Tag: Gbajabiamila

  • Gbajabiamila spearheads African Speakers’ push for debts cancellation

    Gbajabiamila spearheads African Speakers’ push for debts cancellation

    …Nigeria to host maiden Conference of African Speakers and Heads of Parliament

    Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila on Monday convened a meeting of some African Speakers of Parliaments where it was agreed that there is an urgent need to push for debt cancellation for the continent from their multilateral and bilateral partners.

    This is as Gbajabiamila’s initiative to establish the Conference of African Speakers and Heads of Parliament (CoSAP), a body that will facilitate increased collaboration between Speakers, Heads of Parliament and National Assemblies across Africa got a boost.

    The African Speakers will also seek to advance the African development agenda within and outside the continent in conjunction with both the executive arms of government as well as African regional institutions.

    These emerged following a virtual meeting conveyed by Gbajabiamila on Monday with Hon. Tagesse Chafo, Speaker, House of Peoples Representatives, Ethiopia; Rt. Hon. Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, PhD, Speaker of Parliament, Ghana; Hon. Justin Bedan Muturi, Speaker, National Assembly, Republic of Kenya; Rt. Hon. Donatille Mukabalisa, Speaker, Chamber of Deputies, Rwanda; and President Moustapha Niasse, AFP, President, National Assembly, Senegal.

    In his opening remarks, Gbajabiamila said there was an urgent need to join local and global efforts to push for the cancellation of the external debt owed by various countries on the continent.

    Saying that development across the continent has become stunted due to the heavy burden of the debts, Gbajabiamila noted that the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has compounded the issue for the continent, considering the socio-political and economic consequences of the disease.

    “We all agree that Africa’s debt burden has become an existential threat to our societies, our economies and the future; we leave to posterity, and we need to do something about this and treat it as a continent-wide priority.

    “It is safe to say that the burden of debt servicing, vis-à-vis spending on education and health care for example, is a threat to our continent’s stability and development, especially in the era of Covid-19.

    “When we find ourselves having to make policy choices between paying debts or saving lives, we know something is not morally right. And as democratically elected representatives of our people, we cannot be silent. We must speak up and we must act. And the time to act is now.

    “Furthermore, is the need for us to reflect on, the processes that led to Africa’s heavy indebtedness in the first place, the role parliamentarians can play to address this going forward and what assurances we as parliamentarians can give our borrowers that if our debt is cancelled, the freed-up resources will be invested in social and economic development of our citizens.

    “If we want debt cancellation, we must be able to build the confidence of the borrowers that the cancellation will indeed save lives and livelihoods across the continent, and we, as Speakers and Heads of our parliaments, will ensure that is indeed the case”.

    On the need for the establishment of the Pan-African Speaker’s Conference, Gbajabiamila noted that collective efforts at tackling challenges facing the continent have become expedient.

    He said: “The motive behind this initiative is that each year we identify a theme, issue, or challenge that is pan-African in scope and we meet to deliberate on how we can work together across parliaments in Africa to tackle these continental issues and challenges.

    “As heads of our respective parliamentary entities, it will also be a good platform to share experiences and expertise in different aspects of our legislative duties pertinent to the growth, development and sustenance of our economies and our societies; and on ways to enhance the capacity and impact of our parliaments on our democracies and the lives of the peoples we all represent.

    “We have spent decades learning from the rest of the world, now we must begin to learn from one another”.

    Throwing his weight behind the two initiatives, Hon. Tagesse Chafo, Speaker, House of Peoples Representatives, Ethiopia, noted that though almost every government on the continent has been trying to seek debt forgiveness, this should not, however, stop the parliaments from contributing to the efforts through a platform such as this.

    “As representatives of our people, we are to come together, advise and campaign about the issue, we don’t have to keep quiet because debt cancellation would be good for the resuscitation of our economies that have been ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

    In the same vein, Rt. Hon. Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, Speaker of Parliament, Ghana noted that the debt burden is essentially a common challenge on the continent, as most African countries have to depend on foreign loans to execute their national budgets.

    He, however, noted that the Speaker’s group, in its efforts to push for debt cancellation must be able to convince the creditors about accountability if they hope to succeed.

    He said: “Donor agencies are interested in accountability because they are confounded about the issue of corruption, and we must be able to give the assurance and that is why the Speakers Conference is critical. And if nothing is done, there may be no economy to service the loans”

    Hon. Justin Bedan Muturi, Speaker, National Assembly, Republic of Kenya also emphasised the need for the initiative, adding that, the coronavirus pandemic has undermined most African economies because conditions attached to most of the loans have been eroded by the consequences of the novel pandemic.

    On her part, Rt. Hon. Donatille Mukabalisa, Speaker, Chamber of Deputies, Rwanda, while noting that African countries depend on and heavily burdened by loans even before the pandemic, however, added that the group must be clear about the kind of debt it is seeking to address and from which partners.

    While President Moustapha Niasse, AFP, President, National Assembly, Senegal also regretted that the pandemic has affected all economies on the continent negatively, he, however, suggested that opinions of members of the forum must be sought on how to solve the issues between suspension or cancellation of debt
    “We must be convinced that we have a job to do at the level of parliament,” he added.

    It was also agreed that a Communique would be released in the first week of September 2020, while the campaign for implementations of the plan of action would begin in the second week of September 2020 as well.

    According to the forum, the third week of September would be devoted to the planning for the 2021 conference by the Secretariat.

    While it was decided that Nigeria would host the maiden edition of CoSAP chaired by Nigerian Speaker the Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, the new body is expected to meet again in the first week of September to approve the plans and swing into action.

  • Gbajabiamila mourns Chief Lanre Razak

    Gbajabiamila mourns Chief Lanre Razak

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has described the death of Chief Lanre Razak as a big loss to Lagos State.

    The Speaker said the death of the grassroots politician, popularly known as KLM would rub the State of his contributions and counseling.

    Gbajabiamila, in a condolence message by his Media Adviser, Lanre Lasisi expressed shock and sadness when he learnt of the death of Razak aged 74 after a brief illness in a Lagos hospital.

    “As a grassroots politician, the innate qualities of KLM did not go unnoticed which was responsible for his diligent handling of his responsibilities as a Local Government Chairman and a Commissioner in Lagos as well as a member of the Governors Advisory Council (GAC).

    “Chief Razak’s quest to impact lives of the State was evident through his endearment to the people of Epe and Lagos State as a whole.

    “My heart goes his family, people of Epe, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; other GAC members, Lagos APC and the Government of Lagos State.

    “It is also my prayer that Allah gives everyone he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss and grants the departed Al jannah Firdaus”.

  • Gbajabiamila expresses sadness over Chief Folarin Coker’s death

    Gbajabiamila expresses sadness over Chief Folarin Coker’s death

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has mourned the passing of elder statesman, Chief Nathaniel Folarin Coker (OON).

    The Speaker said Chief Coker, who died at the age of 97 on Wednesday, was a role model to the upcoming generation, saying the elder statesman left his footprints in the sand of time.

    Gbajabiamila recalled how the late Chief Coker served as the first Permanent Secretary, Lagos State, adding that his service to fatherland would not be in vain.

    In a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said late Chief Coker would be sorely missed by many.

    Gbajabiamila condoled with the Coker family, the people and Government of Lagos State over the loss, while praying God to grant the late nonagenarian a peaceful resting place.

    The Speaker specifically conveyed his condolences to the son of the late Chief Coker, Mr Folorunsho Coker, who is the current Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation and a personal close friend.

    “Losing a father is a painful thing. I join millions of Nigerians, especially Lagosians, to condole with the Coker family on this painful loss. Chief Coker was different things to different people.

    “I know how diligent Chief Coker served his state and country as the first Permanent Secretary, Lagos State. His life was full of service to humanity.

    “May the good Lord give his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and rest his soul peacefully,” the Speaker said.

  • Gbajabiamila advocates more youth  empowerment

    Gbajabiamila advocates more youth empowerment

    … charges young Nigerians to get involved in politics
    …says climate change law underway

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has advocated for a more comprehensive engagement of the Nigerian youth by government at all levels.

    Gbajabiamila said relegating the Nigerian youth to the background by the governments is inimical to the national development of the country being the most critical segment of any society.

    The Speaker, while delivering a keynote address in a webinar for the commemoration of this year’s International Youth Day, organised by the Office of the Speaker and the Nigerian Youth Parliament, also noted that the Nigerian youth need to show greater interest in government and governance.

    Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, former Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abubakar, Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen as well as the Minister of Sport and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, who all participated in the webinar also urged the youth to show more interest in national development.

    According to Gbajabiamila, one of the most effective means of participating in government by the youths is to constantly engage their representatives in the legislature at all levels.

    He said: “In his lifetime, President Nelson Mandela of South Africa, asked of citizens and policymakers thus: ‘

    ‘”We must recognize the contributions young people make to our society. We must build upon the imagination, energy, vibrancy and talents of these our precious national assets.”‘

    Gbajabiamila added that: “This is an obvious imperative, more so in a country like ours with a massive and ever-growing youth bulge. Yet, often when I imagine what it must feel like to be a young person coming of age in Nigeria today, I think about the challenges that limit promise.

    “Our country will not reach its full potentials until governments at all levels learn to engage with the changing values, needs, and expectations of Nigeria’s youth.

    “All our dreams of prosperity hinge on our ability to provide the physical infrastructure, the legal framework, the cultural and social support required to unleash the innovative potential of our young people.

    “To achieve this sort of profound transformation of our governance, all of us in government and politics must commit to opening the political space to allow for greater participation by our nation’s youth.

    “Political leaders must act now and consistently to dismantle those practices and systems that serve only to exclude young people from political participation, or that limit them to operating on the fringes as foot soldiers in the battle for spoils”.

    Governor Uzodinma said the Nigerian youths, being the hope of the country must not miss their steps towards nation-building because doing so would spell doom for the country.

    The Minister of Women Affairs noted that it is incumbent on the youths to take up the issue of gender-based violence as a national question.

    Tallen, who was represented by her Special Assistant (Technical), Joan Idonije urged Nigerian youths in communities and schools to establish advocacy groups against rape and other gender-based violence.

    In another webinar organised by the youth wing of the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) as part of their programme for the International Youth Day, Gbajabiamila, who had earlier sent a video message to Nigerian youth, charged them to get more involved in politics.

    He said the legislative arm of government has done its own part by passing the Not Too Young to Run Bill, saying the young ones should take advantage of it.

    He said the youth should not sit back, fold their arms and expect things to just fall in place, adding that “Let the youth be more proactive and be more engaged.”

    “The young ones have so much to contribute ‎to the development of this country. We must all get involved in politics. We play politics everywhere. So, everybody should get involved.

    “The youth must put some action into it. There shouldn’t be a nonchalant attitude on the part of the youth. Let the young ones take charge. Let’s take those little steps that will take us to the Eldorado.”

    Responding to a question on Diaspora voting, Gbajabiamila said it is a great idea to have Nigerians living in other countries vote during an election, but he cautioned that the country must get her elections back home right before thinking of Diaspora voting.

    On the call to have a limited age for those that run for political offices as obtained in the civil service, Gbajabiamila said it is a good idea but that it has to be in line with the constitution.

    He said Nigerians should be more concerned about merit so as not to discriminate any segment of the society.

    Speaking on the issue of climate change, Gbajabiamila said the House is greatly concerned about the issue and that a law on that will be worked on by the House soon.

  • Gbajabiamila sad over Kashamu’s death

    Gbajabiamila sad over Kashamu’s death

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has expressed shock over the demise of Senator Buruji Kashamu.

    The Speaker, in a condolence message to Ogun State Government and the family of the deceased, said Kashamu’s contributions to the development of his community and the country would be greatly missed.

    He said: “It is with great shock that I received the news of the death of Senator Buruji Kashamu, who served as a Senator representing Ogun East in the 8th National Assembly.

    “A politician reputed for his large-heartedness and love for his constituents and his State, Kashamu’s determination to impact people’s lives and contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian state saw him move to the National Assembly as a Senator.

    “His contributions would be greatly missed by his constituents and the country as a whole.

    “My thoughts are with the family and other loved ones he left behind at this trying times as I pray for the repose of his soul.”

  • Speaker Gbajabiamila Congratulates Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, Hon. AbdulMumin Jibrin on FHA appointments

    Speaker Gbajabiamila Congratulates Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, Hon. AbdulMumin Jibrin on FHA appointments

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has congratulated the duo of Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Hon. AbdulMumin Jibrin on their appointments as the Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and Executive Director, Business Development by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    In a congratulatory message by the Speaker through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said the duo of Sen. Ashafa and Hon. Jibrin are round pegs in round holes.

    He said both Sen. Ashafa, who represented Lagos East Senatorial District, and Hon. Jibrin, who was the representative for Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State, and Director General of Gbajabiamila/Wase Speakership campaign come with a lot of experiences as former legislators and public servants.

    The Speaker said he believes both appointees would serve in their new positions diligently and patriotically giving their antecedents.

    The Speaker also thanked President Buhari for recognising both Ambassadors of the National Assembly, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa and Hon. AbdulMumin Jibrin in giving them the appointments, saying the President has made a good choice.

    The Speaker wished the two appointees success in their tenure.

  • Gbajabiamila celebrates AbdulSamad Isiaka Rabiu at 60

    Gbajabiamila celebrates AbdulSamad Isiaka Rabiu at 60

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has eulogised the founder and chairman of the BUA Group, Alhaji AbdulSamad Isiaka Rabiu, as he clocks 60 years.

    Gbajabiamila said the founder of the BUA Group is worthy of being celebrated as a foremost industrialist that has become a major employer of labour in the country.

    He said clocking the age of 60 is a milestone in one’s life, calling on the chairman of the BUA Group to rededicate himself to service to humanity.

    Gbajabiamila recalled how Alhaji AbdulSamad doled out billions of Naira as palliatives to state governments, organisations and individuals during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, saying his gesture would not go in vain.

    He said Nigeria needs more of Alhaji AbdulSamad whose selflessness is worthy of emulation.

    Gbajabiamila wished the chairman of the BUA Group more years in good health and Allah’s protection as he continues to serve humanity the best way he can.

  • Gbajabiamila extols Omo-Agege at 57

    Gbajabiamila extols Omo-Agege at 57

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has extolled the virtues of the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, who clocks 57 years on Monday, August 3.

    The Speaker said at 57, Omo-Agege has made his modest contributions to humanity through his various interventions as a dependable politician.

    He said reaching 57 years on mother earth is worth celebrating, calling on the Delta-born politician to continue with his good works of rendering a helping hand to humanity no matter the circumstance.

    Gbajabiamila wished the Deputy President of the Senate many more years in good health and under God’s protection.

  • Eid-el- Kabir: Rededicate yourselves to Allah, pray for Nigeria, Gbajabiamila tells Muslims

    Eid-el- Kabir: Rededicate yourselves to Allah, pray for Nigeria, Gbajabiamila tells Muslims

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has urged Muslims to rededicate themselves to their Creator and pray for the country during this period of Eid-el-Kabir.

    Gbajabiamila said the need for prayers became more pressing at this time that the coronavirus pandemic is ravaging the world, including Nigeria.

    The Speaker said with fervent prayers, Nigeria would be able to surmount the numerous challenges bedevilling the country, including insecurity.

    In a Sallah message by his spokesman Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker also urged Nigerians, irrespective of their differences, to embrace one another and be united for the progress of the country.

    He called on religious leaders to preach unity and peaceful coexistence among the citizens at this time and always.

    He further urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, generosity, brotherliness and accommodating nature of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

    Gbajabiamila used the opportunity to call on leaders to keep their contracts with the Nigerian people as that is the only way they can make meaningful impact in the lives of the citizens.

  • Gbajabiamila celebrates Obanikoro at 60

    Gbajabiamila celebrates Obanikoro at 60

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has congratulated Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro on his 60th birthday.

    Gbajabiamila said at 60, Obanikoro is one of the few Lagosians that have paid their dues and worked tirelessly for the development of the state. Having risen from Secretary to a Local Government, Council Chairman, Commissioner, Senator, Hon. Minister to being an Ambassador, Obanikoro has exhibited vast experience in leadership and service to humanity.

    In a congratulatory message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said Obanikoro’s life has been full of service to humanity.

    He noted that the former senator remains one of those that the young generation of Nigerians look up to.

    While wishing him well in all his endeavours, Gbajabiamila prayed for God’s continuous blessings, good health and protection in many years to come.