Pge 10 March 29

Pge 10 March 29

Buhari: Tinubu a forthright, visionary leader

By Isiaka Wakili

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday described the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a forthright and visionary leader.

The President in his congratulatory message to Tinubu, who celebrated his 64th birthday, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, noted that Tinubu’s rising political profile since he was elected a senator in 1992 was a testimony to his forthrightness, diligence and doggedness.

He said those were the qualities that had endeared the APC national leader to the electorate and given him all-round success as a private sector worker, a businessman and two-term governor of Lagos State.

Buhari assured Tinubu that his patriotism and commitment to democracy and good governance as well as his generous spirit would always be remembered and appreciated by generations of Nigerians.

As one of the pillars of the APC, President Buhari commended the visionary leadership style of the Asiwaju of Lagos who is also the Jagaban of the Borgu Kingdom in Niger State for creating a formidable opposition party in Nigeria that worked vigorously within a short period to oust a party that had been in power for 16 years.

VCs sack: CSOs withdraw suit against Buhari

By Chidimma C. Okeke

Sequel to a public apology by President Muhammadu Buhari over the dissolution of the Governing Council of Universities, a human rights organisation, Coalition of Civil Society Groups, has withdrawn its case against him and the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu.

The organization in a statement, said Buhari’s decision to reverse an action that was taken in error was highly commendable and urged him to ruthlessly address the constant embarrassment brought to his government by others.

In the case filed at the National Industrial Court in Abuja, the CSOs, among other reliefs, also asked the court to declare as illegal, the sacking of 13 Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities and reinstatement of the governing councils of UniversitiesThe President’s remorse according to the group will forever remain a point of exemplary reference for the present crop of African leaders that offering apologies or reversing mistakes is not a sign of weakness but a show of courage to thread on a path meant only for the brave.

FG partners medical social workers on healthcare

By Ojoma Akor and Dele Ogunyemi, Ibadan

The Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has said the present administration is committed towards forging a closer relationship with medical social workers in the country.

He stated this when the national president of the Association of Medical Social Workers of Nigeria (AMSWON), Abubakar Alhassan Bichi led a delegation to his office in Abuja.

He said partnership will the association will lead to improved healthcare delivery services across the country

Ehanire said the government’s major focus is to ensure that , the ordinary Nigerian is at the heart of its policies, adding that, medical social workers will be playing vital roles in that direction.

He enjoined the association to draw up recommendations that will guide government on the way forward.

Earlier, Abubakar Bichi said though medical services at the federal government owned hospitals are commendable, there was room for improvement.

“We urge the government, as a cardinal principle to ensure that every Nigerian can access affordable but quality healthcare services,” he said.

Be honest with Nigerians, artisans urge FG

By Usman A. Bello

Builders and Construction Skilled Artisans Association of Nigeria (BACSAAN) has called on the federal government to be sincere and honest with Nigerians, especially the planned empowerment programme in order to enjoy the support of the association.

The president of the Association, Alhaji Fasasi Muhammed-Jamiu, said this yesterday in Abuja.

According to him, many Nigerians have become disillusioned and wary of government’s poverty alleviation programmes which were mostly used by previous government to divert resource or further enrich privileged Nigerians in the name of the poor.

In a statement signed by the association’s secretary, Abdulkareem Ibrahim, Fasasi said they have commenced mobilization and sensitization of skilled artisans across the country for the government empowerment programme meant for the less privileged.

“We are confident that this sensitization will help to boost the confidence of the downtrodden Nigerians in the federal government programmes and make them ready to assist the poverty alleviation plan to succeed for the benefit of all,” he said.

Why calling on skilled artisans in the country to register with the association, Fasasi said they are ready to partner with the federal government to achieve positive improvement in the economic condition of the poor.

Zaymar holds national confab on stability

By Abbas Jimoh

As part of measures to foster national unity, the Zaymar Islamic Research and Development Education Centre will hold a two-day conference on promoting national stability through constructive social relations with constituted authority.

The conference which starts today and billed for the Abuja National Mosque is expected to be attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Alhaji Saad Abubakar and Emir Muhammadu Sanusi of Kano.

Also expected to attend the event are Aliko Dangote, Professors Ishaq Akintola, Ibrahim Sulaiman and S. Shehu, Sheik Ahmad Abdurrahman of Ansar-ud-deen and Dr. Khalid Aliyu of the JNI among others.

National Coordinator of Zaymar Hajiya Shifa Garba, said in a statement that President Buhari would speak on “Enhancing Enduring Legacy Through Constructive Socio-Religious Relations with Constituted Authority.”

Rootswatch to reward outstanding council chairmen

By Daniel Adugbo

The Management of Rootswatch Magazine, a grassroots oriented publication, have concluded plans to honour outstanding local government chairmen from across the states in Nigeria.

National Coordinator of the award, Prince Bayode Ojo, said in a statement that the award which started with a call for nominations in national dailies is scheduled to hold in Abuja.

Among the council chairmen that emerged as winners are: Mafeng Gwallson of Riyom Local Government (LG), Plateau State, Hycinth Kwegi, Chairman, Gwer West in Benue State, David Famuyiwa of Agbado/ Okeodo, Lagos State, Alh. Yahaya Bagudu of Kaiama LG, Kwara State.

Other council chairmen to be honoured include; Emeka Onuorah of Njikoka LG in Anambra State, Alh. Muhammed Dandi, Chairman, Dandi LG, Kebbi State and Aladetimehin Joseph, Chairman, Akoko North West, Ondo State and Basiru Abubakar, the chairman of Kura Local Government in Kano State.

Abubakar Lado Suleja, Member, House of Representatives is expected to chair the occasion and will also be honoured with Nigerian Democratic Pillars Merit Award for his immense contribution to the development of the grassroots.