By Ibrahim Bello

Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi says the yearnings and aspirations of Kebbi people have been addressed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Idris made the statement when a delegation of the Federal Government led by Minister of Works, Mr Dave Umahi, undertook an inspection tour of ongoing Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway project in Kebbi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation included Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, State Minister for Works, Alhaji Muhammad Bello-Goronyo and Permanent Secretary of the ministry among others.

While inspecting the project, Gov. Idris said, “In Kebbi, we don’t play with Mr President, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done so many things in the state, some things that we have not witnessed before.

“It’s pertinent to show our appreciation to Mr President through the honourable Minister of Works. Already, the yearnings and aspirations of people of Kebbi have been addressed by Mr President.”

He also observed that the essence of leadership was to bring development to the people, adding that Mr President had brought uncountable development to the people of Kebbi.

“Therefore, we have no cause whatsoever not to support Mr President. By God’s grace, people of Kebbi will support him come 2027,” he assured.

Idris promised that the state government would create an enabling environment for HITECH, the company handling the project to execute the project successfully.

The governor expressed delight that shortly after breaking of fast with Mr President on Monday, the president singled him out of his colleagues, governors, and confided in him that,” the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway has come to stay.”

In his speech, Umahi clarified that the legacy projects of Mr President covered all the six geopolitical zones of the federation.

He appreciated Gov. Idris for not only showing total commitment towards the success of the project but also committed to Mr president’s programmes.

“I must appreciate you, you are doing fantastically well and most importantly, your relationship with the past governors, your respect for them, your honour for them, God will also honour you as such.

“Whoever that will take over from you after eight years will also honour and respect you and I want to assure you that the president’s heart is in this place,” he said.

The minister expressed confidence in the ability of the company handling the project, HITECH, especially with the calibre of equipment they mobilised to the cites.

Umahi recalled that the present administration had inherited a project of 350 kilometres Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road, adding that they inherited 240 kilometres times two (×2) making 480 kilometres.

The minister expressed happiness that Mr President had released the section one and three 30 per cent of the approved contract sum for the remaining 240×2 kilometres Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road.

He said the president had also approved the two projects of second Niger bridge, “sections 2A and 2B, one in Anambra, the other one is in Delta State as well as Lagos-Ibadan, section 2, phase 2, 30 per cent has been approved.”

On his part, Sen. Bagudu said President Tinubu had inherited a number of uncompleted projects, but the president promised that none of them would be abandoned.

He eulogised the president’s profound thinking that “the world is not” building infrastructure from government funding alone but also innovative financing.

“And being somebody who has invested in relationships in Nigeria and elsewhere, he was quick to find friends of Nigeria, sons of Nigeria, who are willing to take the first challenge and fund part of these constructions.

“So, HITECH is not just a construction company but it is behind the innovative financing that has supported us to have started these transformative projects, not only this one but also Lagos-Calabar Costal Highway,” he noted.

Also speaking, the Managing Director, HITECH, Dany Abboud, assured the determination of the company to deliver a quality job within the stipulated period of time. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and TV BRICS International Media Network, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to harness their strengths and foster synergy.

The MoU was signed via zoom by the Managing Director of NAN, Ali M. Ali and the Chairman of TV BRICS, Mr Ivan Polyakov on Wednesday.

TV BRICS is an international network of partner media outlets in the BRICS-Plus countries.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of NAN, Ali, said that the signing of the MoU marked a new chapter of collaboration, driven by shared commitment to excellence in journalism, innovation, and public service.

According to him, this partnership promises to harness the strengths of both organisations, fostering a synergy that will enhance the quality and reach of their content.

“As we sign this MoU, we reaffirm our dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in our reporting.

“We look forward to exploring new avenues of cooperation, leveraging each other’s expertise, and creating value for our audiences.

“Let us celebrate this milestone and look forward to a fruitful and productive collaboration.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of TV BRICS, Mr Ivan Polyakov, said the partnership was based on respect, mutual benefits, and stronger international cooperation, including within BRICS-Plus.

Polyakov said that TV BRICS had long been dedicated to the creation of a common BRICS-Plus information space, shaping a unified agenda that transcends national boundaries and stimulates international cooperation.

‘‘In spite of the distance, our two countries are engaged in a dialogue based on respect, mutual benefits, and stronger international cooperation, including within BRICS-Plus.

“Our editorial team produces media content and news in six languages, distributing it through the media.

“Today, we work with more than 80 media organisations across 26 countries, reaching audiences in more than 80 nations.

“This fast network allows us to promote dialogue and exchange information on a global scale; Nigeria is a relatively new BRICS partner but has long stayed with many BRICS countries.

“This partnership will offer Nigerian viewers a deeper and broader perspective on BRICS-Plus countries and regions.

“We are excited to begin this partnership with NAN and see it as a key step in promoting Nigeria’s voice on the global stage,’’ he said.

Polyakov noted that the media plays a key role in bringing nations together, adding that the new collaboration with NAN was an important step in that direction as NAN is Nigeria’s leading news agency.

“We are confident that NAN’s contributions will greatly enrich the BRICS-Plus information landscape.

“TV BRICS, in turn, is ready to share content from our BRICS-Plus media partners with NAN’s audience,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

By Salif Atojoko

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has hailed Chatham House’s recent endorsement of the economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a significant validation of the country’s economic trajectory.

Mr Emeka Nwankpa, Chairman of the group, expressed pleasure at the British policy institute’s acknowledgment that the reforms had positioned Nigeria’s economy at its most competitive level in the past 25 years.

He emphasised that the endorsement highlighted the positive outlook for the Nigerian economy, in spite of some short-term challenges.

“This is a resounding endorsement of the policies of the Tinubu administration, in spite of the short-term pains we acknowledge.

“It is encouraging that Chatham House recognised the bold step President Tinubu took in removing the fuel subsidy, which led to a quadrupling of fuel prices,” Nwankpa said.

He further noted that while food prices rose initially, recent weeks had seen a noticeable decline, reflecting the effectiveness of the administration’s reforms.

The group agreed with Chatham House’s optimistic view that, if the government maintained its course, Nigeria’s economic outlook would continue to improve.

TMSG also referenced a similar assessment from the Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI), which highlighted improvements in Nigeria’s balance of trade, daily crude production, and foreign reserves.

“We are hopeful that these positive trends will soon be reflected in the inflation rate, enabling more Nigerians to feel the impact of the improving economy.”

TMSG expressed confidence that 2025 would bring further positive developments for the country and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the President and his team.

Additionally, TMSG called on government officials to communicate the successes of the Tinubu administration more effectively, particularly as the government approached its mid-term. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Salif Atojoko

The Presidency on Monday said the Nigerian economy was moving in the right direction under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, said this in reaction to remarks by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, at its first plenary meeting of 2025 in Abuja at the weekend.

Onanuga said the conference, “gave an alarming prognosis of the state of the economy and the polity that sounded more like snippets from an outdated book.

“In his opening address, CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru, listed youth unemployment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and electoral fraud as some of the ills plaguing the country.

“He demanded quick action from leaders nationwide to stop the country from drifting.”

The Presidential aide said, in a statement, that Tinubu appreciated the constant interventions of the Catholic Bishops in matters of governance in the country.

“The Conference of Catholic Bishops’ patriotic fervour and commitment to national unity, peace, and stability are unassailable and deeply valued and respected by the government.

“While some of the governance challenges in the areas highlighted by the Bishops remain, it is important to state categorically that our country has made tremendous progress in all areas since Tinubu assumed office 22 months ago.

“In terms of insecurity, Nigeria is more secure today than it was in 2023, thanks to our military and other security agencies and the strong leadership provided by President Tinubu as the Commander-in-Chief,” he said.

According to him, in the last two years, over 8,000 criminals – bandits, armed robbers, Boko Haram terrorists, and kidnappers – have been eliminated, and over 10,000 Nigerians – primarily women and children have been rescued from their abductors.

“As a result of improved security in our communities, especially in the North-West and the North-East, farmers have returned to their farms, and our country has seen increased food production, which is currently driving down prices of essential commodities.

“Farmers in Kaduna, Kebbi and Jigawa are eloquent testimonies of the improved security ambience.

“Similarly, farmers growing cash crops in many parts of the country are experiencing a new life of boom and prosperity,” said Onanuga

On the economy, he said Tinubu’s administration had stabilised the economy from the precarious situation it inherited on assumption of office.

“Our balance of trade has improved, foreign reserves are in a stronger position, inflation has moderated, our currency is gaining strength against convertible currencies.

“Our local refining capacity has tremendously increased on the back of Dangote Refinery and NNPCL Refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri, going on stream.

“Realising the importance of youth to national development and economic growth, President Tinubu’s administration has designed programmes that will catalyse youth employment, enhance their capability, and harness their ingenuity, creativity, and talents for better productivity.

“These programmes, including 3MTT, NATEP, LEEP, IDiCE, NiYA, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, were designed to create over 10 million new jobs for young people,” continued the Special Adviser.

He said that more than ever, the country had increased revenue collection and was mobilising more local revenue to fund critical development priorities.

“Under President Tinubu, Nigeria spends more on economic and social infrastructure such as roads, power, healthcare, education, and security.

“The unprecedented N54.9 trillion 2025 budget is designed to revitalise the economy and set it on a new growth trajectory.

“Local and international institutions have continued to praise the Tinubu administration’s implementation of necessary reforms,” Onanuga pointed out.

He added that last week, Chatham House, a United Kingdom International Affairs policy think tank, praised President Tinubu’s team’s economic management.

“In an article, Chatham House said Nigeria’s economy had been most competitive under President Tinubu in 25 years due to his reforms.

“While we agree that many Nigerians still face difficulties, we remain convinced that the government is making the right decisions to lead to a better and more prosperous country.

“President Tinubu and his team will continue to work very hard, on behalf of our compatriots, to deliver the promise of a greater and stronger Nigeria.

“The Tinubu administration is optimistic about the future and the ongoing positive changes,” he stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Monday said human capital flight could be reversed by improving the economy, developing bottom-up policies that addressed needs, and deepening citizens’ collective sense of ownership.

President Tinubu, who inaugurated the Planning Committee for the National Youth Conference at the State House, said the ongoing economic reforms were designed to strengthen the economy for the prosperity of Nigerian youths, who constituted more than 60 per cent of the population.

“I want to reassure you that you are the hope of this country, and everything hangs on you. Every decision that I have taken is about you. It’s about the future.

“When we removed the fuel subsidy, it was because we wanted to protect your future. We have cleared the path for you to have a great future.

“When you listen to most professionals leaving Nigeria, there’s a cause. If you grow prosperity back home and empower people, they will not bother leaving. They will stay home,” said the President.

He told the 44-member planning committee that the government would implement the outcomes of their deliberations and framework for the national conference.

“This is your opportunity to develop the nation and make it prosperous. The government of today is all about you.

“You can be critical of politicians and abuse them all the way you can, but politics is about development and the future of generations. You are the heartbeat of our nation, and I hope you take this responsibility seriously.

“I am glad you are here as a committee to inspire today, tomorrow and hereafter. I am with you,” he said.

The President noted that his economic reforms had repositioned the economy for greater prosperity and empowerment, as most indicators showed a steady fall in the prices of goods, especially foodstuffs, and a stabilisation of the exchange rate.

“When we started, it looked so foggy, dicey and hopeless. We worked hard, and it was like drawing water out of a dry well.

“But today, the economy has turned the corner; prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are looking this way, and technology is advancing.

“You have a great opportunity, and I am ready to listen to you. I have heard your spokesperson’s remarks. You have a great chance of advancing the development of this country. It is all in your hands,” said Tinubu.

He said he would help navigate, push, and lift the heavy weight of problems to clear the way for the youth.

“You have a great future before you, which is in your hands.

“Just look me in the face and tell me whatever you think is wrong and the way forward. Be frank. We will implement your suggestions so long as they are for the country’s prosperity,” the President added.

Mr Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, thanked the President for giving the youth a voice and assured that the committee represented various stakeholders fairly.

“We want to thank you for the futuristic ideas; more than 260,000 students have already benefited from the administration’s student loan schemes.

“We appreciate the renovation of the Third Mainland Bridge for us to use and clearing the passport backlog,” the minister added.

The minister also thanked the President for historic infrastructural developments that will last through generations.

Mr Samson Itodo, a member of the committee, said the conference would be a major milestone in the involvement of youths in the country’s development.

Itodo listed some of the areas of priority, including political governance, economic transformation, skills for the future, such as Artificial Intelligence, climate change and energy transition, and social cohesion and security.

He said the framework would include virtual consultations, calls for memoranda, regional town hall meetings and the Abuja congress. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma