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PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS BABANGIDA OTHERS AS CHAIRMEN AND HEADS OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Muhammad Babangida as chairman of the revamped Bank of Agriculture, along with seven others who will serve as chairmen or directors-general of Federal agencies. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. Bayo Onanuga said the appointments were part of the President’s efforts to strengthen key institutions and drive development in various sectors. Muhammad Babangida, 53, is an alumnus of the European University in Montreux, Switzerland, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Public Relations and Business Communication. He later attended Harvard Business School’s Executive Program on Corporate Governance in 2002. Babangida’s appointment as chairman of the Bank of Agriculture is expected to boost the institution’s efforts in supporting agricultural development in the country. Bayo Onanuga said the President has confidence in the appointees’ ability to deliver on their mandates. The appointments are subject to the screening and confirmation by the Senate. Other appointees include Lydia Kalat Musa, Jamilu Wada Aliyu, Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa, Sanusi Musa, Prof. Al-Mustapha Alhaji Aliyu, Sanusi Garba Rikiji, Mrs. Tomi Somefun, and Dr. Abdulmumini Mohammed Aminu-Zaria. The appointments take effect immediately, and the appointees are expected to hit the ground running to deliver on their respective mandates. Bayo Onanuga said the President is committed to ensuring that the institutions under the appointees’ leadership are effective and efficient in delivering services to Nigerians.

SPECIAL FEC SESSION TO HONOUR LATE PRESIDENT BUHARI SET FOR THURSDAY

A special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari will now take place on Thursday, July 17, at 1 pm. This was disclosed by presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga on his official X handle. According to Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu will lead the session, which will be dedicated to paying tribute to the late former president. The session was originally scheduled for Tuesday but was postponed to avoid a clash with Buhari’s state funeral in Daura, Katsina State, where he was buried in line with Islamic rites. The FEC session will be a tribute to Buhari’s legacy and contributions to Nigeria. President Tinubu had earlier declared a seven-day national mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff across the country. A state funeral was held in Daura on Tuesday, with President Tinubu in attendance. The postponement of the FEC session was announced earlier by Onanuga, who cited the state funeral as the reason for the delay. “The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will announce a new date after the funeral proceedings,” he said. The new date has now been fixed for Thursday, July 17.

GBAJABIAMILA PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a statesman who occupied a unique place in the psyche and history of Nigeria. In a statement, Gbajabiamila recalled his experiences working with Buhari, saying, “It will forever be one of the great honours of my life that I got to know, work with and enjoy the friendship of Muhammadu Buhari.” Gbajabiamila praised Buhari’s dignity and integrity, saying, “He was a man of dignity and integrity, steadfast in his resolve and tenacious in his determination to follow through on the commitments he made, whether to himself or his associates, family or our nation.” The former Speaker of the House of Representatives also highlighted Buhari’s support for him during his tenure, saying, “As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I enjoyed the unflinching and unalloyed support of President Buhari throughout the tenacious machinations of many who sought to use him and his office to undermine the parliament for the sake of political interests.” Gbajabiamila concluded by urging Nigerians to continue working towards building a better nation, saying, “Let us continue the work of serving our nation so that by our joint efforts we may achieve the cause of a nation at peace, prosperous beyond our wildest dreams. This is the highest tribute we can pay to the lanky general and great statesman of our country.” In his tribute, Gbajabiamila also prayed for Buhari’s soul, saying, “May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus and comfort his family now and forever.”

VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA TO LEAD PRAYERS AT BUHARI’S RESIDENCE IN DAURA

A day after the burial of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead a delegation of ministers and mourners to Daura, Katsina State, for a third-day prayer at the late former President’s residence. The prayer is scheduled to take place tomorrow, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed the development in a statement. “Vice President Kashim Shettima, in company with the Governors of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, and Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, is leading some ministers and mourners to Daura for prayers at the late former President’s residence in Daura, Katsina State,” Nkwocha said. The Vice President’s trip to Daura is a mark of respect to the late former President and a demonstration of the government’s commitment to paying tribute to his legacy. Nkwocha said the third-day prayer is expected to take place tomorrow with the Vice President leading other mourners at the prayers. Stanley Nkwocha’s statement provided the details of the Vice President’s programme.

DEFENCE MINISTER MATAWALLE MOURNS BUHARI, HAILS HIS SERVICE TO NIGERIA

Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. In a personally signed condolence message, Dr. Matawalle described Buhari as a towering national figure whose legacy of honour, integrity, and patriotism will remain deeply woven into the fabric of Nigeria’s history. “We express our profound sorrow on the demise of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who departed this world on Sunday in a clinic in London, United Kingdom,” Matawalle said in the statement. Matawalle recalled Buhari’s distinguished service in both military and civilian leadership, noting that he played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s modern political landscape. “Former President Buhari served with distinction in the Nigerian Military, ultimately rising to the esteemed rank of General and Military Head of State from 1983 to 1985,” the Minister stated. Matawalle extolled the late President’s values, describing him as a symbol of discipline and national unity. “President Muhammadu Buhari embodied discipline and public service. His steadfast belief in a united and indivisible Nigeria inspired countless individuals, including many Nigerians who regarded him as a role model,” Matawalle said. Matawalle extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Buhari family, and the Nigerian people, praying for strength and fortitude during this period of national mourning. “May Allah grant his soul Aljanatul Firdaus,” he prayed.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONSTITUTES COMMITTEE FOR STATE BURIAL OF FORMER PRESIDENT BUHARI

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Committee for the State Funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The Committee, chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, is tasked with planning and coordinating a befitting state burial for the late elder statesman. In a statement signed by Director, Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, it was revealed that the Committee comprises representatives from various government agencies and ministries. “The Committee, which is chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, is tasked with the responsibility of planning and coordinating a befitting state burial for the late elder statesman,” Imohiosen said. Imohiosen noted that the Committee members include the Honourable Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Defence, Information and National Orientation, Works, Interior, FCT, Housing and Urban Development, and Art, Culture and Creative Economy, among others. The Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), will serve as the Secretariat to the Committee. President Tinubu has also directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to open condolence registers at the entrance of their respective offices for the public to pay their respects to the late Elder Statesman. Imohiosen added that a central condolence register for the diplomatic community and the general public will be opened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

NATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL SUMMIT RESCHEDULED TO HONOUR BUHARI, AWUJALE

The National Constitutional Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy, scheduled to hold from July 15 to 17, 2025, has been rescheduled by one day to honour the memory and legacies of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who both passed away on Sunday. The organisers, in a statement signed by James Ezema, Media Adviser to the National Constitutional Summit, said the decision to defer the opening ceremony by one day became necessary to honour of the two iconic Nigerian leaders. “The shift, according to the organisers, became necessary to honour the memory and legacies of the two iconic Nigerian leaders,” Ezema said. The summit, which will now commence on Wednesday, July 16, and end on Friday, July 18, 2025, will bring together former Presidents, elder statesmen, former and serving Governors, top civic leaders, constitutional experts, captains of industry, members of the civil society, and other stakeholders to lay the foundation for a truly democratic, inclusive, and people-driven constitution for Nigeria. The summit will feature prominent national voices, including Prof. Wole Soyinka, General T.Y. Danjuma, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, Mallam Tanko Yakasai, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chief Mamman Osuman, SAN, and Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, among others. The Organising Committee is co-chaired by Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, while the Summit Resolutions Committee is led by Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN. The conveners, comprising a coalition of statesmen, professionals, political reformers, and civic advocates, are united in their call for a new constitutional order that can effectively respond to the structural and developmental challenges Nigeria faces. Ezema reiterated that the summit is not a mere ceremonial event, but a crucial step toward national renewal. “We invite all Nigerians—across sectors, generations, and regions—to participate in and support this collective effort to build a just, equitable, and prosperous future through a truly democratic constitution,” Ezema said.

PDP MOURNS FORMER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep sadness over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a courageous leader and highly disciplined military officer who dedicated his life to serving the nation. Buhari passed away in a London hospital on Sunday at the age of 82. In a statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said Nigerians will remember the departed former president for his roles and policies in government, including his tenure as Governor of Borno State, Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Chairman of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund, Military Head of State, and democratically elected President. The PDP extended its condolences to Buhari’s widow, Hajia Aisha Buhari, and the entire Buhari family, the Federal Government, the Nigerian Army, the government and people of Katsina State, and the Daura Emirate. “May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal repose,” the party prayed. President Bola Tinubu has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide as a mark of respect for the late former President. This gesture is a symbolic expression of mourning, respect, or distress, often observed following the death of a prominent figure or during national tragedies.

NASS SUSPENDS LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES TO MOURN BUHARI

The National Assembly has suspended all legislative activities until Tuesday, July 22, 2025, as a mark of honour to Nigeria’s late ex-President, Muhammadu Buhari, who died in a London clinic on Sunday from an undisclosed ailment. According to a statement by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the suspension was directed by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. “In honour of his legacy and service to the nation, I am directed… to inform members of the National Assembly and the general public that all legislative activities are suspended immediately until Tuesday, 22 July 2025,” Ogunlana said. The move aims to pay maximum respect to the late former President and enable members to participate fully in the burial activities. Buhari will be remembered for his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and his integrity, Ogunlana noted. “President Muhammadu Buhari will be remembered for his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and his integrity. May Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus,” he added. The National Assembly leadership extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Nigeria, Katsina State, and the Buhari family during this period of grief.

BODE GEORGE MOURNS BUHARI, DRAWS LESSON FROM HIS PASSING

Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s passing has drawn condolences from various corners of Nigeria, including from Chief Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). George described Buhari’s death as a “leveller,” emphasizing that death is a humbling experience that renders everyone equal, regardless of social status or power. In a statement, George reflected on the transience of life and power, noting that Buhari’s demise serves as a lesson to all, particularly those in positions of authority. “Life is transient, and the power you wield today is temporary. The only permanent power belongs to God Almighty,” he said. Beyond mourning Buhari, George also used the occasion to reiterate the PDP’s stance on the rotation of power, particularly concerning the presidency. According to him, the party’s constitution dictates an eight-year rotation between the North and South, meaning the presidency should remain in Southern hands until 2031. This policy, George emphasized, is non-negotiable and rooted in the party’s doctrine. George’s statement also touched on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s potential presidential ambitions, suggesting that Atiku’s aspirations might be better pursued outside the PDP due to the party’s zoning policy. “Atiku can go to another party to contest, but PDP will look for a Southerner to wrest power from the APC in 2027,” George stated.