Author Archives: daudupress

According to the Nation, EFCC quizzed and arrested Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, brother of immediate-past Minister Hadi Sirika over an alleged N8.06 billion contract fraud in the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

Of the contract sum, about N3.2 bn was traced to Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by Abubakar Sirika, who is a Level-16 officer, a deputy director, in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

It was learnt that four big contracts were awarded to Abubakar’s Engirios Nigeria Limited when his brother was in charge of the ministry.

According to EFCC investigators, Abubakar Ahmad Sirika is listed as the company’s MD/CEO and also the sole signatory to the two accounts linked to the firm with two banks.

The four contracts the ex-minister awarded to his brother which were not executed are:

– Construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport (N1.3bn).

Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre in Katsina Airport (N3.8bn), Procurement and installation of elevators, air conditioners and power generator house in Aviation House, Abuja (N615m), Procurement of Magnus Aircraft and simulator for Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria (N2.3bn).

Investigators revealed that there was a payment of N3.2bn out of the total contract sum to Engirios Nigeria Limited and upon the receipt of the payment, Abubakar Ahmad Sirika allegedly transferred it to different companies and individuals.

The investigators also alleged that there’s no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has said that Nigeria will begin production of steel from government-owned steel companies in the coming months, adopting a more strategic and new approach in line with the ‘renewed hope agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

Lizzy Okoji, SA Media to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development in a press release signed on February 3, 2024, disclosed that Prince Audu made this known on Friday in Abuja when he held an interactive session with members of the Steel Press Corp to brief them on the mandates and expectations of the novel Ministry created by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCRF to industrialise Nigeria under the ‘renewed hope agenda’.

The Honourable Minister said that with the support and approval of Mr. President, he and his team of experts are adopting a more strategic and collegiate approach to reviving the moribund Ajaokuta steel plants, as well as  other steel plants in the country.

Prince Audu called for the support of the media as the fourth estate of the realm towards the actualization of the vision of Mr. President, describing them as critical stakeholders in the sector.

Prince Audu said that with all hands on deck, engagements with local and foreign investors, and relevant government and private institutions coming to actualization, Nigeria will commence steel production in the coming months, secure a $10 billion investment in the economy through the steel industry, and create 500,000 direct and indirect jobs.

“The mandate that the president has given us is to try and do some homework and revive the industry. It is a difficult task, and there are certain things that we plan to do over the next months and years to achieve these objectives.

“Number one is that we want to create a 10-year roadmap to revive the steel and non-ferrous metals industry in Nigeria. In addition to that, we would also put together a 3-year roadmap for the revival of the Ajaokuta steel complex. Part of what that will involve is concessioning the Ajaokuta Steel plant to people who have the core competence to get the job done.

“Ajaokuta has about 44 production units within the 24,000 hectares. Perhaps different aspects can be handled by different people with relevant core competencies.

“Part of what Mr. President has said about the revival of Ajaokuta under the 3-year roadmap is to use a collegiate approach. Two things we are looking to do under the collegiate approach to achieve short-term success are the revival of the Light Steel Mill for the production of iron rods and the production military hardwares at the engineering workshop in Ajaokuta.

“I have been in conversations with the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi who has given me a letter that there would be off-takers of any iron rods produced from the Light Steel Mill of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant.

“I have engaged with the Minister of State for Defence, Governor Bello Matawalle, who we are looking to partner with in terms of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex together with DICON so that military hardwares can be produced. I have also engaged with  His Excellency Mohammed Badaru, I have engaged with the  hierarchy of the Ministry of Defence for that project. Part of the plans is to revive the engineering workshop to get it going to help us produce military hardware.

“It is a lot of work, and it is something that Mr. President has given us his full support, and the Federal Government is determined to do those things.

“We have also engaged with foreign investors to come and set up new steel plants. The Minister of Defence and myself were in China, in the Guangzhou and Hefei regions of China, from the 1st of January to the 2nd week of January this year, to discuss with the senior executives of the Luan Steel Group where they want to come and set up a new steel plant in Nigeria.

“Something similar again for Indian Company, Jindal Steel. Jindal Steel has committed at the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, in a meeting with Mr. President that they plan to invest $5 billion in setting up a steel plant in Nigeria.

“If you look at some of the things we are looking to do: the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel plants, as well as other steel plants in the country, together with the new Luan and Jindal Steel plants, we expect that we should be able to bring an excess of $10 billion U.S. dollars into the economy and create an excess of 500,000 direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians,” Prince Audu said.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe said that the President, in his wisdom, created the Ministry, knowing the importance of steel to national development, to make Nigeria enter into a committee of developed nations globally.

Maryam Aminu

In a significant step towards empowering inmates and facilitating their reintegration into society, the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande visited the Kuje Correctional Center to unveil the “1 Youth 2 Skills” initiative, a flagship program under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration

This was contained in a statement signed by the Head Press and Public Relations, Maryam Umar Yusuf and made available to journalists on Thursday 1st February, 2023 in Abuja

While addressing the inmates, the Hon. Minister expressed the commitment of the Federal Government through the ministry of Youth Development and Ministry of Interior to provide comprehensive vocational and digital skills training aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills for a smoother reintegration into the public upon their release.

Mr. Olawande assured the inmates that the government is dedicated to creating opportunities for them to make a meaningful living after their exit from the correctional centre

The Minister emphasized the importance of empowering youths through skills acquisitions.

He disclosed that plans are underway to organise sensitization programs to reshape public perceptions of inmates and ex-convicts.

In his remarks, the Controller of Correctional Services, FCT Command, Francis John disclosed that the total of 1,225 inmates are currently serving different jail terms in the facility.

John commended the federal government’s effort to improve the lives of inmates

The Controller emphasized the significance of vocational training for inmates in the centre and therefore called for additional resources for enhanced learning, especially as youths account for 90% of the inmates.

He solicited for collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development to ensure better livelihoods and reintegration of the inmates to society after their exit from the centres.

The Hon. Minister was accompanied on the visit by the SSA to the president on Citizenship and Training Center, Ms. Rinsola Abiola, the SA to the president on Youth Initiative Monitoring and Delivery, Ms. Titilope Gbadamosi and the SSA to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Ms. Abiola Arogundade

Maryam Aminu

Youth empowerment is a concept that has gained significant attention in recent years, and for good reason. Youth represent not only the future, but also the driving force of our society.

They possess boundless energy, creativity, and the potential to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. However, to harness this potential and ensure a brighter future for all, it is imperative that we prioritise youth empowerment in our society.

As the Minister of Youth Development in Nigeria, my commitment to empower our nation’s youth has been unwavering.

This was contained in a message personally signed by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim and made available to journalists on Wednesday 31 January, 2024 in Abuja

Bio- Ibrahim disclosed that since assumption of office as the Minister of Youth Development, she has focused on laying a strong foundation for strategies that will profoundly impact Nigerian youth.

“As the Minister of Youth Development, entrusted with the task of delivering on the consistent promise of Mr. President, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to create enduring and sustainable streams of opportunities for Nigerian Youths. This foundational phase, though essential, is less visible, but has involved aligning critical stakeholders within and outside the government to ensure the success of Mr. President’s initiatives.

Explaining the disconnect between youth and governments, she said:
“One of the key reasons for my deliberate pace in announcing policies and initiatives has been the recognition of the trust deficit between the Nigerian youth and successive governments. This fracture lies at the very core of our nation’s struggles with insecurity and poverty. Over the years, this trust has been eroded, leading to scepticism and disillusionment among our youth. From the onset of my tenure, I have been determined not to perpetuate the cycle of unfulfilled promises and ineffective initiatives that have contributed to this mistrust.”

“Instead, my focus has been on diligently preparing and refining a vision and strategy that the Nigerian youth can not only believe in but also rely upon, in line with the Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and in consonance with the Ministry’s performance mandate.” She added

She assured that trust can be restored between the youth and the government’s

“We can begin rebuilding trust through thoughtful planning, transparent and honest communication, and the delivery of tangible and impactful programmes. This approach is not about quick wins or surface-level engagements; it’s about laying a solid, credible foundation for a lasting relationship between the Nigerian youth and the government, one where promises made are promises kept, and initiatives launched are initiatives that genuinely make a difference.Mr. President’s vision for the youth of Nigeria is transformative, encompassing, comprehensive, education and skills development and empowerment through various initiatives, and effective engagement at all levels. Such a vision requires meticulous planning, collaboration, and strategic partnerships.”

I understand that in this era of instant communication, the expectation for frequent updates is high. However, my approach has been to prioritize substance over immediacy, ensuring that when we speak, we do so with concrete plans and tangible results.We are now at a pivotal moment where I can share the fruits of these foundational efforts. Our vision for Nigerian youth is not only ambitious but revolutionary, encompassing education, skills development, and empowerment across various sectors.

The Minister reeled out some of the transformative initiatives the ministry is proposing:The NextGen Bank,Youth Villages/ sustainable communities, Restructured and Reinvigorated Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), NYSC Reform, launch of the Young Leaders’ Institute, Proposal on Mandatory 30% Youth Quota in Government Appointments.

“As the Minister of Youth Development, I am committed to seeing this proposal become a reality, marking a new era of youth empowerment and participation in our beloved country.” Said the Minister

She added that the initiatives represent just a glimpse of what the youth of Nigeria can expect under her tenure.

“They are immediate, actionable plans set to roll out imminently and I am here to serve, lead, and deliver on the promise of a brighter future for our youth. Your voices are heard, and your concerns are taken to heart. Together, we will embark on this journey of transformation and success.” Bio added

The Minister commended their development partners, the EU Commission, World Bank, Ford Foundation, Bank of Industry, AfDB, and the Africa Union – NEPAD and the media for their instrumental support in shaping the transformative programmes.

She further announced a new chapter in the Ministry’s communication strategy, which will offer regular updates on the initiatives, progress, and future plans through various media channels.

“We can expect timely updates, engaging infographics, and narratives showcasing our activities and achievements going forward. Your feedback is invaluable, and I encourage every Nigerian youth to join us in this journey. Our collective efforts will undoubtedly forge a brighter future for our nation.” She added

Maryam Aminu

The Igala Students Association(National) has congratulated Paul Alifa Omata Ejeb on his appointment as the Assistant Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force.

Affirming that the new appointee is deserving of the role, the group described his appointment as a round peck in a round hole

A statement by the ISA Public Relation Officer, Comrade Hope Enyojo Ahmadu, quoted the group saying “Your dedication to integrity, accountability, and transparency will be a tremendous asset to our our country Nigeria.”

The Igala Students Association noted that the AIG’s appointment further highlights the significant experience and deep knowledge he brings to the Nigeria Police Force

“We wish you much success in your new role and we look forward to working with you to ensure the highest standards of conduct and professionalism to strengthen security within and outside the country

“May the almighty God continue to protect you today and beyond as you continue to carry out your national assignment diligently.”