PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO GO ON STATE VISIT TO KENYA

President Goodluck Jonathan will at the invitation of President Uhuru Kenyatta embark on a three-day state visit to Kenya tomorrow, Thursday, September 5, 2013.

The visit is in furtherance of efforts to boost bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Kenya which were initiated during President Kenyatta's visit to Abuja in July this year.

Bilateral talks between Nigeria and Kenya in Nairobi on Friday will focus on the expansion of cooperation between the two countries in the areas of trade, economic development, agriculture and tourism development.

President Jonathan who will be accompanied on the trip by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture and Rural Development, Industry, Trade & Investment, Interior, Petroleum Resources and Culture, Tourism & National Orientation is also scheduled to participate in a business forum with leading Kenyan and Nigerian investors.

He will address a joint session of the Kenyan Parliament and meet Nigerians resident in the country before returning to Abuja on Saturday.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 4, 2013
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WE’LL PROGRESSIVELY REMOVE ALL IMPEDIMENTS TO INVESTMENT IN NIGERIA – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

President Goodluck Jonathan pledged Wednesday in Abuja that his administration will keep on implementing policies and measures that will continuously improve the operating environment for entrepreneurs and investors in the Nigerian economy.

Speaking at an audience with the President of the Dangote Group and leading Nigerian investors and bankers, President Jonathan said that his administration was fully committed to progressively removing all major impediments to greater investment in Nigeria such as inadequate infrastructure and unsteady power supply.

The President applauded plans by the Dangote Group to build Africa's largest refinery, petro-chemicals and fertilizer manufacturing complex in Nigeria and thanked the consortium of banks who are providing a $3.3 billion credit facility for the project.

President Jonathan also expressed the Federal Government's appreciation of the great support being given by Nigeria's private sector to the implementation of his administration's agenda for national transformation.

Noting that the Dangote Group's massive investment in refining, petrochemicals and fertilizer production will contribute significantly to the attainment of government's priority objective of job creation, the President thanked him and the Chief Executives of the Nigerian banks that are helping to finance the project for being patriotic and having the confidence to invest in their own country.

"We are pleased that you are now investing in refining, petro-chemicals and fertilizer production. It is the downstream sector of oil and gas that can really create many jobs. Your interest and investment in that area will help in the area of job creation which we have been emphasizing.  You are also helping us to move away from being a mere producer of raw materials by adding value to our natural resources," he told Alhaji Dangote and members of his delegation.

Alhaji Dangote who led the team from his company, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and Nigeria's leading banks had earlier told the President that they were at the Presidential Villa to thank him for his administration's policies which have greatly encouraged further investments in Nigeria.

"Your policies have helped us greatly. Without them, we will not be where we are today," the President of the Dangote Group told President Jonathan.

He said that the refining, petro-chemicals and fertilizer complex planned by his Group will make Nigeria a net exporter of petroleum products including diesel and aviation fuel, as well as poly-propylene and fertilizer.

Alhaji Dangote who came on the visit to the President after the signing of the loan agreements for the complex was accompanied by Chief Executives of participating banks including First Bank of Nigeria, UBA, Stanbic-IBTC, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, Ecobank, Fidelity Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank and Rand Merchant Bank.

Alhaji Dangote hailed the signing of the financial support agreement as a milestone in the industrialization of Nigeria. "It shows that there's great confidence in the Nigerian economy and quite a lot of appetite for investment in our country," he said.

Others on his delegation included Chief Kola Jamodu, Mr. Femi Otedola, Mr. Jim Ovia and management executives of the Dangote Group.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 4, 2013
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

PETER OBE WILL BE LONG-REMEMBERED FOR HIS ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT OF PHOTO-JOURNALISM - PRESIDENT JONATHAN

President Goodluck Jonathan commiserates with the family, friends and associates of ace photo-journalist, Peter Oyeyemi Obe who died on Sunday in Lagos at the age of 81 years.  

President Jonathan joins them in mourning Mr. Obe who will be long remembered as a thoroughbred professional who put his immense skills and talent to the best possible use in a very illustrious career that spanned many decades.

The history of journalism in Nigeria, the President believes, will be incomplete without an acknowledgement of Mr. Obe's pioneering role in the development of photo-journalism in the country as well as his lucid documentation of the Nigerian Civil War and other profound events in the evolution of the nation. 

As they mourn the legendary ace-photographer, President Jonathan enjoins his professional successors and other media practitioners to strive to emulate Peter Obe's exemplary commitment, dedication and patriotism which were always apparent throughout his long and highly successful career.

He prays that God Almighty will receive Peter Obe's gentle soul and grant him eternal rest.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 2, 2013
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

PRESIDENT JONATHAN HOSTS PRESIDENT YAYI OF BENIN REPUBLIC

President Goodluck Jonathan met Sunday at the Presidential Villa with the President Boni Yayi of neighbouring Benin Republic.

Both leaders attended Sunday service together at the Villa Chapel before proceeding to the presidential residence for lunch and bilateral talks.

The talks between them focussed on issues related to the strengthening of developmental cooperation between Nigeria and Benin Republic, including trade and economic relations.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo worshipped with President Jonathan and President Yayi at the Presidential Villa but did not participate in the talks between them.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 01, 2013
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

OBASANJO VISITS PRESIDENT JONATHAN

PIC 1. FROM LEFT: FORMER PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO; PRESIDENT BONI YAYI OF BENIN REPUBLIC; PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN FIRST LADY, DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN AND THE CHIEF OF STAFF, CHIEF MIKE OGHIADOMHE AT THE ASO VILLA CHAPEL WORSHIP SERVICE ON SUNDAY (1/9/13).

PIC 2. FROM LEFT: PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN; FORMER PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO AND PRESIDENT BONI YAYI OF BENIN REPUBLIC AFTER A WORSHIP SERVICE AT THE ASO VILLA CHAPEL ON SUNDAY (1/9/13).

PIC 3 FORMER PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO WITH THE FIRST LADY, DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN AFTER A WORSHIP SERVICE AT THE ASO VILLA CHAPEL ON SUNDAY (1/9/13).

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PHOTOS: PDP SPECIAL NATIONAL CONVENTION IN ABUJA

PIC 1. FROM LEFT: PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN ACKNOWLEDGING CHEERS FROM PARTY FAITHFULS ON HIS ARRIVAL AT THE PDP SPECIAL NATIONAL CONVENTION IN ABUJA ON SATURDAY  (31/8/13).

PIC 2. FROM LEFT: PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN, HIS WIFE, DAME PATIENCE AND THE PDP NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, ALHAJI BAMANGA TUKUR AT THE PDP SPECIAL NATIONAL CONVENTION IN ABUJA ON SATURDAY  (31/8/13)

PIC 3. FROM LEFT: DEPUTY SPEAKER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EMEKA IHEDIOHA; SPEAKER, AMINU TAMBUWAL SENATE PRESIDENT DAVID MARK; PDP BOT CHAIRMAN. CHIEF TONY ANENIH VICE-PRESIDENT NAMADI SAMBO; PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN; FIRST LADY DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN AND THE PDP NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, ALHAJI BAMANGA TUKUR AT THE PDP SPECIAL NATIONAL CONVENTION IN ABUJA ON SATURDAY  (31/8/13)

PIC 4.PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN CASTING HIS VOTE AT THE PDP SPECIAL NATIONAL CONVENTION IN ABUJA ON SATURDAY  (31/8/13)

STATE HOUSE PHOTO
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WE’LL REMAIN PROACTIVE IN COMBATING TERRORISM, PRESIDENT JONATHAN ASSURES

President Goodluck Jonathan said Friday in Abuja that although measures taken by his administration had resulted in a significant reduction in the occurrence of  terrorist attacks in the country, the federal government will keep on doing everything possible to further enhance security in all parts of the country.

Speaking at an audience with the outgoing Representative of the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. David Mac Rae, President Jonathan said that his administration will remain very proactive in combating terrorism and insecurity.

"As a government, we are doing everything possible to improve our country on all fronts. We are consistently adapting our security architecture to deal with terrorism which has become a challenge to the whole world.

"Boko Haram is being progressively weakened but we are not resting on our oars. We will continue to do everything possible to achieve greater security for all who reside within our borders," the President assured Mr. Mac Rae.

Affirming that there are many positive things happening in the country, President Jonathan said that his administration will continue to do its best to correct negative perceptions about the country such as the notion of widespread insecurity and corruption.

The President welcomed declaration by the outgoing ambassador that he had recently traveled to the Niger Delta and some Northern States and found people there going about their normal lives and businesses without fear.He urged him to assist in correcting current misconceptions about Nigeria by taking that positive message to the European Union and the rest of the world.

President Jonathan seized the opportunity of Mr. Mac Rae's visit to commend the European Union for its past and ongoing support towards improving the electoral process in Nigeria.

He also assured Mr. Mac Rae that Nigeria would act to facilitate the early conclusion of a partnership agreement between ECOWAS and the European Union.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 30, 2013
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

WE’LL REMAIN PROACTIVE IN COMBATING TERRORISM, PRESIDENT JONATHAN ASSURES

President Goodluck Jonathan said Friday in Abuja that although measures taken by his administration had resulted in a significant reduction in the occurrence of  terrorist attacks in the country, the federal government will keep on doing everything possible to further enhance security in all parts of the country.

Speaking at an audience with the outgoing Representative of the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. David Mac Rae, President Jonathan said that his administration will remain very proactive in combating terrorism and insecurity.

"As a government, we are doing everything possible to improve our country on all fronts. We are consistently adapting our security architecture to deal with terrorism which has become a challenge to the whole world.

"Boko Haram is being progressively weakened but we are not resting on our oars. We will continue to do everything possible to achieve greater security for all who reside within our borders," the President assured Mr. Mac Rae.

Affirming that there are many positive things happening in the country, President Jonathan said that his administration will continue to do its best to correct negative perceptions about the country such as the notion of widespread insecurity and corruption.

The President welcomed declaration by the outgoing ambassador that he had recently traveled to the Niger Delta and some Northern States and found people there going about their normal lives and businesses without fear.He urged him to assist in correcting current misconceptions about Nigeria by taking that positive message to the European Union and the rest of the world.

President Jonathan seized the opportunity of Mr. Mac Rae's visit to commend the European Union for its past and ongoing support towards improving the electoral process in Nigeria.

He also assured Mr. Mac Rae that Nigeria would act to facilitate the early conclusion of a partnership agreement between ECOWAS and the European Union.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 30, 2013
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

AFRICAN NATIONS CAN OVERCOME UNDER-DEVELOPMENT – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

President Goodluck Jonathan said Thursday in Abuja that African nations must learn to manage their resources better if they wished to overcome poverty and underdevelopment.

Speaking at an audience with Pastor Chuck Pierce of Global Spheres International Church, President Jonathan said that in spite of current challenges, he was confident that African nations will achieve rapid development and progress if their governments and peoples make the right decisions and implement them.

"I believe that we can get to where other nations are if we do things rightly. If we put our acts together, we can take our rightful place in the comity of nations," the President told the Corinth, Texas-based pastor who is hosting an international conference of his church in Abuja.

Thanking him for his interest in Nigeria and Africa, President Jonathan urged Pastor Pierce to continue to pray for the country and the continent.

Pastor Pierce thanked the President for receiving his delegation which included other church leaders from Nigeria and other African countries.

He told the President that he believed that this was an important time for Nigeria and assured him of the continued prayerful support of his global church.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 29, 2013
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

WE DON’T OPPOSE NIGERIANS COMING TOGETHER TO DISCUSS HOW THEY WILL LIVE IN PEACE AND UNITY, PRESIDENT JONATHAN TELLS PATRIOTS

President Jonathan declared Thursday in Abuja that his Administration had no objection to Nigerians coming together to discuss how they will continue to live together in peace and unity.

Speaking after receiving a memorandum from the Patriots, led by Prof. Ben Nwabueze, on the need for a national conference, President Jonathan said that ordinarily, the issue of Nigerians coming together to discuss their future should not be out of place.

The President told the group that there has been constant discussion within government on how to create an acceptable and workable platform for a national dialogue that will reinforce the ties that bind the country's many ethnic nationalities and ensure that Nigeria's immense diversity continues to be a source of strength and greatness.

"The limitation we have is that the constitution appears to have given that responsibility to the National Assembly. I have also been discussing the matter with the leadership of the National Assembly. We want a situation where everyone will key into the process and agree on the way forward," President Jonathan said.

He thanked the Patriots for acknowledging the Federal Government's efforts to implement his administration's agenda for national transformation.

"As a government, we are totally committed to transforming this country, Positive things are being done and by the grace of God, we will get to where we ought to be as a nation," President Jonathan told the Patriots' delegation which also included Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Solomon Asemota,  Engr. Chris Okoye,  Chief (Mrs.) Bola Kuforiji-Olubi, Air Cdre. Dan Suleiman (rtd.), Prof. Kimse Okoko and Mr. Michael Orobator.

President Jonathan also welcomed the group's call for the moral re-orientation of Nigerians, saying that he shared their belief that ongoing efforts at national transformation and development will be greatly enhanced and facilitated by the cultivation of better national ethics and attitudes.

The Patriots had in the address presented to President Jonathan by Prof. Nwabueze, urged him to support the production of a new constitution that truly derives its authority directly from the people of Nigeria.

"I compliment you for your initiative of introducing a transformation agenda. It is what Nigeria needs. Above all things, we need to transform this country.

"It is a great credit to you that you recognize this. We congratulate Your Excellency for recognizing the need for national transformation and moving Nigeria in that direction," Prof. Nwabueze told the President, adding that the need for national transformation was the main reason for the Patriots' continuing call for a national conference.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 29, 2013
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN