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Blue economy to generate $20bn annually, creates 2m jobs – Oyetola

Oyetola

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that the ministry is pursuing its goal of generating 20 billion dollars annually.

Oyetola also said that his ministry was working toward creating two million jobs on a yearly basis through strategic development within the sector.

A statement by the Media Aide to the Minister, Ismail Omipidan on Tuesday in Abuja, quoted the minister as saying this at the 2023 Abuja Investment Summit and Expo.

The minister said that his plan was to transform the Marine and Blue Economy sector into a significant contributor to the nation’s economy.

He said this was also aimed to match the Gross Domestic Product contribution of the Oil and Gas sector within the next four years.

Represented by his Technical Aide, Prof. Busayo Fakinlede, Oyetola also unveiled the ministry’s strategic plans to redefine the marine and blue economy sector for sustainable national socioeconomic growth and development.

The minister also said that efforts were in top gear to further implement a comprehensive plan that includes the expansion and optimisation of ports, infrastructure refurbishment, the development of deep-sea ports, amongst others

“In Nigeria, experts further noted that the untapped potential within the Marine and Blue Economy sector is estimated to be a staggering $296 billion.

“Recognising this immense opportunity, we are committed to driving forward with policies and initiatives that aimed to unlock this latent value.

“Our ambitious goal is to generate up to $20 billion annually and create about 2 million jobs on an annual basis through strategic development within this sector.

“We aspire for the Marine and Blue Economy to become a substantial contributor to our nation’s economy, with a target to at least match the GDP contribution of the Oil and Gas Sector within the next four years”, Oyetola said.

According to the minister, our commitment to the development of inland waterways is unwavering.

“We aim to link all regions of the country through our inland waterways by exploring PPP arrangements that would facilitate the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the inland waterways,” he said.

Oyetola also said that government was also considering the re-establishment of a National Shipping Line, through a strategic PPP arrangement.

The minister said that the move was aimed at capturing a substantial share of the estimated $10 billion annual ship charter market within the country.

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My ministerial appointment is call to service-Oyetola

COVID-19: Osun bans youth carnival, New Year rallies
Oyetola

Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, the immediate past governor of Osun and the new Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, says his appointment is a call to service.

He spoke on Monday night in Abuja on the sidelines of the reception organised for him by the Osun chapter of the APC and other stakeholders.

The minister, who also said he was challenged to be appointed to head a new ministry, gave an assurance that he would excel in the presidential mandate given him.

Oyetola thanked President Bola Tinubu for considering him worthy of a ministerial appointment.

He also expressed gratitude to the organisers of the event, saying the level of solidarity displayed was encouraging and would propel him to do even more in the interest of Nigerians.

The minister added that he would need the cooperation and support of all stakeholders to succeed in the new ministry.

“I thank almighty God for this wonderful opportunity to serve and the people of Osun for coming all the way from the state to celebrate with me here.

“I am indeed happy seeing people from all walks of life, including traditional rulers, coming to celebrate with me.

“I feel challenged to be made a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because it comes with a lot of responsibilities.

” I pray that the Almighty will see me through.

“Being a new ministry, I will have to start from the scratch, and I trust God Almighty to succeed and deliver on my new mandate,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Sen. Iyiola Omisore, the immediate past National Secretary of the APC, described Oyetola’s appointment as ” a round peg in a round hole.”

He expressed optimism that Oyetola would deliver on his new mandate.

Chief Bisi Akande, former Interim National Chairman of APC, said Oyetola’s appointment was well deserved, adding that it was an honour for the people of Osun.

Akande, also a former governor of Osun, said the appointment had rekindled the hope of the people of the state in the Nigerian project and in the Tinubu-led administration.

The APC leader, who wished Oyetola a successful tenure in office, thanked the president for the appointment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyetola had earlier on assumption of duty outlined his vision for a thriving blue economy sector that prioritises sustainability, innovation and economic growth.

The minister, while speaking at his maiden news conference at the Ministry of Transportation on Monday, acknowledged the abundant marine resources existing in the country’s coastal region.

He stressed the need to fully harness the country’s marine resources.

The minister also said he would promote better inter-agency cooperation and coordination between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority.

“As someone with a strong private sector background, we shall promote greater private sector inclusion while fostering greater efficiency through specialisation and the effective delineation of core duties between the units.

“We must seize this opportunity to create positive change, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come,” the minister had said.

The reception was attended by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Mr Buki Ponle, Managing Director of  NAN, traditional rulers, members of the Osun House of Assembly and diplomats among others.

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BUSINESS NEWS & LIFE

Oyetola makes first speech as minister, preaches gospel of blue economy

Osun records 13 new COVID-19 cases, discharges 21
Oyetola

Mr Adegboyega Oyetola,  Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, says   he will ensure oceans and marine were safe, reliable, and sustainable across the nation.

Oyetola made the declaration when he assumed office on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, oceans hold the key to sustainable economic growth, environmental preservation, and technological innovation.

“Our oceans cover more than two-thirds of African planet’s surface.

“As we look ahead, my vision is rooted in the responsible management and utilisation of our marine resources to benefit not only our economy but also the health of our planet.

“Experts say the blue economy is estimated to be worth more than 1.5 trillion Dollars per year globally.

“Therefore, given our size as a country and considering the size of our blue economy, we should be a significant player in this sector, “ the minister said.

He said the sector has potentials to contribute immensely to  revenue generation and provide jobs for the unemployed.

He said the nation ought to come up with practicable ways of ensuring the nation`s inland rivers, lakes, and waterways were well utilised, both in terms of cargo shipment and passenger transportation.

“And this can be done by embarking on a holistic dredging campaign for most of our strategically important inland waterways so as to make them navigable for the passage of goods and people.

“We equally have a duty to promote better inter-agency cooperation and coordination between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority.

“As someone with a strong private sector background, we shall promote greater private sector inclusion while fostering greater efficiency through specialisation and the effective delineation of core duties between the units,“ he said.

According to him, the nation will  seize this opportunity to create positive change by leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Oyetola called for cooperation of the staff toward national development.

“ I appreciate your dedication, and I look forward to working alongside each of you in the pursuit of a better Nigeria. I must say that I am privileged to be joining this amazing team as the team leader.

“ I want you to know that I am here to support you, to listen to your ideas, and to champion the growth of our marine resources. Together, we shall embark on a journey that holds immense promise and responsibility.

“ I believe that when we are able to do all these and more, we will  have contributed our own quota toward realising the  President’s renewed Hope Agenda in the Marine and Blue Economy sector, “ he said.

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5 former governors make Tinubu’s second ministerial list

Oyetola

Four former governors are on the second list of ministerial nominees that  President Bola Tinubu sent to the National Assembly for screening on Wednesday.

These are  Adegboyega Oyetola, Atiku Bagudu, Bello Mattawale, Ibrahaim Gaidam, Simon Lalong of Osun, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kebbi and Plateau respectively.

Others on the list submitted by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, are Ahmed Tijani Kwazo, Bosun Tijani, Dr Isiak Salako, Dr Tunji Alausa, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Lola Ade John,  Dr Mariam Shetti, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Dr Mariam Prof Taye Mamman, Sen Sabi Abdullahi, Senator Alkali Ahmed Saidu, Senator Heineken Lokpobori, Uba Maigari Ahmadu and Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo.

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Adeleke speaks on Supreme Court judgment, dedicates victory to God

Governor Ademola Adeleke

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has described the Supreme Court’s judgment revalidated his victory at the July 16, 2022, governorship election as an affirmation of the will of the masses.
Reacting to the court’s judgment, on Tuesday in Osogbo, Adeleke said that the panel of justices only revalidated the will of the people, ordained by God.
The governor, who commended the judiciary for the landmark judgment, said ” Osun had emerged as a moral compass, affirming the integrity of my Lord justices.

“Today is the day our good God ordained to stamp His authority as the owner and giver of power.
“Today is that moment when the will of the people ordained by God survives the anti-masses plot of powerful forces.
” We therefore celebrate God almighty, the author and finisher of our faith.
“Our victory is a testimony that people’s will backed by divine will can withstand and survive plot of anti-masses.
” I must therefore express my heartfelt appreciation to great people of Osun for your deep support and on behalf of my family and party, I say thank you.

” To the judiciary, Osun has emerged as a moral compass, affirming the integrity of My Lord Justices.
” Your affirmation for truth and people’s will consolidates and strengthen our democracy.
“On behalf of Osun people, we appreciate you and we adore your love for justice and equity”, he said.
Adeleke assured stakeholders in Osun that the revalidation of his mandate was a challenge , a call to duty, afresh demand for more dividends of democracy.
He also sought for the support and cooperation of Osun residents and citizens, irrespective of party affiliations.
” My dear good people of Osun, the good job continues and we shall ramp up the implementation of our five point agenda.

” We shall focus as usual on grassroot development and infrastructural revival of our dear state
” Our policies shall fight poverty, insecurity, unemployment and underdevelopment.
” You shall truly feel, taste and enjoy dividends of democracy.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a five-member panel of the Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had affirmed Adeleke’s victory on March 24.

The Osun tribunal had on Jan. 27 , annulled Adeleke’s victory and declared Gboyega Oyetola of All Progressives Congress as the valid winner of the poll after the Independent National Electoral Commission had returned Adeleke as the winner of the poll

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POLITICS

Oyetola moves to reposition Osun APC

Oyetola

Immediate past Governor of Osun, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, on Monday, inaugurated an 11-man committee to reposition the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the development was sequel to the loss suffered by the party at the governorship and presidential elections in the state.

NAN also reports that the committee is headed by a former Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole.

Speaking at the inauguration in Osogbo, Oyetola said that the committee had the task of making recommendations for an ethical reward system for party members in the state.

According to him, the committee would review activities of the party in recent times, taking into consideration the aspect of its administration, such as the structure, funding, discipline and reconciliation.

He said that the committee would also create a blueprint for the future of the party in the state, propose templates for resolving the existing or future grievances among members and any other matter that could assist the party’s growth and development.

Oyetola stated that the committee had eight weeks to submit its report.

In his remarks, Adewole said that his team would propose ideas and strategies to heal the wounds of the party and usher in a new era for APC in Osun.

“We all have been assigned to provide a credible pathway for reconciliation and rehabilitation of the party structure, administration and activities in Osun.

“We are charged to ensure an inclusive party that offers every member a space to thrive and prosper.

“We shall create rooms for all, especially the youth, and build a great future for this dynamic party.

“We, the committee members, firmly believe the party will become more potent in the state after this exercise.” he said.

Also speaking at the occasion, the acting APC chairman in the state, Tajudeen Lawal, said that the committee was constituted to re-examine the factors that led to the party’s loss in the last elections.

Represented by the state Secretary of the party, Mr Kamorudeen Amoo, Lawal said that the committee would also look into the affairs of the party generally.

“Party members should submit suggestions and the committee will come up with appropriate recommendations to advance the party,” he said.

Lawal also implored members to continue to pray for a favourable outcome of the party’s petition at the Supreme Court.

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POLITICS

APC, PDP, INEC differ on Osun Governorship Tribunal judgment

Adeleke and Oyetola

All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun, on Friday, expressed divergent views on the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal judgment delivered on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tribunal had, in its judgment, declared former Gov. Adegboyega Oyetola as the authentic winner of the July 16, 2022 governorship election in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while the tribunal Chairman, Justice Tertsea Kume, delivered the majority judgment which gave victory to Oyetola, another member of the three-man panel delivered a minority judgment.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the judgment, Counsel to APC, Dr Abiodun Layonu, thanked the tribunal for restoring the victory of Oyetola as the winner of the governorship election.

Layonu thanked Mr Akin Olujimi (SAN) and Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) for leading Oyetola to victory at the tribunal.

He said that the judges at the tribunal considered the option of declaring Oyetola as winner in a majority judgment.

Also, Counsel to PDP, Mr Nathaniel Oke, told newsmen that the respondents were dissatisfied with the tribunal’s verdict.

Oke said necessary legal step to challenge the judgment would be embarked upon by the respondents in order to get Adeleke’s mandate back.

He said that the majority judgment might not be the position of the court, adding, however, that the respondents stood with the minority judgment which, he said, showed the true picture of what transpired at the election.

“You will recall that it was only two people who gave judgment in respect of the July 16, 2022 election,” he said.

Oke expressed optimism that Adeleke’s mandate would be retrieved at the appellate court.

In his own reaction, Counsel to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Paul Ananaba, expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment.

“The tribunal chairman delivered what is called majority judgment; the second member of the panel gave a dissenting judgment while the third thanked everybody at the tribunal.

“These are the issues we will have to look into and get back to the commission. Anybody who listened to today’s judgment will know that only two people delivered the judgment and not three.

Ananaba further stated that the Biomodal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) was the primary source of what transpired on the day of the election.

He said there was no way a report issued after the election would be the primary source of what transpired on the election upon which the results would be declared.

Ananaba urged the people of the state to remain calm, assuring them that all the legal options would be explored to get Adeleke’s mandate back.

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POLITICS

Tight security as Osun Governorship Election Petition Tribunal set to deliver

Adeleke and Oyetola

Heavily armed security operatives have barricaded roads leading to the Osun State High Court complex as the Election Petition Tribunal delivers verdict on the July 16, 2022, governorship election in the state.

Mr Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the immediate past governor of the state, had challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission’s declaration of Mr Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winner of the election.

Oyetola and the All Progressives Congress (APC) had on Aug. 5, 2022, filed a petition before the Tribunal in Osogbo challenging the election results from 749 polling units across 10 local government areas, alleging electoral malpractices, especially over-voting.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Mr Adeleke as the winner of the governorship election, having polled 403, 271 votes against 375,027 polled by Mr Oyetola.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as early 6:00a.m., detachment of security personnel had been deployed around the court premises.

NAN also reports that all the roads leading to the court were barricaded, thus forcing motorists and pedestrians to take alternate routes.

The entrance to the court premises was also manned by a detachment of heavily armed police personnel.

Newsmen to cover the proceeding as well as other litigants and lawyers with cases were thoroughly screened at the entrance of the court complex before they were allowed in.

NAN also reports that there were heavy police presence at the All Progressives Congress (APC) party secretariat located along Osogbo-Gbongan road, as well as Tinubu/Shettima campaign office located in the same area.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat located along Biket area was also heavily guarded by armed police officers.

The Police Command in Osun had earlier assured residents of the state of adequate security of lives and property.

The Command’s Spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola, in a statement on Thursday in Osogbo, warned troublemakers to steer clear of the state and the court premises.

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Adeleke sack 12,000 workers as Secretariat staff give him rousing welcome

Adeleke and Oyetola

It was a mixed grill in the Osun State civil service on Monday as Governor Ademola Adeleke sacked 12,000 workers recently employed by his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola.

On the governor’s forst day in office, however, civil servants working at the State Secretariat in Abere, Osogbo, on Monday received the newly sworn in Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, to his office amidst pomp and pageantry.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workers who had been waiting at the entrance of the State Secretariat since 8.00 a.m. were seen singing and dancing in anticipation of the governor’s arrival.

NAN also reports that security personnel were stationed with the workers, while members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) joined the workers to welcome Adeleke.

The governor, who later arrived at the Secretariat at about 12.30 p.m., after attending to some party activities at his campaign office on Osogbo-Gbongan Expressway, was seen waving at the crowd from his car.

The crowd of civil servants at the main entrance to the Secretariat, however, caused traffic gridlock on the highway for both motorists and commuters.

ALSO READ: I left N14bn for my successor – Osun’s outgoing Gov. Oyetola

Adeleke and his Deputy, Kola Adewusi, were both sworn in as the sixth Executive Governor and Deputy Governor of Osun State on Sunday by the state Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo.

Adeleke was administered with Oath and Allegiance of Office by the state Chief Judge at exactly 11.47 a.m, while that of his Deputy was done earlier at 11.36 a.m, at a colourful ceremony held at Osogbo City Stadium.

NAN also reports that Adeleke had defeated Adeboyega Oyetola, then the sitting Governor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the governorship election held on July 16.

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Osun Tribunal orders INEC Chairman to produce Adeleke’s results

Adeleke and Oyetola

The Osun Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Osogbo, on Friday ordered the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, to produce Sen. Ademola Adeleke’s results used during the 2018 governorship election in Osun.

The document tagged: “INEC Form CF001” is being demanded by Counsel for the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Petitioners.

The Tribunal Chairman, Justice Tertsea Kume, gave the order in his ruling on the arguments and counter arguments by both the petitioners and the respondents’ counsel as regard the INEC Form CF001.

ALSO READ: Oyetola promises Tinubu 1 million votes as he vows to reclaim his mandate

Kume said it would amount to denying the petitioners their right to fair hearing, after the respondent (INEC) had failed to comply with the subpoena order as regard what the petitioners were demanding for.

He said the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, represented by one Shehu Muhammed, failed to produce the Form CF001 on the excuse that they do not have the document in their custody in the state.

The tribunal chairman said that the petitioner had shown enough grounds with regards to their application/subpoena request.

He ordered INEC Chairman to produce the document on the next date of adjournment.

Kume, therefore, adjourned the case until Dec.1 for further hearing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Tribunal had on Nov.16 overruled the respondents (INEC)’s oral application seeking to discountenance a subpoena brought by the petitioner.

NAN further reports that the respondent had earlier brought an application to counter the subpoena request, before withdrawing such on personal grounds and it was struck out by the tribunal.