The Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, has commended the outgoing World Bank Country Director, Dr. Shubham Chaudhari for his Significant Contributions to Nigeria’s Economic Growth

At an event held in Abuja, hosted by the Minister to honour the out-going World Bank Country Director, Mr Edun acknowledged the Organization’s crucial role in promoting socio-economic sustainability and enhancing Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.
A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations Mohammed Manga quoted the minister to have expressed appreciation for the remarkable achievements recorded during Dr. Chaudhari’s tenure.
He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to building on these accomplishments so as to further drive economic progress in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.

“We appreciate your tireless efforts towards the promotion of economic growth and development in Nigeria. Your leadership and expertise have made a significant impact on our country’s progress.
“Your dedication to supporting Nigeria’s development agenda is truly commendable. We are grateful for these contributions and look forward to continued collaboration. Your commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth in Nigeria is inspiring.
“We appreciate your partnership and guidance in shaping our country’s future*, Edun said.

According to him, the hallmark of the present administration’s policy thrust that brought fiscal reforms was aimed at boosting the nation’s economic development with a view to attracting foreign investments so as to ensure job creation, poverty reduction and improved standard of living for the citizenry.

The Minister assured that Nigeria offers a wealth of opportunities for foreign investors, with a large and growing market, rich natural resources, and a skilled workforce.
“We invite you to explore the possibilities and partner with us for mutual growth. Join us in harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s emerging economy. Our country offers a favourable business environment, investment incentives, and a dynamic market waiting to be tapped.”

Mr Edun used the opportunity to invite the international community to discover the opportunities and advantages of investing in Nigeria.

“Our government is committed to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and succeed. We are inviting the international development partners to come to Nigeria and invest their resources. Nigeria is a country with diverse business opportunities and market potentials for profit maximisation*, he stressed.

The Minister stated further that Nigeria would continue to be a development partner with the World Bank, and that the present administration was committed to championing a good cause as well as implement policies that would boost the country’s economy in order to make it more vibrant and resilient.

Edun further appreciated Dr Chaudhari’s tenure, which he said, underscores the importance of supporting and recognizing Nigeria, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pragmatic leadership in providing good governance.

He added that the reforms initiated by the administration would serve as a window to the global investment community, stressing that Nigeria is open for business with stable and profitable benefits thereby calling on Philanthropists, both within and outside the country, to invest their resources in Nigeria, a country which he said, has the largest population in Africa.

Edun explained that *the disputable access to renewal energy recently launched was an indication to build trust, attract foreign investment, and foster international partnerships aimed at reinvigorating the Nigerian economy.*

Speaking during the event, Dr. Shaubham Chaudhari, the out-going World Bank Country Director, described the event as symbolic and strategic, saying that it would help build bonds in relationship trust. He commended Nigeria for its proactive measures and robust efforts in bracing up monetory policies and in fostering sustainable economic development despite the daunting challenges.

The out-going Director assured that his Organisation’s doors were widely open for more collaborations and partnerships for the country’s growth.

Earlier in her remarks at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya assured that the Ministry will continue to provide an enabling environment for the full implementation of the policies, programmes and projects of the Federal Government in line with its mandate.

She appealed to the international community to support the efforts of the present administration in its determination to boost the country’s economy and further stressed the need for international partners to take advantage of the country’s diversity and invest their resources for maximum benefits.

*Nigeria offers a vast and untapped market, rich in natural resources and human capital. We invite you to explore the numerous investment opportunities and be a part of our growth story. Join us in shaping Nigeria’s future and tapping into the immense potentials of our economy. Together, let’s create a prosperous and sustainable tomorrow.*
*Nigeria is open for business. We welcome foreign investors to partner with us in unlocking our economic potentials and driving growth in key sectors.* Jafiya said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary Special Duties, Mr Okokon Ekanem Udo, assured that the present administration was committed to putting and implementing projects that will impact on the lives of Nigerians in line with contemporary global realities.

He commended the outgoing World Bank Country Director, Dr. Shaubham Chaudhari for his commitment and dedication. *Thank you for your dedication and commitment. We are grateful for your unwavering support and guidance, which has helped us navigate complex development challenges and create a brighter future for Nigerians.* Udo said.

The Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has sent a message of felicitations to Dr. Tunde Olusunle, an accomplished journalist, on his birthday.
Tinubu’s message was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale

The statement indicated that Olusunle joined the Daily Times conglomerate in Lagos in 1990 and rose to the membership of the Editorial Board of the media organization.
“He had stints in the Kogi State public service between 1992 and 1997 and was, at various times, information, public affairs, and media director to three chief executives of the state.

“The veteran journalist served in the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, all through his two terms in office, as Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, (SSA-SD).
“He has published three successful poetry volumes: Fingermarks* (1996); Rhythm Of The Mortar (2001), and A Medley Of Echoes (2022). He equally has several volumes of essays to his name.
“He holds a doctorate degree in Media Arts and is a Member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, (NGE) and Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (ANA).”
The President wished Dr. Olusunle many more prosperous years in his endeavours.

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has approved the appointment of Hon. Muktar Atimah as the new Executive Secretary of State Emergency and Management Agency (SEMA) among other appointments into various agencies of the state.

The appointments were announced by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State (SSG), Dr (Mrs) Folashade Arike Ayoade on Tuesday in Lokoja.

According to the SSG, the appointment of Hon. Atimah, a journalist and former Correspondent of the Leadership Newspapers as well former Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) followed the disengagement of the former occupant of the office, Mr Kolade Isaac.

The SSG also announced the disengagement of Hajia Rekiya Onaivo Sanni as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Kogi Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA) and her replacement with with Hon. Kadiri Mohammed Okeji.

Other appointments approved and made by the governor include Christopher Ayo Olubunmi as Executive Chairman of Kogi State Christian Pilgrims Commission, with Steven Joseph, Barnabas Oyibo and Hinmikaye Joe-Dare Babajide as Permanent Members I, II and III respectively.

Additionally, Hon. Sariki Abdullahi Abdulkadir, Mohammed Yahaya Abubilat, and Haruna Dauda Okuku have been appointed as Permanent Members I, II, and III of the Kogi State Hajj Commission.

For the Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board, Alhassan Adakeke, Dauda Aliyu, and Abdulrahaman Aziz Obini have been appointed as Permanent Members I, II, and III.

The SSG further conveyed the approval of the Governor for the appointment of Zonal Security Advisers across the nine Federal Constituencies in the State.

She named Hon. Pius Kolawole, Hon. Abuh Odoma and Hon. Salami Omuya Joseph as Zonal Security Advisers for the various constituencies adding that all appointments and disengagements take immediate effect as directed by the Governor.

The SSG said that the changes were aimed at strengthening and improving the effectiveness of various government agencies in fulfilling their mandates. (Ends)