In an Interview with CNN, President Buhari talked about his administration and his intentions to make Nigeria a better place. In this interview, he talked on how he is planning to rescue the chibok girls and how he intends to overcome Boko Haram with the help of the U.S.
Read excerpts below:
You have asked the United States to help you in the fight against Boko Haram, what exactly did you ask in this regard and what answer did President Obama give you?
The United States is the one leading the G7 and they promised to do whatever they can to help Nigeria, so we have brought our requirements to them in terms of equipment, training and intelligence gathering for Nigeria to be able to fight Boko Haram.
Nigeria is experiencing falling economy, especially falling oil prices. How are you going to deal with that?
My people want security in the country to be stabilized both in the South-South region where militants are still sabotaging oil installations, kidnapping our people and demanding ransom, and in the North-East of the country where Boko Haram is still active. This is the main pre-occupation of Nigeria now and it seems nothing will work until Nigeria is secured.
Despite your vow that you will fight Boko Haram, over 400 people have been killed since you became President. Added to that, the Amnesty International said your military has totally lost the confidence of the people because of the systematic human rights abuses in killing of some 8,000 people. How do you expect your military to be able to go against Boko Haram and also gain the trust of the people?
I have just mentioned that under Chad Basin Commission, we have agreed to hold a multinational joint task force. So, whatever happened before that decision was taken will help to allow further investigation to verify the question of human rights abuse. I am sure we must admit the decision taken by the Federal Government of Nigeria in changing the military command.
What about the famous Chibok girls? It is being said that they might be traded for Boko Haram members that are in prison right now. Is your government willing to trade those girls in that regard?
We have to be very careful about the credibility of various Boko Haram leaderships coming up claiming that they can deliver. We have to be very careful indeed and that is why we are taking our time because we want to bring them back safe to their families and schools.
So, are you in principle against or will you consider exchanging the Boko Haram members for the Chibok girls, if you can verify the credibility of those leaders of Boko Haram?
I cannot be against it. I told you that our main objective is how to secure the Chibok girls and bring them back to their schools and rehabilitate them to go back to their normal life. If we are convinced that the leadership that presented itself can deliver those girls, we will be ready to negotiate with what they want.
You came on the platform that you will do better than the previous government. You said you will fight corruption, insecurity and economy among others. There have been hundreds killed since you took over, how can you do any better?
I have said I can be held to my promises for the next three years plus I have ahead of me. I think its too early for anybody to pass judgement on my campaign promises.
Part of your campaign promises is to stamp out corruption. If the guilty ones are members of your party or your own associates, will you crack on them too?
I just have to. There is not going to be any party member or personality that can escape justice.
Are you disappointed that President Obama is yet to visit Nigeria?
I would not say I am disappointed but how I wish he will change his mind and come to Nigeria.
Did you ask him when you met with him and did he say he would?
I asked him and I will send him a formal invitation.
A former dictator of Chad is being tried in Senegal. Do you support that process of trying an accused African leader in Africa than the International Criminal Court?
Whether he is tried in Africa or elsewhere in the world, the important thing is: let justice be done. Whatever evidence the prosecution have in Senegal, I think they should proceed to make available to the world and prosecute him according to the international laws on human rights.
NASRE Champions Journalistic Welfare And Professionalism At Lagos Television Visit
By Miracle Oyewale
Sahara Weekly Reports That The Nigeria Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has reiterated its strong commitment to raising the standards of journalism and prioritizing the welfare of media practitioners across the country.
This dedication was highlighted during a recent courtesy visit to Lagos Television, where NASRE representatives shared their vision, achievements, and initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration and supporting journalists nationwide.
Speaking during the visit, Adeyemi Obadimu, NASRE’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized the association’s role in providing crucial support to vulnerable journalists. He highlighted the foundation’s efforts to assist journalists facing significant challenges, including illness or bereavement.
“This year alone, we’ve conducted two outreach programs, directly assisting 31 journalists,” Obadimu stated. “Our foundation is particularly focused on supporting the families of deceased journalists, ensuring their children’s education continues uninterrupted despite their loss.”
Building on this, Zakhar Ali, NASRE’s Finance Director, outlined the association’s welfare programs aimed at improving the personal and professional lives of journalists.
“Our mission is to stand by our colleagues in every possible way—be it financial assistance, healthcare, or family support,” Ali remarked. “Journalism is more than a profession; it is a lifelong service to society. Those who dedicate their lives to this noble calling deserve unwavering support.”
The Lagos Television (LTV) General Manager, Adesola Ibironke Kosoko, commended NASRE’s initiatives and expressed readiness to support the association’s programs.
“As journalists, we understand the uncertainties of life. Knowing NASRE is there to support our colleagues during difficult times is both reassuring and inspiring,” Kosoko stated.
NASRE continues to call on individuals, corporations, and government bodies to support its mission. By supporting NASRE’s efforts, these stakeholders can help ensure that those devoted to journalism are adequately cared for in their times of need.
Dr. Abigail Adesina Olagbaye, CEO Desigo Tourism Development and Facility Management Company Ltd and founder, Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation, a seasoned tourism practitioner with 23 years of experience (out of which 21 years have been in Tourism), has announced her candidacy for President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), the oldest and premier tourism trade Association in Nigeria.
With a proven track record of driving innovation and sustainable growth, Dr. Olagbaye is poised to transform Nigeria’s tourism landscape.
” Her vision is to re-position ATPN as the leading voice for Nigeria’s tourism development,” Dr. Olagbaye stated. “I’m committed to empowering our members with the training, resources, and networking opportunities they need to excel in their careers and elevate industry standards.”
Dr. Olagbaye’s campaign focuses on five key objectives:
– Strengthening Industry Partnerships: Fostering collaborations and alliances that drive growth and development.
– Capacity Building: Providing training, resources and opportunities to enhance professionalism.
– Advocacy: Amplifying the voice of tourism practitioners in Nigeria and beyond.
– Tourism Promotion: Showcasing Nigeria’s hidden gems both domestically and internationally.
– Improved Member Benefits: Enhancing the overall experience for ATPN members.
Additional initiatives to consider include:
– Faith-based International Conference Tourism: Tapping into the MICE potential of faith-based tourism.
– Medical Tourism: Promoting Nigeria as a hub for medical excellence.
– Sports Tourism: Leveraging sports to drive tourism growth.
– Language Training: Enhancing language skills to improve tourist experiences.
– Youth Tourism: creating opportunities for youths to be actively engaged in Tourism leveraging their potentials, talents and energies and enabling them to benefit from the socio-economic opportunities that tourism offers.
– Agro Tourism: Develop agro-tourism as a sub-sector of Tourism through partnerships and collaboration with the ministry of agriculture to ensure regulatory support, international organisations for cross pollination of ideas and knowledge transfer and capacity building, encourage our members to organise more farm stays, rural tours, food tourism events for more authentic experiences. Advocate for infrastructural development for rural roads and other amenities. Collaborate with locals for sustainability and inclusion.
To further enhance Nigeria’s tourism industry, Dr. Olagbaye plans to create robust social media platforms for the association. This will enable people at home and abroad to access tourism companies in Nigeria with international standard websites and social media focusing on major sites.Social media being an essential tool for promoting tourism.
As the pioneer of initiatives like Africa Tourism Climate Action Forum ATCAF and Africa Tourism Day, a nouveaux initiative in Africa which she started in 2020 in collaboration with the African Tourism Board, now in its 5th edition, Dr. Olagbaye has demonstrated her passion for sustainable tourism practices and her ability to drive meaningful change. “I invite fellow tourism practitioners to join me in transforming Nigeria’s tourism landscape,” she concluded.
In a move that underscores her commitment to excellence, Sade Balogun, the mastermind behind Redbrick Homes International Limited and Amen City Ltd, has introduced TIARA Estates and Amen Estate Phase 3, expanding the renowned Amen City in a big way!
Situated in the picturesque Ibeju-Lekki area, Amen City has become synonymous with luxury and elegance. The launch of TIARA and TIARA 2.0 by Amen City Ltd soon after Amen Estate Phase 3 is set to elevate this community to new heights.
With its refined homes and superior amenities, the TIARA series embodies royalty and opulence. Amen Phase 3 enhances the living experience with modern architecture and top-tier facilities.
A nearby hospital at Amen Estate Phase 2 offers swift healthcare access, contributing to residents’ peace of mind. This proximity to medical facilities is especially important in emergencies, ensuring that help is always close by.
A large supermarket within the estate provides convenience for everyday shopping, eliminating the need for long trips to distant markets. The presence of excellent schools nearby ensures quality education for children, making it an ideal location for families. The coastal road that reduces travel time to Victoria Island to under 40 minutes makes Amen City a practical choice for professionals who need to commute to the city.
The estate 24-hour light supply from a dedicated turbine engine ensures uninterrupted power, which is a significant benefit for those seeking reliable energy solutions.
Sade Balogun’s innovative vision has transformed Amen City into a model of luxury living and community development. This expansion marks another milestone in her illustrious career, reinforcing Amen City’s status as a premier investment destination. With her ability to foresee market trends and deliver projects that exceed expectations, Sade Balogun continues to set new standards in Nigerian real estate.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login