in partnership with the Global Health Advocacy Incubator with theme: “Strengthening Health Security in Nigeria Through Public Health Legislation”.

Oloriegbe explained that the bill, which was passed by the Senate in January 2022, would be harmonised with the Control of Infectious Diseases Bill by the House of Representatives.

”We are at the stage of harmonisation now. I am chairing a Committee in the Senate and plan to call a joint meeting to consider and adopt a version that we will be jointly presented.

”We hope to present the report by next week and, hopefully, the President should sign it.

”If it is not assented to, we have to push on in the 10th Assembly and we must start early.”

He said as of the COVID-19 het Nigeria, it was the Quarantine Act that was in place.

”There was a debate that led to the repeal of the Quarantine Act, and the enactment of a new public health law.

”A version of that law was passed in the House and one was passed in the Senate.

”The 9th National Assembly has significantly achieved much in strengthening Nigeria’s health security.

“Through our work at the National Assembly, we have contributed to improving health security by increasing visibility and financing allocation for health security in Nigeria,” he said.

He said that strengthening the country’s health security would require commitment of the 36 States Governors and the FCT.

Oloriegbe urged the media to make use of their reportage to lobby the 10th National Assembly for a Chairman, Senate Committee on Health that is willing to continue where the 9th Assembly stopped.

Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Health Services, Rep. Tanko Sununu said that the National Assembly played a critical role in combating infectious disease outbreaks in the country.

Sununu said that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that disease outbreaks can have devastating consequences for the entire country.

He said that COVID-19 has demonstrated what previous outbreaks and epidemics had already shown: National pandemic preparedness and response depend on strong local and national capacities.

He said that effective response is dependent on dynamic knowledge of what to respond to, where, at what scale, and with what tools, and it is predicated on long-term investments in prevention and preparedness.

He said that the 9th National Assembly has significantly achieved much in strengthening the country’s health security.

He urged the Media to collaborate with the health committees at the National Assembly to foster ways to enhance the implementation of the new public health bills in the country.

Earlier, Dr Emmanuel Alhassan, Global Health Advocacy Incubator, said that the 9th assembly has engaged very actively with various stakeholders to improve the policy and legislative landscape in the country.

He said that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of robust and sustained funding for public health emergencies.

He added that the pandemic has also emphasised the need for strong and effective public health legislation that can support such funding.

Alhassan said that through advocacy efforts, the country has achieved notable successes in securing increased funding for Epidemics Preparedness and Response, as well as improvements in the country’s epidemic preparedness and response capabilities.

Mrs Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, said that the roundtable provided a unique opportunity for experts to share their views on these bills.

Ihekweazu said that to address this pressing need, Nigerian legislative leaders have collaborated with relevant stakeholders and partners to propose a series of new public health bills aimed at enhancing the country’s response to public health emergencies.

“These bills include the Public Health Emergency Bill, which seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework for managing public health emergencies.

“The Amendment of the National Health Act, which seeks to address gaps in the existing legislation that hinder effective response to public health emergencies.

“In addition, the Port Health Authority Bill is aimed at establishing and strengthening the Port Health Authority, responsible for health security at the country’s borders,” she explained.

She said that these bills have significant implications for public health in the country, and as such, it is critical that they are thoroughly examined and discussed by key stakeholders in the health sector.

NAN reports that the bill also seeks the development of a comprehensive plan to provide for a co-ordinated and appropriate response in the event of public health emergency.

It will also enhance the early detection of a health emergency and allow the immediate investigation of such emergency by gaining access to individual’s health information under specified circumstances.

The act also seeks to grant federal and state officials the authority to use an appropriate property as necessary for the case, treatment, vaccination and housing of patients and to destroy contaminated facilities or materials. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Wed, 2023

Education

British charity founder urges FG to establish out-of-school agency

By Ruth Oketunde

The founder of the British charity, IA-Foundation, Mrs Ibironke Adeagbo has urged the Federal Government to establish an agency that would tackle Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis.

Adeagbo, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the out-of-school crisis in the West African country, where some 20.2 million are currently out of school.

On Sept. 2, 2022, the UN agency UNESCO published a report that 20.2 million children in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation were currently out of school.

British-born Adeagbo, who has been leading an international campaign to end the out-of-school problem in Nigeria, noted that Nigeria must think outside the box to save the future of its children.

She urged the government took urgent steps to bring millions of kids roaming the streets back to the classrooms.

Adeagbo urged the incoming government to be decisive in ensuring that education was given its pride of place in Nigeria.

The top British civil servant, said that she was disturbed by the huge army of hopeless kids, roaming Nigerian streets from day to day to make a living instead of acquiring education.

“I think the way out is for the federal government to set up an agency to tackle the out-of-school problem just like the government did in setting up a commission to handle issues in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.

Adeagbo said that the foundation has picked up about 100 children on the streets of Nigeria and ensured that they were placed in schools to acquire basic education in various states in the country.

She expressed worry that Bayelsa in the South-South had also joined the list of states in Nigeria with high number of out-of-school children.

The IA-Foundation chief executive officer said that the group would engage various interests in the UK to assist Nigeria in ensuring that children got access to education as and when due.

On March 18, IA-Foundation staged a charity show in London to raise funds and global awareness on the out-of-school crisis in Nigeria.

Top Nigerians envoys, including a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, voiced their concerns on the out-of-school problem in the West African country.

Resource-rich nation has been grappling with various problems, including persistent insurgency which has forced many children out of school, especially in the country’s north.

The dreaded Boko Haram sect has held sway in Nigeria’s expansive north, fighting to discourage western education, killing people and destroying learning infrastructure. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Wed, 2023

Metro

2023 Hajj: NAHCON, 4 Nigerian airlines sign agreement

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the four Nigerian Airlines approved for the transportation of pilgrims to the 2023 Hajj have finally signed an agreement.

The commission’s Chairman, Zikrullah Hassan, made this known in a statement by the Deputy Director, Information and Publications, NAHCON, Malam
Mousa Ubandawaki, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the four airlines, had earlier on Thursday, declined to sign an agreement with NAHCON due to the ongoing crisis in Sudan.

The airlines are Max Air with 16,326 allocation, Air Peace with 11,348, Azman Air with 8,660 and Aero Contractors with 7,833.

However, only the Saudi Arabian designated airline Flynas that will transport 28,515 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia had signed the agreement.

Hassan praised the patriotic zeal of the local airlines for their sacrifices in the face of the challenge posed by the Sudan crisis.

“We are not unmindful of the challenge posed by the closure of the Sudan airspace to your Hajj operation.

” However, I wish to appeal to your conscience and sense of patriotism not to further burden the pilgrims with additional costs or changes.”

The Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Capt. Ado Sanusi, said the airlines were mindful of the plight of pilgrims who had earlier paid their hajj fare before the crises broke out.

” But we are constrained to take that decision because of logistic and operational need. We won’t like anything that will disrupt our operation halfway.”

In the same vein, the Chairman of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyeama, said their call for the review of the transportation
agreement with NAHCON was not to exploit the Sudan crises for business gains or opportunities

” We care for the Nigerian pilgrims many of whom we know to have made personal sacrifices in paying for Hajj.

” We are also mindful of the fact that the pilgrims had already paid before this crisis broke out. We don’t want to deprive them of this opportunity to make the journey to the Holy land.

” We are doing it for national pride.”

NAN reports that the formal signing of the agreement with the four local airlines laid to rest the disagreement between the commission and the approved 2023 Hajj carriers.

It also represents remarkable progress in the march towards the commencement of transportation of prospective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, which would be inaugurated on May 21 with the Advance Team from the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja. (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Tue, 2023

Defence/Security

Aregbesola tasks security stakeholders on safeguarding critical national assets, infrastructure

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has urged security stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s critical asset and infrastructure.

Aregbesola made the call during the Critical National Asset and Infrastructure (CNAI) and the National Protection Policy and Strategy (NPPS) 2023 Validation workshop in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to him, protecting the country’s assets will ensure development of the nation.

He said that because CNAI was diverse, stakeholders needed to brainstorm on the policies guiding it alongside how CNAI affected the duties of security agencies.

The minister said there was need to checkmate the roles security agencies and stakeholders played in securing CNAI.

He further said that it was imperative to know how security agencies planned to implement the strategies guiding CNAI protection.

“ We expect a fantastic outcome so, your contributions in this workshop must come out of your experience in areas we believe are critical to the well being and security of Nigerians.

“Whether with this government or the incoming administration, the Federation Executive Council will find out if this document has gone through critical evaluation and contribution before approval,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, Mr Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) reiterated that the corps was the statutory lead agency in the protection of CNAI.

“ Today’s gathering is aimed at completing the multi-stakeholder engagement process for CNAI-NPPS 2023.

“This document being presented for validation is in full compliance with the dictates of the aforementioned Security Council Resolution.

“We are taking bold steps to reform the legal and policy approaches for the protection of CNAI in alignment with national developmental aspirations, global trends and good practices,” he said.

Audi said that the document was an additional boost which could not have come at a better time considering Nigeria’s emerging security threats.

“ We will strive to bridge this gap and threats to CNAI that takes us two steps backwards when we take one step forward.” he said.

The NSCDC boss further said that the agency would continue to effectively synergise with the Military, Police, sister agencies and other relevant critical stakeholders to adequately safeguard Nigeria’s heritage.

He urged participants to constructively criticise information in the document while productively inputting to collectively tackle insecurity.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as operatives of different security organisations attended the workshop. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Sadiya Hamza

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Tue, 2023

Environment

Floods: Hydrological agency advises Nigerians to prepare, move to higher grounds

By Tosin Kolade

The Director-General, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Mr Clement Nze, has called on Nigerians living in flood-prone areas to be watchful and move to higher grounds.

Nze told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Abuja, that this was necessary to prevent disasters and emergency situations that could occur in the coming months due to possible floods.

NAN recalls that the agency had predicted in its 2023 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), that 178 local government areas in 32 States and the FCT, were within the “Highly Probable Flood Risks Areas”.

According to him, all stakeholders have a duty to utilise the information in the AFO, to avert and minimise the adverse effects of flooding in Nigeria.

He said governments at all levels, including individuals, should adhere to the advisories issued by doing the needful.

“As early as middle of February, NIHSA released the 2023 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO). This is quite unprecedented when compared to previous years.

“Early warnings, matched with early action in terms of preparedness to reduce the negative impact of flood disasters, is what is expected of the sub-nationals.”

According to him, people living within the floodplains should be on the watch, advising them to move to higher grounds, and visit the floodplains during the day for normal economic activities.

“Those living by the banks of the rivers, especially the trans-boundary Rivers Niger and Benue, should keep closer watch on the periodic surge of the rivers.

“Coastal cities in the country have been placed on red alert with regards to coastal flooding,” Nze said.

The D-G said NIHSA’s mandate in flood-related issues was advisory and the agency had been providing avenues for discussions on issues such as the de-silting of major rivers.

This, he noted would deepen their carrying capacities, so as to reduce overflow of rivers which often resulted in flood disasters.

He said during the peak of flooding, President Muhammadu Buhari gave a directive that led to the inauguration of the Presidential Committee for the Development of a Comprehensive Action Plan for Preventing Flood Disasters in Nigeria.

Nze said all issues towards averting flood disasters, including de-silting of the country’s major rivers, have been articulated in the committee.

NAN reports that 32 states termed as Highly Probable Flood Risks Areas include; Adamawa, Abia, Akwa- Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross- River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Edo.

Others are; Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and the FCT. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Tue, 2023

Metro

NGO urges public office holders to declare their assets

By Ruth Oketunde

Fixing the Future, a Non-Governmental Organisation(NGO) has called on public officials to declare their assets, their spouses and that of their children under 21, in accordance with the constitution.

Mr Stanley Ekpa, Founder of the organisation gave the advice while addressing a news conference on Monday in Abuja.

Ekpa said it was important that all public officials to comply with the provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act on full disclosure of assets and liabilities.

He said a survey on asset declaration compliance conducted by the organisation, revealed that more than 94 per cent of public officials do not disclose their assets fully.

He said that it was discovered that there were newer windows and complex channels for hiding proceeds of corruption, particularly through assets by proxy, block chain and real estate investment.

He said it was important to curtail corruption in public service, as it had continued to drain public finances, efficiency in governance and lower the standard of living in the country.

“We want to draw the attention of public officials within the constitutional contemplation of section 318, paragraph 19 part I and Part II of the fifth schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“That the law requires all public officials, their spouses and their unmarried children under the age of 21 to declare their assets and liabilities in the asset declaration forms as prescribed by the Code of Conduct Bureau.

“We are bothered that unless our asset declaration and declared asset verification system is made efficient, contract and procurement corruption will continue unabated,’’ he said.

Ekpa also called on the media and Nigerians to support the Code of Conduct Bureau in achieving its statutory mandate by providing ‘whistle blowing’ information to the organisation.

He added that the organisation would partner all stakeholders to raise awareness with outing, incoming as well as existing public officials on the need to comply with the law.

“We need to know what they have before coming into office and when they are leaving because that is the only way to hold them accountable at the end of their tenure.

“This is the only way the country can make progress,” Ekpa said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Sadiya Hamza

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Tue, 2023

Economy/Business

NG-CARES on right track in supporting poor, vulnerable in Nigeria – World Bank

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Prof. Foluso Okunmadewa, the World Bank Task Team Leader for Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES), says the programme is on the right track in supporting the poor and vulnerable groups in the country.

Okunmadewa stated this on Monday in Abuja, at a Ministerial Town Hall Meeting on NG-CARES Programme with Stakeholders, States and the FCT officials as well as beneficiaries to obtain and document information on achievements and challenges from direct beneficiaries.

He said the the bank was very proud to be a partner of the Federal and State Governments on the NG-CARES initiative.

Prof. Foluso Okunmadewa, the World Bank Task Team Leader for NG-CARES

He stated that so far there had been substantial results and evidence that this approach, this efforts is actually on the right track despite some of the challenges.

” We are actually very proud and of course excited to be part of this Ministerial Town Hall. We are quite happy when the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, indicated that it is not only good to claim that there are results.

” Even though it was done by an Independent Verification Firm, it is also important to hear from the beneficiaries and particularly to do so in the presence of those who are in charge of delivering the results.

” I thought and I believe and that is also what we understand in the bank that it is the correct meaning of eye marking because when you do it in the presence of everyone then there is no dispute.

” And particularly if you bring the media in, then everybody will be able to confirm that this is reality of what has happened.”

Okunmadewa revealed that the World Bank was prepared to do an extension of the closing date which would be concluded in the next one week.

This, according to him, will allow the states to repurpose their resources apart from the ones that they have earned in the direction of other shops as well.

” It was not only COVID-19, we now have some other shops and fortunately the programme is designed in such a way that it can always help the state to respond to any vulnerability such as the one that happened recently on the flooding which affected a substantial number of states.”

Earlier, the National Coordinator of NG-CARES, Dr Abdulkarim Obaje, said the NG-CARES programme was a multi-sectoral programme intervention designed to bring immediate relief to the poor and vulnerable Nigerians that have suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Obaje explained that the programme was a 750 million dollars facility from the world bank that should be implemented ordinarily for two years.

According to him, the programme covers two results areas and that is why it is multi-sectoral call social protection, food security and support for micro and small scale enterprise.

Obaje said that it was on record that the World Bank directors approved the NG-CARES programme on Dec. 14, 2020 and the Federal Executive Council approved the loan request on April 14, 2021.

” And just within a spate of one week thereafter the National Assembly approved it on April 21, 2021. This emphasised the urgency for this intervention at that critical time.”

The national coordinator commended the minister for his unwavering support towards the success of the programme.

Also, the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, assured that the views and contributions of stakeholders and beneficiaries would be invaluable in government efforts to build a socially inclusive nation.

” We will not rest on our oars in reaching out to Nigerians.

“The President Muhammadu Buhari administration will continue to strive and deliver development to Nigerians even if it has only a few seconds to hand over to the next administration.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NG-CARES Programme is a Federal Government initiative, supported by the World Bank and implemented in all 36 States and FCT.

The Programme aims to expand access to livelihood support and food security services and grants for poor and vulnerable households and firms. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Mon, 2023

Culture & Tourism

Traditional ruler commends Runsewe on cultural promotion

By Taiye Olayemi

Oba Francis Agbede, Okowa of Igbara-Oke kingdom in Ondo, has commended Segun Runsewe, Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), on his developmental strides in the culture and tourism sectors of Nigeria.

Agbede, in a statement on Monday, said Runsewe had shown seriousness in handling everything that has to do with culture in Nigeria.

He also commended Runsewe in his efforts to combat the ills and social-vices bedeviling the society, and appreciated Runsewe’s collaboration efforts with other governmental organisations to develop the culture sector of the country.

He enjoined all the stakeholders in the culture and tourism industry to put heads together to move the industry to higher and better level.

“Runsewe’s effort in empowering Nigerian youths in converting waste to wealth is also commendable, this has helped to create employment especially for the youths,” he said.

Agbede took time out to pray for Runsewe, for God to strengthen him in all his efforts to make culture the new oil of Nigeria.

In his response, Runsewe thanked the traditional ruler for paying him a visit, and told him of his intention to see that every traditional ruler carves out a place within the palace where works of arts and crafts will be displayed for visitors especially foreigners. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Salisu Sani Idris
May, Mon, 2023

Foreign

Qatar-Nigeria Council urges Tinubu to prioritise economy, security, foreign affairs

By Fortune Abang

The Qatar-Nigeria Business Council (QNBC) has urged Nigeria’s president-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, to prioritise economy, security and foreign Affairs when sworn in.

QNBC’s president, Mr Olu Millar, made the call in a statement in Abuja.

He said the major concern of Nigerians was to see an end to insecurity and to witness a robust economy and improved international image.

Millar also said the president-elect should evolve proactive measures to revamp the energy, education and healthcare sectors.

“There is a critical need for the incoming president to focus on security, economy, foreign affairs,” he said.

“He should also revamp other sectors such as energy, infrastructure, education, and healthcare,” said the statement.

The QNBC president said the insurgency and rising wave of crimes in some parts of the country were major sources of worry to Nigerians.

Millar urged Tinubu to strengthen diplomatic ties and mutual cooperations with key countries around the world.

He said Nigeria under Tinubu’s watch should play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s agenda on issues of climate change, trade and security.

“We urge you to keep the nation strong and united in the interest of the future of our children.

“We believe in your ability to bring your vast leadership experience to bear in tackling the challenges facing this nation,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Azubuike Okeh/Salif Atojoko