NIGERIA WILL REMAIN POLITICALLY STABLE AND UNITED AFTER 2015 ELECTIONS - PRESIDENT JONATHAN
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Thursday in Abuja assured the international community that Nigeria will remain politically stable and united after the 2015 general elections.
President Jonathan gave the assurance at audiences with the new ambassadors of Spain, Finland, Ireland and Ghana who presented their letters of credence to him at the Presidential Villa.
The President reiterated his Administration's commitment to ensuring that the 2015 elections are as free, fair and credible as they can possibly be.
"We received international commendations for the conduct of the 2011 general elections and I can assure you that the 2015 general elections will be even better.
"Our friends and well-wishers will be welcomed to observe the elections under the auspices of the African Union, ECOWAS, United Nations, the European Union or other international bodies to affirm that the elections are as free, fair and credible as we have promised,'' President Jonathan told the new envoys.
The President also urged Ambassador Alfonso Barnuevo Sebastian De Erice of Spain, Ambassador Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury of Finland, Ambassador Sean Hoy of Ireland and Ambassador William Azumah Awinador-Kanyirige of Ghana to strive to further enhance trade and economic relations between Nigeria and their respective countries.
The four new ambassadors thanked President Jonathan for receiving them and promised to do their utmost best to strengthen bilateral relations between their countries and Nigeria during their tenures in Abuja.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 2, 2014
Thursday, October 2, 2014
REMI OYO WAS AS AN EXEMPLARY AND INSPIRING TRAIL-BLAZER – PRESIDENT JONATHAN
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
REMI OYO WAS AS AN EXEMPLARY AND INSPIRING TRAIL-BLAZER – PRESIDENT JONATHAN
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received with immense sadness, news of the passing away of one of the most eminent Nigerian female journalists and former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dame Felicia Oluwaremilekun Oyo.
On behalf of his family and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to her husband, Vincent, her children, Otome and Okiemuote, her surviving siblings and other relatives.
The President similarly commiserates with the Nigerian Guild of Editors who Dame Oyo served most admirably as a two-term President in the course of her trail-blazing journalism career, the management and staff of NAN as well as the many colleagues, friends and protégés she garnered in her very fulfilled life.
President Jonathan joins them in mourning Dame Oyo who having attained great success in a profession hitherto dominated by men, patriotically entered national service as Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003 and served with great distinction as the first female Press Secretary to a Nigerian Head of State until 2007.
The President believes that although she was already much honoured in life with accolades and awards including Officer of the Order of the Niger, Dame Oyo will always be remembered and continually honoured in posterity for her exemplary professional life, her inspiring leadership qualities, motherliness and generosity, her immense patriotism and her remarkable transformation of the News Agency of Nigeria during her tenure as the agency's Managing Director.
He prays that God Almighty will comfort her family and all who mourn Dame Oyo, and grant her kind soul peaceful repose in eternity.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 2, 2014
REMI OYO WAS AS AN EXEMPLARY AND INSPIRING TRAIL-BLAZER – PRESIDENT JONATHAN
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received with immense sadness, news of the passing away of one of the most eminent Nigerian female journalists and former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dame Felicia Oluwaremilekun Oyo.
On behalf of his family and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to her husband, Vincent, her children, Otome and Okiemuote, her surviving siblings and other relatives.
The President similarly commiserates with the Nigerian Guild of Editors who Dame Oyo served most admirably as a two-term President in the course of her trail-blazing journalism career, the management and staff of NAN as well as the many colleagues, friends and protégés she garnered in her very fulfilled life.
President Jonathan joins them in mourning Dame Oyo who having attained great success in a profession hitherto dominated by men, patriotically entered national service as Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003 and served with great distinction as the first female Press Secretary to a Nigerian Head of State until 2007.
The President believes that although she was already much honoured in life with accolades and awards including Officer of the Order of the Niger, Dame Oyo will always be remembered and continually honoured in posterity for her exemplary professional life, her inspiring leadership qualities, motherliness and generosity, her immense patriotism and her remarkable transformation of the News Agency of Nigeria during her tenure as the agency's Managing Director.
He prays that God Almighty will comfort her family and all who mourn Dame Oyo, and grant her kind soul peaceful repose in eternity.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 2, 2014
Ex-Obasanjo spokesperson, Remi Oyo, dies at 62
Former Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria and presidential media aide to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mrs Oluremi Oyo, has died in the United Kingdom, where she was undergoing treatment for cancer.Her husband, Vincent Oyo, confirmed her death.
Below is a statement issued by her husband on Thursday.
Vincent writes: With gratitude to God for a life well spent, I regret to announce the death of my dear wife, Dame Felicia Oluwaremilekun OYO.
2014 Independence Day Broadcast by President Jonathan
2014 Independence Day Broadcast by
His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
Wednesday 1st October, 2014
Fellow Nigerians:
1. Today marks the 54th anniversary of our country's independence as a sovereign nation. This is also the tenth month of our journey into a new century, having marked the centenary of our nation in January this year.
2. The first one hundred years were marked by triumphs and tribulations, benefits and burdens, opportunities and challenges. We made some far reaching advances in building a strong, united and prosperous nation. We also overcame the forces of disunity that culminated in a debilitating civil war. We have also renewed our faith in one another, and in our country. We have proven that we are truly a resilient nation.
3. In my address to the nation last year, I did emphasize that we were in a sober moment in our country. We are still in that mood in spite of the many accomplishments of our administration. Our sombreness has to do with the crises of nationhood occasioned by the activities of terrorist elements who have done the unimaginable to challenge our unity as a people.
4. On an occasion like this, it is important that we remember all the precious souls that have been lost in the unprecedented war of terror unleashed on some parts of our country by these individuals who want to compel us to live our lives their way. They will not succeed!
Monday, September 29, 2014
President Jonathan gives houses to Cook, Taxi Driver and Corporal
Remarks by
His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
On the
Occasion of the Conferment of the 2014 National Honours
State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja
Monday, 29th September, 2014
His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
On the
Occasion of the Conferment of the 2014 National Honours
State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja
Monday, 29th September, 2014
PROTOCOLS
1. It gives me great pleasure to once again perform the function of honouring our deserving citizens with National Honours for 2013 and 2014. The conferment of these honours is a yearly undertaking in conformity with our laws. The National Honours ceremony is an annual ritual of renewal in which our society constantly connects with its higher values.
2. A nation is void and soulless if she does not have those sacred values it holds dear and individuals who project them. It is in such men and women that you find the authentic inheritance of the generations and their nurturing. That is why a nation is poor that is not rich in people who carry noble values that are transferred from generation to generation.
3. No great nation will toy with honours that constitute her trans-generational character code. This was why I insisted last year that our National Honour must never be seen as a piece of paper or garland round the neck which individuals not worthy of honour can pick up and continue to project wrong values that diminish our heritage.
4. I also directed the National Honours Committee to always cast their net wide to ensure that all strata of our society where honourable Nigerians are excelling should be brought into the honours' fold.
5. I want to use this opportunity to urge all Nigerians to actively participate in the nomination process so that the worthy get their recognition. For only the nominated can stand the chance of being honoured by our great country.
6. Very distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I am happy to note that going through this year's list of honourees, there is a broader and more salutary spectrum. This demonstrates clearly that our nation is rich in men; rich in women; rich in youth; rich in the professions!
7. Indeed, we have many individuals who stand out in service accomplishment and dedication in their fields of endeavour.
8. I believe, one of the reasons why our society is not at ease is because we have neglected our ennobling traditional value system. There was a time in our country that when you were honoured with traditional or religious titles in any community, you were deemed to personify the highest ethos of that community.
9. It was a period when a teacher was the hallmark of the most honourable values in a settlement. The Bank Manager in any community was a man of high probity in whose care people trusted their money and were rest assured.
10. It was a period when people kept quiet and walked gently when they approached a place of worship for the fear of God in their heart, not now that people throw explosives in places of worship.
11. We must get back those time-honoured values that shaped us for good so that we can live right. This is what the National Honour in its truest essence seeks to do. To identify and celebrate men and women whose lives depict the very essence of societal existence. Therefore, at all times, our honourees must be sincere men and women who point society in the right direction and mirror the possibilities of greatness unlimited.
12. I congratulate all the awardees and enjoin you all to realize that the honour your country bestows on you today is an additional responsibility to continue to demonstrate the strength of character that has brought you to the hall of fame. Your lifestyle must be exemplary and reflect that of a truly honourable man or woman who at all times projects the noblest of virtues.
13. To all our country men and women, my challenge to you is to strive to do the best in whatever endeavour you are in, that would recommend you for the recognition of your nation. It really does not matter what you do.
14. Take Mr. Ime Usuah, the Taxi Driver whose daily income was not more than ten thousand naira. A passenger forgot eighteen million naira in his taxi, and went away.
15. The man did not have Mr. Usuah's name or his phone number. The honest Nigerian spirit in Mr. Usuah led him to go hunting for the owner of the eighteen million naira and he delivered it to him, intact. This is how it should be.
16. For many of you in Abuja or who visit our Nation's capital, you must have seen a hard working traffic warden who does his job with great dexterity, glee and happiness. As a traffic officer, he delights in entertaining commuters by graceful gyrations and gesticulations as he efficiently directs traffic. CPL Solomon Dauda carries on his job with evident pride and dignity!
17. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we all enjoy Nollywood, but one man experimented with the idea of telling stories in ways that have revolutionized the movie industry in Nigeria. His name is Kenneth Nnebue. Through him, many stars including those whom we have honoured, stand tall on the global stage of acting today.
18. Democracy Campaigner, Joe Okei – Odumakin, Environmental Activist Nnimmo Bassey, and Mr. Michael Isaac Onuh, a very dedicated steward who has served every Head of State loyally since President Shehu Shagari (it is quite a feat for a steward to have survived nine Heads of State and nine First Ladies) - are all here to receive honour for their hard-work in service of our Nation and humanity.
19. Looking at the list of honourees today, you will see among them some who are Nigerians not by birth but by naturalization; and some others who are non-Nigerians: they have distinguished themselves in the realm of private enterprise and are demonstrating their faith in Nigeria by contributing meaningfully to the growth of our economy and creating jobs for our youth. We appreciate them all.
20. It is with great pleasure that I, on behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, induct this year's outstanding honourees: men and women of great character from Civil Society, the Military, the Judiciary, Civil Service, Enterprise, Academia, sports, entertainment, the traditional institution and all other walks of life.
21. While congratulating them all, it is my hope that their richly deserved recognition will inspire other Nigerians and non-Nigerians in our country to recommit themselves to dedicated service to our Fatherland and our common humanity.
22. Let me now at this point specially appreciate three of the awardees: the taxi driver, Mr. Ime Usuah, the traffic warden, Cpl Solomon Dauda, and the steward, Mr. Michael Isaac Onuh, and ask that they should step forward and come to the stage. I read a story in The Vanguard on Sunday yesterday in which Michael Isaac Onuh was described as a pauper in the State House. You can see that those who take to criminality do not necessarily do so because of poverty; it is possible for people to be poor and live a life of honour and dignity, because some of you here and myself know where we are coming from. We have passed through stress, but we did not take to criminality. It is also why we appreciate these three gentlemen: Onuh, the taxi driver, Usuah, and Corporal Dauda. In addition to the national honours already bestowed on you, I hereby direct the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to give you a gift of a flat each.
23. And by the same token, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation should ensure that another awardee who has contributed so much to the history of this country, the person who designed the Nigerian flag, Pa Michael Akinkunmi is placed on the salary of a Special Assistant to the President.
24. I thank you all.
PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDOLES EMIR AND PEOPLE OF KANO ON DEATH OF GALADIMA
PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDOLES EMIR AND PEOPLE OF KANO ON DEATH OF GALADIMA
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan commiserates with the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and the people of Kano on the death of the Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Tijani Hashim.
President Jonathan joins them in mourning Alhaji Tijani who served his people admirably over many years as a regional minister in the first republic and very senior member of the Kano Emirate Council.
The President believes the eminent Kano prince and highly revered community leader will always be remembered and honoured for his laudable contributions to peace, stability and progress in his community and country.
President Jonathan prays that God Almighty will receive the late Galadima's soul and grant him eternal rest.
He also prays that the Almighty will bless the good people of Kano with a worthy successor to the late prince.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 29, 2014.
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan commiserates with the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and the people of Kano on the death of the Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Tijani Hashim.
President Jonathan joins them in mourning Alhaji Tijani who served his people admirably over many years as a regional minister in the first republic and very senior member of the Kano Emirate Council.
The President believes the eminent Kano prince and highly revered community leader will always be remembered and honoured for his laudable contributions to peace, stability and progress in his community and country.
President Jonathan prays that God Almighty will receive the late Galadima's soul and grant him eternal rest.
He also prays that the Almighty will bless the good people of Kano with a worthy successor to the late prince.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 29, 2014.
Friday, September 26, 2014
PRESIDENT JONATHAN EXTOLS BISHOP OYEDEPO’S MASSIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
PRESIDENT JONATHAN EXTOLS BISHOP OYEDEPO'S MASSIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND COUNTRY
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has extolled Bishop David Oyedepo's massive accomplishments as a devoted servant of God and his immense contributions to the education of Nigerian children.
In a letter written to congratulate the Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide on his 60th birthday anniversary, tomorrow, Saturday, September 27, 2014, President Jonathan declared that Bishop Oyedepo's life was "truly worthy of celebration".
"I write on behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to rejoice with you as you mark your milestone 60th birthday anniversary.
"Yours is, indeed, a life truly worthy of celebration. You have attained lofty heights not just as an accomplished selfless servant of God, but also in the committed service of community, country, and our common humanity.
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has extolled Bishop David Oyedepo's massive accomplishments as a devoted servant of God and his immense contributions to the education of Nigerian children.
In a letter written to congratulate the Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide on his 60th birthday anniversary, tomorrow, Saturday, September 27, 2014, President Jonathan declared that Bishop Oyedepo's life was "truly worthy of celebration".
"I write on behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to rejoice with you as you mark your milestone 60th birthday anniversary.
"Yours is, indeed, a life truly worthy of celebration. You have attained lofty heights not just as an accomplished selfless servant of God, but also in the committed service of community, country, and our common humanity.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS WILL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES - PRESIDENT JONATHAN ASSURES
2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS WILL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES - PRESIDENT JONATHAN ASSURES
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has assured the international community that next year's general elections in Nigeria will be conducted in accordance with global best practices to further strengthen the country's democratic institutions.
At separate meetings with the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon and the British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron before leaving New York late Wednesday, President Jonathan reaffirmed his personal commitment to making elections in Nigeria progressively better, freer and more credible.
The President said that in keeping with his administration's dedication to openness and transparency in the conduct of public affairs, international observers will be allowed to freely monitor the 2015 elections and affirm that the elections are as free, fair and credible as his administration has promised.
He thanked Mr. Ban Ki Moon and Mr. Cameron for their continuing support for Nigeria's effort to curb terrorism, insurgency and violent extremism within its borders, saying that the Federal Government will welcome even more assistance from Britain especially in the areas of intelligence sharing, anti- terrorism training and defence logistics.
At a later meeting with the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Margaret Chan, President Jonathan expressed Nigeria's appreciation of the support it received from WHO for the successful containment of the Ebola Virus Disease.
Affirming that Nigeria was now Ebola-free, President Jonathan called for greater international support to ensure that the virus is also eradicated in other West Africa countries that it continues to ravage.
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has assured the international community that next year's general elections in Nigeria will be conducted in accordance with global best practices to further strengthen the country's democratic institutions.
The President said that in keeping with his administration's dedication to openness and transparency in the conduct of public affairs, international observers will be allowed to freely monitor the 2015 elections and affirm that the elections are as free, fair and credible as his administration has promised.
He thanked Mr. Ban Ki Moon and Mr. Cameron for their continuing support for Nigeria's effort to curb terrorism, insurgency and violent extremism within its borders, saying that the Federal Government will welcome even more assistance from Britain especially in the areas of intelligence sharing, anti- terrorism training and defence logistics.
At a later meeting with the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Margaret Chan, President Jonathan expressed Nigeria's appreciation of the support it received from WHO for the successful containment of the Ebola Virus Disease.
Affirming that Nigeria was now Ebola-free, President Jonathan called for greater international support to ensure that the virus is also eradicated in other West Africa countries that it continues to ravage.
Meeting of the United Nations Security Council - Remarks by President Jonathan
 |
| PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (L) WITH THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL, BAN KI-MOON DURING A BILATERAL MEETING AT THE ONGOING 69TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW YORK ON WEDNESDAY (24/9/14) |
His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
at the High Level Meeting of the United Nations Security Council
Wednesday 24th September, 2014
PROTOCOLS
1. Mr President, I would like to commence by appreciating your vision in convening this timely and crucial meeting. It underpins the long-standing commitment of the United States to the high aims of international peace and security. Our appreciation also goes to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, for the clarity and depth of his briefing.
2. Mr President, the people of Nigeria and indeed the entire peace-loving world were horrified at the gruesome murder of two American journalists and a British aid worker by elements linked to the Islamic State (I.S). These murders typify the new face of global terrorism marked by executions, extreme brutality and impunity.
3. Unfortunately, I.S is not alone in this despicable campaign against humanity. Al Qaeda in the Arab Maghreb, Al Shabaab in Somalia, and Boko Haram in North Eastern Nigeria share this common agenda to unleash terror, mayhem, destruction, and instability around the world.
4. There is no doubt that foreign fighters have added a troubling dimension to this emerging phase of terrorism. From targeted attacks by Al Qaeda a few years ago, we now have mobile bands of thousands of terrorists sweeping across vast areas, destroying lives, and even attempting to hold territory. This is unacceptable; we must act now.
5. Mr. President, Nigeria knows too well the destructive effects of terrorist activities. Over the past five years, we have been, and are still confronting threats posed by Boko Haram to peace and stability predominantly in the North Eastern part of our country.
6. The costs are high: over 13,000 people have been killed, whole communities razed, and hundreds of persons kidnapped, the most prominent being the mindless kidnap of our innocent daughters from Chibok Secondary School, in North East Nigeria.
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| PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE NIGERIAN DELEGATION AT THE 69TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY (UNGA) IN NEW YORK ON WEDNESDAY (24/9/14) |
8. These include a holistic effort through the Presidential Initiative for the North East (PINE) which is aimed at providing immediate relief and fast tracking the infrastructural re-development of the region. It also has as a core goal, an integrated effort at achieving the de-radicalisation of potential terrorist recruits.
THE WORLD MUST ACT URGENTLY TO STOP TERRORISM
THE WORLD MUST ACT URGENTLY TO STOP TROUBLING NEW PHASE OF GLOBAL TERRORISM- PRESIDENT JONATHAN TELLS UN SECURITY COUNCIL
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said Wednesday in New York that the world must act immediately to stop the troubling new phenomenon of terrorists and foreign fighters attacking and trying to hold parts of sovereign nations.
Addressing the United Nations Security Council High-Level Meeting on the Threat of Terrorism to Global Peace and Security, President Jonathan said that the international community must also do more to support countries like Nigeria which are in the frontline of the war against terrorism.
"There is no doubt that foreign fighters have added a troubling dimension to this emerging phase of terrorism. From targeted attacks by Al Qaeda a few years ago, we now have mobile bands of thousands of terrorists sweeping across vast areas, destroying lives, and even attempting to hold territory. This is unacceptable; we must act now.
"We must capitalize on the commitment and evident determination of the Security Council to seek more innovative responses to the threat of terrorism and in particular to the growing menace of foreign fighters.
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said Wednesday in New York that the world must act immediately to stop the troubling new phenomenon of terrorists and foreign fighters attacking and trying to hold parts of sovereign nations.
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| PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE NIGERIAN DELEGATION AT THE 69TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY (UNGA) IN NEW YORK ON WEDNESDAY (24/9/14) |
"There is no doubt that foreign fighters have added a troubling dimension to this emerging phase of terrorism. From targeted attacks by Al Qaeda a few years ago, we now have mobile bands of thousands of terrorists sweeping across vast areas, destroying lives, and even attempting to hold territory. This is unacceptable; we must act now.
"We must capitalize on the commitment and evident determination of the Security Council to seek more innovative responses to the threat of terrorism and in particular to the growing menace of foreign fighters.
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