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Buhari procured 20 ships in 8 years –  Naval Chief

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The Nigerian Navy has said that a total of 20 capital ships were procured for the Nigerian Navy (NN) during the eight-year administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Adm. Saidu Garba said this in a statement on Friday.

According to Garba, the ships comprise of Offshore Patrol Vessels, Landing Ship Transport, Hydrographic Survey Vessels, Seaward Defence Boats, Helicopters, as well as, over 300 Inshore Patrol Vessels and Assault crafts.

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He said that as a result of Buhari’s contribution to the development of the NN during his administration, the Navy was poised to give the president a befitting Presidential Fleet Review (PFR).

The PFR with the theme: ‘Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity’ is scheduled to hold in Lagos from May 19 to May 22.

The naval chief added that the president also commissioned two locally built ships in 2016 and in 2021, respectively, and laid the keel for two more, which would be ready by 2024.

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“The PFR 2023 is therefore organised in honour of Buhari, in recognition of his generous contribution to the service and the nation at large.

“It involves assemblage of ships and other maritime assets at a designated area for the purpose of demonstrating loyalty and allegiance to the state.

“The review also provides an avenue for the president to assess the navy’s preparedness to meet statutory obligations in maritime security, safety and defence within a global collaborative approach,” he said.

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Garba said that the last PFR was conducted in 2010 in honour of then President Goodluck Jonathan, and to mark the 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.

He also noted that the NN had attended many Fleet reviews of other countries with the nation’s Flag Ship, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) ARADU.

“Also, the NN sent personnel to participate in the Bangladesh Navy Fleet Review in December 2022, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the country’s Independence,” he said.

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The naval chief said the PFR-2023 exercise would involve 16 NN warships, 3 x AW109E NN helicopters and a mix of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft.

“Some foreign warships from allied nations including Spain, Brazil and Ghana are also expected to participate in the exercise.

“Other activities lined up for the day include capability demonstration by NN Special Forces, defence/maritime expo exhibition, combined naval parade and exercises,” he said.

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Garba said that the tenure of Buhari marked a period of profound transformation of the NN Fleet.

He said that the president demonstrated enormous political will in ensuring the recapitalisation of the NN Fleet, which had become the pride of the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).

“Therefore, the PFR-2023 is in celebration of Mr President’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s naval assets and capability to project her instruments of maritime power for national prosperity,” Garba said.

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(NAN)

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Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

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President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed London in the early hours of Tuesday with the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.
On arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport Katsina, Tinubu was received by Gov. Dikko Radda,  former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Tajudeen Abbas.
Others are Ministers, former governors, former and serving Senators, Alhaji Dahiru Managl,  former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NEC), amongst others.
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“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

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Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.

“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.

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Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.

“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.

Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.

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“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.

Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.

“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.

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On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.

The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.

Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.

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King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.

In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”

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He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”

Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”

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