NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

Tinubu commends governors for supporting tax reform

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Friday expressed his appreciation to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) following their endorsement of the four Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

President Tinubu lauded the governors for their bold leadership and commitment to fostering unity among leaders nationwide, transcending regional, ethnic, and political barriers to advance Nigeria’s development.

The President said in a statement by Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman.

“Thursday’s productive consultation between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy is a commendable example of cooperation between the federal and state governments,” the President said.

Tinubu commended Gov. Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, for successfully galvanising support among his peers for the tax bills to rejuvenate the national economy and enhance Nigeria’s investment climate.

He also commended the Progressive Governors Forum, the Northern Governors Forum, and all other groups that made the bipartisan resolution of the controversy stirred by the tax bills possible.

According to the President, the primary aim of the Tax Reform Bills, which is pro-poor, is to promote national interests, improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s economy, and attract both local and foreign investments.

He said updating the country’s outdated tax laws was essential to this endeavour.

The President noted that the dialogue between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform highlighted the power of constructive conversation in resolving differences.

He also encouraged other stakeholders with ideas and suggestions for refining the tax bills to engage with the ongoing legislative process at the National Assembly.

Tinubu urged the National Assembly to expedite the legislative process for these crucial bills so that the country can swiftly reap the benefits of the reforms. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

General News

Our mission, united Nigeria where every citizen can thrive – Tinubu

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By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said his administration’s mission was to have a united Nigeria where every citizen can dream, work and thrive.

The President gave the assurance at the 55th Convocation Ceremonies of the University of Lagos.

He was represented by the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa.

“Unity remains our greatest strength. Our diversity is not a weakness but a source of incredible richness.

“Let us harness this diversity and work together to overcome challenges, seize opportunities and build a Nigeria we can all be proud of,” Tinubu said.

According to him, the Federal Government is building infrastructure which will connect cities and enhance security to protect all citizens.

“Our mission is clear: a united Nigeria where every citizen can dream, work, and thrive,” he said.

He congratulated the graduands and honorary awardees at the ceremony, and assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for realisation of laudable dreams.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Mr Fola Adeola, Co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.; and Mr Kola Adesina, Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, were conferred with honorary doctorate degree at the event.

A total of 16,590 students were awarded Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post Graduate Diploma and PhD at the week-long ceremony.

Mr Aliyu Gafaar (Business Administration) emerged the best graduating student (while Mr Akintoye Alaba ( Chemistry) had the best PhD thesis in science as well as overall best PhD thesis.

Ladipo Niniola (Yoruba Language) had the best PhD thesis in humanities.

Tinubu charged the graduands and honorary awardees to let their achievements illuminate the path for generations to come

“ I am confident that you will continue to make Nigeria proud in all your endeavours.

“The University of Lagos has equipped you with the tools to succeed.

“ Now, go forth and make history. Carry the spirit of excellence that defines this institution,” he charged.

Earlier, UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, said the institution had continued to promote equity, diversity and inclusion.

“This year, six visually impaired students (three males and three females) graduated – two each from the faculties of Education Law, and Social Sciences.

She said that Messrs Damilare Adebakin and Samuel Badekale, both from the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, graduated with 5.0 cumulative grade point average and finished as the overall best.

In his remarks, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state described UNILAG as an institution of academic excellence which had contributed to the development of the society by producing world-class leaders, professionals and innovators.

Sanwo-Olu was represented by the Secretary to Lagos State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin.

According to him, UNILAG has consistently demonstrated its commitment to raising individuals of character, integrity and purpose.

“The success of today’s graduates is a reflection of your hard work and vision.

“I was delighted to learn that another Lagos State indigene, Dr Adetoun Akintoye, is the valedictorian for this year.

“Thank you, Dr Akintoye, whose ground-breaking research is addressing food insecurity,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General News

N-HYPPADEC rehabilitates moribund Bida water works

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By Mohammed Baba Busu

The National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Commission (N-HYPPADEC), says the rehabilitation works of the over 20 years moribund Bida water works has reached 90 per cent completion stage.

Dr Itilatyaa Daniel, the Director of Engineering and Technical Services in the commission, said this during the confirmatory test of five MVA transformers purchased by the commission at the site in Bida on Thursday.

Represented by Suleiman Ajibola-Adebara, the director said the rehabilitation would solve the perennial water scarcity in Bida and environs.

According to him, the five MVA transformers will be install soon to fasttrack commissioning of the project.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the revitalisation of the Bida Mana Water Works has gained momentum with the supply of transformers by the commission to hasten power supply to the upgraded treatment plant.

The Head of Electrical Division of the commission, Ibrahim Adamu-Haruna noted that the transformers for the running of the treatment pumps purchased by Niger Government over time, had been test-run and confirmed satisfactory.

Adamu-Haruna said that the 11 KVA line was upgraded to 33 KVA, which was sufficient to run the pumps accordingly.

He said the plant was designed with 5,000 cubic metres capacity per hour, thereby alleviating the sufferings of an estimated two million beneficiaries in the area.

The contractor handling the project, Shafi’yi Yabagi said the project covered expansion of reticulation system, provision of more booster stations, treatment plant and reservoir, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

General News

Tinubu felicitates 1st APC national chairman, Bisi Akande, at 86

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday extolled the virtues of Chief Bisi Akande, the first National Chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), as he marks another birthday.

In a statement by Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, Tinubu described Akande, who turned 86 on Thursday, as “a truly progressive and committed Awoist” who made tremendous contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s democratic governance, nation-building, and development.

The president, the statement indicated, said selfless service had been Akande’s watchword since he entered politics.

Akande was Secretary to the Government of Old Oyo State and later Deputy Governor.

He then served as Governor of Osun State from 1999 to 2003, Interim National Chairman of the APC, and now Chairman of the Governing Board of Nigeria’s premier University of Ibadan.

Underscoring Akande’s considerable contributions to the APC, the President commended him for his pioneering efforts, pivotal to the party’s victory in the 2015 and subsequent elections.

The president noted that Chief Akande had been a close ally and partner in establishing progressive good governance in the country.

He particularly recalled their days in the pro-democracy group, NADECO, during the struggle to restore democracy in the land, praising Akande for his leadership, direction, integrity, and wisdom.

Tinubu said Akande’s 86th birthday offered him a veritable opportunity to thank him again for his support and wise counsel in his political journey and rise to the presidency of Nigeria.

He wished Akande more grace and strength as he makes invaluable contributions to the country and impacts the younger generation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

WTO Director-General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
General News

Tinubu congratulates Okonjo-Iweala, others on UNILAG’s honorary doctorate awards

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, DG, World Trade Organisation; Mr Fola Adeola, co-founder of GTBank Plc; and Mr Kola Adesina, MD, Sahara Power Group, on the honorary doctorate degrees conferred on them by the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The University recognised Okonjo-Iweala as the first African woman to lead the World Trade Organisation and for introducing significant reforms in Nigeria’s financial sector, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement on Thursday.

The university honoured Adeola for his pioneering role in the Nigerian banking sector and for founding the FATE Foundation, an NGO mentoring young Nigerian entrepreneurs through training and loans.

Adesina, an alumnus of the University, was recognised for his innovative contributions to the energy industry.

Adesina is the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Sahara Power Group, an energy and infrastructure organisation with operations in 42 countries.

“The three distinguished Nigerians were awarded a Doctor of Science honorary degree (D. Sc) by the University at its 55th convocation on January 16.

“President Tinubu deeply admires these exceptional Nigerians who have excelled in their careers and are role models for the nation’s youth.

“In one of the congratulatory letters, President Tinubu praised Mr Adesina for his significant contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector, highlighting this recognition as a reflection of his commitment to advancing national development,” Onanuga said in the statement.

The President also stated that the three Nigerian icons deserved recognition for their pursuit of excellence, hard work, and invaluable contributions to the nation’s economic development.

“I encourage you to continue to serve as beacons of hope, innovation, and inspiration for future generations. Please know that your contributions remain deeply valued by the government and people of Nigeria,” Tinubu said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

General News

Tinubu mourns former Lagos HoS, Sunny Ajose

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolence to the Lagos State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the death of Chief Sunny Ajose, former head of service.

Chief Ajose died early on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 78, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement

The President, who commiserated particularly with the people of Badagry, described the late Ajose as a statesman, party loyalist and committed APC leader in Badagry, and also a unifying force in Lagos State.

Recalling his relationship with Ajose as the head of service during his time as governor, President Tinubu underscored Ajose’s commitment to reforming the service.

“He was an astute administrator and dogged civil servant. When I appointed him the head of service, he became a rallying point.

“He had a considerable influence on the workers. He was pivotal in getting the civil service behind our policies and initiatives.

“Even after his tenure as head of service, we remained very close because of his leadership qualities and because he was an important partner in development,” the President said.

He said Ajose made immense contributions to developing not only his Badagry Constituency but also the entire state.

He added that it was a mark of recognition of his important role that he was the sole representative from Badagry in the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council.

While commiserating with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the government, and the people of the state, the President prayed for strength and support for Ajose’s family and eternal rest for his soul. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

General News

Tinubu congratulates Nigerian scientists, engineers on making Biden’s honour list

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated six Nigerians named by President Joe Biden among the 400 recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in the United States.

This recognition, established by former President Bill Clinton in 1996, is the highest honour bestowed by the United States government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their careers.

This year’s awardees, announced by Biden on Jan. 14, are employed or funded by 14 participating United States government agencies, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Spokesman, said in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

The Nigerian honourees include Azeez Butali, Gilbert Lilly Endowed Professor of Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa; and Ijeoma Opara, Associate Professor of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Sciences), Yale School of Public Health, Yale University.

Others are: Oluwatomi Akindele, Postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; and Eno Ebong, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Biology at Northeastern University;

The rest are: Oluwasanmi Koyejo, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University; and Abidemi Ajiboye, Executive Vice Chair of the Case School of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University.

Tinubu commended the awardees for their achievements in science, technology and engineering.

He noted that recognising the talents of the awardees underscored Nigerians’ vast potential to excel both at home and on the global stage.

Tinubu looked forward to the honourees sharing their multidisciplinary expertise to benefit Nigeria’s development efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

General News

Group unveils iLead Nigeria to build student leaders

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By Felicia Imohimi

The Maxwell Leadership Foundation has launched the iLead Nigeria Student Transformation Training and Workshop in Northern Nigeria to promote core values and foster leadership skills among students.

Mr Samuel Gbenga, iLead Nigeria Programme Manager, stated in Abuja that the programme, themed “Driving Transformation Through Leadership and Character”, aims to enhance students’ leadership capabilities, values, attitudes, and social skills.

Gbenga explained that the initiative seeks to help students, young leaders, and the next generation of leaders learn and internalise values that will shape them into better individuals.

“Values are the foundation of good leadership,” he said.

He further noted that iLead is a values-based youth leadership programme inspired by Dr John Maxwell.

“We believe that, to prepare the next generation, schools must be equipped and willing to help students embrace the right values.

“Studies show that investing in students’ leadership skills fosters cognitive growth by developing attitudes and values that also enhance their academic performance.

“Through iLead’s values-based peer-to-peer groups, we can mentor tomorrow’s leaders and provide them with a foundation for success now and in the future,” Gbenga added.

He highlighted the iLead curriculum, known as “iChoose + iDo,” which focuses on core values such as choices, attitudes, relationships, forgiveness, and responsibility.

Other values are initiative, teachability, resilience, growth, commitment, character, self-worth, courage, priorities, self-discipline, and influence.

Gbenga emphasised that choices are a gift and that life is a reflection of the decisions one makes.

“The benefits of choice include having freedom, control over your life, the ability to improve your circumstances, and the potential to reach your goals,” he said.

He identified the primary outcome of the programme as transforming students’ lives by equipping them to make better choices, improve academic performance, and develop strong character.

“We want to see students saying that, because of these values, they are making better life choices, excelling academically, and building better character.

“iLead is a global programme operating across continents, and over five million students have benefited from it,” Gbenga said.

Mrs Mute Olori, Convener of iLead, described it as a peer-to-peer mentoring initiative.

She explained that the programme involves training teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other northern states, who will, in turn, pass on the training to students.

This cascading model, she said, is expected to impact no fewer than 1.3 million youths in secondary schools.

“This programme provides a significant opportunity to shape the nation’s future.

“Young people are often told what to do, but this initiative enables students to discover values within themselves.

“They will hold themselves accountable and take responsibility for their actions,” Olori said.

Dr Ajayi Oluyemi, Deputy Director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, praised the programme for its potential to influence young adults positively.

He noted that its focus on character development is critical for achieving meaningful progress in life. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

General News

UAE president to visit Nigeria in 2025

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By Salif Atojoko

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has accepted President Bola Tinubu’s invitation to visit Nigeria this year.

Tinibu invited him on Wednesday during their bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement.

President Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday as a guest of the UAE President to participate in the Sustainability Week.

He delivered Nigeria’s position on climate and other challenges earlier on Wednesday and congratulated the UAE leader for the successful event.

During the discussions, the Sheikh thanked Tinubu for accepting his invitation and expressed the UAE’s determination to strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and his country.

The two leaders also explored attracting investment into Nigeria.

President Tinubu said his government’s economic reforms were yielding fruits and called on the UAE to partner with Nigeria to develop the economy.

He said the reforms had stabilised and grown the economy, encouraging foreign investors, including international oil companies, to announce billion-dollar investments, signalling renewed confidence in doing business with Africa’s most populous nation.

President Tinubu thanked Al Nahyan for the warm reception he and his aides received since their arrival over the weekend. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Rabiu Sanialli

General News

Group hails Tinubu’s pro-Africa posture

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By Salif Atojoko

A group, the Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF), has hailed President Bola Tinubu for his emphatic stance on Africa’s capability to develop itself, as articulated during his recent engagement with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

In a statement on Thursday by its Chairman, Mr Ahmad Sajoh, the group noted that the President’s position was not different from the message of Africa’s renaissance that he delivered in Ghana few days ago.

“President Tinubu’s meeting with his Rwandese counterpart on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week reinforces Nigeria’s leadership as the driving force of African advancement.

“He had declared that, ‘Africa has what it takes to develop itself. We have the resources, the people, and the capacity. The time for Africa is now.’

“This rallying call emphasises the need for intra-African collaboration and innovative leadership to maximise the continent’s immense potential,” said TSF.

The group said it recognised that under President Tinubu’s visionary leadership, Nigeria stood at the centre of Africa’s transformation.

“Strategically positioned and uniquely equipped with abundant resources and human capital, Nigeria is not just the heartbeat of Africa but a pivotal force in the global economy.

“With every African nation approximately equidistant from Nigeria, our nation serves as a natural hub for trade, policy collaboration, and sustainable development.

“So, the President’s advocacy for Africa to take ownership of its future resonates deeply with TSF’s mission of highlighting his commitment to quality leadership,” it said

According to the group, by prioritising policies that strengthen intra-African trade, enhance economic cooperation, and advance sustainable practices, President Tinubu is galvanising African leaders to embrace a shared vision for the continent’s growth.

TSF also applauded President Tinubu’s exemplary leadership in advancing regional peace and diplomacy as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.

“For us, his bold initiatives, particularly his decisive and collaborative approach to addressing crises within the West African region, underscore his commitment to safeguarding the stability and prosperity of the continent.

“Additionally, President Tinubu’s robust engagement in global platforms, such as the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, reaffirms his strategic efforts to position Africa as a major player on the world stage.

“His focus on sustainable development, equitable trade policies, and fostering unity among African nations has further solidified Nigeria’s leadership within the continent and beyond,” it said.

TSF urged Nigerians and Africans to align with Tinubu’s vision of transformative leadership.

“Africa is not merely a participant in global conversations; we are architects of a future defined by innovation, collaboration, and prosperity.

“The time for Africa is now,” the group added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sanialli

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