Tinubu swears in Kekere-Ekun as 23rd CJN

Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun took the oath of office as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Monday, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirming his administration’s commitment to upholding the judiciary’s independence and sanctity. Justice Kekere-Ekun, the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history, was sworn in following her confirmation by the Senate. The ceremony occurred at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja. Four former chief justices of the Federation, including the first female Justice, Aloma Mukhtar, the President of the Court of Appeal, and other heads of the judiciary divisions, witnessed it. President Tinubu underscored the pivotal role of the judiciary in safeguarding Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. ”The judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy. Indeed, the Nigerian judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check. ”Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people’s confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged. ”For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administration’s total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary. ”While we may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same government, under my watch, the government will also be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two of us. ”We will never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy, ” the President said. President Tinubu reiterated his government’s dedication to improving judicial officers’ welfare and working conditions, noting recent decisions to enhance their effectiveness in administering justice. He urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to continue upholding the principles of ethical leadership, fearlessness, and honesty that have defined her career. ”The Nigerian judiciary needs a leader with these qualities at this time, and I have no doubt that you will set the pace for others to follow,” he said. The President lauded Justice Kekere-Ekun’s rise as a testament to hard work and an inspiration to women, particularly young girls, in a male-dominated profession. ”This day has also cemented the judiciary as a self-evolving and progressive institution. I specifically congratulate the Nigerian women. Any girl child can dream big and have her dreams come true. It is worth celebrating, ” he said. President Tinubu also acknowledged the presence of Justice Kekere-Ekun’s 89-year-old mother, Mama Wilfred Layiwola Ogundimu (Nee Savage), and other family members led by Akin Kekere-Ekun, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s husband. The President commended the Senate for expediting the confirmation of the new CJN and thanked members of the judiciary for their continued support. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, justices of the Supreme Court, senior judicial officers, and members of the Federal Executive Council attended the event.

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World Bank approves $1.57bn loan for Nigeria

The World Bank has approved a $1.57 billion financing package for Nigeria under a new programme to support its health and education sectors and help provide sustainable power, the bank said on Monday. The World Bank is the largest lender to Nigeria, with more than $15 billion in loans at the end of March, data from the Debt Management Office showed. The bank said in a statement that the money would help increase availability and effectiveness of financing for basic education and primary healthcare service delivery. “The new financing includes $500 million for addressing governance issues that constrain the delivery of education and health, $570 million for the Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Program and $500 million for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project,” the bank said. Nigeria is among countries with the highest number of out of school children mainly due to insecurity, especially in the north of the country where a long-running Islamist insurgency and armed kidnapping gangs have caused havoc. The World Bank said part of the money would be used to improve dam safety to protect people from floods. Nigeria faces frequent flooding and this year up to a million people were affected after a dam in northeastern Borno state burst. More floods are expected in Nigeria after authorities in Cameroon started releasing water from a large dam to prevent it from overflowing.

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Shettima returns to Nigeria after UNGA in New York

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday returned to Abuja after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the just concluded 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA. The Vice President, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, had presented Nigeria’s National Statement at the General Debate, as well as engaged in several bilateral meetings and numerous sideline events at the General Assembly. He will proceed to join President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mark some events put together as part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary.

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UNGA79: Nigeria, Mastercard partner to support 1 Million African Farmers

Nigeria and Mastercard @Mastercard have announced a partnership aimed at supporting one million African farmers to improve yield and agricultural productivity. The project plan includes support for one million agricultural workers across Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania, with a focus on enhancing financial inclusion and digital access to critical services, as well as support from the African Development Bank (@AfDB_Group). The partnership deal was sealed during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM and executives of Mastercard Corporation on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President who is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT at the annual global event noted that the initiative has transformative potential for Africa’s food security drive. He said, “This partnership is an important milestone in our quest for comprehensive financial inclusion and agricultural empowerment. “By leveraging Mastercard’s global expertise, we’re set to create unprecedented opportunities for farmers across Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania.” Earlier, the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani @bosuntijani, explained that the partnership will provide digital access to critical financial services for agricultural workers, which he said is expected to significantly boost productivity and economic growth in the sector. “We’re not just introducing new technologies; we’re reimagining the entire agricultural value chain. Our goal is to ensure that every farmer, regardless of their location, has access to modern financial tools”. He disclosed that the initiative also addresses existing challenges in Nigeria’s digital payment ecosystem.  “We’re aware of the trust deficits that have hindered the full activation of contactless payments by some acquirers and banks. This partnership includes specific measures to bridge these gaps and ensure widespread adoption,” Tijani added. Also, the Country Manager for West Africa at Mastercard @MastercardSSA, Dr. Folasade Femi-Lawal, said a key component of the partnership is the rollout of contactless payment systems. “We’re planning 160 contactless payment seminars starting next February. These seminars are crucial in educating stakeholders and preparing the market for this technological leap,” he stated.

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Nigerian Fencing secures N40m equipment for 2024 Junior Epee World Cup

Nigeria, recognized as the leading fencing nation in Sub-Saharan Africa, will host the Fencing World Cup this December. The event is sanctioned by the Switzerland-based International Fencing Federation (FIE). Absolute Fencing, a leading fencing equipment manufacturer based in the USA, has donated five aluminum fencing pistes (each measuring 1.5 m x 17 m) valued at ₦40m. Gary Lu, President of Absolute Fencing, stated, “Absolute Fencing is pleased with the progress made by the Nigerian Fencing Federation and their dedication to advancing the sport in Nigeria. As part of our commitment to supporting the growth of fencing across Africa, we are proud to donate these fencing pistes to the Nigerian Fencing Federation for the upcoming 2024 Junior Men’s Epee World Cup in December.” An excited Adeyinka Samuel, President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation, emphasized that this support would motivate them to ensure a successful tournament and called on corporate bodies and individuals to support the federation’s efforts to elevate Nigeria’s status in the global fencing community. “Nigeria has successfully hosted several major international tournaments over the years, establishing itself as the frontrunner in Sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, Nigeria is the only Sub-Saharan country with the right to host a Fencing World Cup. This donation is a testament to the international recognition of our achievements in developing the sport, particularly as fencing pistes are the most expensive equipment in the sport. We now call on local organizations to support and partner with us as Nigeria continues to host these historic events,” Samuel said.

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79th UNGA: US Chamber Of Commerce commits $320m to Mortgage Financing, SMEs, Others in Nigeria

Nigeria’s participation at the 79th Session of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly  (#UNGA79) recorded the first success on Monday, as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s commitment towards mortgage refinancing and women empowerment received the support of the United States Chamber of Commerce @USChamber with a commitment of about $320 million. This is just as Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is leading the federal government delegation and representing President Tinubu at this year’s UNGA, has met with other members of Nigeria’s delegation to strategise on Nigeria’s engagements in New York.  At a US-Nigeria Executive Business Roundtable hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce, Nisha Biswal of the American International Development Finance Corporation announced that with a portfolio of  $1 billion, it was investing $200 million in mortgage refinancing in Nigeria. The sum of $100 million has been earmarked for FCMB to finance SMEs in Nigeria, with particular interest in women empowerment.  The US Chamber of Commerce also announced that $20 million has been approved for a firm, Robust International, for processing of cashew nuts in Nigeria. Biswal said the American Chamber remained committed to working with Nigerians in the development and pursuit of sustainable economic policies.  Appreciating the gesture of the group, Vice President Shettima reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to investor-friendly policies. He stated: “I urge you to give Nigeria the benefit of the doubt. The current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the most investor-friendly administration in the history of Nigeria. When fuel subsidy was an albatross around Nigeria’s neck, President Tinubu, from day one, hit the ground running by withdrawing the fuel subsidy and unifying the multiple opaque foreign exchange markets.” Earlier on Monday, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar @YusufTuggar, led other members to brief the Vice President on the activities and itinerary lined up for him in New York. Tuggar outlined the programmes and activities, saying the Vice President is expected to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national statement at the General Debate of the UN General Assembly.  Apart from President Tinubu’s national statement delivery, Vice President Kashim Shettima is also expected to meet with the Secretary General of the United Nations.  Aside other heads of states lined up to meet with the Vice President, there are also scheduled meetings with the head of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States; the President of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Director General of the International Atomic Agency, and multinational companies, among others. Also on the itinerary of the Vice President is a meeting with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and a host of other international partners.  Top Nigerian officials present at the meeting included the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani; Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite. Others are Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake; Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako; Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, among many others.

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Tinubu pens to First Lady on her 64th birthday

President Bola Tinubu penned an emotional message to the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on her 64th birthday.  Tinubu expressed his goodwill message on his official X handle.  The elated Nigerian president wrote; “My Dearest Oluremi, “On this beautiful day, as we celebrate your 64th birthday, my heart is full of gratitude and love for the incredible woman you are. Since we began this journey together, you have been my rock, confidante, greatest supporter, and the love of my life. Every step of the way, you have shown unwavering strength, grace, and love to me, our family, and our beloved nation, Nigeria. “You are the heart of our home, the light guiding me through the most challenging days, and the embodiment of kindness and wisdom. Your compassion, generosity, and dedication inspire millions of Nigerians and me, especially our young women, who look up to you as their First Lady. “On your special day, I want to take a moment to tell you how truly blessed I feel to walk this path beside you. Your love sustains me, wisdom guides me, and strength lifts me. I could not ask for a better partner to share the triumphs and trials of life. “As you turn 64, I wish you nothing but boundless joy, peace, and happiness. May this year unfold with blessings, laughter, and cherished moments you so richly deserve. I look forward to all the moments we will create together in the years to come. “With all my love and appreciation, now and always, “Yours Bola.”

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