Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday, presided over the first Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting for the year 2023, following President Muhammadu Buhari's visit to Nouakchott, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, to participate in the Programme of the Third Forum of the African Conference for Peace.
Buhari on the occasion, received the “African Award for Strengthening Peace’’ from Abu Dhabi Peace Forum conferred on him, according to the presidential Spokesman, Femi Adesina.
Adesina had described the award as a parting gift for his leadership role in promoting peace in Africa through regular inventions, counsels and conciliation.
In what seems a first since COVID-19 protocols were put in place in 2020, ministers and ministers of state were physically present at the council chambers.
Also present are the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan.
Before the commencement of the council meeting, members held prayers lead by the minister of youth and sports, Sunday Dare and his aviation counterpart, Hedi Sirika.
Ministers who attended the ievent included the Ministers of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouk; Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo; Health, Osagie Ehanire; Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite; Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige; Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; Agriculture, Mohammad Abubakar; Aviation, Hadi Sirika; Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; Niger Delta, Umana Umana; Special Duties, George Akume, Power, Abubakar Aliyu; Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi; Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare; Justice, Abubakar Malami, Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo and Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi.
They also, included the Ministers of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mariam Katagum; Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo; Science and Technology, Henry Ikoh; Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada; Petroleum, Timipre Sylva. The president was expected back in the country yesterday.
