President Muhammadu Buhari commenced his weekly activities at the presidential villa early enough when he issued a message on Sunday May 27 congratulating the Nigerian children on the 2018 Children’s Day celebration.
While assuring them of his administration’s commitment to their protection, the President said the provision of quality education and the well-being of the Nigerian child would remain key priorities for his government.
Also on Sunday, May 27, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo attended the Democracy Day Church Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja as part of activities to mark the 2018 Democracy Day celebration.
In his remarks, the Vice President urged Nigerians to go forward from the anguish of the past.
According to him, “fellow country men and women, let us go forward, do not look back, the armies of the enemy that you see today threatening to kill and maim, and the claws of poverty and injustice you shall see again no more forever.
“The Lord will fight for you and you shall hold your peace. We must go forward; we are a people of prophecy.
“God has said concerning this nation, that He is building a new Nigeria; a nation where men and women of all tribes and faith, dwell in love and peace.
“A nation where our young people have ample opportunities for productive and rewarding work.”
On Monday, May 28, President Buhari attended the Democracy Day Lecture at the International Conference Centre, Abuja as part of activities to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day.
In his remarks at the Lecture delivered by former INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, the President outlined his administration’s commitment to peace building and good governance, assuring Nigerians that ‘‘they will continue to see and experience more progress, more prosperity and greater security.’’
The Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on his part undertook a tour of facilities at Ventures Park, one of the private innovation hubs partnering with the Federal Government in its Start-up Nigeria initiative on Monday, May 28.
Addressing beneficiaries and staff of the hub, Prof. Osinbajo announced government’s plans to set up a Creativity & Technology Advisory Council to support the development of policies that would guide the growth of creative sector.
Later on Monday evening, the Vice President, at his Aguda residence, met with some members of the New PDP bloc in the APC, to discuss issues affecting the party.
The President addressed the nation on Tuesday, May 29, on the occasion of the 2018 Democracy Day.
In his broadcast, the President took time to outline his administration’s achievements’ in the areas of economy, agriculture, security and the fight against corruption.
The President wrapped his speech with a promise that in the coming days he will be joined by a group of young people to sign ‘‘the Not Too Young To Run’’ Bill which seeks to reduce the minimum age to run for President from 45 to 35 years; State and Federal representative from 30 to 25.
Senator and governorship age limits remain the same at 30 years of age.
On Tuesday evening, the President broke the Ramadan fast with members of the judiciary led by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola of the Supreme Court.
In his remarks at the “Iftar”, the President urged Nigerians to take their Permanent Voters Card seriously ahead of the 2019 general elections, and appealed to state governors to continue to embark on voters’ education.
Also on Tuesday, May 29, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo hosted some past leaders comprising, elder statesmen, party leaders, cabinet members and legislators, to a Democracy Day dinner/gala night at the State House banquet hall.
In his remarks, the Vice President urged leaders and members of the ruling party to thank God for the successes recorded “in the past three years”.
Wednesday, May 30, was a day to remember as President Buhari hosted the Super Eagles at the Presidential Villa to a farewell reception ahead of their departure to Russia for the 2018 World Cup.
Speaking to the players and coaching crew led by Coach Gernot Rohr and Captain John Obi Mikel, the President urged the team to make the nation proud at the tournament, knowing that they are carrying the emotion of about 180 million Nigerians.
Also on Wednesday, the President received in audience, President Julius Bio of Sierra Leone who was on a working visit to Nigeria.
President Buhari assured the visiting Sierra Leone President of Nigeria’s support, including military, as they work towards a stable and improved economy.
Congratulating Mr Bio on the successful elections and the transitions that ushered in a new government in his country, the President said “We will continually stand by you to ensure stability in your country.
“We believe security in the West Coast region, Africa and the world should be a collective concern,’’ he said.
Still on Wednesday, May 30, Vice President Osinbajo attended the ceremony for the formal handover of operational vehicles donated to the Nigerian Police Force by the Dangote Foundation, at the Eagles Square, Abuja.
On Thursday, May 31, President Buhari signed the ‘‘Not Too Young To Run Bill’’ into law.
The law reduces the age at which Nigerian citizens can vie for political offices. The President signed the Bill in the presence of their sponsors and some young Nigerians led by Samson Itodo.
The President had earlier received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the Republic of Mali to Nigeria, Mr Moustapha Traore and the Republic of Serbia, Mr Djura Likar.
In his remarks with the Malian ambassador, the President called for intensified and sustained security operation across the West African sub-region to tackle the rising threats of insurgents and bandits, warning that only a collective fight would halt the threats to lives and property.
The President said the sub-region would continue struggling with the basics of development so long as people live in fear and uncertainty.
Later on Thursday, President Buhari hosted the business community and political party leaders to “Iftar” at the Presidential Villa.
At the dinner, the President thanked Nigerians for their continuous support to his administration, citing the successful performance of the agriculture sector in the past two years.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was in Lagos on Thursday, May 31, for the Financial Times Nigerian Summit held at the Eko Hotel and Suites.
While in Lagos, the Vice President attended the 2018 Nigerian Navy Maritime Conference held at the Naval Dockyard, Lagos.
The Vice President urged African countries to collaborate in tackling security, maritime challenges confronting them.
He also commended the United States and European Union for their support in addressing the menace of piracy and related maritime crimes in the region.
Later on Thursday night, the Vice President attended a fund-raising dinner for malnourished children in the northeast.
On Friday, June 1, President Buhari met with the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) at the Presidential Villa where he praised the non-governmental group.
The President thanked the group which was established in August 2015, for their consistent support for his administration, in the midst of an opposition bent on sponsoring mischief and ‘‘dishonest representation’’ against his government.
Receiving members of the organization, the President said they have demonstrated courage and steadfastness, in addition to making physical, mental and material sacrifices, for the good of the country.
Still on Friday, June 1, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo attended a meeting of the Greater Nigeria Pastors’ Conference held in Oshogbo, Osun state. In his remarks at the event, the Vice President appealed to the church to pray for the success of the present administration and for the unity of the country.
The Vice President later departed Osun state for the Redeemed Christian Church of God camp in Ogun state for a church programme.
On Saturday, June 2, the Vice President declared open an art exhibition of the works of 12 master artists at Banana Island, Lagos.
Posted by Juliet Ekwebelam (NAN)
