26 Nigerian ICT startups launch product at Demo Africa

ITRealms:

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said that 26 Nigerian Information Communication Technology (ICT) startups have in the last three years launched their products at Demo Africa, ITRealms gathered.

The Director General NITDA, Mr. Peter Jack said, “In the last three years of Demo Africa, 26 Nigerian ICT startups have launched their products at the event while others have co-located or incubated inside iDEA Hub, Co-Creation Hub and other hubs”.

Emerging technology startup, innovation and the ecosystem, ITRealms reports, are among the key areas of ICT sector that are engaging the attention of the DG. 

Demo Africa will show case Nigerian ICT startups to the world and enrich their solution as well as provide them opportunity to network with venture capitalists, managers and investors. In addition, the event will build the necessary partnership that would take the startup technology products to a successful height. “This will pave the path for job and wealth creation”, he enumerated.  

Explaining what motivated NITDA to establish innovation hubs in Lagos and Calabar, Mr. Jack affirmed that it is an Act of parliament to establish IT parks and incubators as part of the efforts to develop the ICT industry. 

“We have partnered with iDEA to establish those two centres. The result of iDEA is fascinating and proves that government can do more partnerships with the private sector to grow the industry”.

According to press release, Mr. Jack said, “startups require this kind of exposure” now and in the future; as the agency has supported Demo Africa, which Nigeria is hosting for the second consecutive year.

Cyriacus Nnaji/GEE

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Saraki criticizes arrest warrant

ITRealms:

 

The Nigerian Senate President, Bukola Saraki has criticized the order for his arrest by the Code of Conduct Tribunal on Friday, saying it is an abuse of rule of law, ITRealms reports.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu and made available to the media, he said the ruling by the tribunal was inimical to the judicial system.

“The Tribunal today left nobody in doubt that it cannot do justice on the matter before it. The tribunal has equally set a bad precedent in the way and manner it conducted itself during the proceedings. We want to emphasise the fact that this is not part of any war against corruption but using state institutions to fight political opponents.

“And seeking to achieve through the back door what some people cannot get through democratic process. We need to caution here that in a desperate bid to settle political scores and nail imaginary enemies, we should not destroy our democratic institutions and heat the polity for selfish reasons. Let us all learn from history,’’

ITRealms recalled that the Nigeria's Code of Conduct Tribunal issued a warrant for the arrest of Senate President Bukola Saraki on Friday after he failed to appear before the court. The tribunal is a special court that tries asset declaration misdemeanours. It charged Saraki this week with falsely declaring his assets.

The Judge, Danladi Umar said, "Having sworn to protect the constitution, he Saraki) ought to have shown respect to the tribunal by appearing before it today. I hereby issue a bench warrant for his arrest accordingly. This should be effected by the inspector-general of police."

The Senate president is the third most powerful post in the country. Saraki secured the position in June after a no-contest vote, mainly with the backing of the opposition, ITRealms gathered. However, the move outraged some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who were backing other candidates and were meeting outside of the National Assembly when the decision was made.

Cyriacus Nnaji/GEE

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Anzisha 2015 Prize finalists emerge

ITRealms

The African Leadership Academy (ALA), in partnership with MasterCard Foundation has announced 12 young entrepreneurs as finalists for the 2015 Anzisha Prize, ITRealms reports.

The 12 finalists will be flown to Johannesburg for the 2015 Anzisha Week taking place from November 12 to 18, 2015 during which they will receive intensive training from African Leadership Academy’s renowned Entrepreneurial Leadership faculty and engage with industry leaders as mentors.

The Manager for the Anzisha Prize, Grace Kalisha, according to Radio VOP, said, “Entrepreneurship has significant potential to drive economic growth and improved livelihoods for African youth. We are proud to be celebrating and supporting these inspiring young leaders during Global Entrepreneurship Week, making them part of the global entrepreneurship narrative.” 

ITRealms gathered that a panel of judges from across the entrepreneurial sphere will deliberate to select the grand prize-winners at a gala function to be held on the evening of November 17, 2015. The finalists will grow the pool of Anzisha Fellows to 57 and receive ongoing support in the form of business consulting, professional development training and access to broader networking opportunities to accelerate the growth of their ventures and impact.

The 12 finalists were selected from an impressive initial pool of 494 young entrepreneurs, up from 339 applications in 2014. The Anzisha Prize is proud to have attracted applicants from 33 African countries, with finalists from Zimbabwe and Ethiopia identified for the first time. Applications were also received from a diversity of sectors, with agriculture having the most applicants. Now in its fifth year, The Anzisha Prize, ITRealms learnt, will be celebrating these outstanding young people during Global Entrepreneurship Week joining the worldwide festivities. Finalists for the Anzisha Prize win a share of US$75,000, about N14 .91million and access to ongoing support to scale their enterprises and expand their impact.

For the first time ever, the Prize is delighted that finalists have been selected from Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. Farai Munjoma, 18, provides courseware and career guidance to other youth in Zimbabwe. Hidaya Ibrahim, 21, co-founded an education venture that organizes capacity building activities for students to increase their critical thinking, analytical research and writing skills. Hidaya is among five female finalists, with four others originating from Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda, ITRealms reports.

Cyriacus Nnaji/GEE

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Yudala announces gift for order above N50,000

 ITRealms

YUDALA, Nigeria’s first true composite retail chain, in the spirit of Eid el Kabir and the country’s 55th Independence Anniversary celebrations has announced a free gift for every order above N50, 000, from September 21 to October 2, ITRealms reports.

Termed Neighbour to Neighbour, it is a mega annual sales event which encapsulates Yudala’s Back to School and Independence Anniversary offer with huge incentives and extended credit terms for shoppers.

According to the press release sent to ITRealms, prospective shoppers can confirm orders with a 20 per cent deposit to enjoy a 30-day extended payment period which will be immune to price fluctuations and foreign exchange differentials.

In the same vein, members of co-operatives stand to enjoy a 90-day payment window subject to conditions. According to Head, Media Communications, Mr. Gideon Ayogu, Yudala is offering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) a unique opportunity to equip their offices at reduced costs while politicians and other Nigerians can also use the Neighbour to Neighbour promotion as a platform to donate to educational institutions or extend gifts to friends and families.

ITRealms gathered Yudala is extending huge discounts and mouth-watering deals to individuals, Co-operatives, Associations, Corporates and most especially educational institutions on necessities of life such as mobile phones, tablets, TV sets, Gaming machines, computers, servers, printers, scanners and consumables, among others.

“We are also open to visiting organized groups to educate them on their needs while our Call centre will also be live 24 hours during this promo period.” Mr. Ayogu disclosed that the yearly initiative is in line with Yudala’s mantra of promoting best wishes among Nigerians, with cooperatives/associations, corporate organizations, educational institutions, government establishments as well as individual shoppers on the e-commerce platform and offline stores nationwide enjoying unprecedented deals, flexible payment options and free gifts for their neighbours,’ said Ayogu.

This, according to him, will go a long way in promoting the spirit of brotherhood and benevolence among Nigerians. “Neighbour to Neighbour provides a unique opportunity for all classes of consumers to take advantage of Yudala’s unmatched deals and wide range of quality product offerings. In other words, there is something for everybody in this massive promotion,” he stated.

Yudala enjoys strong partnership and comparative advantage for products from major brands including HP, Apple, Lenovo, Tecno Mobile, INNJOO, Infinix, X-Touch, Wiko Phones, SONY, LG, JVC, Samsung, Yezz, DELL, Philips, ITEL, IBM, Microsoft, APC Schneider

Cyriacus Nnaji/GEE

 
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Nigeria to sustain No. 1 investment destination in Africa – PMB

 ITRealms

President Muhammadu Buhari(PMB) penultimate Tuesday in Paris declare that one of the key objectives of his administration's ongoing economic reforms was to restore the confidence of investors in the Nigerian economy, ITRealms reports

In his address to leading French businessmen and investors at the headquarters of the Movement of the Enterprises of France (MEDEF), President Buharireaffirmed his government's determination to curb corruption in Nigeria.

"Our ongoing economic reforms are designed to restore business confidence and block leakages and wastage of public resources. We are also focused on the recovery of stolen wealth belonging to the country," the President told participants in a Nigeria/France Investment Forum,” he said.
Also, President Buhari said that his administration will do all within its powers to sustain Nigeria's position as the number one investment destination in Africa.

According to him, Nigeria with a blessed land, rich in agricultural and mineral resources, skilled and low-cost labour, large market, a robust and competitive private sector anchored on investment policies and legislation to guarantee predictability and consistency with global business practices, is poised for double digit growth.

"There is much more to our country than oil and we are determined to consolidate on industrializing Nigeria and diversifying its economy,” he said.

On the privatisation of key sectors of the economy, which was started Jonathan administrations, he said, they will be pursued and expanded to include other sectors, even as this exercise will be conducted in an open, transparent and competitive manner.

"We recognize the private sector as the engine of growth and a veritable partner in our economic agenda, and will therefore give the fullest possible support to foreign and domestic entrepreneurs,” he said.

Buhari emphasized that his administration would redress the serious infrastructural gaps in Nigeria, raise production to create more jobs, build capital and stimulate further growth and prosperity of the country.

Pierre Gattaz, the President of MEDEF, announced that the umbrella organization of about 800,000 French manufacturing firms and businesses will undertake a trade mission to Nigeria next month.
Mr. Gattaz said that the MEDEF trade delegation will comprise of prospective investors in agriculture, mining, automobiles, energy, skills development, light manufacturing, food processing, transportation services and many other areas.

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Western Post makes a debut

 ITRealms:

 

Western Post, a newspaper founded by seasoned journalist, Tunde Rahman, has made its debut, reports ITRealms.

A press statement available to newsmen, Rahman said the management of the newspaper, Western Post Newspaper Nigeria, launched the publication at Civic Center Hall of BashorunAgodi in, GRA, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The topic for debate at the launch, he said was“The dwindling oil revenue: A case for regional integration.”

The Chairman of the occasion, he said, was the Oyo State Governor, Senator AbiolaAjimobi, while the Special Guest of Honour was the Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba LamidiOlayiwolaAdeyemi, as the royal father of the day.

Other Guests of Honour include the President of the Senate, Dr. AbubakarBukolaSaraki; and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf Suleiman Lasun.

In addition, he said, the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; the Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose; the Ogun State Governor, Senator IbikunleAmosun; and the Lagos State Governor, AkinwunmiAmbode formed part of the dignitaries at the occasion.

ITRealms  recalls that before venturing into establishing Western Post, Rahman was the Editor of ThisDay on Sunday and had worked with The Punch, Daily Times among others.

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MTN gets NBC nod to operate pay TV

ITRealms

 

As part of the expansion of the MTN Group in Nigeria, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has finally granted operating license to the telecom giant, reports ITRealms.

Disclosing this Wednesday, the Director-General of NBC, Mr. EmekaMba while presenting the Commission’s journey so far on digital switchover, said that they have successfully licensed MTN Nigeria Limited to provide digital pay Tv broadcasting services.

“I'm pleased to inform you that we have successfully licensed MTN Nigeria Ltd to use a part of the 700 MHz to provide digital pay TV broadcasting services,” he said.

Mba revealed that NBC used the licensing to raise the sum of N34 billion, which was very helpful in meeting its budget need upto about 50 per cent.

He used the opportunity urge other African countries struggle with funding for digital migration to take advantage of licensing.

“I am pleased to inform you, also, that through this singular move, Nigeria has once again pointed the way for other African countries struggling with the effort of finding financing for their own digital switchover programmes,” he said.

NBC chief executive officer also explained that the use of the band, 470 – 862MHz solely for UHF Television Broadcasting Service on a primary basis in Nigeria predates both the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

“As a matter of fact, most Administrations in ITU Region 1 use the entire 470 – 862 MHz for UHF Television Broadcasting prior to ITU WRC-2007 conference,” he said.

Pointing out that in in 2006, ITU planned the entire 470 – 862MHz frequency band for Digital UHF Television Broadcasting for ITU Region 1 to which the Nigerian administration belongs. 

Stressing that the planning of 470 – 862MHz frequency band for Digital UHF Television is referred to in the ITU circle as GE-06 Plan and after the signing of the agreements resulting from this plan it is now referred to as the GE-06 Agreement.

He was optimistic that this should clear any doubt as to where these frequencies belong until after the completion of the digital switch over.

On Set Top Boxes, he said, off-shore mass production and delivery of initial subvented boxes for Jos pilot project was envisaged to be completed by end of October, while the local manufacture of the set top boxes is expected to begin in April 2016.

NBC, he said, would conclude some critical activities with regard to signal transmission infrastructure by December 31, 2015.

These segment, Mba noted, include the publishing of the Request for Proposal (RFP), thereby concluding the National Signal Mapping, awarding the transmission Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), designating the ITS for Jos and beginning live digital transmission; and we plan to be done with these by the end of December, 2015.

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Emeka Mba apologises for inability to meet ITU deadline

ITRealms

The Director General, National Broadcasting Commission, Emeka Mba has apologised for the inability of Nigeria to meet the ITU deadline, ITRealms reports.

Speaking at the 6^th Annual NigeriaCom conference and Exhibition held in Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, from September 14-15, 2015, pointed out that the Commission took all the steps necessary within available resources in the attempt to ensure Nigeria was able to switch off analogue transmission.

The theme of this year’s event, ITRealms gathered, focused on the next phase of connecting businesses and lifestyles across the digital economy. Day one focused intently on operator strategies and the regulatory position in creating affordable access to grow the digital economy. Key insight was provided into growth of mobile commerce and mobile financial services.

Day two centred on data and winning the content battle ground through quality user-based platforms. Highlights of the presentations included an ‘Update on Nigeria’s digital switchover’ by DG, NBC.

“The major reason why Nigeria was not able to switch off was due to late planning, and absence of funding for infrastructure and Set-Top Boxes.” Mr. Mba noted that the successful implementation of the Digital Switchover required some creative thought leadership. He stressed that. The Commission was focused on creating a future that will bridge the digital divide especially in homes that see TV as a primary source of information.

The Director General, ITRealms learnt,  revealed that June 20, 2017, has been chosen as the new switchover date from analogue to digital terrestrial television transmission in the African sub-region. “Digital Switchover is a very expensive venture”, he stated. “However, following the availability of substantial part of the funds needed to execute the transition, machinery has been put on ground to advance the process”, he added. 

Other presentations included “Connecting the Unconnected –Connectivity that matters, The event also featured panel discussions, speed Networking sessions, Exhibitions and interactions.

Cyriacus Nnaji/GEE

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MTN Nigeria Foundation celebrates 10th Anniversary

ITRealms

 

Nigerians, foreigners and top musicians were in attendance at the conference to mark MTN Foundation 10^th anniversary, ITRealms reports.

Organized to mark a decade of the foundation’s existence, September 15, at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)  and other experts were on hand to kick off the celebration in a conference that discussed the  issues surrounding Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria.

Among the entertainers that performed at the event, ITRealms gathered, were Banky W, Chidinma Ekile, Cobhams Asuquo and MTN Project Fame Season 7 housemates with DJ Humility on the turn table, while Scholars at the MTN Foundation and Muson School of Music also made the night one to remember. The Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Dr Pascal Dozie opened the conference open.

It could be recalled that recently the former Chairman of MTN Foundation (MTNF), Mr Hamzat Ahmadu, said that the foundation had spent over N11 billion on 341 project sites in 10 years.

This information was contained in a statement in Lagos obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), as the foundation marked a decade of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.

The statement, ITRealms learnt, said that the successes that had been recorded in the last 10 years were based on the foundation’s ability to leverage on the power of local and international partners. Further, the statement added that the partners are able to bring relevant knowledge and experience to the table, to create and execute sustainable projects across the country.

“With its pioneering status as the first foundation established by a Nigerian telecommunication company, MTN Foundation, the CSR vehicle of a leading ICT company, is celebrating a decade of touching lives. The foundation has been touching lives through its hugely impactful social investments in education, health, and economic empowerment.

“Founded on May 11, 2005, the foundation is funded by up to one per cent Profit-After-Tax from MTN Nigeria. It has become the leading driver of social investments through the expenditure of over N11 billion in 341 project sites across the six geopolitical zones of the country. The strides in the area of health, education and economic empowerment are eloquent testimonies of how well we have been able to demonstrate our commitment to enriching and adding value to lives” he said.

Cyriacus Nnaji/GEE

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Toyin Nwosu, wife of Sun DMD regains freedom

ITRealms:

Mrs. Oluwatoyin Nwosu, wife of the Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Steve Nwosu, has regained her freedom, reports ITRealms.

 

Correspondent gathered that Mrs. Nwosu was released by her abductors at the early hours on Thursday.

 

Also, Toyin's release came three days after her abduction. 

 

Additional, ITRealms learnt that the mother of four was released at about 2.30am.

 

Sources close to the family said that revealed to ITRealms that the kidnappers dropped her off near Zenith Bank by Festac Bridge in Lagos State at about 2.30am and sped off in their boat.

 

ITRealms recalls that Mrs. Nwosu was abducted from her home in Okota, Amowo Odofin in Lagos after an armed robbery raid on Monday with the kidnappers carting away valuables.

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Buhari, Boko Haram disagree over release of IEDs developer

ITRealms:

The Nigerian President, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) has vowed not to release the developer of Boko Haram’s improvised explosive device (IED) which the sect said was a condition for releasing the Chibok girls, ITRealms reports.

 “The issue of Chibok girls has occupied our minds and because of the international attention it drew and the sympathy throughout the country and the world, the government is negotiating with some of the Boko Haram leadership.

“It is a very sensitive development in the sense that first we have to establish, are they genuine leaders of the Boko Haram. That is number one. Number two, what are their terms, the first impression we had was not very encouraging,“They wanted us to release one of their leaders who is a strategic person in developing and making Improvised IEDs that is causing a lot of havoc in the country by blowing people in Churches, Mosque, market places, motor parks and other places. But is very important that if we are going to talk to anybody, we have to know how much he is worth”.

President Muhammadu Buhari, Tuesday, in France stated that his government has kicked off negotiations with Boko Haram to secure the release of over 200 Chibok girls. It will be recalled that about 219 school girls were abducted by the sect from their school in Chibok Community, Borno State over a year ago.

Speaking with members of the Nigerian community in France under the auspices of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), ITRealms learnt, the president who is currently on a three day official visit to the French country said:

 “Let them bring all the girls and then, we will be prepared to negotiate, I will allow them to come back to Nigeria or to be absolved in the community. We have to be very careful, the concern we have for the Chibok girls, one only imagine if they got a daughter there between 14 and 18 and for more than one and a half year, a lot of the parents who have died would rather see the graves of their daughters rather the condition they imagine they are in.”

Cyriacus Nnaji with agency report/GEE

 
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Millions of Nigerian children are violated - NVACS

 ITRealms

The latest Nigeria Violence Against Children Survey (NVACS) has revealed that violence impacts millions of children’s lives every year across Nigeria, ITRealms reports.

The survey indicated that you cannot help but be shocked by the huge numbers of children experiencing violence. But sometimes we can get lost in the statistics. Let’s remember that each statistic represents an individual child suffering violence – a four year old boy being intentionally burnt for misbehaving, a 13 year old girl being repeatedly raped by her neighbour, a seven year old being told again and again – “you are worthless, I wish you were dead” by their own mother.

These, ITRealms gathered, were revelations as Nigerian President, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF) Mr. Danladi Kifasi launched the Year of Action to End Violence Against Children today in response to the high rates of violence revealed in the survey, released last week.

Millions of children suffer violence every year in Nigeria - approximately 6 out of every 10 children experience some form of physical, emotional and sexual violence before the age of 18 years, according the survey carried out by the National Population Commission, with support from United Nation International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Announcing the launch of the year-long campaign to end violence against children, the President said “This is a historic day. A day when Nigeria stands up and says to our children - we commit to protecting you from violence.”

The survey found that one in two children experience physical violence; one in four girls and one in ten boys experience sexual violence; and one in six girls and one in five boys experience emotional violence. The majority of children, ITRealms recalled, do not tell anyone what has happened to them and fewer than five per cent receive the help they need to recover.

Cyriacus Nnaji/GEE

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China has forerunner ability on future technologies - Gambardella

ITRealms:

 

The President of ChinaEU, Luigi Gambardella, has expressed confidence in China’s ability to become a forerunner of technologies of the future, ITRealms reports.

He explained that based on recent estimations, the creation of Industry 4.0, a concept originally conceived by Germany and now integrated by many European countries, could generate 500 EU billion, about N112.8 trillion of value added per year to the European manufacturing industry and create more than 6 million jobs across the EU. Pointing out that the objective would be negated if each nation alone develops its own Industry 4.0 strategy without considering what the other countries are doing.

“The 5G revolution, to be successful, must be global. To be credible, 5G needs a critical mass and this can only be achieved if standards are truly global. International cooperation is a priority and is required in three areas: spectrum, standards, and timing” he said.

Gambardella was quoted in a press statement sighted by ITRealms as saying, “China and Europe can have a leading role in setting the vision and the international standards of 5G and I hope to see the finalization of a EU-China joint agreement on 5G common research and development at the end of September, during the visit of Commissioner Oettinger in Beijing.”

ChinaEU is a business-led International Association aimed at intensifying joint research and business cooperation and mutual investments in Internet, Telecom and Hi-tech between China and Europe. ChinaEU provides a platform for constructive dialogue among industry leaders and top-level representatives of European Institutions and the Chinese Government. 

Cyriacus Nnaji/GEE

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Bamanga Tukur @80, reiterates faith in Nigeria’s democracy

Commentary@ITRealms:

Eighty years in the existence of a man is no mean life journey, especially as a politician and businessman, more so in a topsy-turvy inclement clime in a country like Nigeria.

Today marks yet another colourful day in the life of Dr. (Alhaji) Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, CON, (fondly called BMT) as friends, associates and well-wishers in Nigeria and the Diaspora gather together to celebrate an iconic living legend that has bestrode the narrow political and business nation of Nigeria, nay the world like a colossus.

Dr. (Alhaji) Tukur, CON, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was born 15 September 1935. He won the position in March 2012 but however resigned in January 2014 for reasons which this piece is not meant to discuss.

He was later made Chairman, Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC; as well as appointed Ambassador-At-Large on 17 June 2014 – all during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. An Ambassador-at-Large is an Envoy who is assigned Special Duties by the President.

Today, BMT is Eighty (80) years old; strong, hale and hearty and still counting.

Tukur was also Minister for Industries in the administration of General Sani Abacha between 1994 and 1995, Executive President of the African Business Roundtable, ABR and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group (1975-1982), Governor of former Gongola State, which encompass Adamawa and Taraba States, (October 1983-December 1983).

In the course of his career in Nigeria's public service, Tukur served as the General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports' Authority (NPA) from 1975 to 1982.

It was a time the agency was having problems with congestion as a result of massive cement importation scheme that was started at the twilight of Yakubu Gowon's administration.

During his tenure, the government built a few more seaports to ease the transaction cost associated with shipping and to ensure adequate facilities for Nigeria's import and export needs.

In 1982, he left his position as general manager and soon contested the Gongola gubernatorial race, which he won. Tukur served as governor for three months before the democratic administration was curtailed by a military coup. After leaving the Gongola State House, he entered full scale entrepreneurship, and was the founder and chairman of BHI holdings (DADDO group of companies).

1992, he was a presidential aspirant on the platform of the National Republican Convention, during which he and a few co-contestants in the likes of Adamu Ciroma canvassed for the cancellation of the first primary due to allegations of favouritism levelled against the leadership of the party.

Other appointments held by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur include; Vice Chairman of the International Ports and Harbours Association; Chairman of the International Cargo Handling Association; President/Chairman of the Governing Council of Institute of Business Development; Member, Ghana Investors Advisory Council; Member, Presidential Council on Investment of the Republic of Benin in February, 2007; and Member of the Presidential Advisory Council in 2010.

In recognition of his achievements in various fields of human endeavour, he was conferred with the following National honours: Commander of the Order of the Niger - CON; Commander of the Order of the Niger of Cote d' Ivoire; and Commander of the Order of the Mono of Togo. Among other academic achievements, Alhaji Tukur holds a Master's Degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh - 1965; Doctorate Degree of Business Administration (DBA) conferred on him in 2007 by Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho (Honoris Causa); Doctor of Law conferred on him in 2004 by Benue State University, Makurdi (Honoris Causa).

He holds the traditional title of Tafidan Adamawa, amongst many other traditional titles within and outside Nigeria.

While reflecting on the bitter loss suffered by his party (PDP) in the March 28 presidential election, Tukur alleged that his forceful exit from the party and subsequent jettisoning of the ideals of internal democracy caused the former ruling party to lose in that election.

Indeed, the erstwhile PDP National Chairman has never been known to be a pretender. In a statement in Abuja on 15^th June 2014 warning the party against causing its own downfall, Tukur said: “I warned the party in 2013 that it would suffer defeat in the 2015 general elections if the leaders 

refused to change their ways and allow for internal democracy.” Today, the rest is now history.

Commenting on the strides so far made by President Muhammadu Buhari in the last 100 days, Tukur declared that the activities and actions of the President is indicative of the fact that he is keeping faith with what he promised Nigerians during the electioneering period.

The elder statesman, made this known at his Abuja residence last week while interacting with news hounds as part of the programme to mark his 80th birthday.

He however pleaded with the President not to succumb to the antics of lobbyists but to give ministerial appointments to those who merit it and will be ready to deliver on the job.

As the saying goes, one good turn deserves another and so President Muhammadu Buhari has therefore congratulated the former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chairman, Bamanga Tukur, on his 80th birthday today.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by Femi Adesina, the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

According to the statement, Mr. Buhari joins Tukur’s family, friends, associates and well-wishers in rejoicing with him as he marks another notable milestone in a very worthy and fulfilled life.

“The president seizes the opportunity of the Tafidan Adamawa’s 80th birthday to reaffirm the nation’s enduring gratitude for his significant contributions to Nigeria’s political and socio-economic development over many years,” the statement said.

Mr. Buhari commended Tukur’s diligent and patriotic service to his community, state and country as a public servant, political leader and accomplished businessman of international repute.

He also extolled the exemplary political maturity and commitment to national peace and development displayed by the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party.

He noted that Mr. Tukur was one of the first to congratulate him after his victory in the March 28 presidential election.

The president prayed that “Almighty Allah will bless Tukur with many more years of good health and the company of his loving family and numerous friends within and outside Nigeria.’’

At the last count, Tukur family home has been receiving visitors in hundreds and thousands from all walks of life both from Nigeria and the international community.

Bamanga Tukur is indeed a golden fish that has no hiding place and so the turn out today of human heads that will celebrate his birthday with him will definitely be amazing and awesome. So congratulations as you use today’s celebration to re-affirm your faith in Nigeria’s democracy. Happy birthday to you at 80, Baba!

• Peter Jones Ailuorio was a Media Aide to Tukur for over 20 years and now Managing Editor of NewSentinel online News Media (www.newsentinel.com.ng) published in Lagos and can be reached on 08023593633 or peterajones90@gmail.com

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