RUSSIAN-UKRAINE WAR: PRESIDENT BUHARI STRESSES NEED FOR INCREASED COOPERATION IN OIL AND GAS, OTHERS WITH PORTUGAL

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Lisbon, Portugal, indicated that Nigeria is ready to fill the natural gas gaps in Europe predicated by the current Russian-Ukrainian war.

The President also said with over 200 million mainly young people, Nigeria is ready to be the hub of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).

In his statement on areas of cooperation between Nigeria and Portugal delivered at the Presidential Palace in Lisbon, President Buhari urged Portugal to consider Nigeria as a valued and trusted partner in Africa.

The Nigerian leader identified five key areas of cooperation and collaboration capable of moving both countries forward, saying:

‘‘At a time the world is going through turbulent times, we feel that a strong friendship and partnership between Nigeria and Portugal can act as a force for good.’’

He listed the areas of cooperation and collaboration as follows: oil and gas, tourism and hospitality industry, air travel, security and joint commission.

On oil and gas, President Buhari said with the current Russian-Ukraine war, increased cooperation in oil and gas between the two countries has become vital to avoid crisis in the demand and supply chain, even as Nigeria is already a major supplier of gas to Portugal.

On tourism and hospitality industry, President Buhari explained that Nigeria had huge potential in the sector and would like to benefit from the enormous expertise of his hosts in this area as shown in Portugal becoming a prime tourist destination.

On air travel, the President emphasized the need to sign a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and quickly establish a direct air link between the two countries.

He noted that cooperation between the two counties in this area is vital for increased trade and investment, tourism promotion, people-to-people contact as well as social and cultural engagement.

Affirming Nigeria’s renewed commitment towards the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad and the Sahel Region, the President told his Portuguese counterpart that Nigeria would welcome the support of the Portuguese Government through intelligence and information sharing, weapons and training of security personnel of member states.

President Buhari also stressed the need to establish a Joint Commission, saying:

‘‘We believe that the establishment of a Joint Commission will help to promote the full realization of the objectives of our bilateral relations.

‘‘The Commission would facilitate the institutionalization of cooperation mechanisms and permit the elaboration and implementation of concrete, specific and viable projects and programmes for the benefit of our people.’’

Furthermore, the President added that Nigeria and Portugal can cooperate closely on a range of agricultural and renewable energy projects.

‘‘Nigeria recognizes Portugal’s comparative advantages in the fields of renewable energy and pharmaceuticals which are also priority areas for Nigeria.

‘‘Other areas of cooperation which are of importance include; the Establishment of an Atlantic Research Centre; Political Consultations; Diplomatic Training; Cultural Cooperation; Investment Promotion; Chambers of Commerce Cooperation; Women and Child Development; Youth and Sports Development and Digital Economy Cooperation.

‘‘That is why we look forward to signing Memoranda of Understanding and Cooperation Agreements in those areas,’’ he said.

Earlier at a ceremonial welcome at Praca do Imperio by the President of Portugal, President Buhari had laid a wreath at the tomb of Luis Vaz de Camoes, the national poet, at the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. The Monastery of Jeronimos is one of the most decorative churches in Portugal. The body of the famous explorer, Vasco da Gama is interred in the lower chancel, just left of the entrance, opposite venerated 16th-century poet Luís Vaz de Camões, popularly perceived as Portugal’s Shakespeare.

From the upper choir, there’s a superb view of the church; the rows of seats are Portugal’s first Renaissance woodcarvings. The President’s State Visit officially started from here, received by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa featuring an impressive military parade and a guided tour of the Monastery.

The Nigerian leader was also conferred with the Portuguese National Honour and decorated ‘Great Collar of the Order of Prince Henry.’

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

June 30, 2022

Enugu State govt expresses deep concern over Sen. Ekweremadu’s ordeal in UK

…Prays for his family, accelerated healing of their daughter

…Appreciates FG, NASS, Nigerians for their solidarity, support

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in Enugu State has expressed deep concern over the ordeal of the Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, in the United Kingdom.

A statement by the Enugu State Government described Senator Ekweremadu as an illustrious son of the state and a foremost Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The statement disclosed that the government and the good people of Enugu State are saddened by the unpleasant news of arrest, arraignment and subsequent remand in custody of Senator Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, in the United Kingdom.

It, therefore, conveyed the thoughts and prayers of Gov. Ugwuanyi and the people of the state to the entire family of Senator Ekweremadu “in this difficult time as we beseech the most merciful God to grant accelerated healing to Miss Sonia Ekweremadu”.

The state government extended its profound gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the National Assembly for their empathy, support, solidarity and legal intervention.

It went further to appreciate the prayers of well-meaning Nigerians for early resolution of the issues.

PRESIDENT BUHARI: NIGERIA-PORTUGAL RELATIONS SET FOR NEW LEVELS, AS COUNTRIES READY TEN AGREEMENTS, MOUs FOR SIGNING

Nigeria and Portugal have expressed determination to take relations to a whole new level with concrete deliverables, emphasizing the need for stronger ties 46 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations.

President Muhammadu Buhari gave the indication on Thursday in Lisbon, at a joint press conference with President Marcela Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal.

The Nigerian leader told the press after a one-on-one meeting with his Portuguese counterpart and an enlarged meeting between delegations that in spite of the existing cordial relations between the two countries, there was a need for greater collaboration.

President Buhari, therefore, declared that as many as ten agreements and Memoranda of Understanding are being prepared for signing during his State visit to the European country.

These include:

‘‘The Establishment of an Atlantic Research Centre; Air travel; Political Consultations; Diplomatic Training; Cultural Cooperation; Investment Promotion; Chambers of Commerce Cooperation; Women and Child Development; Youth and Sports Development and Digital Economy Cooperation.

‘‘The world is at a crossroads. The decisions we take as leaders could make or break the world as we know it.

‘‘We face existential challenges with climate change, food insecurity, conflict, health, and energy among others.

‘‘We look to Portugal as an influential country and partner to play an important role in helping to pull the world back from the brink.’’

President Buhari thanked the Portuguese leader for the role his government played during his tenure as President of the European Union, in securing EU and International Monetary Union financial support for Africa.

Highlighting that this year marks the 46th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Nigerian leader said:

‘‘We are delighted that we can count Portugal as a valued and reliable friend and partner.

‘‘We share the same democratic values and look to increase and broaden cooperation in various fields at the bilateral and multilateral levels.’’

The President added that there will be a Nigeria-Portugal Business and Investment Forum with the participation of over 80 representatives from Nigerian public and private sector companies, agencies and organizations.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

June 30, 2022

PRESS RELEASE

1st July, 2022

DELTA APC: A LUNACY DRIVEN BY BLIND AGITPROP AND WILD SQUAWK

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State has described the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC’s) response to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s timely portrayal of the party as having poor knowledge of governance as tame, unreliable, and the intemperate work of lunacy driven by a shameless blind propagandist.

The PDP in a Press Release by its State Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza stated that the attempt by the APC wild squawk otherwise called its Director of Communication and Strategy further confirmed Governor Okowa’s description of the opposition in the State as apt and a statement of fact that cannot be denied.

Osuoza said: “The APC propagandist’s reference to “key economic data and self-evident facts”, was supposed to mislead people into believing that they know what they are saying, but it actually falls flat on their faces because they could not define the so-called key economic data that is a self-evident fact. It is a well-known fact that as accusers, the onus of proof is on them to explain in a way that convinces by laying the so-called facts bare. Instead, they prefer to revel in a style that is spurious, illusory and take delight in the flash and splash of arguments that lack depth.

Indeed, it is given that their arguments will always lack the strength of feeling, which equally exposes their lack of intelligence and knowledge about how administration and the work of governance operate, thus confirming the governor’s position that Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the APC governorship candidate and his hack writers, indeed, have poor knowledge of governance.

Because of their penchant for dishonesty and to beguile the sightless, the parochial elements feign ignorance of the massive development planted by the high-flying and visionary PDP Governor who has stamped his enviable footprints on Delta State’s sands of times. With the impressive and vastly appreciated good work of uplifting Delta State and her people from the doldrums, work that dots the nooks and crannies of the State, which Deltans, the main beneficiaries testify to, the State has sustained its high ranking among the comity of States in Nigeria. Check out the opening and linking of towns with good road networks, bridges that are opening up and connecting the riverine areas to other communities, the building and equipping of hospitals and health centres within appreciable communities, and the unassailable Job Creation efforts of the Okowa administration through the various youth development programmes that have made entrepreneurs and job creators out of erstwhile well educated but idle youths, to the vast establishment of educational institutions and facilities across all the Senatorial and Local Government Areas of the State.

The establishment of three universities in one fell swoop, with matching development of necessary infrastructure and the accreditation of the universities and various campuses by the National Universities Commission (NUC) makes no sense to sadists that compose the APC propaganda machinery. Do we need to remind them of the various landmark projects, foremost of which is the Prof. (Obi) Chike Edozien Secretariat, whose sheer architectural design, exquisite ambiance, and comfort for staff reminds you of the type of valuable structures obtainable in developed countries of the world? No, the man widely known for being shameless with carrying the burden of managing a tainted reputation thinks every other person must be like him.

APC lazy propagandists talked about Delta is fast becoming the Keke capital of the world, but because of their incompetence at grasping and reading correctly, and because of their devious inclination, they cannot see that the Keke on Delta Roads are mainly operated largely by non-indigenes of Delta State from other States who came and have found peace and security in the State, and therefore, appreciate a conducive atmosphere where they could at least do business to make ends meet. Ima Niboro’s shadiness and the highhandedness of those he is working for will not let them give honour to whom it is due. They will not acknowledge that the population of persons coming into Delta State should be the result of the virtue of good governance planted by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa that has made the State peaceful and enticing to the Keke people, who are making brisk business the type they cannot get in their States.

APC said: “Our local economy has no capacity to withstand even the slightest national economic shock,” we give them the challenge to prove this deliberately deceptive claim.

It is good and comforting news to us to learn at least that APC in Delta State is also aware that the other PDP-controlled States are doing very well in providing good governance, development, and meeting the yearnings of the people. That APC could not compare Delta State with the utterly dismal performances in States controlled by their party is kudos to the PDP as a party.

Every strike of a malicious attack on the person and administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa by APC are attacks taken by Deltans with a pinch of salt. They can see things for themselves and they can read between the lines. For the good people of Delta State, such attacks are distorted information deceptively created to mislead the people. So, they are never trusted because they are far from the reality that Deltans see on the ground.

The PDP leaders and members will continue to appreciate Deltans for their continued and relentless devotion to our party. Your fondness for PDP is what the opposition is gloating over and fueling the hateful spite.

The totality of it is what has underscored the fact that Delta is PDP and PDP is Delta.

Thank you Deltans.

PDP! Power to the people!!

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza

State Publicity Secretary,

PDP, Delta State.

PRESIDENT BUHARI SEEKS INCREASE IN TRADE DIVERSIFICATION WITH PORTUGAL, SAYS FOUNDATION LAID FOR FORMIDABLE ECONOMIC COOPERATION FOR NEXT 500 YEARS

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Lisbon called for an increase in the volume of trade with Portugal as well as diversification to non-oil products.

The President spoke at an Economic Seminar between Nigeria and Portugal businesses during a State Visit to Portugal.

He noted that the two countries are in dire need of new investment opportunities following the devastation on global economies caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and, in recent times, the impact of Russia-Ukraine conflict.

‘‘The relationship between modern Nigeria and Portugal started over 40 years ago with strong collaborations on the diplomatic and defence fronts.

‘‘I was very excited to learn of the increased level of enthusiasm Portuguese businesses have shown towards Nigeria.

‘‘In the past 25 years, trade between Nigeria and Portugal has more than doubled to over $1 billion by 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘‘This has been mostly in the oil and gas sector. Although this is great progress, I strongly believe we can and should do a lot more,’’ he said.

Assuring the Portuguese government of Nigeria’s support to Portuguese companies wishing to invest in the country, the President said:

‘‘The Portuguese were the first European voyagers on record to visit the shores of Nigeria in the late fifteenth century. And just like how African culture is influential in modern Portugal, the Portuguese culture is also felt in today’s Nigeria.’’

He announced that recently, the Government of Nigeria awarded a contract to Mota-Engil, a Portuguese company, to construct a railway line that connects Kano in Northern Nigeria to Maradi in Southern Niger Republic.

He added this partnership will surely open doors for more Portuguese companies to come to Nigeria, as the largest and most populous economy in Africa.

‘‘Just two months ago, Portugal opened its first North Africa Trade Chamber. This will complement the Chamber in South Africa.

‘‘I am confident after your interactions today on the tremendous potential in Nigeria, we will soon be hearing an announcement on the opening of the Nigeria Portugal Trade Chamber.’’

Recounting that in 2021, the African Export-Import Bank and Portugal’s National Association of Young Entrepreneurs announced a 3-year partnership to promote Africa’s fashion apparel and textile manufacturing industry, the Nigerian leader said:

‘‘I strongly believe this will benefit Nigeria’s vibrant fashion industry.’’

President Buhari also used the occasion to apprise prospective investors of the many fiscal, trade and monetary incentives that support foreign investments.

‘‘The Nigerian Government officials in this room are on standby to provide all the necessary information you need.

‘‘I have already directed the establishment of a dedicated Portugal working group headed by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to address any special concerns you may have above and beyond the existing policies in place.

‘‘I want to assure you that we will take these requests seriously and our response will be swift.’’

On his expectations for the forum, the President expressed confidence that it was an appropriate platform to establish and strengthen business relationships, share valuable experience, and collaborate for both countries’ mutual benefit.

‘‘Nigeria and Portugal share long historical ties. The relationship between our two countries brought with it trade partnerships, an area that we wish to build upon today,’’ he said.

President Buhari thanked President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal, who was present at the Seminar, for his contribution, interest and trust in forging formidable economic cooperation between Nigeria and Portugal.

‘‘As I mentioned earlier our two countries have a long, shared history and we now have the power to ensure the next 500 years is built on mutual prosperity, sustainability and greatness,’’ he said.

In his response, the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa told President Buhari that Portugal can help Nigeria diversify the economy.

“Because we are a very small country, we have huge experience. We have experience in water supply, technology, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, tourism, Agriculture, Science, Health care, Trade, the sea and we want to cooperate with you. We have experienced companies, experienced hands. We have a unique knowledge of Africa,” he said.

On the visit, the Portuguese President said, “Your visit is a new beginning, A new beginning of every sector. We don’t want 30 or 100 companies, we want thousands of companies in Nigeria, we want thousands of Portuguese in Nigeria and that will be your legacy, my legacy, the legacy of this state visit. I’ll be going to Nigeria later on and together we shall see with our own eyes what the outcome of this visit is. This is not a visit of words but a visit of facts and achievements. We will achieve.”

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity

June 30, 2022

PRESS STATEMENT

30TH JUNE, 2022

DELTA PDP MOURNS JUDE ONYA, IKA SOUTH PDP CHAIRMAN

Delta State Peoples Democratic Party PDP, has expressed shock and sadness over the news of the sudden death of Mr. Jude Onya, Ika South PDP Chairman.

A statement by Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, State Publicity Secretary of Delta PDP, which consoled the immediate family, the PDP family, and people of Ika South, the Ika nation, and Deltans over the unexpected loss reads:

“We received with shock and deep grief, the news of the sudden and unexpected passing of Mr. Jude Onya, PDP Chairman, Ika South, today, Thursday, 30th June, 2022.

“We are deeply saddened by this huge loss. Mr. Jude Onya was a great and beloved grassroots leader and mobilizer of the party, whose charismatic camaraderie, influence, and robust leadership style, not only stood him out for special recognition and encomiums amongst his political peers, but ensured that Ika South maintained and sustained the pride of place which the PDP has enjoyed over the years.

“Our deep and sincere condolences goes to his immediate family, the PDP family, and people of Ika South and the Ika nation, over this sudden, unexpected, and monumental loss of our outstanding leader and shining ambassador and we pray the good Lord to grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable departure.

May the Almighty God forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest. Amen!.

R.I.P. Chairman!

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza

State Publicity Secretary,

PDP, Delta State.

PRESIDENT BUHARI RE-APPOINTS PATIENCE ONIHA AS DG, DMO

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the renewal of the appointment of Patience Oniha as the Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO) for a second term of 5 years in accordance to Section IV (9-i) of the Debt Management Office (Establishment ETC) Act, 2003.

The renewal takes effect from July 1, 2022.

Her appointment for a second term was based on the significant achievements recorded by the DMO in the last 5 years, under her leadership.

Amongst the achievements are the introduction of Sukuk and Green Bonds to finance the development of infrastructure where there is a huge gap.

Under her watch, as part of the initiatives to improve the sustainability of the public debt and opening up avenues for raising long term funds for corporates, the DMO introduced long term Bonds with tenors of 30 years in the domestic and international markets.

This is aside from attracting diverse investors including retail investors to the FGN Bond Market.

Internally, Oniha introduced reforms to strengthen the DMO, as a critical agency in the public finance ecosystem of the country.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

June 30, 2022

IN LISBON, PRESIDENT BUHARI SAYS WEST AFRICA MUST RESUME THE PATH OF PROPER DEMOCRATIZATION

In continuation of his on-going State Visit to Portugal, President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday told the Portuguese Parliament Speaker that Nigeria will continue to seek consensus on the full resumption of democratic governance throughout the West African subregion.

Reacting to profuse commendations by President of the Portuguese Parliament, Augusto Santos Silva on the role Nigeria is playing under the present administration, stabilizing West Africa and Guinea Bissau in particular, President Buhari regretted that three countries in the subregion have slipped back to undemocratic, military rule saying that the former Portuguese colony was lucky to have survived those attempts.

While attributing some of these reversals to the process of development which the new nations will pass through, he said Nigeria will continue to work within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to reverse the unwanted situation, stressing that “we have to go back to proper democratization.”

On the failed attempt to topple the elected government of Guinea Bissau, President Buhari said in the process of national development, “we can’t do hop, start and jump,” meaning that there are no shortcuts, expressing strong confidence however that the problems will be overcome. “We will try to support him (meaning Oumarou Sissoco Embalo, the Prime Minister of Guinea Bissau).”

President Buhari said his visit to the parliament where he was honored with a ceremonial parade and a standing ovation inside the chamber by its 120 membership was an eye opener to things he had read in history books in his school days.

He described the growing trade and political relationship between the two countries as momentous, expressing hope “that this visit will put in place the firm foundations of a special relationship between our two countries, the national governments and the citizens of our two states.”

In an entry into the “Book of Honor” at the Parliament building, President Buhari said:

“My visit to the Portuguese National Assembly is to underscore the strong relationship between Nigeria and Portuguese Republic, focused on cooperation, respect for global inclusiveness, promotion of investment and trade and adherence to international rules and norms.

“The constraints of the past are behind us and the foundations of a bright, strong future are being put in place by our two governments. There is much to be done in the field of trade, energy, security and other areas.

“As democracies, our systems require parliamentary support for the sort of engagements we want to have in place between our two independent countries.

“So far, I am encouraged by the signals and responses to the historic and great partnership we envisage between our two great nations.”

The President of the Parliament, Augusto Silva expressed happiness with the visit of a Nigerian President 17 years after the last one, expressing gratitude for Nigeria’s reliable supply of Liquefied Natural Gas, the continuing collaboration in the fight against terrorism in Africa, the patronage of a Portuguese company in the construction of the Kano-Maradi railway line and for the support of the Nigerian government for the elected government of Guinea Bissau.

He gave assurances of the continuing role of Portugal as bridge and ladder between Africa and Europe.