04 Dec Akume Charts Policy and Strategic Direction for Ministry

Akume Charts Policy and Strategic Direction for Special Duties Ministry

…by Aneke Ngozi

As part of its mandate to implement government policies and programs in line with the Economic Recovery and Growth plan of President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration, the Minister for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume has affirmed the need for a comprehensive policy and strategy to craft a road map for implementation of government policies and programmes.

Hon.-Minister-of-Special-Duties-and-Intergovernmental-Affairs-Dr.-George-Akume-addressing-the-Retreat

The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Special Duties Office Engr. Festus Daudu made this declaration at the opening ceremony of a Four-day Stakeholders Retreat held in Lagos, with the theme “Strategies for Actualization of the Mandate of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties & Inter-governmental Affairs”.

The Retreat according to the Minister, “underscores the need to re-orientate, acquaint and familiarize all staff and stakeholders with the renewed mandates, commitment, preparedness and determination in achieving the priority targets and policy disposition of Mr. President to consolidate on the gains of his vision and mission of providing national security, efficient management of economy, provision of infrastructure, the fight against corruption and above all the lifting of over 100million Nigerians out of poverty in the next ten years.

“In light of the new focus, there is dire need to define a definite action strategy to support the numerous ongoing national programmes of the Next Level Agenda of this administration” he added.

The Minister further stated that the choice of the theme for the Stakeholders Retreat was timely and strategic.  He expressed it would address relevant issues, policies, and strategies of the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs.

Akume thanked President Mohammadu Buhari for finding him worthy to head the Ministry which would champion the implementation of Special Programmes on behalf of the Federal Government.

L-R: Hon. Minister of Special Duties & Intergovernmental Affairs, Dr. George Akume, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Special Duties & Intergovernmental Affairs Engr. Festus Faudu, DG, NLRC, Lanre Gbajabiamila and Chairman, NLRC Governing Board, Alh. Fatai Ibikunle

The Governing Board Chairman of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Alhaji Ibikunle Fatai in his remarks said the Retreat was apt and underscores the singular drive of the Commission. He said the forum would address relevant and topical issues to enable participants to gain valuable insights which would be beneficial to all agencies of the Ministry.

Alhaji Fatai noted that the potential of Lottery as a tool for national development is not in doubt, adding that cooperation of all Stakeholders was crucial to overcoming the challenges faced in the country. He said the Retreat would help sustain the new Ministry while a sound policy that would help shape the Gaming industry would be initiated.

Earlier in the opening address, the Director-General NLRC, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila commended the organizers of the Retreat and iterated that the strategic plan by the Ministry was not only a landmark stride but a timely one geared towards improved economic conditions, infrastructural development and good governance.

Permanent-Secretary-Ministry-of-Special-Duties-and-Intergovernmental-Affairs-Engr.-Festus-Daudu

“As an Agency under the Ministry, the Commission is pleased to join the concerted effort in developing a long term strategic plan for the Ministry; one that would identify strategic objectives, harmonize our collective efforts and provide a defined roadmap to achieve desired goals”, he said.

The DG added that the Commission as a revenue-generating agency of government was aware of its responsibilities of maximizing revenues from Lottery proceeds which is also vital to funding various intervention programmes, as well as facilitating and implementing the Ministry’s strategic roadmap.

DG-NLRC-Lanre-Gbajabiamila-delivers-the-Opening-Address-at-the-Retreat

Goodwill messages were delivered at the Retreat by Chairman of the Board of Trustees, National Lottery Trust Fund Mr. Christopher Eta, Commissioner for Special Duties Gombe State who was represented, Honourable Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammed Mamud represented, Chairman Governing Board of Nigeria National Merit Award, Prof. Shekarau Yakubu Aku, National president of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria represented and Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu represented.

Bello Maigari, the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund delivered the vote of thanks at the event and said it was an all-important gathering. He urged all stakeholders present to join hands with the Ministry towards achieving the goals of the Retreat, as the outcome he added would go a long way to support the present administrations’ agenda.