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Boards of parastatals lack power to suspend CEOs, SGF reiterates

Kingsley OBIEJESI
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Boards of parastatals lack power to suspend CEOs, SGF reiterates

SECRETARY to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has reiterated that the board of any government agency lacks the powers to remove or suspend the head of that agency.

Mustapha made this known during the induction ceremony of the governing board members of some federal government agencies, universities and medical centres in Abuja, on Monday.

Mustapha urged the board members not to misunderstand or overreach their duties, explaining that the governing board of an agency has no business with the day-to-day running of the agency.

“The role of the boards are limited to setting operational and administrative policies for their agencies in consonance with government policy directives,” Mustapha explained.

“A board shall not be involved directly in the day-to-day management of a parastatal or an agency. A minister exercises control of parastatals at policy level through the board of the parastatal only.

“The board must only operate as a part-time board, in accordance with extant rules that forbids allocation of official quarters to members on a permanent basis and payment of estacode allowances for only overseas travels approved by the office of the secretary to the government of the federation and their part-time ministry.”

Mustapha added that the presidency is worried about the recent development where the board members of an agency are trying to exert undue interference over the functions of the head of the agency in “blatant disregard for extant regulations guiding the conduct of board meetings”.

He maintained that a governing board of an agency imposing sanctions on the head of that agency is a “flagrant violation of the laid down rules”.

Though he did not mention it, it was obvious Mustapha was referring to the face-off between the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Usman Yusuf, and the agency’s governing council.

The board of the NHIS had imposed an indefinite suspension on the Executive Secretary following what the board described as several allegations of wrongdoing which included abuse of office and corruption. The board said a panel had been set up to investigate the allegations.

But Yusuf refused to obey the board’s directives, insisting that only the President who appointed him has the powers to sanction or remove him from office.

Attempts by a faction of the labour union at NHIS to prevent Yusuf from entering the agency’s premises in line with the directive of the board a week ago failed, as police used tear gas to disperse the protesters and escort the executive director into his office.

The ICIR has also reported that, according to the NHIS establishment Act, only the President may remove the Executive Secretary from office.

Shiite, soldiers clash in Abuja

YEKEEN Akinwale
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Shiite, soldiers clash in Abuja

NOT fewer than three members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiites have died in a clash between them and some personnel of the Nigerian Army, at Zuba, Abuja on Sunday.

Two soldiers were also injured in the clash that occurred when the Shiite members who were on a procession to Abuja mounted roadblock at Zuba.

The Military headquarters confirmed the incident in a statement issued by James Nyam, a Major General.

According to him, troops of Army Headquarters Garrison on official duty escorting ammunitions and missiles from Abuja to Army Central Ammunition Depot in Kaduna State were attacked by some members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) sect at Zuba bridge, at about 3.00pm on Saturday 27th October.

The army authorities said the sect established an illegal roadblock denying motorists free passage.

“When the troops’ convoy attempted to clear the roadblock, they met stiff opposition from the sect. Members of the sect used various objects to barricade the road and also pelted the troops with stones and other dangerous items. They smashed both military and civilian vehicles’ windscreens and windows.

“They also attempted to overrun the escorts to cart away the ammunition and missiles the troops were escorting. This led to the troops opening fire to extricate themselves. Consequently, troops of 102 Guards Battalion in whose Area of Responsibility the incident occurred rushed to the convoy’s rescue.

“Unfortunately, during the encounter 3 members of the sect were killed while 2 soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries and are being treated at a military medical facility.

Meanwhile, normalcy has been restored in the general area and members of the public especially those plying the Abuja – Zuba Road are requested to go about with their normal activities with the assurance from the NA that no individual or persons would be allowed to disturb public peace and unprovoked attacks against military convoys.”

Don’t worry yourself about running for president; it will still take a while — Osinbajo tells youths

Editorial
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Don’t worry yourself about running for president; it will still take a while — Osinbajo tells youths

By Yusuf Akinpelu (from Ibadan)

THE Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has on Saturday downplayed the chances of a youth becoming the president of the nation.

He told the youths to start from grassroots. Then they should move on to the local government level, then to the state level, but as for the federal level, “don’t worry yourself about running for president; it will take a while.”

The Professor of Law said this while reacting to question on the rationale behind the exorbitant price of the nomination form of the All Progressive Congress, APC, for the office of the President during the 9th Sigma Club Public Lecture held Saturday at the International Conference Centre University of
Ibadan.

The VP was speaking in his lecture titled “Developing the nation through youth empowerment.”

“Anybody who wants a career in political positions should also make an attempt to get involved in public service since there are less than 2000 of such positions. Get involved in public service.”

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Nonetheless,  Mr Osinbajo called on the youths to always hold the government accountable. He stressed that though “the government’s role is to create an enabling environment for the youths to be empowered,” but for this to happen, the youths must “take time to scrutinise their [the government’s] arguments. You are the leaders of tomorrow. No one should doubt that. However, that future would only be guaranteed if you hold your leaders to account.”

While admitting that the poverty in the country is a major concern to the government, he blamed the problem on  the grand corruption and high rate of borrowing of the past administration “despite earning more.”

“The most important drain to our public revenue is grand corruption: which is simply going to the treasury and withdrawing money — stealing it, in short,” he stressed.

“No nation can possibly prosper when its commonwealth is spent in that manner. So, we need to deal with grand corruption if we are to move forward as a nation.”

Osinbajo therefore called for a joint contribution from all and sundry to move the nation forward, stressing how the youths and technology can move the nation forward.

He said: “Everybody must pay attention to the nation’s growth. No nation is built by one person. The future of jobs is in technology and innovations. It is where the real opportunities are. Young people have an edge where technology is concerned.”

He nonetheless affirmed the pledge of this administration to restructure the country.

Nigerian journalists, rights activists, citizens protest murder of Jamal Khashoggi

Editorial
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Nigerian journalists, rights activists, citizens protest murder of Jamal Khashoggi

Nigerian journalists, rights activists and citizens came out on Friday afternoon to protest the gruesome murder of Saudi journalist, Jamal Khashoggi, in Abuja.

Following the worldwide outcry for justice for the slain journalist, newsmen from various media organisations and members of civil society marched peacefully to the Saudi embassy in Abuja to register their discontent against the government of Saudi Arabia.

Khashoggi went missing on October 2, after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey to acquire papers for his upcoming marriage.

After investigations, 18 men who have direct relations with Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi crown prince were identified as the killers of Khashoggi.

The event, organised by a Coalition of Nigeria Media and Civil Society Groups,  kicked off from Nicon Junction Bus stop, at the beginning of Alvan Ikoku Street, Maitama Abuja. The journalist then walked in procession to the Orange Close where the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia is located.

In attendance were journalists and rights activists from media houses that include The ICIR, The Cable, The Guardian,  Premium Times,  Radio Nigeria and the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) and others.

The protesting journalists and activists chanted various classic songs of struggle and resistance in tribute to their professional colleague who was brutally murdered, according to evidence presented by the Turkish government, for criticizing the government of his country in his opinion writing.

“Solidarity forever, solidarity forever, solidarity forever, justice for Khashoggi,” they sang.

 

Journalists at Nicon Junction Bus stop, Alvan Ikoku Street, Maitama Abuja on Friday October 26.

The convener of the protest, Peter Nkanga, described the killing as “wicked” and “evil”. He said in a letter read to the authorities of Saudi Arabia, that the murder of Khashogggi is similar to the assassination of Dele Giwa, a Nigerian journalist killed by a letter bomb in 1986. Their assassinations were allegedly state-sponsored.

Nkanga said the freedom of expression should not be punished by any government anywhere.

“Journalism is not a crime, and journalists and activists are not terrorists.” With the killing of Khashoggi, Nkanga said  Saudi Arabia has demonstrated its intolerance for free speech and human freedom.

Amadi Uyi,  a journalist from Plus TV said the government of Saudi Arabia has turned diplomatic relations into a joke because a  consulate should be a refuge, and not a killing zone.”

Deji Adeyanju, Convener of Concerned Nigerians, said the killing of Khashoggi should herald the era of change in journalism all over the world.

He said it is time that journalists take a greater interest in reporting about tyrannical government like Saudi, and others like Saudi in other places. The impunity against journalists should come to an end, he said.

“We are using this platform to call on the government of Nigeria and the world, in general, to demand justice for Khashoggi”.

The group also paid respect to colleagues who had lost their lives in the fight against corruption and injustice, noting that the media and journalists are the bedrock of any democracy and the freedom to express their opinion should not be a death penalty.

The officials of the Saudi embassy made no comment and refused to come outside the consulate to address the aggrieved journalists. Instead, they hid behind the wall to video the protesting journalists.

 

Army discovers shallow grave ‘at no man’s land’ where missing general was buried

YEKEEN Akinwale
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Army discovers shallow grave ‘at no man’s land’ where missing general was buried

 

THE Nigerian Army says it has discovered a shallow grave where a missing retired Major General, Idris Alkali, was buried by his assailants.

Alkali was the immediate past Chief of Administration (Army)who was attacked and killed in Jos while on his way to Bauchi on September 2.

The General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Benson Akinroluyo, a Major General who disclosed this on Friday  at a press briefing in Plateau State, explained that the late General was killed and buried in a shallow grave in an area popularly known as, “No man’s land” in a community on the outskirt of Jos metropolis.

This is the first time that the Nigerian Army would come close to a clue about his whereabouts after Alkali’s car was found in a pond on September 28.

“You would recall that on September 2, 2018, at about 8:00pm, unknown gunmen attacked a shopping complex located at Lafande Community on the outskirt of Jos metropolis in Dura-Du District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State,” Major General Akinroluyo told reporters.

“As a result of the attack, 11 people were killed while others sustained various degrees of injuries. The attack triggered protest by the people of the area on the morning of September 3, 2018.”

During the protest, General Officer Commanding said scores of youths blocked the Eastern Bypass with stones and other dangerous objects.

He disclosed that the late general who recently disengaged from the Nigerian Army was travelling alone in his black Toyota Corolla car from Abuja to Bauchi via Jos the same day.

Akinroluyo quoted a source that said the Akali’s car was stopped and he introduced himself as a general to the hoodlums who had barricaded the road that he was just passing through to Bauchi.

He said the senior officer was thereafter assaulted and killed, after which his money, phones, and valuables were “shared by those who killed him”.

He revealed further that the body of the late military officer was moved to somewhere else while his car was driven and pushed into an abandoned mining pit filled with water.

“The irate youths who followed his car to the abandoned mining pit filled with water on many tri-cycles popularly known as “Keke NAPEP” jubilated for reason best known to them or for mission accomplished.

“He was later buried in a shallow grave in an area popularly known as, “No man’s land” within the community,” Akinroluyo said.

While explaining why the body of the late general was not found in the shallow grave, the GOC said his body was relocated from the shallow grave after his car was recovered from the mining pond.

“On 29 September 2018, when the general’s black Toyota Corolla car was recovered from the abandoned mining pit, those involved and those not involved in the killing of the senior officer held a meeting to relocate his corpse away from the community,” he said.

He said, due to “inherent danger it would attract to the community,” a 10 man team was constituted to relocate his corpse earlier buried in a shallow grave within the community to elsewhere.

“A specialist in the preservation of corpse was contracted. The specialist assisted in exhuming his corpse from the shallow grave to elsewhere. Only a few trusted members of the community knew where his corpse was relocated to.”

Akinroluyo said the specialist is currently in the military custody, adding that there was evidence that those who were involved in the killing of the senior officer are being supported and backed by community leaders within the Dura-Du District.

He disclosed that eight people have already been declared wanted in relation to their role in the attack and killing of the late general.

Africa didn’t receive aid from China, we got loans says Ghana’s President.

Amos ABBA
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Africa didn’t receive aid from China, we got loans says Ghana’s President.

GHANA’S President Nana Akufo – Addo says the funds given to Africa by the Chinese government is not a charity grant but a loan that would be paid back after completing the loan tenure.

He made this known on Thursday while addressing  African Entrepreneurs, Business leaders and Policymakers from 54 countries at the 4th, annual Tony Elumelu Foundation, TEF, Entrepreneurship Forum at the unveiling of a digital app to connect African entrepreneurs in Lagos.

In a question and answer session, Nana Akufo – Addo emphasized the need for Africa to become self-sufficient through private sector investments and youth innovation.

Reacting to a question, that he betrayed Africa by contradicting his Africa Beyond Aid mantra when his country took loans from China.

“Borrowing is different from aid. The $60bn loan given to Africa by China is borrowed with the intent that it will be paid back after conditions for the loans have been met. The key is to borrow money to create assets that would allow Africa pay back the loans,” he stated.

He said that providing affordable business credit, providing an enabling environment for entrepreneurs and the creativity of young entrepreneurs would reposition Africa on the pedestal of economic independence.

“Youths are at the forefront of technology innovation and creativity in Africa, with support from entrepreneurs like Tony Elumelu and the desire to succeed. Africa will stand on its feet.

“Africa capitalism has been the missing link in Africa’s development. The private sector should create synergy with government and make the sustainable development goals (SDG) realized which is the bedrock of achievements that would sustain democratic dividends,” he said.

“We all know entrepreneurship, anywhere in the world, is not easy nor is success guaranteed. All stakeholders – the private sector, governments, NGOs and donors – must make a commitment to use their respective powers to address the hurdles facing African entrepreneurs,” he said.

The Ghanaian President explained that the prospects of Africa maintaining a viable market economy capable of competing globally lies in a Pan- African trade co-operation among African countries.

” The promotion of  Pan African trade would encourage African start-ups to develop and grow beyond the restrictions of intra Africa travel,” he said.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Kebbi State Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu were among dignitaries who joined TEF Founder Tony Elumelu.

TEF, Africa’s leading entrepreneurship-focused philanthropic organisation, on Thursday announced the launch of TEFconnect a digital platform to connect entrepreneurs at the 4th annual TEF Entrepreneurship Forum in Lagos.

TEFConnect is designed to connect entrepreneurs – mentors, investors, accelerators and incubators – all over the world, enabling them to learn, network and leverage on business tools.

The digital hub will convene the full entrepreneurial ecosystem across Africa and beyond including entrepreneurs, investors and the business community on one platform.

In a video chat, Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta urged the youths in Africa to change the narrative of Africa by embarking on innovative and creative ventures to step out of poverty.

TEF Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Tony Elumelu said, from just an idea TEF has turned into a preeminent global philanthropic institution that is empowering Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs and driving the continent’s economic and social transformation.

 

FLASHBACK: Who is lying about Buhari’s WAEC certificate … him or Nigerian Military?

'Kunle ADEBAJO
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FLASHBACK: Who is lying about Buhari’s WAEC certificate … him or Nigerian Military?

ONCE again, the All Progressive Congress presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, has been unable to submit his academic credentials to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in fulfilling requirements for the presidential race.

Just as he said in a court affidavit submitted to the commission in 2014, President Buhari has again sworn to not having custody of his “academic qualification documents”. This was revealed to journalists on Thursday by INEC when it publicised names of 70 political parties which have presented presidential aspirants.

“I am the above named person and the deponent of this affidavit herein. All my academic qualifications documents as filled in my presidential form, APC/001/2015, are currently with the secretary, military board as of the time of presenting this affidavit,” he states in both declarations.

The former military head of state had also said at a press briefing in January 2014 that, though he undertook the examination with the number 8200002, the original copies of his documents had been lost and assumed copies to be with the military.

“But to my utmost surprise I was told that although the records of my certificate are available but there are no copies of my certificates in my file,” he added.

However, the military to which Buhari has constantly passed the buck already denied having custody of the said documents.

In January, 2015, Olajide Laleye, Director of Army Public Relations, announced before journalists in Abuja that the Nigerian Army (N.A.) does not have copies of Buhari’s ordinary level certificates or statement of results, adding that his entry indicated he obtained a West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1961.

“Neither the original copy, certified true copy (CTC) nor statement of result of Major-Gen. Mohammadu Buhari’s WASC result is in his personal file,” said Laleye.

“The media hype on the retired Buhari’s credentials as well as numerous requests made by individuals and cooperate bodies to the Nigerian Army on this issue have necessitated that we provide the facts as contained in the retired senior officer’s service records.

“Records available indicate that Buhari applied to join the military as a form six student of the Provincial Secondary School, Katsina, on Oct. 18, 1961. His application was duly endorsed by the principal of the school, who also wrote a report on him and recommended him to be suitable for military commission.”

He also added that it is a practice for the N.A. to verify original copies of credentials shortlisted for commissioning into the officers’ cadre of service, but “there is no available record to show that this process was followed in the 1960s.”

The following day, the Nigerian Army released a nine-page document containing a detailed background of Buhari and his documents available to them. Neither his WAEC certificate nor a statement of result was contained in the release.

It however included an endorsement from Buhari’s principal (of the Katsina Provincial Secondary School), his written application for the Royal Nigerian Army’s qualifying examination, a course report from the army, and a record of his WASC result, but not the result itself.

Nigerians on Twitter have reacted to reports that Buhari has maintained his position regarding the whereabouts of his documents.

“If INEC is demanding for WAEC, why can’t Buhari approach WAEC for a reissue?” asked Khaleesi. “Why does he keep telling that BS [bullshit] story about the military?”

Ayeesha Musa tweeted: “How did we get here Nigeria? How did we get this point where @MBuhari was elected @NGRPresident without a WAEC result, in a country who’s total population’s literacy level is at 59.6% (male: 69.2%, female: 49.7% as at January 20, 2018)? How did we get here Nigeria?”

Here are some of the tweets on the subject:

https://twitter.com/AyeeshaMusa1/status/1055745133386305536

https://twitter.com/AbangMercy/status/1055689436372049920

https://twitter.com/Stalyf/status/1055726026335141888

Khashoggi’s son arrives U.S after months of travel ban

Jennifer UGWA
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Khashoggi’s son arrives U.S after months of travel ban

Salah bin Jamal Khashoggi, son of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi has left Saudi Arabia and arrived in the United States, a close family source revealed to the CNN.

Salah, who holds a dual citizenship of the United States and Saudi, had previously been unable to leave Saudi Arabia some months ago because the government restricted him.

 

A State Department spokesman said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the Saudis to release the younger Khashoggi and deputy spokesman Robert Palladino said the US was “pleased” that he was allowed to leave the country.
Salah Khashoggi is the eldest son of The Washington Post columnist whom Saudis officials now admit was killed in a pre-meditated murder carried out by a squad of men, some of whom had close ties to the country’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Initially, Saudi Arabia denied all knowledge of Khashoggi’s disappearance inside its consulate in Istanbul.

Saudi officials later announced it had identified 18 men involved in the operation, leading the State Department to announce it was freezing visas for 21 Saudi nationals. On Thursday, Palladino said the additional three people targeted by the US belonged to Saudi Arabia’s intelligence services, royal court and a government ministry.

Officials have told CNN it is highly unlikely that the operation against the Saudi dissident and critic could have taken place without the awareness of the crown prince, who controls the country’s security apparatus.

 

On Tuesday, the Crown Prince and his father King Salman were pictured shaking hands with the stone-faced younger Khashoggi, in an orchestrated photo-opportunity at a royal palace in Riyadh.
CIA director Gina Haspel, who travelled to Turkey Tuesday to consult with officials there, briefed President Donald Trump Thursday on the Turkish investigation into Khashoggi’s death.
According to The Washington Post, Haspel heard audio in Turkey’s possession that is purported of
Khashoggi’s October 2 killing. Palladino confirmed that Pompeo attended Haspel’s briefing at the White House, but would not confirm whether he heard the audio or saw the video that Turkish officials claim to possess.
Trump has increasingly expressed frustration with the Saudi response. The kingdom has undertaken its own investigation, led by the crown prince. Palladino said the US had no timeline on the investigation, but that they’d like to see results “as soon as possible.”
The fallout from Khashoggi’s murder has damaged Saudi Arabia, badly tarnished the crown prince and raised questions about US foreign policy priorities that hinge on the kingdom’s financing or cooperation. The ongoing questions have riled Trump, who has been increasingly irritated by the negative coverage, sources say, and blames the Saudis for making him look bad.
On Tuesday, Trump told reporters that Saudi authorities had staged the “worst cover-up ever” of the crime, and suggested to the Wall Street Journal that the crown prince may be responsible.
“The prince is running things over there more so at this stage,” Trump said when asked about bin Salman’s involvement. “He’s running things and so if anybody were going to be, it would be him.”

Kaduna govt. reimposes 24-hour curfew as traditional ruler dies in hands of abductors

Kingsley OBIEJESI
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Kaduna govt. reimposes 24-hour curfew as traditional ruler dies in hands of abductors

THE Kaduna State government has imposed a fresh 24-hour curfew in parts of the state as fear of a fresh outbreak of violence mounts following the death of a traditional ruler who had been abducted.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by Samuel Aruwan, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Media & Publicity.

Aruwan stated that the curfew, which takes effect from 11 am on Friday, “is a necessary step to help maintain peace as we mourn the death of HRH Agom Adara, who we lost in the early hours of today to the criminals who abducted him last week”.

He said that the curfew “will remain in force until further notice”.

“The Kaduna State Government calls for calm in all our communities. The criminal elements who perpetrated this crime should not be allowed to divide us,” the statement read further.

“This is a struggle between good, decent, law-abiding people trying to uphold the peace and criminals who want to divide and destroy. It is not a struggle between religious or ethnic groups. Let no criminal find succour in faith or tribe.

“Let us unite against every criminal activity. Let us stand together as human beings who have a right to live in peace.”

The Kaduna State Police Command had said the about 55 lives were lost in the initial violence that broke out in the Kasuwa Magani area of the State earlier this week. A 24-hour curfew was then imposed in the areas where there had been an unrest, but it was lifted after the situation was adjudged to have been brought under control.

Kachikwu conferred with multiple awards, now U.S citizen

Editorial
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Kachikwu conferred with multiple awards, now U.S citizen

 

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, was on Thursday conferred with multiple honours, including the honorary citizenship of the State of Georgia in the U.S.

Kachikwu was also conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by the Trinity International University of Ambassadors, and Keys to the State of South Carolina and the City of Stonecrest, State of Georgia.

The event, which held at the Capitol Hill of the state in Atlanta, also featured the declaration of Oct. 25 as `Emmanuel Kachikwu Day’ by the State of South Carolina.

Senatorial and Legislative hosts, the Black Caucus of the State Legislature, took turns to eulogise Kachikwu’s “unimpeachable” reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness and kindness.

The legislators – Gloria Butler, Michael Rheft, Donzella James, Roger Bruce, Billy Mitchel, Howard Mosby, Erica Thomas, Sandra Scotts, Pam Stevenson, Jason Lary, and John King, also expressed pride at their African heritage.

NAN reports that State of Georgia has the largest Black Caucus in the U.S. hosting 60 members, and is described as the ‘heartbeat of African-Americans, with about 3.2 million black population.

Ms Dawkins Haigler, Chair Emeritus of the Black Caucus, and most of the other legislators said they had done their ancestry tests, which confirmed that they were between 65 per cent and 85 per cent Nigerians.

The lawmakers said they always knew they were Africans and were proud to identify with their motherland, adding that they had sponsored several trips to Nigeria.

Responding to the awards, Kachikwu, who was visibly elated at the honours, said he was “extremely humbled” and dedicated the honours to President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Usually I don’t lack words but today, I think I do by the happenstance of today. I think the award is fantastic but what I think is more important is the symbolism of the awards.

“The fact that citizens of the United States, especially our Black brothers and sisters, decided today to recognise a very humble nation that has nearly half of the population of Africa and command the great economic heights of Africa and is bound to be the leader of tomorrow in the world.

“That country is Nigeria; and for those of you who haven’t been there, you should be there; you should be in a hurry to get there.

“You will attest to the fact that it is only a matter of time before Nigeria finds its feet and finds its own and become a power to recognise.

“I thank President Muhammadu Buhari who gave me the opportunity to serve in various capacities that are bringing some of these awards today.

“Not only for his self-belief but his determination as the leader to go outside the political mainstream and pick somebody he believed could help in the arduous task of trying to change the oil environment.

“It is still work in progress; there’s still a lot of work to be done but we’re very committed.

“The problem with Nigeria isn’t the disagreement that we have, it isn’t the things that we have not achieved, it isn’t the sometimes black sheep name that pervades all over the world about Nigeria, that is not the problem with Nigeria.

“The problem of Nigeria is the unwillingness of the young and the old to forge collectively in a very transparent manner, to shake up what is vibrantly sleeping, giant.”

According to him, Nigeria is primed for growth, success, generative leadership and to hopefully be the sitting home of most Black Americans.

Kachikwu said he was always very humbled to be called a Nigerian because “despite its challenges, it is the most wonderful place in the world to be in”.

The minister also said he was always proud to be called a ‘minister’ in the sense in that it was not different from an ordained pastor there to serve his people with a lot of transparency.

“Quite frankly, I’m nothing more than a humble servant. And if there’s something this President has achieved, it is the fact that ministers have become commonplace people, no longer the ego-strapped people to be celebrated.

Kachikwu recalled the challenges the administration was confronted with when it came on board, including the crash of oil price, the lowest crude production in decades, and recession.

He, however, commended the management and staff members of the ministry who worked assiduously with him.

According to him, they set ambitious goals and expressed pride that most of the targets are being met.

“So, today, the recognition that I get, I receive in honour of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Also, in honour of my colleagues who have worked very deeply with me and I think some of the things that we’ve achieved over the last three years, we didn’t think were possible.

“Into the next five years, I see a Nigeria where there will be power available for all nationals, where our refineries will work so we do not have to import petroleum products, where young people can set up businesses and do not need to know anybody in the system to be able to make that business grow.

“A Nigeria where irrespective of where you come from – North, South, East and West – we will become brothers,” he said.

Among the dignitaries who attended the event were the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Folashade Yemi-Esan, Directors, heads of agencies of the ministry, Nigerian officials in the U.S., and members of the Nigerian community, among others.

NAN

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