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New service chiefs: Profiles of Iraboh, Gambo, Ibrahim and Amao

Published

4 years ago

January 27, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday changed Nigeria’s service chiefs, after much pressure from different groups and influential individuals.

In a statement by spokesman to the president, Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President, Femi Adesina, the new service chiefs are Major-General Leo Irabor named as Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General I. Attahiru as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral A.Z Gambo as Chief of Naval Staff; and Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao as Chief of Air Staff.

Here are a few details about the new officers:

Chief Of Defence Staff, Major-Gen LEO Irabor

Major Gen. LEO Irabor is a RC 34 officer who attained that rank in 2014 and has served as Theatre Commander in the NE.

He hails from the vicinity of Agbor in Delta State. He takes over from General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin

Major Gen. Irabor who is the immediate Chief of Training and Operations, Defence headquarters, took over from the erstwhile Commander, Major General AA Tarfa.

On the 26th January 2021 he was appointed the new CDS by His Excellency, President Buhari.

Major General Lucky E.O. Irabor was the Chief of Defence, Training and Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He is an Alumnus of the Ghana Armed Forces Staff College Ghana, the National Defence College Bangladesh and Harvard Kennedy School of Government Executive Programme, USA.

Irabor is a trained Engineer from Obafemi Awolowo University and holds two Masters Degrees from the University of Ghana, Accra, and Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka.

As the CDTOPs, he oversees training and operations in the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the direction of the Chief of Defence Staff.

Specifically, he undertakes periodic reviews of a broad range of policies and activities relating to training and operations in the Armed forces.

In addition, he is the Chairman of the AFN Committee on COVID-19. The committee is working to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease in the establishments of the armed forces in line with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control protocols.

The committee is also giving support to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 including the deployment of medical personnel across the country to boost the available manpower in the management of the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria.

The General was formerly the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, North-East Nigeria as well as Force Commander Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin Area. The operations focused on counter-terrorism/counterinsurgency.

He is a distinguished awardee of several militaries, ECOMOG and United Nations Awards and Medals.

Chief of Naval Staff, Rear-Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo

Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo was Director of Search and Rescue Defence Headquarters until his redeployment as Chief Staff Officer Naval Training Command in 2017.

He was born on 22 April 1966 and hails from Nasarawa LGA in Kano State.

He enlisted into the Nigerian Navy on 24 September 1984 as a member of Regular Course 36 and was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant on 24 September, 1988.

He is an underwater warfare specialist with a sub specialisation in intelligence.

The senior officer has attended several military courses which include Sub-Technical course and Officers Long course both at NNS QUORRA. He also attended Junior Division 48/89 and Senior Course 26 both at AFCSC Jaji.

Other courses attended include the National Defence Course at the South African National Defence College.

Until his latest appointment as the CNS, he was the Director of Procurement at the Defence Space Administration.

He holds a Master’s degree in Transport Management from LAUTECH.

Major-General Attahiru Ibrahim, Chief of Army Staff

Before the appointment of Maj Gen Attahiru Ibrahim as the new Chief of Army Staff, he was in charge of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army.

He was born on 10 August, 1966 in Doka, Kaduna North Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

A graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Armed Forces Command and Staff College and Nigerian Army School of Infantry, he commenced cadets training in January 1984 and was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant in December 1986 as an Infantry Officer.

General Attahiru has held several appointments on the staff, instructional and in command in the course of his military career.

He was on a tour of duty with the United Nations in Sierra Leone as a Military Observer, where he facilitated the United Kingdom military engagement, Operation BARASS in September 2000.

He was an Operations Officer and later Company Commander in NIBATT 19 ECOMOG Operations in Liberia.

Also, he had the unique privilege of having commanded with distinction all through the chain of command in the Nigerian Army. Prominent among these appointments are Commanding Officer 146 Battalion Nigerian Army (Operation HARMONY IV) in the Bakassi Peninsula, Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army (Operation PULO SHIELD), General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army.

He was one time Theatre Commander Operation Lafia Dole (the Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Outfit in North Eastern Nigeria).

It is on record that he brought relative stability to the region with the surrender of several Boko Haram combatants.

He was unit adjutant, 7 Battalion Nigerian Army, Sarti; Chief of Staff, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sokoto; General Staff Officer Grade 1 Training/Operations and as well as Staff Duties/Plans at the Headquarters 1, 2 and 81 Divisions of the Nigerian Army.

He was Deputy Director Military Secretary 2 at the AHQ MS (A) and one-time Director Army Public Relations and spokesperson for the Nigerian Army. He was later Director Staff Duties and Deputy Chief of Policy and Plans at the Army Headquarters.

Ibrahim was equally privileged to serve as Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation and Chief of Defence Logistics at the apex organ of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Defence Headquarters Abuja.

In that position, he worked with the US Defence Logistics Agency on the Vertically Integrated Logistics Approach (VILA) Programme towards enhancing the operational readiness in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He was also privileged to be an instructor at the Depot Nigerian Army, Nigerian Defence Academy and the Nigerian Army School of Infantry.

He was later a Chief Instructor at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji-Nigeria.

General Attahiru has been exposed to leadership and professional development programmes at globally renowned institutions. For instance, he was at the National Defence College Kenya for the National Defence Management and Security Studies Course and at the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Special Forces Academy Shijiazhuang-Hubei Province, China for the Basic and Advanced Special/Operations Commando Forces Courses.

He has undertaken leadership and security policy courses at the prestigious Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University USA, Graduate School of Media and Communication, Agha Khan University Kenya, Bournemouth University Disaster Management Center and the Geneva Centre for Security Policy.

The General has several honours and awards to his credit. He holds a Masters degree in Strategic Management and Policy Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy; Masters of Science in Human Resources Management and Development from Salford University in the United Kingdom; and Graduate Diploma in International Studies from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

He is married with children.

Isiaka Amao, New Chief of Air Staff

Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao was born on 14 September 1965 in Enugu. He hails from Osogbo LGA in Osun State.

Amao was the Chairman of the Nigerian Air Force 53rd Anniversary Celebration Committee in 2017.

He was formerly the Deputy Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole and later redeployed as the Director of Policy at HQ NAF.

He was in January 2020 appointed as the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP).

He attended Nuhu Bamali Pry School Kaduna from 1971-77, Command Secondary School Kakuri Kaduna from 1977-82, Federal College of Freshwater and Fisheries Technology (FCFFT) New Bussa from 1994-96, University of Madras India from 2002-2003, Kaduna Polytechnic from 2005-2006 and National Defence University China from 2012-2013.

He enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force on 19 January, 1984 as a member of 35 NDA Regular Course and was commissioned as Pilot Officer on 20 December 1986.

He started his Primary Flying Training at 301 Flying Training School (FTS) Kaduna from 1987-1989; did the Basic Flying Training at 303 FTS Kano from 1990-92 and Tactical Fighter Training at 99 Air Combat Training Group (99 ACTG) Kainji from 1993 – 99. Thereafter, went for Instructor Pilot Course at 301 FTS Kaduna from 2004 – 2005.

The senior officer had served in following NAF Units: 99 ACTG Kainji as Trainee/Sqn Pilot from 1993 – 2004, 301 FTS Kaduna as Instructor Pilot/Sqn Pilot from 2004 – 2007, HQ NAF Abuja as Air Assistance to Chief of Air Staff from Sep 08 – May 10, Nigerian High Commission London as Deputy Defence Adviser from May 10 – Aug 12 and Ag Defence Adviser from Nov 11 – Feb 12, Defence Headquarter as Assistance Director of operation from Aug 2013 – Jan 14, 99 ACTG as Commander from 25 Jan 14 – 20 Jan 15, 75 Strike Group (75 STG) as Commander from 20 Jan 15 – 16 Feb 16, Air Component Commander of operation Zaman Lafiya/Lafiya Dole (North East operation) from 13 Feb 15 – 16 Feb 16, doubled as Acting Deputy Theater Commander (Air Ops) for operation LAFIYA DOLE from 4 Jan 16 – 16 Feb 16, Director of Policy (DOPOL) at HQ NAF, Abuja from 16 Feb – May 27 and Director of Operations (DOO) at HQ NAF, Abuja from 27 May – 6 Sep 16, Director of Training (DOT) at HQ NAF, Abuja from 6 Sep 16 – 22 Dec 16 and Director of Operations (DOO) at HQ NAF from 22 Dec 16 – 29 Jan 18.

Until the latest appointment, he was the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (TAC).

He is a fighter pilot and has participated in various operations such as: Draw Down of AFISMA operation in Mali from Aug 2013 – Jan 14, operation ZAMAN LAFIYA from 20 Feb – 19 Jul 15 and operation LAFIYA DOLE (North East operations) from 19 Jul 15 – 16 Feb 16. His decorations include: Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), General Service Medal (GSM), River Benue Star (RBS), Passed Staff College (psc) and Fellow National Defence University (FNDU) China.

The senior officer has attended several military courses which such as Junior Division Course at Armed Forces Command Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji from Jun – Dec 1986, Senior Division Course at Defence Services Staff College India from 2002 – 2003, Defence Course at National Defence University China from 2012 – 2013, Aircraft Accident Investigation in Civil Airline at NCAT Zaria and Aircraft Accident Investigation Course at Karachi, Pakistan.

He has the following academic qualification: MSc in Defence and Strategic Studies from University of Madras, India, Master of Military Science and Strategy (MMSc) and Advance Diploma in Defence and Strategy Studies from NDU China, Post Graduate Diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy from Kaduna Polytechnic, National Diploma in Freshwater and Fisheries Technology from FCFFT New Bussa and Nigerian Defence Academy Certificate of Education.

AVM Amao is married to Mrs Elizabeth Olubunmi Amao and they are blessed with three boys.

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Adebayo Ogunlesi, 2 other Nigerians make Forbes 50 wealthiest Black Americans list 2024

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Trends Admin

Adebayo Ogunlesi

Adebayo Ogunlesi, 2 other Nigerians make Forbes 50 wealthiest Black Americans list 2024

Forbes has unveiled its 2024 ForbesBLK 50 list, celebrating the achievements of the wealthiest and most influential Black Americans.

Among the honorees are three Nigerians—Adebayo Ogunlesi, Tope Awotona, and Wemimo Abbey—whose groundbreaking contributions and entrepreneurial successes have earned them places on this prestigious list.

The ForbesBLK 50 is a reimagining of Forbes’ 2009 Wealthiest Black Americans list, which then featured figures like Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson.

While net worth remains a core metric, the new list also highlights innovation, societal impact, and leadership across diverse industries.

Adebayo Ogunlesi, with a net worth of $1.7 billion, stands out as a pioneering force in global infrastructure investment. As chairman and cofounder of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Ogunlesi led the private equity firm through a transformative acquisition by BlackRock in 2024 for $12.5 billion.

Ogunlesi, a Harvard-educated lawyer and banker, previously spent over two decades at Credit Suisse before launching GIP in 2006.
His influence extends beyond business, as he has become a key figure in reshaping infrastructure investment on a global scale.

Also, Nigerian entrepreneur,Tope Awotona, the founder and CEO of Calendly, has redefined efficiency in scheduling and holds a net worth of $1.4 billion.

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Born in Lagos, Awotona moved to Atlanta as a teenager and pursued business and management information studies at the University of Georgia. After early entrepreneurial setbacks, he launched Calendly in 2013, driven by frustration with cumbersome meeting coordination. The platform, which raised $350 million in 2021, is now valued at $3 billion and serves millions of users worldwide.

Although not a ranking, Wemimo Abbey, at just 32, is the youngest Nigerian on the list and cofounder of Esusu, an African fintech company addressing financial inclusion. Esusu helps renters build credit by reporting rent payments to credit bureaus, a service utilized by more than 20,000 properties and benefiting 1.8 million Americans.

In 2022, Esusu achieved a $1 billion valuation following a $130 million funding round. Abbey, who grew up in Lagos, has a background in mergers and acquisitions consulting and a passion for leveraging technology to drive social impact.

These three Nigerians show innovation, resilience, and the drive to address pressing global challenges. Their inclusion on the ForbesBLK 50 list is a foretelling of their entrepreneurial vision and the increasing influence of Nigerians on the global stage.

The ForbesBLK 50 list, launched under ForbesBLK, aims to go beyond net worth to measure impact and influence within the Black community and beyond.

Adebayo Ogunlesi, 2 other Nigerians make Forbes 50 wealthiest Black Americans list 2024

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Northern youths say new tax regime bill designed to ruin region

Published

4 days ago

December 19, 2024

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Northern youths say new tax regime bill designed to ruin region

Coalition of Northern Groups, Taraba State chapter, has expressed concerns that the proposed Tax Reform Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is cunningly designed with all premeditated intent and purposes to further develop the southern Nigeria at the expense of the north.

The northern youths, who lamented the economic hardship in the country, concluded that the effect bears more scars on the region than any other.

Aside from the new Tax Reform Bill, the group also condemned the federal government’s land-border closure, alleging that the ideas favour the South more than the North.

The group, in a statement signed by its coordinator, Comrade Idris Ayuba, made available to Vanguard Correspondent in Ilorin alleged that most difficulties the North faces are the repercussions of the decisions, citing the effect of Petroleum subsidy removal, land border closure and the new tax regime as few examples.

He noted in the statement that”reduction in the consumption of a capital commodity like petroleum occasioned by the subsidy removal is not a manifestation of a positive policy impact; it rather indicates reduced economic activities that force people out of energy consumption,”

On the land border closure, Idris said: “One of the primary concerns is the impact of this policy on the regional economy, which has been heavily reliant on cross-border trade with neighbouring countries. The closure has resulted in significant losses for traders and business owners in the region, exacerbating poverty and unemployment.

“The policy has given undue advantage to Southern Nigeria, for instance, the closure has led to an increase in demand for locally produced goods in Southern Nigeria, which has boosted the southern regional economy.

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“Additionally, the Southern region has benefited from the increased revenue generated from customs duties and taxes on imported goods.

“The closure has also created an imbalance in the distribution of economic opportunities, with Southern Nigeria having greater access to ports and international trade routes.

” This has resulted in a concentration of economic activity in the Southern region, further marginalizing Northern Nigeria,” Idris explained in the statement.

According to the coordinator, one of the primary concerns is the impact of the land-border closure on the regional economy, which they claimed has been heavily reliant on cross-border trade with neighbouring countries.

They said that the closure has resulted in significant losses for traders and business owners in the region, saying: “The policy has given undue advantage to Southern Nigeria, for instance, it has led to an increase in demand for locally produced goods in Southern Nigeria, which has boosted the southern regional economy.

” Additionally, the Southern region has benefited from the increased revenue generated from customs duties and taxes on imported goods.

“The closure also created an imbalance in the distribution of economic opportunities, with Southern Nigeria having greater access to ports and international trade routes.

”This has resulted in a concentration of economic activity in the Southern region, further marginalising Northern Nigeria,” the Northern youths also posited in the statement

They stressed that the new tax reforms, particularly its revenue sharing formula will disproportionately affect Northern Nigeria, saying:

“One potential impact is a reduction in the region’s revenue allocation, which could hinder its ability to fund development projects and provide essential services to its population.

“Northern Nigeria is already grappling with significant development challenges, including poverty, infrastructure deficits, and limited access to education and healthcare. A decrease in revenue allocation could exacerbate these issues,” it said, urging the federal government to retrace and reconsider certain conditions before taking certain steps in certain directions.

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Still, on the tax reforms, the group said it would widen the economic gap between Northern and Southern Nigeria since the Southern region is already home to many of Nigeria’s major industries and economic hubs, noting that a more favourable revenue-sharing formula could further consolidate its economic advantage.

“This could lead to a brain drain and talent flight from Northern Nigeria, as individuals seek better economic opportunities in other parts of the country.

” This policy if allowed to pass, will bring about national disintegration, strife and bad blood between the North and South.

“The tax reforms could also hurt the region’s agricultural sector, which is a significant contributor to its economy,” it said.

Urging policymakers to consider the potential impacts of these reforms and work to ensure that they do not exacerbate the existing economic inequalities, the group advised that the North’s contribution to the nation’s coffers should not be solely measured by its economic output.

“The region’s agricultural sector, for instance, is a vital component of the national economy. The Northern farmers produce a significant portion of the country’s food, which deserves recognition and compensation.

“It’s essential to recognize the historical and structural inequalities that have hindered the North’s economic development. The proposed tax reform bill should aim to address these disparities rather than perpetuate them.

“A more equitable revenue-sharing formula would acknowledge the North’s unique challenges and contributions, ensuring that the region receives a fair share of the national revenue.

They however, lamented many abandoned federal government Projects in North, mentioning the Mambila hydroelectric project that has been in the works for over 40 years, with the first feasibility study conducted in 1972; “the project has faced unexplainable delays.

“The Mambilla Hydropower Project is estimated to cost around $5.8 billion, with the Chinese Export-Import (Exim) Bank funding 85 per cent of the project, while the Federal Government of Nigeria provides the remaining 15 per cent.

“The project is expected to generate 3,050 megawatts of electricity, making it the largest power-generating installation in Nigeria.

“The Jalingo-Numan Road project has equally lingered for more than 15 years without a tangible commitment to even start it. It’s essential to note that the project is crucial for connecting the Taraba State to other parts of the country.

“The failure to complete these projects perpetuates the existing disparities between the North and the South. The lack of investment in critical infrastructure hinders the region’s ability to attract businesses, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth,” they said.

Northern youths say new tax regime bill designed to ruin region

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BREAKING: National Assembly extends lifespan of 2024 budget

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Trends Admin

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio

BREAKING: National Assembly extends lifespan of 2024 budget

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has explained that the impressive performance of the 2024 national budget encouraged members of the National Assembly to extend the lifespan of the 2024 budget beyond December 31 this year.

Akpabio gave the explanation Wednesday in his welcome address during the presentation of the 2025 national budget to the joint session of the federal parliament.

He said, “We have noted the 2024 budget performances of 50% for capital expenditure and 48% for recurrent expenditure respectively.

“Given these great achievements, we have deemed it necessary to extend the life of the 2024 budget to June 30, 2025.

“The enabling law for this extension has already been put in place by this patriotic Assembly, as a testament to our appreciation for the great performance of the budget, ensuring we build upon your momentum.

“We commend your steadfast commitment to collaborate, cooperate and work with the National Assembly to achieve your grand vision for Nigeria.”

As the red chamber planned to start deliberations on the budget proposals, Akpabio warned heads of the various ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to make themselves available for the budget defence.

He said: “Let me take this opportunity to stress the importance of the honourable ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments being prepared to respond promptly to requests for them to come and defend their sectoral allocation in the exercise of our legislative oversight.

“We have observed concerning the behaviour from some ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments, who sometimes neglect their duty to promptly submit to legislative oversight, sometimes even disregarding invitations from relevant committees of the legislature.

“It is imperative they understand that we will not condone such breaches of the constitution going forward.”

Akpabio noted that under the President Bola Tinubu administration, Nigerians has “witnessed remarkable strides in economic reforms, aimed at enhancing our nation’s stability and growth”.

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According to him, “The courageous decision to remove fuel subsidies, though challenging, showcases your (Tinubu’s) unwavering commitment to redirecting resources to critical sectors such as education and healthcare.

“Your collaboration with the Central Bank has cultivated an environment ripe for investment, and your focus on infrastructure development reflects a visionary commitment to improving the connectivity that fuels our economy.

“Furthermore, your initiatives to strengthen our security framework stand as a testament to your resolve in tackling the pressing challenges of our time.“

The chairman of the National Assembly commended Tinubu’s efforts in the era of security.

“We commend your tireless efforts, along with those of our brave men and women in uniform, for liberating our lands from the grip of terror.

“Today, no community is under the threat of terrorism, a monumental achievement we celebrate together.

“The reduction in kidnapping incidents and the neutralization of over 11,000 terrorists and insurgents is a testament to patriotism, strength and determination,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President said Tinubu’s dedication to fostering international relations paves the way for fruitful partnerships that will propel the nation forward.

He said: “We are witnessing a resurgence in foreign direct investment, made possible by your visionary directives that ease the visa processes for Nigerians travelling to other countries, and at the same time welcome investors and tourists alike to our country.

“Your innovative approaches in our embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have opened new doors for Nigeria and its people. For this we thank you.”

He said the introduction of social welfare programmes embodies the president’s unwavering belief in uplifting the living standards of our citizens.

“You remind us that our nation is not merely constructed of bricks and mortar, but of the resilience and determination of its people.

“Nigerians are taking notice of your remarkable achievements. You have doubled aggregate government revenues to over NGN 18.32 trillion, reduced debt servicing expenditures from 97% to 68%, fulfilled $7.5 billion in foreign exchange obligations, increased oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day, and launched the Compressed Natural Gas initiative.

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“Your administration has processed over N45.6 billion for student payments, signed the National Minimum Wage Law, and raised the national minimum wage to N70,000 a month, all while providing over N570 billion in financial support to the 36 states,” Akpabio said.

He commended the groundbreaking tax reform initiative including the four tax reform bills, namely the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.

He said the tax reform bills represented a monumental shift in the country’s fiscal landscape and that its critics haven’t read the proposed legislations.

The Senate President said: “It is disheartening that those who have not taken the time to understand these bills are the loudest critics.

“I urge all Nigerians, especially those in public office, to engage with these vital reforms thoughtfully.

“This initiative marks the first comprehensive tax reform since Nigeria’s independence, presenting a transformative opportunity for rejuvenating small and medium enterprises and enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.

“These reforms will not only improve Nigeria’s revenue profile but also create a more conducive and internationally competitive business environment, transforming our tax system to support sustainable development.”

Akpabio said the infrastructure renaissance has paved the way for many roads, including the coastal road and crucial arteries in the Abuja capital city and other parts of the country.

“These developments are not merely about concrete and asphalt; they represent the lifeblood of our economy, connecting our people and fostering growth,” he added.

He urged Nigerians to bear with the president whose economic reforms had imposed hardship on Nigerians but noted that: “We are light-years away from where we began, though some rivers remain to be crossed.

“The pains we feel are not merely the pains of hardship; they are the pains of childbirth. When that season arrives in Nigeria, when this administration births that season, we will rejoice for the struggles endured.

“For now, I ask for your patience and urge all Nigerians to cooperate with the president and maintain faith in his vision.

“Mr. President, while you cannot be everywhere, you have eyes everywhere. We, the distinguished senators and honourable members of the House of Representatives, are your eyes in our constituencies and every corner of Nigeria.

“When our constituents struggle to afford rice, they come to us. When their shoes pinch, they seek our assistance. When the economic alarm sounds, they turn to us.

“Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that you touch the hearts and pulse of Nigerians through these appropriation bills resonating with the sounds of hope and signalling the dawn of Nigeria’s economic rebirth,” he added.

Akpabio ended his speech by leading the members of the National Assembly to sing for the president as they all chorused, “On your mandate we shall stand” to the admiration of the legislatures and the guests.