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Politics

Buhari, Aiyedatiwa congratulate Tinubu on 72 birthday 

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Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Former President Muhammadu Buhari and Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa have congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his 72nd birthday. 

Buhari in a statement Garba Shehu wished Tinubu good health and long life for the country to benefit from his excellent leadership.

Buhari commended Tinubu for making “sustained efforts to overcome the many problems of the country,” while wishing him many happy returns of the day.

Bola Tinubu [PHOTO CREDIT: NRTC Library]

“My family and I pray to God that you remain healthy and happy and continue to work for the betterment of the country. 

Governor Aiyedatiwa in a statement said it’s no coincidence that Tinubu shares the same birth month as the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, former Premier of the Western Region and one of the foremost thinkers and political leaders Nigeria has ever had in its chequered history. 

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He said Tinubu is an incurable subscriber and executioner of progressive politics meant for the advancement of mankind and the society at large.

“As our leader, I am in awe of your uncanny ability to make bold decisions in the overall interest of the people and live with the consequences that may come off thereafter without caving in under pressure. 

“Your leadership of the country at these trying times and the stability you have brought despite the myriad of challenges further validate the litany of stellar achievements you recorded when you governed Lagos between 1999 and 2007.

“We will continue to appreciate your genuine interest in and commitment to the development of Ondo State as exemplified by the fatherly role you played in entrenching political stability in our State when we needed it the most. 

“As you celebrate your birthday today, it is my prayer and the prayer of the good people of Ondo State that you continue to lead the country to a safe harbour in good health and comfort.”

Politics

Bankruptcy claim: Disclose degree of deficit inherited from Buhari’s govt, Obi tackles FG

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The Labour Party’s Presidential candidate for the February election, Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to transparently reveal the extent of the deficit inherited from the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

This call comes in response to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s recent statement, where he expressed concern about the alleged financial challenges inherited by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration from the preceding Buhari-led government on Monday.

Obi, in a statement shared on X, urged the Federal Government to formally declare its inheritance from the previous administration, providing clarity for the public on its stance. 

The former Governor of Anambra State contested the government’s narrative of bankruptcy, emphasising that transparency and strict accountability are integral components of responsible governance.

The statement read: “I just read yesterday, a widely publicized story from the present APC-led Federal Government saying that they inherited a bankrupt nation from their predecessor APC administration. But the story failed to disclose what they inherited which had qualified us for bankruptcy status.

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“One major characteristic of responsible governance is transparency and strict accountability. This demands that the government disclose exactly the degree of deficit they inherited. What is inherited should be disclosed to enable the public to know where we are and where we are headed. Recall that the previous APC Government made a similar claim in 2015 against the PDP administration that handed over to them without telling the nation what it actually inherited.

“Rather, they took our debt profile from N12.6 Trillion in 2015 to N87 trillion in 2023 when they left office without improving on any indices of development: Education, Health, Poverty eradication, and Security.

“Instead, the condition of the nation on every development index got worse, leading to the present sad state. Nigerians know things are bad, and they experience it daily. What they now want to hear regularly are measurable and verifiable steps to improve the situation.

“Also, the alarm raised by the government about the bad state of our finances raises questions about the rationale behind some expenditure items in the supplementary budget recently signed into law.

“The present revelation also goes to buttress the argument that I have made since electioneering season that the cost of governance is too high and must be drastically reduced. A bankrupt country should channel every available resource into funding critical development sectors like security, healthcare, education, and eradication of poverty by addressing youth unemployment, not spending in non-essential areas. So, what we expect are measurable and verifiable steps to improve the situation. PO.”

Opinions, Politics

If you think you are the most despised, remember Buhari

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

As President Muhammadu Buhari concludes his tenure and prepares to leave office on Monday, it is crucial to reflect on the lessons learned during his time in power. While every leader leaves behind a legacy, Buhari’s departure carries with it a set of sad notes.

ALSO READ: Read the full farewell speech by President Muhammadu Buhari

In his farewell speech, Buhari said that he is confident that he is leaving office with Nigeria better in 2023 than in 2015. Of course I know you are going to disagree with him.

Buhari is (arguably) the most despised president in the annals of Nigeria’s history. He assumed office at a time Nigerians needed him the most to revolutionize the country, but now that that he is leaving office soon it seems that this Mr President has failed many of these people who so much believed in him then. And they just cannot wait for him to leave.

Former Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari

In a world where everyone wants to be loved and adored, President Buhari stands tall, reminding us that being despised is an art form. While many of us strive to be respected and admired, this man effortlessly captures the essence of being the object of disdain.

First and foremost, let us talk about his achievements. President Buhari has managed to disappoint a vast array of people, from his staunch supporters who had high hopes for his leadership to his opponents who simply cannot stand his policies. It is a remarkable feat to unite people in despising you, and I think it takes a special kind of talent to be so divisive.

But it does not stop there. Buhari has perfected the art of making promises and then conveniently forgetting about them. It is truly awe-inspiring how he can confidently address the nation, making grandiose declarations, only to conveniently sweep them under the rug. Who needs accountability when you have the power of forgetfulness?

Let us not forget about his commitment to transparency and communication. President Buhari has elevated the art of silence to unprecedented heights. When faced with challenging questions or issues, he demonstrates his unparalleled ability to disappear into thin air. It is as if he has a secret invisibility cloak that he whips out whenever things get a little too uncomfortable.

And let us not even get started on his impeccable timing. President Buhari knows exactly when to go on vacation, especially during times of crisis. Who needs a leader when you can have a well-rested vacationer? It is truly a masterclass in prioritizing self-care over the needs of the nation.

ALSO READ: Tinubu’s Inauguration: The Critical issues facing Nigeria’s next president analysed

With how Buhari has performed in the past eight years, if you ever find yourself feeling down, just remember him. Take solace in the fact that no matter what you do, people will always talk. No matter how hard you try, there will always be critics. You might as well embrace it and channel your inner Buhari.

Keep doing what you do, and let the world despise you. President Buhari has shown us that it is not about winning hearts or making a positive impact. It is about embracing the chaos, mastering the art of disappointment, and making silence your best friend.

So, stand tall, dear Nigerians, and remember: if you think you are the most despised, just think of President Buhari. He is the real MVP of being disliked. And who knows, maybe one day you too can reach the heights of his legendary unpopularity.

Featured, Leading Stories, Metro, Politics

Dangote Refinery: Here are 20 facts to note about the newly built facility

Muhammadu Buhari, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Monday May 22, commissioned the newly built Dangote refinery plant, which is arguably Africa’s biggest oil refinery and the worlds biggest simple-train facility.

Ahead of the groundbreaking event, News Round The Clock gathered 20 facts readers should know about the new Dangote Refinery.

Dangote Refinery (Photo Credit: Twitter)

ALSO READ: 10 notable Nigerians who recently joined the Guinness World Record book

The interior part of Dangote’s refinery project (Photo Credit: Twitter)

1. It is located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, covering a land area of approximately 2,635 hectares.

2. The refinery is powered by a 435-megawatt (MW) power plant.

3. The refinery is the world’s largest single train with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day with a 900 KTPA Polypropylene plant.

4. At full capacity, it can meet 100% of the Nigerian requirement of all refined products and also have surplus for exports.

5. Designed for 100% Nigerian crude with flexibility to process other crudes.

6. Self-sufficient marine facility with ability for freight optimization. Largest single order of 5 single-point mooring (SPMs) anywhere in the world.

7. Diesel and gasoline from the refinery will conform to Euro V specifications.

8. The refinery design complies with World Bank, US EPA, European emission norms and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms.

9. Incorporates state-of-the-art technology.

10. Designed to process large variety of crudes, including many of the African crudes, some of the middle eastern crudes and the US Light Tight Oil.

11. 65 million cubic meters of sand dredged, costing approximately €300 million, using the world’s largest dredgers.

12. Bought over 1,200 units of various equipment to enhance the local capacity for site works.

13. Bought 332 cranes to build up equipment installation capacity.

14. Built the world’s largest granite quarry to supply coarse aggregate, stone column material, stone base, stone, dust and material for breakwater (10 million tons per year production capacity).

15. Developed a port and constructed two quays with a load bearing capacity of 25 tons/square meter to bring over dimensional cargoes close to the site directly.

16. Constructed two more quays in the port with a capacity to handle up to Panamax vessels to export, two quays to handle liquid cargoes. The port will have six quays, including a roll on/roll off quay.

17. In the course of the civil works, 700 piles were drilled on some days, with total number of piles up to 250,000.

18. It has 177 tanks of up 4.742 billion liters capacity.

19. Dangote is one of the few companies in e world executing a Petroleum refinery & a Petrochemical complex directly as an Engineering, Procurement and Construction(EPC) contractor.

20. When Dangote refinery is kickstarted , the price of premium motor spirit (Petrol) will crash to 10 Naira per liter.

Leading Stories, Politics

Buhari To Attend King Charles’ Coronation In UK

President Muhammadu Buhari will join other world leaders for the coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort of the United Kingdom, respectively.

Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina made this known in a statement on Wednesday.

Adesina said the President will depart for London, United Kingdom on Wednesday for the coronation slated for Saturday, May 6.

Also Read: Peter Obi Confesses To ‘Yes Daddy’ Conversation With Oyedepo

“Ahead of the coronation, the Commonwealth Secretariat will take advantage of the gathering of leaders in London to host a Commonwealth Summit for Presidents and Heads of Government of Commonwealth countries on Friday, May 5.

“President Buhari is billed to participate in the Summit which will deliberate on the Future of the Commonwealth and the Role of the Youth,” the statement partly read.

The President will be accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.-Gen Babagana Monguno (Rtd); the Director General, National Intelligence Agency, (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Abubakar; the Chairperson of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and other senior government officials.

Buhari had in November met with King Charles III in Buckingham Palace to foster Nigeria’s bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom.

The President had said the current monarch, who was crowned king after the passing of his mother, “speaks very well of Nigeria and wants the relationship to continue and if possible improve”.

Nigeria, formerly a Great Britain colony, had attained independence on October 1, 1960 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II who died in September 2022 at the ripe age of 96.

Politics

President Buhari says N200 old notes remain legal tender till April 10

President Muhammadu Buhari, has authorized the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to release back into circulation the N200 naira old notes and be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes for till April 10, 2023.

Buhari in his national broadcast on Thursday said after April 10, the old N200 notes will cease to be legal tender.

The President said ​in line with Section 20(3) of the CBN Act 2007, all existing old N1000 and N500 notes remain redeemable at the CBN and designated points.

Also read, Naira Redesign: Reverse Policy Now, Gov.  Akeredolu Tells Buhari, CBN

Below is the full broadcast message of President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, 16th, 2023.

My Dear Compatriots,

1. I have found it necessary to address you today, on the state of the nation and to render account on the efforts of our administration to sustain and strengthen our economy, enhance the fight against corruption and sustain our gains in the fight against terrorism and insecurity which has, undoubtedly, been impacted by several internal and external factors.

Also read, Wike hails Supreme Court for stopping FG, CBN on implementing old naira deadline

2. ​Particularly, I am addressing you, as your democratically elected President, to identify with you and express my sympathy, over the difficulties being experienced as we continue the implementation of new monetary policies, aimed at boosting our economy and tightening of the loopholes associated with money laundering.

3. ​Let me re-assure Nigerians, that strengthening our economy, enhancing security and blockage of leakages associated with illicit financial flows remain top priority of our administration. And I shall remain committed to my oath of protecting and advancing the interest of Nigerians and the nation, at all times.  

4. ​In the last quarter of 2022, I authorised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to redesign the N200, N500, and N1000 Nigerian banknotes.

5. ​For a smooth transition, I similarly approved that the redesigned banknotes should circulate concurrently with the old bank notes, till 31 January 2023, before the old notes, cease to be legal tender.

6. ​In appreciation of the systemic and human difficulties encountered during implementation and in response to the appeal of all citizens, an extension of ten days was authorized till 10th February, 2023 for the completion of the process. All these activities are being carried out within the ambit of the Constitution, the relevant law under the CBN Act 2007 and in line with global best practices.

7. ​Fellow citizens, while I seek your understanding and patience during this transient phase of implementation, I feel obliged to avail you a few critical points underpinning the policy decision. These include:

a. The need to restore the statutory ability of the CBN to keep a firm control over money in circulation. In 2015 when this administration commenced its first term, Currency-in-Circulation was only N1.4trillion.

b. The proportion of currency outside banks grew from 78%in 2015 to 85% in 2022. As of October 2022, therefore, currency in circulation had risen to N3.23 trillion; out of which only N500 billion was within the Banking System while N2.7 trillion remained permanently outside the system; thereby distorting the financial policy and efficient management of inflation;

c. The huge volume of Bank Notes outside the banking system has proven to be practically unavailable for economic activities and by implication, retard the attainment of potential economic growth;

d. Economic growth projections make it imperative for government to aim at expanding financial inclusion in the country by reducing the number of the unbanked population; and

e. Given the prevailing security situation across the country, which keeps improving, it also becomes compelling for government to deepen its continuing support for security agencies to successfully combat banditry and ransom-taking in Nigeria

8. ​Notwithstanding the initial setbacks experienced, the evaluation and feedback mechanism set up has revealed that gains have emerged from the policy initiative.

9. ​I have been reliably informed that  since the commencement of this program, about N2.1 trillion out of the banknotes previously held  outside the banking system, had been successfully retrieved.

10.​ This represents about 80% of such funds. In the short to medium and long terms, therefore, it is expected that there would be:

a. A strengthening of our macro economic parameters;

b. Reduction of broad money supply leading to a deceleration of the velocity of money in the economy which should result in less pressures on domestic prices;

c. Lowering of Inflation as a result of the accompanying decline in money supply that will slow the pace of inflation;

d. Collapse of Illegal Economic Activities which would help to stem corruption and acquisition of money through illegal ways;

e. Exchange Rate stability;

f. Availability of Easy Loans and lowering of interest rates; and

g. Greater visibility and transparency of our financial actions translating to efficient enforcement of our anti- money laundering legislations.

11.​ I am not unaware of the obstacles placed on the path of innocent Nigerians by unscrupulous officials in the banking industry, entrusted with the process of implementation of the new monetary policy. I am deeply pained and sincerely sympathise with you all, over these unintended outcomes.

12. ​To stem this tide, I have directed the CBN to deploy all legitimate resources and legal means to ensure that our citizens  are adequately educated on the policy; enjoy easy access to cash withdrawal through availability of appropriate amount of currency; and ability to make deposits.

13.​ I have similarly directed that the CBN should intensify collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, so as to ensure that any institution or person(s) found to have impeded or sabotaged the implementation should be made to bear the full weight of the law.

14.​ During the extended phase of the deadline for currency swap, I listened to invaluable pieces of advice from well meaning citizens and institutions across the nation.

15. ​I similarly consulted widely with representatives of the State Governors as well as the Council of State. Above all, as an administration that respects the rule of law, I have also noted that the subject matter is before the courts of our land and some pronouncements have been made.

16.  ​To further ease the supply pressures particularly to our citizens, I have given approval to the CBN that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and that it should also be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes for 60 days from February 10, 2023 to April 10 2023 when the old N200 notes ceases to be legal tender.

17. ​In line with Section 20(3) of the CBN Act 2007, all existing old N1000 and N500 notes remain redeemable at the CBN and designated points.

18. ​Considering the health of our economy and the legacy we must bequeath to the next administration and future generations of Nigerians, I admonish every citizen to strive harder to make their deposits by taking advantage of the platforms and windows being provided by the CBN.

19. ​Let me assure Nigerians that our administration will continue to assess the implementation with a view to ensuring that Nigerians are not unnecessarily burdened. In this regard, the CBN shall  ensure that new notes become more available and accessible to our citizens through the banks.

20. ​I wish to once more appeal for your understanding till we overcome this difficult transient phase within the shortest possible time.

21. ​Fellow citizens, on the 25th of February, 2023 the nation would be electing a new President and National Assembly members. I am aware that this new monetary policy has also contributed immensely to the minimization of the influence of money in politics.

22. ​This is a positive departure from the past and represents a bold legacy step by this administration, towards laying a strong foundation for free and fair elections.

23. ​I urge every citizen therefore, to go out to vote for their candidates of choice without fear, because security shall be provided and your vote shall count.

24.​ I however admonish you to eschew violence and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral processes. I wish us all a successful General Elections.

Thank you for listening. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Leading Stories, Politics

Buhari Orders Security Agencies To Eliminate Terrorists, Bandits

The nation’s security forces have been given complete latitude to deal with the terrorists and bandits wreaking havoc in the country, according to President Muhammadu Buhari, who made the statement on Tuesday, August 2.

The President did this while expressing his sympathies to people who lost loved ones in the recent terrorist attacks in the states of Sokoto, Kaduna, and Plateau.

Also Read: Buhari vows to stop at nothing tackling security challenges – NSA reveals

According to Mallam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Buhari inspected the situation after hearing reports that multiple people had died in the attacks.

He promised the states that the federal government would provide every kind of assistance.

According to him, “We have given security forces full freedom to deal with, and bring to end this madness.

“I condemn these barbaric attacks on the country. I wish to assure the states of all possible support from the government of the federation.

“My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly.”

Leading Stories, Politics

Buhari vows to stop at nothing tackling security challenges – NSA reveals

President Muhammadu Buhari has again expressed serious concern over the current security challenges facing some parts of the country and will stop at nothing to change the tide.

The National Security Adviser to the President, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno said the president made his feelings known when he summoned an emergency meeting of the National Security Council on Thursday, July 28, in Abuja.

According to him, the meeting deliberated Buhari on recent security challenges bedeviling the country and made resolutions to review existing strategies in fighting the scourge.

‘`Today’s meeting was convened by President Buhari as a continuation of the meeting that took place last week to discuss the technical issues and the taskings that were given to the various security agencies.

“The meeting deliberated on all those issues, after the brief by the National Security Adviser, which is usually the procedure.

“Again, Council deems it necessary to inform the general public, that fighting this type of asymmetric conflict is a collective effort. It’s not something that should be confined to only the security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

“When we keep saying whole of society approach, whole of government approach, to get a whole of national approach, what it means is that everybody has to partake in this enterprise.’’

Also Read: INEC rules out further extension in deadline for voters’ registration

According to the NSA, no country can ever overcome the difficulties of an asymmetric conflict by virtue of the fact that the enemy of the state is embedded within the population within the wider society.

“It is true that the local people are averse, they’re scared, they’re worried and there’s no confidence.

“That is understandable. But without their support without the cooperation in terms of giving information, it makes it very hard for the operational elements.

“A few days ago, troops of the guards’ brigade were ambushed and decimated.

“Had there been a collective effort by way of just snippets of information we might have averted that incident, that is not to say that the responsibility is for those outside the security domain.

“It’s a collective responsibility,’’ he added.

Leading Stories, Politics

Buhari: Free, credible elections indispensable to peace, stability in W/Africa

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on leaders in West Africa to do all within their powers to ensure that elections are conducted in their countries in an atmosphere of trust, freedom, and transparency.

The President’s media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement, said Buhari made the call on Tuesday, July 26, in a goodwill message to the Government and people of Liberia as he joined other world leaders on the occasion of the 175th Independence Anniversary of the West African nation.

According to the president, this is the only way the sub-region can be insulated from the scourge of unconstitutional takeovers that reared its head in three countries recently.

Buhari affirmed that democracy and good governance must take their roots on the African continent to sustain peace, stability, and development while leaders must redouble their efforts to guarantee the irreversibility of democracy.

Also Read: Peter Obi reveals ‘immediate’ solution to current insecurity

“I would like to use the opportunity of this event to address an important issue affecting three countries in the ECOWAS region; Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

“All the three nations have National Elections in 2023. In Nigeria, we are working towards a free, fair, transparent, credible, and acceptable outcome of elections and their results.

”It is important and necessary for all our countries to key into these resolves as they are indispensable to peace and stability in our countries and sub-region.

”The deepening of democracy and good governance are essential antidotes to check-mate unconstitutional change of governments as we sadly witnessed within the last three years in three countries within our sub-region.

”We must strengthen our efforts to guarantee the irreversibility of democracy in our sub-region and Africa,” he said.

Buhari commended his Liberian counterpart, Dr George Weah, for his demonstration of love for the country and the pursuit of peace, unity, and progress, as evidenced by people-oriented projects executed with the sole purpose of taking the country to greater heights within the limited resources available.

He, however, urged the Liberian leader to do more, assuring him of Nigeria’s continued support in this regard.

“Your Excellency’s policy of development launched in 2018 as well as the recently launched youth empowerment programmes, targeted at comprehensively addressing the problems of youth restiveness in Liberia.

”These are equally aimed at rescuing the disadvantaged youths (ZOGOS in local parlance) from drug addictions and other forms of social vices and transforming them into useful members of the Liberian society, are clearly very appropriate policies to lift up the most vulnerable.”

Leading Stories, Politics

Senate screens, confirms Buhari’s seven ministerial nominees

The Senate, on Wednesday, June 29, at plenary, screened and confirmed all the seven ministerial nominees sent by President Muhammadu Buhari on June 21. 

Buhari had in a letter that conveyed the names of the ministerial nominees to Senate, explained that the confirmation request was in accordance with the provisions of Section 147 subsection 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. 

Out of the seven nominees screened and confirmed by Senate, three were excused from taking questions from lawmakers.

This was because of their legislative background and experience,  in line with the  tradition of the Senate, while four of nominees answered questions from the lawmakers.

The nominees excused from questions  at the screening were Goodluck Nana Opiah (Imo), Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub (Kano) and Ademola Adewole Adegoroye (Ondo).

Those who responded to questions included Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh (Abia) Umana Okon Umana (Akwa Ibom), Ekumankama Joseph Nkama (Ebonyi) and Odum Odi (Rivers).

Responding to questions earlier, Ikoh, a nominee from Abia, promised to contribute to development of the nation’s economy, if confirmed, given his background in the private sector as an industrialist.

On how jobs could be created for the teeming unemployed youths, Ikoh re-emphasised the need for the establishment of modular refineries, to refine the nation’s crude oil locally.

Also Read: Matawalle: Why we directed citizens to acquire guns

Responding to questions on how to improve the  revenue and foreign exchange earnings to Nigeria, the nominee from Akwa Ibom, Umana Okon Umana, said the free trade zone was a veritable platform to improve the nation’s revenue earnings.

He advised that effort should be made to  improve Nigeria’s production sector for export, which would enable the inflows of foreign exchange .

The nominee from Ebonyi, when asked how he could contribute to youth development, given his youthful age, said there was need to ensure a national re-orientation for the youths, on get-rich-quick mentality.

According to the 46-year old nominee, the youths  should be encouraged  and enabled to seek for the numerous opportunities in the country, instead of focusing on government jobs.

On the ASUU strike, he said there was need for the  Federal Government and ASUU to come to the round table, and reach a compromise on workable terms of resolving the strike.

He also said there was need to provide  more budgetary allocation to the education sector.

President of Senate, in his remarks after the screening  and confirmation, congratulated the ministerial designates  on their confirmation by the Senate.