News Agency of Nigeria
2027: Strengthening PDP important now, not choice of presidential candidate — Makinde
Politics

2027: Strengthening PDP important now, not choice of presidential candidate — Makinde

 

 

 

By Adeyemi Adeleye

 

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reiterated the need for a virile and united Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before conversions around choice of presidential candidate in 2027 general elections.

 

Makinde spoke to newsmen after a closed-door PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit held on Thursday in Ikeja, Lagos.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was convened to deliberate on zoning arrangements ahead of the party’s forthcoming national convention.

 

Answering questions on whether the meeting deliberated on the choice of the party’s presidential candidate for 2027, Makinde said: “We haven’t even gotten there.

 

“We need to have a party first before you start talking about presidential candidates. if we don’t have a party, anything that you are trying to do will fall flat.

 

“So, our efforts right now is directed towards having a virile and united PDP that Nigerians will be proud of, and again will believe in.”

 

Justifying the need for adequate consultations with all PDP stakeholders, Makinde said that the party must close ranks and present itself as a credible alternative.

 

He said that the party stakeholders at the meeting had taken far-reaching decisions ahead of the November National Convention of the party.

 

Makinde said: “We just finished the consultative meeting of the PDP Zoning Committee for the south, and nothing should stop us from consulting.

 

“Democracy is about the minority having their say and the majority having their way. That is democracy.

 

“So, we are democrats, the south has taken far-reaching decisions, and in the days ahead leading to the convention

 

“Our next wider consultations will also take place, and we are sure that those that have been saying that ‘PDP is dead” ‘PDP is now’ a carcass will now the party is much alive.”

 

According to him, the calibre of people that attended the meeting has proved those who claim PDP is dead wrong.

 

“They are all here and committed to PDP taking back its rightful position in Nigeria.

 

“So in the days ahead, some of the things discussed here, you’ll see them,” he said.

 

Highlighting the prominence of the stakeholders at the summit Makinde said that meeting had Gov. Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Gov. Peter Mba of Enugu, represented by his deputy, Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun, who earlier left to address an issue in Oshogbo.

 

“Gov. Adeleke is here, he came back into this country, I believe this morning, and then he went straight to Osogbo to address some governance issues, but he said, whatever we decide here is with us.

 

“Gov. Diri is here, Gov. Peter Mba, who couldn’t make it physically, but sent the deputy governor.

 

“We have the Chairman of our Board of Trustees here. We also have at least 12 of the 17 members of the zoning committee from the south. It’ is one per state. So, we have 12 states here.

 

“We have Rep. members and senators from each zone in the south, the three zones. We have BOT members from the three zones in the south. The organisers have scored about 100 per cent.

 

“Consultation means you keep reaching out, you keep engaging. So from this meeting, we will also reach out and engage and even do more.

 

“We are trying to get all stakeholders, all tendencies in the PDP together so that we can give a credible alternative to Nigerians in the years ahead,” he said.

 

He said though the consultative meeting was not something statutory in the PDP constitution, “democracy requires inclusivity, reaching out and ensuring that all stakeholders are carried along.,”

 

Makinde said that the party would continue to reach out to all interests ahead of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party.

 

He said that PDP has good plans for Nigerians, appealing to the people to continue to support the party.

 

 

 

Makinde saud the victory of the party in Saturday’s by-election in Oyo state showed that the party was not dead.

 

“In most other places of the 12 states, PDP came second in each of those. It is an indication to us that if we continue to work hard, if we continue to strive hard, if we continue to bring our people together, we will get to a point where Nigerians will really start listening to us.

 

 

 

NAN reports that the meeting, called under the auspices of the PDP Zoning Committee, chaired by Diri.was also attended by former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George and BOT Chairman, Sen. Adolphus Wabara.

 

Also in attendance are former Govs. Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa-Ibom), Sen.Ben Obi,a former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Mrs Jumoke Akinjide, among other stakeholders.

 

 

 

Loyalists of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, were conspicuously absent at the meeting.

 

Recall that party leaders in the camp of Wike had earlier in the day dismissed the Lagos meeting as “illegal” and “exclusionary”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Bauchi unveils investment summit to drive inclusive economic growth
Economy/Business

Bauchi unveils investment summit to drive inclusive economic growth

 

 

By Olawunmi Ashafa

 

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State says true development must go beyond statistics and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures to focus on improving citizens’ lives and building a sustainable future.

 

Mohammed, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Aminu Hammayo, in his keynote address, said this in Lagos on Thursday during the unveiling of the Bauchi State Economic and Investment Summit, scheduled for Oct. 8 and Oct. 9.

 

He described the summit with the theme, “Rebuilding a Resilient Economy: Optimising Investment and Partnerships”, as a turning point in positioning the state as a leading investment destination.

 

“Growth is not an end in itself. Serving the human person and his overall wellbeing should constitute the be-all and end-all of our investment choices.

 

“Our vision is prosperity that is inclusive, sustainable, and felt in the daily lives of our people,” he said.

 

The governor said the summit would showcase economic opportunities of the state, promote private sector participation, and foster collaborations with both local and international investors.

 

Mohammed stressed the importance of partnerships with Lagos, which he described as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy.

 

He expressed optimism that the summit would attract fresh capital inflows, create jobs, and transform the state into a centre of shared prosperity.

 

“This is not just about business; it is about creating jobs, reducing poverty, and giving our people a better quality of life,” he said.

 

Also, Alhaji Mohammed Gamawa, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Investment, added that Bauchi was positioning itself as a hub for investment across livestock, agriculture, solid minerals, ICT, and renewable energy.

 

According to him, the foresight of the governor in creating the Ministry of Livestock Development demonstrates a commitment to strengthening food security and boosting poultry, dairy, and aquaculture production beyond local consumption into exports.

 

“We are deliberately building capacity around the livestock value chain, not only for local needs but also for export development,” Gamawa said.

 

He added that Bauchi had been selected as a proposed site for a Special Oil and Gas Free Economic Zone in Kolmani, following hydrocarbon exploration by the NNPC, a project expected to strengthen industrial linkages and open up new opportunities.

 

On solid minerals, Gamawa said Bauchi was endowed with over 100 documented deposits, including limestone, kaolin, gold, zinc, and iron ore, while ongoing discoveries continue to expand the state’s mining potential.

 

He stressed that the government aimed to move beyond artisanal mining into large-scale industrial processing for global competitiveness.

 

He also highlighted Bauchi’s youthful and vibrant population, strong ICT policies, renewable energy prospects, and infrastructural projects in markets, housing, and security, which he said provided an enabling environment for investors.

 

Gamawa assured that the state was offering not just public-private partnerships but “bankable PPPs” that would guarantee mutual benefits.

 

Mr Aderemi Bolaji, a director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who also spoke at the event, commended the state government for its efforts to attract investment, describing Bauchi as an “investors’ destination”.

 

He urged the government to align its investment drive with the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms and encouraged prospective investors to ignore negative narratives often peddled by competitors.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Okoeki debuts solo exhibition with ‘The Line Between Us’
Entertainment

Okoeki debuts solo exhibition with ‘The Line Between Us’

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Babajide Awoyinfa

 

Lagos art enthusiasts are set to witness an intimate journey into memory, absence, and belonging, as fast-rising visual artist, Ehinomen Okoeki, unveils his much-anticipated debut solo exhibition, ‘The Line Between Us’, at Yenwa Gallery.

 

In a statement on Thursday in Lagos, Okoeki described the exhibition as a “deeply personal journey into how distance reshapes closeness”.

 

He noted that art allows individuals to sit with emotions they often cannot explain in words.

 

“This exhibition is not only about physical movement,” Okoeki explains.

 

“It is about the invisible lines migration draws between us, the distances that reshape intimacy, the grief that lingers in absence.

 

“And the fragile memories we hold on to when words and presence are no longer enough,” he said.

 

Okoeki emerged as a distinctive voice in contemporary Nigerian art, weaving material exploration with deeply emotional narratives that speak to universal human experiences of separation and longing.

 

His body of work, created through an intricate process of collage, painting, and assemblage, employs unconventional surfaces such as parchment paper, canvas, matt board, and plexiglass.

 

Each deliberately chosen not merely as a material but as a symbolic medium that mirrors the fragile weight of memory, absence, and the passage of time.

 

In ‘The Line Between Us’, Okoeki delves into the grief of migration and the invisible yet permanent boundaries it draws between loved ones.

 

It offers audiences a visual meditation on intimacy altered by distance, and the quiet pain of waiting, separation, and loss. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Five 2 Media returns with Remi X Nneoma movie
Entertainment

Five 2 Media returns with Remi X Nneoma movie

 

By Babajide Awoyinfa

 

Nigerian production powerhouse, Five 2 Media Entertainment, has returned to the global stage with Remi X Nneoma, a moving drama inspired by the Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi.

 

In a statement, on Thursday in Lagos, director of the movie, Lyndsey Efejuku, said it explores womanhood, grief, resilience, and intergenerational bonds.

 

“This film is about more than survival; it’s about reinvention. Remi X Nneoma offers rare emotional honesty—both intimate and grand in scope,” Efejuku said.

 

Remi X Nneoma follows Nneoma and her daughter-in-law, Remi, who after shared loss, choose to stay together in Ikwerre, navigating grief, societal expectations, widowhood, and the search for healing.

 

The cast features Bisola Aiyeola, Liz Benson-Ameye, Uche Montana, and Ifeanyi Kalu, with supporting performances from Eucharia Anunobi, Buchi Franklin, Martha Ehinome, Kunle Coker, Kelechi Udegbe, and Tina Mba.

 

Screenwriters Priye Diri and Adelarin Awotedu reimagine the ancient tale through a modern cultural lens, delivering a story that blends intimacy and grandeur with emotional honesty and social resonance.

 

At the heart is Remi, portrayed by Aiyeola, a young widow confronting devastating loss. Her relationship with mother-in-law Nneoma, played by Benson-Ameye, anchors their transformative journey.

 

Aiyeola said: “Remi is every woman rebuilding herself from scratch. Her quiet persistence carries strength. Playing her was unforgettable and deeply personal for me.”

 

Also, the producer, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, said the story celebrates women’s legacy and intergenerational love.

 

“It challenges norms while honouring courage and transformation at the heart of female resilience.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Survey shows strong support for women in politics
General News

Survey shows strong support for women in politics

 

 

 

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

 

The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), supported by the European Union (EU), has released survey findings showing overwhelming public support for women’s representation in governance.

 

 

 

The results were presented on Tuesday during a webinar titled ‘Sustaining Momentum for the Special Seats Bill: Survey Insights on Public Understanding and Support’.

 

 

 

The nationwide poll, commissioned by PLAC and conducted by NOIPolls in June 2025, surveyed more than 3,000 Nigerians across all six geo-political zones, 36 states, and the FCT.

 

 

 

Dr Chike Nwangwu, CEO of NOIPolls, noted that although public awareness remains low, there is significant support for women’s political representation across all demographics surveyed.

 

 

 

Presenting findings from the Perception Poll Report on Public Awareness and Understanding of the Special Seats Bill, Nwangwu said 91 per cent of respondents supported increased women’s participation in governance.

 

 

 

He added that 96 per cent of women and 89 per cent of men backed this view, reflecting a broad consensus across gender lines.

 

 

 

Nwangwu stated that 58 per cent of respondents expressed trust in institutions to advance the Bill, but participation in consultations or public forums remained very low at one per cent.

 

 

 

Nearly half, 49 per cent of respondents, recommended public awareness campaigns as the most effective strategy to build support, followed by social media mobilisation and partnerships with women’s groups.

 

 

 

Omolara Akinyeye, Deputy Executive Director of PLAC, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring inclusive governance remains firmly on the legislative agenda.

 

 

 

She stressed that the Special Seats Bill, which seeks to create additional legislative seats for women, would remain the central focus of advocacy efforts.

 

 

 

Akinyeye noted the strong support from the leadership of the 10th National Assembly and urged that public backing must be translated into concrete legislative outcomes.

 

 

 

She praised civil society efforts, stressing the opportunity to convert data into action by leveraging survey findings to sustain momentum.

 

 

 

“The real test lies in transforming the current energy into citizen demands on representatives – demands that become actual votes on the floor of the National Assembly,” she said.

 

 

 

OlaOluwa Olawumi, EU Programme Manager on Democracy, Rule of Law, and Gender, highlighted the EU’s commitment to inclusive governance and anticipation of further deliberations on the Bill.

 

 

 

“True development cannot be achieved without ensuring all members of society have a voice in decisions that affect them.

 

 

 

“Women’s political participation is essential for sustainable development and overall societal progress.

 

 

 

“The EU will continue supporting opportunities that strengthen women’s involvement in governance and decision-making,” Olawumi said.

 

 

 

Former House of Representatives member from Taraba, Rimamnde Shawulu, stressed the importance of political advocacy at the constituency level to advance inclusive representation.

 

 

 

Similarly, Esther Ijeaku, CEO of Skill Hub Consulting, highlighted strategic communications as vital for advocacy, stressing how empowered civil society groups can drive sustainable impact on the Bill. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Homegrown solutions will help improve nation’s health indices -NIMR Foundation
Health

Homegrown solutions will help improve nation’s health indices -NIMR Foundation

 

 

 

 

By Kemi Akintokun

 

Dr Olajide Sobande, the Executive Director, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) Foundation, on Monday highlighted the need to proffer homegrown solutions to some of the nation’s health challenges through research.

 

Sobande said this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the ongoing 2025 Grantmanship and Mentorship Training Programme (GMTP) Cohort 5 organised by the NIMR Foundation for researchers in Lagos.

 

According to him, such solutions will help to improve the health indices of the nation.

 

He said: “The problem we have are peculiar to us – the growing problem of communicable diseases that has always been with us and non-communicable diseases that are largely responsible for the high morbidity and mortality rate in the country.

 

“Some of our healthcare workers have left the country in search of greener pastures and the recent events where the U.S. withdrew a lot of its funding on health globally.

 

“It is time for us to look inward and begin to fund our own health-care research that will improve our health system to ensure a better outcome for Nigerians.”

 

On the GMTP, the executive director said the programme sponsored by the NIMR Foundation aimed at improving the capacity of early career researchers selected from across the country.

 

He said that 29 researchers are participating in this year’s edition, while a total of 120 researchers selected from universities and research institutions across the country had benefited from the programme since inception in 2022.

 

“This programme focuses on developing the next set of researchers to do quality research that will influence policies and practice of healthcare in the country.

 

“The training has also been continuously refined over the years driven largely by feedback from participants, implementation lessons and innovative ideas gleaned from similar programmes and refinement of the logical framework to achieve the broad aim of the training.

 

“The overall goal of this programme is to improve health outcomes for Nigerians and ultimately develop homegrown technologies, vaccines and medicines that will meet the health needs of our people,” Sobande said.

 

NAN reports that NIMR Foundation is a private, non-profit organisation established by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in 2018 and was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in February 2020.

 

The NIMR Foundation has the mandate to build and expand capacity for translational research among early career investigators.

 

The foundation seeks to promote innovation, development and commercialisation of homegrown medicines, vaccines and technologies to address the country’s health challenges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

 

 

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Adequate facilities key to effective teaching in varsities -Prof.Okuneye
Education

Adequate facilities key to effective teaching in varsities -Prof.Okuneye

 

 

 

 

By Henry Oladele

 

A university lecturer, Prof. Rafiu Okuneye, says adequate teaching facilities and equipment are key to effective teaching and quality research in universities.

 

 

 

Okuneye ,a professor of Physiology Education,said this during the maiden lecture of the Faculty of Education, Lagos State University (LASU),Ojo.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the lecture is “Fostering Academic Culture Towards University Greatness”.

 

Okuneye ,delivering the lecture, also urged universities to promote research and scholarly activities to foster and sustain a robust academic culture.

 

 

 

According to him, a robust academic culture is indispensable to a university’s sustained excellence.

 

 

 

“Insufficient facilities and equipment further hinder effective teaching and research, despite regulatory measures, like carrying capacity limits, which are often circumvented.

 

 

 

“Governance challenges arise when university leadership manipulates regulations or suppresses institutional committees, leading to instability and a breakdown in academic discipline.

 

 

 

“Amidst these challenges, the commitment of academic staff, those who are disciplined, knowledgeable, and dedicated-is pivotal in nurturing and upholding the academic culture that propels a university toward greatness,”he said.

 

The professor, while speaking on the theme, said that the society look up to the universities for solutions to its problems and advancements.

 

 

 

“In the words of Benno 2017, the predominant view is that universities must demonstrate their relevance to the real world.

 

 

 

“This is by ensuring a close link between the knowledge and skills they produce and the needs of the local and global communities in which they are embedded,”he said.

 

 

 

According to him ,the primary function of any university is serving as an instrument for the well-being agenda that can help reduce poverty and disease, as well as improve agricultural produce and industrialisation,”he said.

 

 

 

He also said a university’s culture is characterised by shared values, strong traditions, acceptable behaviours, and not democracy or politics.

 

“These are the things we are trying to explore which includes academic pursuits, social interaction, extracurricular activities, and a parallel atmosphere that characterises life on campus.

 

“University is what we mean when we say campus life, life on campus. This is a norm in this whole university.

 

“University is a society that is characterised by attitudes and behaviours that are of high quality. Therefore, this culture remains its own.

 

“As university education seeks to impact the minds of people, it solves vital problems and shapes the world for a better place to start,”he said.

 

He said other features that characterise an academic culture are qualifications, rules of operations, recognition of standards and discipline.

 

“Others are academic freedom, dignity, seniority, and scholarship,”he said.

 

While speaking on political culture , Okuneye said that it is a critical aspect of university culture as It caters for the leaderships of various segments of the university,

 

“This starts with university management, faculty, school, department, services, directorate, staff and Students’ Union Associations and societies within the university,”he said.

 

The Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Olugbenga Akindoju, in his welcome address, said the lecture marked the beginning of a new tradition in the faculty platform for intellectual and academic inspiration and scholarly excellence.

 

“The theme is both timely and strategic, and a faculty that plays a vital role in shaping future teachers and educational leaders, we recognise that teacher education is central to national development.

 

“No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers, and by investing in teacher preparation, we are directly investing in the future of our country.

 

 

 

“However, the journey towards excellence is not without challenges. The faculty continues to grapple with inadequate facilities for lectures, offices and laboratories that should support innovative teaching and research,”he said.

 

The professor ,who acknowledged that the university could not achieve greatness alone, urged stakeholders, alumni and friends of the faculty to rise and act as partners in progress.

 

“Your spirited support, whether in resources, infrastructure or collaboration, that will help us provide the enabling environment our staff and students deserve, is requested,”he said.

 

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatuji-Bello, said that the initiative signalled a new tradition of intellectual engagement, knowledge sharing and scholarly excellence.

 

Olatunji-Bello was represented by the Deputy VC, Academics, Prof. Taiwo Afisi.

 

“This will significantly enrich the academic culture of a world-class university such as ours.

 

“As a university community, we must constantly remind ourselves that the true measure of greatness is not in infrastructure alone, but in the strength of our academic culture, and values of rigorous scholarship with mentorship.

 

 

 

“This lecture series by the Faculty of Education is therefore commendable.

 

 

 

“It keeps us focused on our collective mission to make LASU the best university in West Africa with the highest and finest level of academic and research standards,” she said.

 

Vice-Chancellor , Lagos State University of Education, Prof.Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, Dr Oluwasegun Musa, a traditional ruler, Oba Nojeemdeen Oduala I of Akesan kingdom, were also anong those present at the programme. (NAN)

 

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

FG reforms vital for prosperity – Minister
Economy/Business

FG reforms vital for prosperity – Minister

 

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

 

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, says bold economic reforms by the Federal Government are beginning to yield early results and will bring lasting prosperity.

 

 

 

Bagudu, who was represented by Mr Felix Okonkwo, Director of Macroeconomic Analysis, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, said this in Lagos on Tuesday at a news conference ahead of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#31).

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit with the theme, “The Reform Imperative: Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030”, is scheduled to hold from Oct. 6 To Oct. 8 in Abuja.

 

 

 

It will bring together government leaders, the private sector, and development partners to shape policies for inclusive growth.

 

 

 

Bagudu admitted that the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of the exchange rate had created short-term hardships but insisted they were “tough but necessary decisions” to stabilise the economy.

 

 

 

“The foundation is being laid. We expect the impact to reflect positively on the standards of living of our citizens.

 

 

 

“Government cannot achieve this alone, we need the private sector, development partners, and every Nigerian to play their part,” Bagudu said.

 

 

 

He noted that inflationary pressures were beginning to ease as fiscal and monetary policies align, while reforms in revenue mobilisation, debt management, and public investment were improving confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

 

 

 

The minister said government was sustaining investments in power, transport, and the digital economy to boost productivity and competitiveness, while also targeting social programmes at vulnerable populations.

 

 

 

Agriculture, he added, remains a central focus.

 

 

 

“We are moving beyond exporting raw commodities to creating value-added products. Farmers are being supported with mechanisation, improved seeds, biotechnology, and better access to finance,” he said.

 

 

 

Bagudu also highlighted the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme launched by President Bola Tinubu, which aims to lift more than 10 million economically active Nigerians by directly targeting all 8,809 wards across the country.

 

 

 

“This programme guarantees inclusivity, no community will be left behind in our quest for shared prosperity,” he stressed.

 

 

 

On the October summit, Bagudu said discussions would focus on industrialisation, infrastructure, inclusion, strong institutions, and unlocking investment opportunities in global trade.

 

 

 

He urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the process, warning that reversing reforms would risk undoing hard-won progress.

 

 

 

“If we persevere, we will transform the country and realise the dreams of our founding fathers, an egalitarian society and a prosperous nation,” the minister said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

NES#31: Reforms key to inclusive growth- NESG Chair
Economy/Business

NES#31: Reforms key to inclusive growth- NESG Chair

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

The Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr Niyi Yusuf, on Tuesday said that Nigeria must embrace a new wave of bold and structural reforms to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity.

 

Yusuf said this at a news conference ahead of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#31), scheduled to hold from Oct. 6 to Oct. 8, in Abuja.

 

The summit has the theme: “The Reform Imperative: Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030”.

 

He explained that while the removal of fuel subsidies and the harmonisation of foreign exchange had narrowed fiscal deficits and restored a measure of stability, noting that reforms must go beyond crisis management.

 

“The reforms of 2023 and 2024 gave us breathing space, but they will not, on their own, deliver the Nigeria we envision by 2030.

 

“What is required now is a second wave of reforms; structural, deliberate, and transformative,” Yusuf said.

 

He recalled that the NESG had, over the past three decades, influenced landmark policies in pensions, telecommunications, agriculture and energy, while also providing the blueprint for Nigeria’s recovery from the 2016 recession.

 

 

 

According to him, NES#31 will focus on five sub-themes, including industrialisation-led growth to reduce dependence on imports, and building critical infrastructure such as power, transport, broadband and logistics, which he described as the backbone of productivity.

 

 

 

The other themes include advancing inclusion to ensure that women, youth, small businesses and underserved communities benefit from reforms; strengthening institutions through good governance, policy continuity and rule of law; and unlocking investment opportunities amid global trade shifts and AfCFTA integration.

“These five priorities will be anchored on reforms, resilience and results,” Yusuf said, adding that the summit would convene policymakers, private sector leaders, development partners and civil society to chart practical pathways for inclusive growth.

He warned that the choice before Nigeria was stark — to treat current reforms as an end and risk sliding back into fragility, or to seize them as the foundation for building a resilient, productive and globally competitive economy.

“The Reform Imperative is not about tomorrow; it is about the choices we make today. Together, let us build a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria by 2030,” he added.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer of NESG, Dr Tayo Aduloju, said that this year’s Nigerian Economic Summit would focus on addressing the critical reforms needed to drive inclusive growth in the country.

 

Aduloju explained that the theme was drawn from Nigeria’s economic realities in the past five years, stressing that reform was no longer a choice but a necessity.

 

“How do you grow an economy? You grow an economy by expanding investment, expanding government expenditure, expanding consumption, while creating a trade surplus, exporting more than you are importing. That is what creates jobs,” he said.

According to him, the summit will focus on identifying not only the reform imperatives but also the constraints hindering economic growth.

He noted that these include obstacles to investment, government expenditure, export growth, consumption, and overall productivity.

Aduloju added that the dialogue sessions at the summit would provide opportunities to share practical insights and strategies that could unlock growth, boost competitiveness, and ensure inclusive prosperity for all Nigerians. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Super highway: Kenny Martins applauds Tinubu’s infrastructure drive
General News

Super highway: Kenny Martins applauds Tinubu’s infrastructure drive

 

 

By Adeyemi Adeleye

 

A politician and former National Coordinator, Police Equipment Fund, Chief Kenny Martins, has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s vision and commitment to building the economy through infrastructure development.

 

Martins, Chairman, AEC Unity Network Ltd., lead promoter of the Abuja-Lagos Super Highway and High-Speed Train project, spoke with newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos.

 

The chairman of the company said that the firm, with a number of investors, was prepared to go to site for the proposed 470- kilometre Abuja-Lagos Greenfield super highway, expected to be completed in four years at five billion dollars.

 

According to him, all the consortium is waiting for is the final approval by the Federal Executive Council for the ground breaking of the legacy project.

 

“We express the appreciation of our company to the infrastructure-friendly disposition of President Bola Tinubu and his government.

 

“This is exemplified by the several mind- boggling essential infrastructure projects going on simultaneously in every state of the federation as well as the Federal Capitat Territory, Abuja.

 

“Barely five to six weeks when this government took over, the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, took this project to the President, that we have a a 470- km Super Highway that is being proposed by a group of individuals, and he graciously approved it .

 

“Since then, we have been crossing the T’s and dotting I’s. This still remains one major project in Nigeria awaiting FEC approval for take off.

 

“We are confident of FEC approval very soon and happy to announce that we are good to go with this project.

 

“We expect that the approval will come, we have the commitment of the Minister on Works on this.

 

“In a very short while, Nigerians should be expecting the cutting of the tapes for the flag off of the project,” Martins said.

 

He commended late President Muhammadu Buhari| for receiving the project with open hands during his time in office and for offering to do everything within his power to ensure the success of the project

 

According to him, AEC Unity group is a consortium , a joint venture company, committed to deepening Nigeria’s democracy and building economy.

 

“We are here today talking about the economy, building an infrastructure that will open up the country in a way that none has ever done.

 

“We are building a road from Abuja, the Federal Capital, to Lagos, the commercial capital. We are also building the 4th Mainland Bridge, where this road terminates in Lagos.

 

“By the grace of God, in the next four years, we are building a $5 billion worth of road infrastructure- Abuja –Lagos Super Highway.

 

“In-between, connecting those two cities is another $3 billion to a $4 billion major bridge, the Fourth Mainland Bridge. We are here to kickstart the super highway,” he added.

 

He said that with the support and cooperation of advisors, consultants and other stakeholders, the consortium had concluded the preliminary aspects of the project designs, studies and approvals

 

“We are today fully prepared to go to site and commence construction as soon as we receive the Federal Executive Council approval of the project take off, and the flag off of the project by the President and Commander in Chief,” he said.

 

He said that the company had brought together financiers, advisors, and consultants to demonstrate its readiness, ability and capability, as well as willingness to execute the project.

 

Martins also said that the company would provide the nearest and best link by road between the FCT and the economic capital, Lagos.

 

“The super highway will also facilitate easier and cheaper means of commuting by road between the two great cities to the glory of God and the benefit of our countrymen and women.

 

“The superhighway will be strategic in several ways, because it will not only open up the villages through which the super highway will pass, it will also provide a much more convenient alternative for those who are only travelling to any of the states through which the super highway passes.

 

According to him, these states include, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kwara, kogi, Niger and FCT.

 

He explained that when the proposal started six years ago under the previous government, the method of funding the project was for the Federal Government to provide guarantee for a sizeable proportion of the project funds.

 

Martins,however,said that the arrangement had been reviewed because of the country’s heavy exposure to foreign debts.

 

According to him, the firm has settled for a mutual consensus with the Federal Government and the consortium, opting to execute the project without the usual sovereign guarantee.

 

Martins said that the consortium, however had “a hybrid of guarantees that would enable our financiers to have the confidence that their funds will not be in any danger whatsoever.”

 

 

 

The chairman listed the stakeholders to include the UBA Plc, Associated Engineering Consultants, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), United Capital Plc, FutureView Financial Services Ltd, Olanihun Ajayi LP, G. Elias.and First Global Commerce Solution Limited

 

Speaking, a Legal Consultant and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mr Dipo Okpeseyi, also commended Tinubu’s infrastructure drive.

 

 

 

“Fair enough the immediate past administration and this administration have shown that infrastructural development should be a priority issue.”

 

Also, Mr Ebele Ogbue, the UBA Plc Group Head, Special Project, who described the proposed project as strategic , noted that the bank had been in support of infrastructure projects in the country to address logistics challenges .

 

“Lagos and Abuja are critical to Nigeria. We feel quite happy to be part of this conversation and part of this project, we will work closely to ensure that the project become to fruition,” Ogbue said.

 

Also, Mr Hanson Zhao, Manager of the China Harbour Engineering Company, saiid, “the project is not just a road, but a national asset. This project will boost economy and reduce transport costs. We do a lot of projects in Nigeria. We look forward to actualising the project.”

 

Dr Gbadebo Adenrele, Managing Director, Investment Banking, United Capital Plc, said, “our real work is to facilitate access to finances for this project.

 

” The project has what it takes to attract needed potential financers. This is a large -scale infrastructure project.”

 

Ms Elizabeth Ebi, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Futureview Financial Services Ltd, said that the firm was working hard to make the project successful.

 

“Fund raising is second nature to us. This project is a phenomenal one that link the nation’s capital to the commercial capital.This project is something we should be part of.

 

“We have done what we need to do to ensure its success. All we need is just that trigger to kickoff. We have the template, we have the fund. As soon as we have full approval, we are ready.”

 

All members of the consortium described the project as laudable and capable of reengineering the nation’s economy, expressing readiness to commence work and deliver at project duration.

 

NAN recalls that Minister of Works, David Umahi, had revealed that the road would be built by a private sector consortium at no cost to the government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

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