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It Won’t Be Business As Usual, Presidency Says On UAE Visa Ban Reversal

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The Nigerian Presidency says the reversal of the visa ban on Nigerians by the United Arab Emirates does not mean that things will go back to “business as usual”, especially as it concerns UAE visa applications and processing.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, moments after the deal between President Bola Tinubu and his UAE counterpart Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan public, Media aide to the President, Ajuri Ngelale said things will be done differently to address some loopholes that caused the visa ban.

“Every agreement comes with mutual responsibility. There is no free lunch. What I mean by that is the notion that floodgates will open up and we go back to business as usual. That is not what Nigerians should expect. I want to be very clear about this so that everybody can understand,” Ngelale said.

Speaking further, he noted that “one of the major challenges of the bilateral relationship with regards to visa applications, visa processing and with respect to Nigerians being able to migrate to the UAE for example, was the fact that there was a laxity on the part of certain visa process or certain applications that were being made that it created a lack of specificity and lack of diligent evaluation with respect to who is travelling to the UAE and why they are travelling.

“And this is why we had issues. Just a few bad eggs among our people giving a bad name to all of us which was a major sticking point as to how we got to this point. So, what we have done as part of this process is to put in place measures to ensure there is effective diligence done on the part of both sides.”

The visa ban on Nigerians was lifted by the UAE almost one year after the decision following an intervention by President Tinubu who met with the UAE leader.

The agreement between the two leaders also means that Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria.

A statement by the Presidency also added that as negotiated between the two heads of state, the restoration of flight activities does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government.

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Dangote Feeds 40,000 Families in Borno

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No fewer than 40,000 families may benefit from the Aliko Dangote Food Intervention Programme.

Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum said the donation of 40,000 bags of 10kg rice to the people of Borno State by the Aliko Dangote Foundation(ADF) will help cushion economic hardship in these families.

The Governor made the statement at the flag-off of the Food Intervention Programme on Wednesday in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

The Aliko Dangote Foundation penultimate week commenced the distribution of one million bags rice worth N16billion across the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

The Governor was represented by the Director General of Borno State Emergency Management Agency(SEMA) Mr. Ali Abdullahi Isa.

He said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to alleviate the suffering of our people, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.”

The Governor said the generous donation is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and promoting social welfare.

“We are deeply thankful to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the entire foundation for their kindness and philanthropy.

”He urged the people of Borno State to continue to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity of the state and country.

In his early remarks, representative of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Usman Muhammad, said the gesture is aimed at supporting government effort, adding that the Foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

Mr. Muhammad said the donation is targeted at the poor and the vulnerable persons in the State.

A beneficiary, Ms Aisha Modu, 50, said as a displaced person, the donation of rice by the ADF will go a long way in alleviating her economic hardship.

In the same vein, another beneficiary, Umaru Aliyu, 60, said he will use the rice to feed his six children, while praying God to continue to bless the chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation.

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JUST IN: Tinubu commiserates with Florence Ajimobi over daughter’s death

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President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, wife of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, over the passing of her daughter, Mrs. Bisola Kola-Daisi.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the death as an unexpected and heartbreaking loss.

“In a poignant conversation with the bereaved mother on Thursday, President Tinubu conveyed his deep sympathy to the family during this time of profound loss, acknowledging the unexpected and heart-wrenching departure of a cherished daughter, devoted wife, and mother of three,” the statement read.

The President also extended his prayers and support to Mrs. Kola-Daisi’s husband, family, friends, and associates, describing the deceased as warm-hearted, industrious, and charitable.

Highlighting her achievements, Tinubu noted her contributions as a successful businesswoman and trusted public servant.

“Her wise counsel in budgeting and finance was invaluable,” the statement added.

Tinubu prayed for divine comfort and strength for the bereaved family while asking God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

“President Tinubu prayed for Almighty God’s grace to receive her soul and provide comfort and strength to her survivors,” Onanuga stated.

Mrs. Kola-Daisi’s passing has been met with widespread condolences from family, friends, and political associates, many of whom have described her as a compassionate leader and dedicated professional.

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Governor Oyebanji Raises State’s monthly Subvention By N438.9 million

Similarly, the Governor has also approved payment of the outstanding 2020 leave bonus to local government workers

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Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved a major increment in the monthly subvention to the Judiciary and the legislative arm of government as well as the subvented institutions in the state.

The increment which amounts to N438.9 million monthly is to enable the institutions take care of the new minimum wage and the attendant consequential adjustment for workers.

In a statement,Olayinka OyebodeSpecial Adviser (Media) to the Governor, disclosed that the

beneficiaries of the increment include the Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, Ekiti State High Court of Justice; Ekiti State Judicial Service Commission, and Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission.

Others are Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, (EKSU); Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH); Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere Ekiti; Ekiti State Polythecnic, Isan Ekiti; College of Health Technology, Ijero-Ekiti and Non Academic Staff Union of Educational and associated Institutions.

Similarly, the Governor has also approved payment of the outstanding 2020 leave bonus to local government workers, in fulfilment of his promise to defray all outstanding entitlements of workers inherited from previous administrations.

While restating the commitment of his administration to the wellbeing and welfare of workers and retirees, Governor Oyebanji says efforts are being made to ensure payment of all outstanding entitlements including gratuities in line with the continuity and shared prosperity agenda of the government.

He urges workers in the state to remain focused on excellent service delivery and to see themselves as strategic stakeholders in the Ekiti Project.

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