President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday called on the European Union to assist Nigeria and Africa in strengthening security and economic development to alleviate poverty in the continent.
The President spoke during a telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Mr. Charles Michel.
The European Council is the EU institution that defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union.
According to President Tinubu, Nigeria and the whole of Africa would require the help and partnership of her friends and development partners like the EU to address the excruciating poverty in the continent.
While requesting the EU to look at specific areas of security challenge like the Lake Chad and coastal areas, the Nigerian leader promised to remain in contact with the European Union and other member states.
He said poverty and insecurity were priority areas for his administration and he would do all that is required to address them.
The Council president used the opportunity of the telephone conversation to once again congratulate President Tinubu over his election.
While pledging the commitment of the Council towards a stronger cooperation and partnership with Nigeria based on mutual respect and common interests, he pointed out that Nigeria is important to the EU and the International Community.
Mr Michel urged the Nigerian leader to continue to work with the EU in all relevant areas.
.Inaugurates George Akume As 21st Secretary To The Government Of The Federation
President Bola Tinubu Wednesday in Abuja inaugurated Senator George Akume as the 21st Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The former Governor of Benue State and immediate-past Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs took the oaths of allegiance and office in a ceremony held at the Council Chambers, State House in the presence of the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and senior government officials.
Akume, 70, was Governor of Benue State from May 1999 to May 2007.
Following his tenure as governor, he was elected into the National Assembly as the Senator representing Benue North West Senatorial zone in 2007.
Senator Akume was re-elected in 2011 and 2015, demonstrating the trust reposed in him by his constituents.
During his term in the Senate, Akume served as Minority Leader from June 2011 to June 2015.
Prior to his political career, Akume started work as a civil servant in the Benue State Civil Service in 1979 as a Land Officer.
Over the years, he held various positions in both the State and Federal governments, retiring voluntarily as a Federal Permanent Secretary, Establishments and Management Services, in 1998.
Speaking to reporters after his inauguration, Akume said:
”It is an honour to be chosen to serve in this exalted position out of over 200 million Nigerians. It is a challenge to serve in line with the oaths I have taken today. I assure Nigerians I will do my best and I will not disappoint the President.
”I will not disappoint this country; I will not disappoint my party. I believe Nigerians will find fulfillment in my responsibility as I discharge my duties.”
Also present at the ceremony were the Governor of Benue State, Fr Hyacinth Alia, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the wife of the SGF, Hon. Regina Akume, some former governors, the leadership of the All Progressive Congress, family members and well-wishers.
