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Buhari Hails CACOVID for Raising his Profile among Comity of Nations

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Leaders of CACOVID, Governor of Central Bank (CBN), Godwin Emefiele; Group Managing Director of Access Holding, Herbert Wigwe; and the Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation, (ADF), Alhaji Aliko Dangote making a symbolic presentation of the 130 security vehicles to President Muhammadu Buhari by CACOVID.

 

As the private sector-led Coalition Against Covid-19 (CACOVID) winds down, President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the initiative of private sector operators, saying the contributions he has received from the Coalition so far has elevated his status among other Presidents of the world.

 

The President, who spoke in Abuja yesterday while receiving a parting donation of N12 billion security equipment for the Military and the Nigeria Police from the leadership of CACOVID said his government had received so much support from the private sector in addressing social ills in the country.

 

Items handed over to the President by the Coalition members included 100 Tata 14 ton Troop carriers, 100 Tata 12 ton Troop carriers, 86 Toyota pick-up trucks, 64 Nissan Navara pick-up trucks with their spare parts, 13,000 helmets as well as 13,000 bullet proof vests.

 

It would be recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had also rated CACOVID as the third largest contributor in the world to the fight against Covid-19 virus, the outbreak of which in 2020 brought the world to its knees.

 

An excited President Buhari while thanking the CACOVID on behalf of the Military and the Police said: “Today is indeed a very happy day for all Nigerians, and I can happily say that I am the envy of many Presidents in the world. I am exceedingly honoured to be the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at this time.

 

“I am gratified to have the honour of leading a country whose private sector willingly galvanises itself to raise funds to enthusiastically support government in resolving social ills. I am proud to say that there is nowhere in the entire world, except in Nigeria, where the private sector has voluntarily come together to assist government efforts.

 

“Thank you for supporting our Administration’s efforts to strengthen the Police and Military as we face the security challenges that all modern nations face”, Buhari added, noting that such a patriotic gesture was proof that nationalistic determination is still alive in Nigeria, in the face of enormous challenges pervading the world and the country.

 

Speaking while handing over the items, Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), Aliko Dangote, a foremost industrialist who initiated the Coalition with the Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, explained that the Coalition was winding down with the latest donation.

 

He listed other business leaders brought together under CACOVID to include Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Segun Agbaje, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Femi Otedola, Adesola Adedotun, Karl Toriola, Haresh Aswani, Raj Gupta, and John Coumantaros, all of who contributed several billions of Naira each and supported the CACOVID effort with advocacy. In all, according to him, over 100 organisations and private individuals contributed to CACOVID.

 

Mr. Dangote gave reason for the donation saying that as the worst of the Covid crisis waned in Nigeria, the security situation deteriorated, partly due to economic disruptions caused by the shutdown of the global and national economy.

 

Therefore, to provide additional response support to the Government, the ADF Chairman said CACOVID embarked on another fundraising effort, which enabled it to purchase the items for the Police and the Military.

 

Recalling the birth of CACOVID, Dangote explained that the Coalition as a timely response to the outbreak of the deadly covid-19 virus was borne out of the previous experience with Ebola elsewhere in West Africa, which made him to recognise the fact that the potential crisis looming was very serious

 

“And so together with Herbert Wigwe, we set up CACOVID and drafted our peers in the private sector to join our efforts. The CBN Governor joined our efforts very early and chaired the group. We knew straight away that we had a responsibility to act and support the efforts of Government as quickly as possible to avert disaster”, Dangote noted.

 

Dangote continued; “In addition to the leadership team, we set up a technical committee to guide our purchasing decisions, which was critical, given the prevailing confusion around testing and treatment options, and the lack of successful models anywhere in the world. Members of that committee included leading Nigerian scientists and public health professionals, the DG of NCDC, DG of the Presidential Task force on Covid-19, representatives of WHO, BMGF and the UN.

 

“In addition, a core team of select staff members from our organisations manned the initiative’s operations Centre 7 days a week for several months planning, coordinating, and delivering on the various activities of the coalition.”

 

While enumerating all the supports the Coalition has offered the nation in the last two years, Dangote disclosed that the group mobilised its members and raised N62 billion to provide 39 fully kitted isolation centers in all 36 States and FCT; Testing Supplies for almost 1 million tests; Food for 10 million vulnerable individuals across the country; Oxygen and tanks to the most affected states; Support for vaccines delivery and distribution across the Nation; Support to re-open the economy (Travel Portal, IT, airport scanners/PPE and other support) with communications and advocacy campaigns around prevention and against disinformation.

 

According to Dangote, the donationthe donation marks the end of the CACOVID initiative “as we wind down what has been deemed an example of patriotism, solidarity and efficiency in terms of partnership between the public and private sectors. This is a lesson in the power of collaboration for a worthy cause.

 

“Thank you to my partners on this CACOVID journey. I would like to especially thank the Presidential Covid-19 team led by SGF Mr. Boss Mustapha for their excellent collaboration.  My gratitude goes to Mr. President for your unwavering support and that of your entire Government.”

 

Also speaking on the activities of CACOVID, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Central Bank Governor, who led the CACOVID Committee told the President he was proud to be part of the Coalition that supported government in its fight against insecurity.

 

“I am immensely gratified by what CACOVID has achieved in its few years of existence. The nationalist and patriotic drive of my colleagues therein is unmatched anywhere in the world and must be applauded. The Coalition is a good example of what Nigeria must become:  a nation of patriotic solidarity of individuals and corporations, and effective collaboration of the public and private sectors,” he said.

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NAHCON Chairman Unshaken by Distractions, Committed to Transparency in Hajj Operations

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By Nura Ahmad Dakata

Due to recent attempts to tarnish his reputation, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in Hajj operations.

Reacting to a wave of misinformation aimed at discrediting his leadership, Kano and Jigawa Coordinator of Nigerian Hajj Media Support Team, Nura Ahmad, reaffirmed that “No amount of distractions will make the NAHCON Chairman deviate from his core mission of ensuring transparency and accountability in Hajj operations.”

In recent weeks, a series of unfounded allegations have surfaced, falsely claiming that the NAHCON Chairman unilaterally revoked the contract between the Commission and Saudi service providers, thereby jeopardizing Nigerian pilgrims’ participation in the 2025 Hajj. These claims have been widely debunked by NAHCON and credible Hajj stakeholders, who have confirmed that all agreements remain intact and that preparations for the pilgrimage are progressing smoothly.

Professor Usman has strongly denied these accusations, particularly the claims made by the Forum of Chief Executives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards that he single-handedly canceled the service providers’ contract without consulting them. He challenged those making the allegations to provide concrete evidence to support their claims, adding that no critical decision regarding Hajj operations is made without consulting the forum’s leadership. “If they have any proof, they should present it to the public. NAHCON operates with transparency, and all decisions regarding service providers follow due process,” he stated this in an audio interview with DCL Hausa.

Providing an update on his ongoing trip to Saudi Arabia, Professor Usman revealed that he has held a meeting with his Makkah staff, during which they briefed him on key issues concerning this year’s Hajj arrangements. “We have another gathering with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. We are here to clarify contradicting issues with regard to service providers. We cannot just fold our arms and allow our efforts to be in vain,” he emphasized

The Chairman further reassured intending pilgrims and stakeholders that all contractual agreements remain intact and that NAHCON’s decisions are always in the best interest of Nigerian pilgrims. “Our focus remains on ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive the best possible services at the most reasonable cost. We will not be distracted by baseless accusations meant to derail our mission,” he emphasized.

Patriotic Nigerians in the welfare of Pilgrims, including the Nigerian Hajj Media Support Team (NHMST), have called on the public to disregard the misinformation, describing it as an orchestrated attempt by detractors to create unnecessary panic within the Hajj sector. “These false narratives are the handiwork of individuals seeking to exploit the system for personal gain,” NHMST National Coordinator, Ibrahim Abubakar Nagarta, noted in a recent statement.

Despite these challenges, NAHCON remains committed to its mandate of facilitating a seamless and efficient Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims. The Commission has assured all stakeholders that official updates regarding the 2025 Hajj will continue to be shared through its verified channels.

As preparations continue, stakeholders have urged unity and focus on the collective goal of improving Nigeria’s Hajj operations rather than allowing distractions to derail progress.

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Kano Government Meets Friday Mosque Imams,Seeks Support

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The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has called on the Kano State Council of Friday Mosque Imams to support efforts aimed at fostering moral discipline and mutual respect among citizens.

Speaking during a meeting with the Council, Comrade Waiya emphasized the crucial role of religious leaders in shaping societal values through knowledge and moral guidance.

He stressed that the meeting was necessary to seek their collaboration in promoting a well-disciplined and morally upright society.

Expressing concern over declining moral standards, the Commissioner lamented how some individuals misuse the media to disrespect esteemed personalities under the guise of democracy and freedom of speech.

He noted that while democracy is an adopted system, it should be refined to align with the religious and cultural values of the people.

Comrade Waiya clarified that the government was not calling on the Imams for political engagement but rather to leverage their influence in sensitizing the public on good conduct, discipline, and respect for elders. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with religious leaders to promote peace, good character, and an improved standard of living guided by Islamic principles.

In his response, the Chairman of the Council of Friday Mosque Imams in Kano State, Sheikh Nasir Muhammad Adam, commended the Commissioner for recognizing the importance of religious leaders in governance and social development.

He applauded the government’s efforts in fostering peace and encouraging responsible leadership among citizens.

In a statement signed by Signed
Sani Abba Yola
Director Special Duties
Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs said Sheikh Nasir emphasized that Friday Mosque Imams are not politicians but serve as moral guardians to all. He assured the government of their unwavering support in advancing initiatives that uphold Islamic values, improve moral standards, and enhance the well-being of Kano State residents.

 

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Galaxy Backbone MD Meets with Enugu State Government to Advance Digital Infrastructure for Economic and Social Growth

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Galaxy Backbone MD Meets with Enugu State Government to Advance Digital Infrastructure for Economic and Social Growth

Enugu, Nigeria – Tuesday, February 11 – The Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone Limited, Professor Ibrahim A. Adeyanju, held a strategic meeting with the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, and his team to explore innovative approaches to leveraging GBB’s digital infrastructure solutions for the economic and social advancement of the state.
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The discussions focused on deepening digital connectivity, enhancing public service delivery, and driving smart initiatives to support Enugu State’s digital transformation agenda. Both parties emphasized the role of technology and digital services in improving governance, fostering economic development, and empowering communities.

Galaxy Backbone highlighted that it has established transversal and metro fibre infrastructure across the state, providing a robust platform to enhance the digital experience for both government institutions and businesses, driving efficiency and supporting digital inclusion.
Galaxy Backbone reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Enugu State Government to implement cutting-edge digital solutions, including cloud services, unified communications, and cybersecurity frameworks that would drive the state’s digital economy.
This engagement underscores Galaxy Backbone’s mission of deploying digital infrastructure that accelerates development and transforms public service delivery across Nigeria.

 

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