Speech: VP Osinbajo’s Address at the Commissioning of the Petrolex Mega Oil City in Ibefun, Ogun State.

May I on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, congratulate Mr. Segun Adebutu and his team for bringing to reality this vision for an integrated Petroleum Complex, here in Ogun State.

What he and the Petrolex team have done, what they have accomplished here is an impressive testament to the power of vision and dedication, and it really is a special pleasure to be here today to see for myself and commission this one-of-a-kind facility.

From the point of view of government’s downstream objectives in the petroleum sector, this investment is of special significance.

It ticks the boxes of strengthening our distribution infrastructure for petroleum products and meeting the target for reducing the importation of petroleum products and PMS to less than 20% by the end of 2018 and first quarter of 2019.

We expect that this space will be filled by investments in facilities such as this and this is why we are delighted this facility with a capacity to store 300 million litres of petroleum products – the largest of its kind in the country and am told, the largest in Africa and conveniently holding 4,000 trucks at a time, and a jetty capable of berthing 30million metric tons of cargo. This will substantially improve retail distribution in Nigeria and increase domestic storage capacity for petroleum products and the cargo coming in on barges from larger vessels for now will be stored and loaded from the gantry right here, this will decongest the Apapa and Ibafo tanker traffic and facilitate distribution from here to practically anywhere in the country.

But more cheering is the fact that this facility is still work-in-progress. The Tank Farm that we are commissioning today represents only the first phase of a much grander project: a ‘Mega Oil City’ which will include a 250,000 barrels per day Refinery, and this clearly, to date, will be the largest single line refinery in the country.

But perhaps of greater importance as a feature of our national economic objectives is that this facility again bears out a philosophical plank of our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, which is that private capital must lead Nigeria’s economic revolution. And this is trite as the private sector is the nation’s major economic force and that the primary business of government is to create the environment that enables commerce to thrive unhindered.

And of importance also is the fact that significant local investments such as this send the strongest possible signal to foreign investors that not only is government saying that Nigeria is the investment destination in Africa, local smart money like Petrolex is also saying the same thing.

And may I also say that there is credible independent third party evidence that we are on the right track. A month and half ago the World Bank adjudged us to be one of the ten most improved economies in the world this year, from the point of view of our business and investment climate.

This facility also represents jobs – 10,000 direct and indirect ones. Each of these jobs will support not just the workers, but also their dependents, aside from the significant impact on the local economy here – by way of increased incomes traders, farmers, artisans, and landowners. There is of course the fact that economic activities moved to a place where no economic activity was hitherto.

The Federal Government is absolutely clear in its belief that industrialization is the key to achieving sustainable economic growth and creating jobs for millions of young people. The petrochemical industry is a logical and crucial component of this plan and we are doing all we can to provide an incentive regime that will drive investments in this sector. And we certainly would like to see credible investors like Petrolex prominently in this crucial space as well. And speaking to Mr Adebutu, already, there is a plan for a fertilizer facility here and also for the production of several other elements of the petrochemical industry.

We have recently published through the NIPC, Nigeria’s full list of business incentives and barely two weeks ago the President asked that I chair a committee to look into how to provide lower interest rates for the manufacturing industry. We understand clearly that without some kind of preferential interest rates for the manufacturing industry in Nigeria, we will not be able to make much progress and for that reason we are now looking very closely into how we can provide cheap credit for the local industries and I hope we will be able to achieve this in a short period of time.

Let me again express the Federal Government’s full support for this project and our pledge is that we will be with you every step of the way, supporting in every way we can.

I must congratulate the patriarch of the Adebutu business dynasty, Sir Kensington Adebutu on this special day, where you have seen the future of your progeny in your lifetime. This is a great blessing indeed for which we join you in giving thanks to the Almighty God.

Segun and the management and staff of Petrolex Oil and Gas deserve our commendation and congratulations on this landmark achievement and we all pray for the speedy and successful completion of the next phases of this project.

Nigeria eagerly awaits the full manifestation of this “Mega Oil City Project” and in a few minutes it will be my pleasure to commission the Petrolex Mega Oil City project.

Thank you all.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
December 12, 2017

Press Release: Buhari’s Presidency Begins National Consultation on Farmers-Herders Conflict

Following his visit to Adamawa State on the 5th of December 2017 in the wake of the communal clashes in the area, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has today, Monday, 11th December 2017, commenced a series of national consultations with all relevant groups designed to find a lasting solution to the farmers-herders conflict in parts of the country.

Today’s meeting, the first in the series, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and had in attendance the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; the Lamido of Adamawa, Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa; elder statesman, Mallam Ahmed Joda; and other leaders of the Fulani communities. Subsequent meetings would focus on other interest groups.

At the meeting, previous reports on the conflict were presented by the delegation and causes of the conflict were analysed. The meeting unequivocally condemned the acts of violence that has occurred, especially the killing of children and women, and highlighted the need for Law Enforcement and other Government Agencies to dutifully and objectively perform their Constitutional roles.

The Vice President assured the delegation of the Federal Government’s resolve and commitment to the entrenchment of lasting peace in all communities across the country and the resolution of all legitimate grievances.

He said “There is nothing much more important now, in showing our leadership, beyond preventing tragedy and destruction of everything we have built as a nation. The entire Nigeria enterprise is bigger than other interests. The overall objective is ensuring that our nation is not enveloped by another crisis.”

According to the Vice President, “We now have an opportunity to do something. We have the opportunity to resolve the issues and to build a nation where we and our children can live in peace.”

Already, following the Vice President’s visit to Adamawa State last week, several food items and relief materials have been distributed to all the affected communities in the State, including Shafaron, Kodomti, Tullum, Mzoruwe and Mararraban Bare in Numan Local Government Area. Others communities that have received relief materials are Dong, Lawaru and Kukumso in Demsa Local Government Area of the State.

In the next series of meetings, the Vice President will meet with the Batta, Bachama and other groups from Adamawa State; while meetings with stakeholders from other conflict-affected States would follow.

Also at the meeting were Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Musa Bello.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
11 December 2017

Speech: VP Osinbajo’s Address at the 2017 The Future Awards Africa Event in Lagos

There are particular moments in the history of nations when there is a palpable feeling that something new is about to emerge that the nation can be transformed.

Often it begins with hopelessness and cynicism. It may be that the nation has laboured under oppressive and divisive circumstances, living with poverty, inequality, bitter ethnic and religious division, and hate.

But in the midst of poverty, corruption, ethnic and religious divisions, hope begins to be built in the hearts of some; a new vision is birthed in these people.

Of the number are men and women, young, old, married and single, united by the common belief that nation can be reborn; that a new nation can be forged from the furnace of despair; that a nation of great values is possible; that the people can be united; that they can together fight corruption, reject the politics of identity and religion; and unite around the values common to the attainment of dignity and fulfilment for all.

They are united in the notion that a new tribe can emerge. A tribe of men and women from all tribes, ethnicities and faiths; built on principles that all persons are created equal; that resources attain their greatest use when they are rendered for the benefit of all; that our best talents must be applied in every task; that we must respect the rule of law and the centrality of law and order; that none will be allowed to steal or waste public resources; that we will prefer and reward excellence and merit; that Government is to create the circumstances for the happiness and prosperity of the majority; that the life of the Nigerian person is our most precious resource; that we must love our nation and love each other; and protect the weak and vulnerable.

This new tribe is one whose ethos is of hard work, whose creed is that all honest labour is dignifying, worthy of respect and reward; and that integrity is not negotiable; that our word must be our bond; that personal desires and ambitions must be moderated by faith, and consideration for others.

And so from the many tribes, ethnicities and identities will arise a ‘New People’, ‘a New Tribe’. We are at that moment in our history. And it is the historic responsibility of the new tribe to develop an understanding of who we are meant to be as a people, to develop the capacity to define our place in human history by reaching deeply into the core of our humanity to find the purpose or reason for our existence.

Are we here to live sub-human lives in one form of deprivation or the other? Aligned along parochial lines, ignoring merit and value and upholding narrow identities, permitting corruption if it is done by those of our tribe or faith?

In the womb of this ‘New Tribe’ is the greatness of Nigeria. But Greatness can only come from the willingness of the few to make the sacrifices necessary for the emancipation of the many. This new tribe can build a new nation.

I call on you all to join the new tribe. Thank you for listening.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
10 December 2017

Speech: VP Osinbajo’s Address at 2017 Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) Laureates

I am delighted to join you at this investiture dinner in honour of our two new Nigerian National Order Of Merit Laureates: Professor Adesoji Adediran Adesina, NNOM, who is honoured for his outstanding work in Engineering and Technology; and a living legend, Mr. Bruce Paul Obomoyema Onobrakpeya, NNOM, who is honoured for his exceptional work, spanning decades of Nigerian history in the Arts and Humanities.

But also this evening, we have the privilege and pleasure of the company of some of the laureates of previous years. They include:

1. Prof. E. M Essien, NNOM

2. Prof. (Mrs.) Paulina K. Makinwa-Adebusoye, NNOM

3. Prof. Tanure Ojaide, NNOM

4. Prof. A. O. Anya, NNOM

5. Prof. B. O. Nnaji, NNOM

6. Prof. Hilary Inyang Inyang, NNOM

7. Prof. E. J. Alagoa, NNOM

8. Prof. Ayo Bamgbose, NNOM

9. Prof. J. P. Clark, NNOM

10. Prof. A. O. E. Animalu, NNOM

11. Prof. P. O. Ebigbo, NNOM

12. Prof. Oyewale Tomori, NNOM

13. Prof. A. F. Oluwole, NNOM

14. Prof. B. A. Osofisan, NNOM

15. Prof. Oladipo Adamolekun, NNOM

16. Prof. C. E. Nnolim, NNOM

17. Prof. A. O. Esogbue, NNOM

18. Prof. U. B. Ahmed, NNOM

19. Prof. T. O. Odugbemi, NNOM

20. Prof. Idris Mohammed, NNOM

21. Prof. J. K. Olupona, NNOM

22. Eze (Prof.) V. C. Ike, NNOM

23. Prof. L. A. Banjo, NNOM

24. Prof. S. C. Ohaegbulam, NNOM

We are immensely proud of your outstanding contributions to knowledge and to the development of our nation and our world.

Permit me to reflect briefly this evening on two strands of thought with which I have been occupied for a while, but which the events of today brought to the fore: The importance of merit, and the centrality of the humanities.

This morning in the Federal Executive Council Chambers, we were honoured to witness one of those special moments in our national life. The recognition of exceptional talent, years of consistent industry and the conferment of deserved accolades on merit.

We are reminded on such occasions that the greatness, fame and glory of nations largely rely on the hard work, creativity and service of its best talents. And this is the best case that can be made for the promotion of a culture of merit and for policies that as a rule prefer the best and then make provision for quotas for the disadvantaged by reason of geography, gender or other factors.

The best in our midst in their individual fields, in sports, science, technology, the professions, academia, the arts, and entertainment are given to societies to provide services and insights that only they can. In them lie the keys to the leaps from one level of knowledge to another

Consequently, any society that favours exigencies of any kind over merit has chosen to function at its sub-optimal level and greatness must, by the force of principle, elude it. High attainment, whether it be for individuals or nations, is a function of the priority given to merit, which brings me to the other issue, the growing tension amongst policymakers, some who take the position that our emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math should mean discouraging the humanities and arts.

Indeed, at a recent meeting of policymakers, a distinguished academic argued that private universities should not be registered to offer courses in the humanities and arts, but to focus on STEM. While it is sometimes easier to see the contributions of scientists to development it may require deeper introspection to recognize the arts as a rampart of the human spirit, and the bridgehead to meaning and understanding that it truly is.

Understanding, said Drew Faust, derives from both what is measurable and what is unmeasurable – it is enhanced by scientific insights and mathematical proofs, by philosophical puzzles, and by literature and art that transform the heart as well as the mind.

Education must encompass all of these as it seeks to fashion, not just employees and employers, but human beings who can help create a better future for themselves and for the world.”

Today, we honour two of our best in the sciences and in the humanities. This happy convergence recognizes that it is not really a choice between one or the other. Science and technology carry us farthest on the wings of the refined thinking, imagination, visioning and disciplined introspection of the humanities.

I have read the communique which has been presented by the distinguished laureates and I must say that I am personally impressed by the scope of the issues covered. Permit me to say that we are on the threshold of turning around our economy and polity irreversibly.

For me, the incredible revelation of the past few years is the realization that if we can deal with corruption and abuse of power we would have resolved the most malignant our problems. There is no way that a nation whose resources are looted by its custodians can succeed.

It is important that we bear in mind that as we tackle the issue of corruption, we must do so by way of process. The truth is that the easiest part is the arrest and apprehension of persons who have committed crime against the state. The more difficult part of it is in reforming those institutions that have been corrupted by years and years of neglect and the promotion of impunity. It is those institutions that we must strengthen and it is those institutions that are important in being able to carry forward all of the reforms that we are putting in place, that is by far a more difficult exercise.

But I want to assure you that President Muhammadu Buhari is completely committed and determined in ensuring that this country’s fortunes are turned around irreversibly. In conversations with him, he has said that it all that he has devoted the rest of his life in doing, and I am completely convinced that God spearing his life, we will see this turn around.

Our special thanks go to the Governing Board of the Nigerian National Merit Award, under the Chairmanship of Prof. Shekarau Yakubu Aku, and members of the Board’s four Specialized Committees of Assessors and External Assessors for the excellent work they have done.

To the eminent laureates please accept again hearty congratulations on behalf of Mr. President and the government and people of Nigeria.

May your path from here on shine even brighter in Jesus name.

Thank you for listening.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
08 December 2017

Speech: VP Osinbajo’s Address at Akarigbo’s Coronation

Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Torungbuwa II (the Second); your Royal Highness.

Today we are witnesses to a rare historic event of monumental importance for the people of Remo and for the Yoruba race; the installation and coronation of the Akarigbo of Remo, the paramount ruler of Remoland.

Through the ages, this throne has proved to be a bastion of freedom, hope and egalitarianism. From the days of its founding, when men fleeing from the jihad of Uthman Dan Fodio, and the collapse of the Oyo Empire, were offered succour and safety on this very land upon which we stand today.

It is from this throne that some of the most significant ideas on the development of Remo emerged. And it is here that the culture and ethos of the Remo person is defined and propagated. Here is the sum and substance of who we are as a people. The throne of the Akarigbo has long represented the attributes of justice, enterprise and integrity. Very few have the love of the Remo man for fairness and justice.

And so we, the people of Remo, are fortunate. Our Akarigbo combines disciplines of law, accountancy and commerce, being an accomplished accountant and a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. We could not have made a better choice.

Kabiyesi, we are all proud of your unblemished career in both professions and your outstanding successes. We are confident that your sterling attributes will benefit the governance of Remo land and its great people.

On behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the people of Nigeria, I congratulate you on your preferment to this illustrious throne and your coronation as the 19th Akarigbo of Remo land.

This extraordinary honour done to your Royal Majesty by the traditions and acceptance of our people undoubtedly comes with a huge burden of responsibility. This is the task of galvanizing the Remo people, for the great task of developing our towns and villages. This is a land of incredibly gifted men and women, from the professions to the arts and politics. Your reign must mark the coming together of all sons and daughters of Remo to take this historic land to its rightful place in the 21st century.

Your pedigree, commitment to our people and avowed trust in the power and grace of God, gives us great hope and confidence that you will exceed all expectations. Permit me your Royal Majesty, to say a word of prayer for you as you ascend the coveted throne of your fathers.

I pray that Remo and its people will prosper in your reign; I pray that the Almighty God will hear and answer all your prayers for this land; that the hand of God will be upon you to guide and direct you daily. Your days will be longer than anyone who has sat upon this throne, and as your days so shall your strength, your wisdom and your favour be with God; in Jesus name.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
07 December 2017

Press Release: Massive Reception In Kano, Clear Message To The Opposition – President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday night declared that the massive reception that greeted his arrival in Kano for a 2-day working visit “is a message to the opposition’’ that his popularity in the region remains unshaken.

Speaking at state dinner held in his honour, President Buhari was full of thanks and gratitude to the government and people of Kano for the very warm and peaceful reception.

”I am overwhelmed with the massive reception I have received and definitely since this is partisan politics, I think it has sent a clear message to the opposition.

‘‘Even going by the details of the election results in 2003, 2007 and 2011, it was very clear that nobody could even dare to rig my scores from the elections in Kano.

‘‘It has been so consistent and I don’t think I have the vocabulary to express my thanks to the people of Kano.

‘‘I am very grateful to God and the people of Kano for the complete trust you have in me,’’ he said.

The President noted that during his drive around the city on Wednesday to commission several projects, he observed that many of those who thronged the road to welcome him were very young people.

He pledged that as a person in a position of authority, his priority is to provide a meaningful future for the teeming youths in the country through education, and the faithful management of the economy and resources.

The President congratulated Governor Abdullahi Ganduje on his development strides in the state and urged other political office holders to emulate and support the state governor.

‘‘He is a great politician and I am afraid I am still learning,’’ the President remarked.

President Buhari reaffirmed that his message at his inaugural address, “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody,’’ will continue to guide his stewardship to the Nigerian people.

‘‘My problem is Nigeria and I have been involved in almost all the instability Nigeria experienced: the civil war, the coups, and counter-coups. That was why I said during my swearing-in that ‘I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.'”

‘‘Nigeria is my target and I will continue to maintain focus,’’ he said.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity)
December 7, 2017

Press Release: President Buhari Pledges To Reform and Decongest Prisons, Witnesses Release of 500 Inmates in Kano

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Kano reaffirmed that prison reforms and decongestion will be pursued with greater vigor by his administration.

Speaking at a ceremony in Kurmawa Central Prison Kano, at which 500 inmates were either pardoned or set free upon the payment of fines by the State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, President Buhari lamented that some of the freed inmates were young and charged prison authorities to make every effort to make better citizens of prisoners.

President Buhari pledged that prisons reforms and decongestion would continue to receive prompt attention from his administration.

The President stressed the need for prisoners to receive proper care, support and rehabilitation to make them better citizens after serving their prisons terms.

“I am pleased with this visit and I have learnt a bit more about the conditions of the prisons and inmates.

“This building in front of us was built since 1910. Rehabilitation of prisoners and training of inmates is very important to us and we would continue to invest more on this.

“I asked one of the inmates (released) how old he was and he told me he is only 19 years old.

“If we have people of 18 and 19 years in the prison, and there is no continuous training, then their lives will be completely destroyed. We will invest more in education and vocational training,’’ he said.

The 500 inmates granted pardon, including men and women, were drawn from various prisons in Kano state, including Kurmawa prisons, which has 1,398 inmates as opposed to 750, the established capacity.

Earlier, the President who arrived Kano to a tumultuous welcome by the Government and people of the State at the start of a two-day state visit paid homage to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

At the Emir’s place, President Buhari recounted his fond memories of Kano, as a symbol of peace, trade, commerce and industry in Nigeria.

‘‘If there is a problem here, the whole country has a problem. I remember the industry and employment people get in Kano.

‘‘Before the problem in the North East, I remember the number of articulated vehicles that leave this city to Maiduguri and the Cameroons, and the number of vehicles that come in from Chad and Niger, providing millions of jobs to Nigerians.

‘‘A lot of people in Nigeria didn’t realise how much the instability in the North East have cost the people and the industry here ’’ he said.

President Buhari, therefore, assured all Nigerians that the fight against the degraded Boko Haram will be sustained, in addition to the positive trends in the economy and the fight against corruption.

‘‘The three things we said in our campaign on security, economy and fighting corruption, nobody will be able to successfully disabuse the minds of Nigerians on our clear intentions for our country and our people,’’ the President declared.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President for Media & Publicity
December 6, 2017

Press Release: President Buhari Signs Three Bills

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 assented to the following Bills:

1. Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy (Establishment) Bill, 2017. The college to be sited in Enugu, is to provide courses of instruction leading to the award of degrees, diplomas and certificates in dental technology, dental therapy and related courses.

2. Air Force Institute of Technology of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2017. The Institute to be situated in Kaduna, is to give technical training to the personnel of the Nigerian Air Force and other services of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigerians and citizens of other African countries.

3. National Intelligence Agency Pensions (Establishment) Bill, 2017, is to administer the pensions scheme for personnel of the Agency, sequel to the exit of the Agency from the application of the Contributory Pension’s Scheme under the Pension’s Reform Act, 2004.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity)
December 6, 2017.

Press Release: Buhari Commends Guards Brigade For Professionalism

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja commended the Guards Brigade for demonstrating a high-level of discipline and professionalism expected from officers and men of the Nigerian Army.

Speaking at the decoration ceremony of the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig-Gen. Musa Yusuf as Major-General, President Buhari said it was instructive that the senior officer displayed a high level of discipline during his two-year stint as Commander.

‘‘I congratulate the Brigade Commander for his achievements these past two years.

‘‘I never received any serious report of indiscipline in your formation that is in-charge of my security.

‘‘I hope you will get a command that will complement your experiences in the political headquarters.

‘‘I congratulate you very much for making it to this new rank at a very competitive time. I know there are so many Generals but when you go to the records you pick the best and place them at very strategic appointments,’’ he said.

The President expressed confidence that Major General Yusuf will bring his experience in the field as a former Guards Brigade Commander to his next posting, as directed by the Defence headquarters.

Recounting his days as a military officer, President Buhari said officers earned the respect of their colleagues because of their intellectual disposition and experience in the field.

‘‘An officer is what he is when he gets into the field. Certainly, there was the need for intellectual officers but then what you do in the field is what earns you respect from those who are under you,’’ he said.

In his remarks, Yusuf while reaffirming his “unalloyed loyalty and that of his troops to the President and Commander-in-Chief,’’ thanked President Buhari for the honour of decorating him with his new rank.

He conveyed the appreciation of his troops in Keffi, Nasarawa State and those at Gwagwalada, in the Federal Capital Territory to the President for the renovation works in the barracks.

In Keffi, this is the first time in the last 25 years that 14 blocks of accommodation for soldiers are being renovated; he said adding that in Gwagwalada, the Chief of Army Staff approved funds for renovation works in the barracks to make it habitable.

Born on November 6, 1966, Major General Yusuf had served as a member of Nigerian contingent to UN peacekeeping missions abroad including United Nations Mission in Eritrea-Ethiopia (UNMEE) and United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNAMID).

He also served in ECOMOG and Operation Harmony in Bakassi, among several other appointments in army units and formations in the country.

A graduate of Chemistry from the Nigeria Defence Academy, he holds Master’s Degree in Transport Management and additional Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
Media & Publicity
December 5, 2017

Press Release: President Buhari Congratulates Wizkid, Davido On Awards

President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates renowned hip-hop artistes, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, WizKid, and David Adedeji Adeleke, Davido, on their awards at the Music of Black Origin (MOBO).

President Buhari joins the teeming fans of the artistes in Nigeria and all over the world in celebrating the highly deserved and meritorious recognition, which saw WizKid winning “International Best Artitse’’ award, while Davido picked the “Best African Act’’.

The President affirms that both singers have showcased the rich talents in the country, and brought pride to the nation through their many songs and performances, commending their dedication, hard work and charity works.

President Buhari also calls on the upwardly mobile artistes to be cautious and mindful of likely distractions to their careers, urging WizKid and Davido to serve as ambassadors of the country and role models to upcoming musicians.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President (Media& Publicity)
December 1, 2017