News Agency of Nigeria
Tinubu pays tribute to Abdulsalami Abubakar on 83rd birthday
General News

Tinubu pays tribute to Abdulsalami Abubakar on 83rd birthday

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday paid tribute to Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd.) on his 83rd birthday.

In the tribute personally written by Tinubu, he saluted Abubakar for his service to Nigeria, both in uniform and in retirement.

He commended his commitment to peace, stability, and good governance across the African continent.

“Gen. Abubakar’s legacy, particularly his role in leading Nigeria through a peaceful transition to democratic rule in 1999, remains a watershed moment in the nation’s history.

“His selfless act of handing over power paved the way for Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and strengthened the principle of constitutional democracy.

“As Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abubakar has continued to play a significant role in promoting dialogue, defusing tension, and ensuring credible electoral processes in Nigeria,” the President wrote.

He said Abubakar’s voice of moderation, reason, and statesmanship was deeply valued at a time where unity and leadership were more critical than ever.

Tinubu described Abubakar as a patriot of uncommon integrity whose service inspired generations of Nigerians in public life.

“As he marks another year of life, Nigeria honours his sacrifices, wisdom, and unyielding devotion to the peace and unity of our great nation.

“I wish the former Head of State continued strength, good health, and divine grace in the years ahead,” Tinubu said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

From Sidelines to Centre Stage: Assessing Tinubu’s sports economy vision
Features

From Sidelines to Centre Stage: Assessing Tinubu’s sports economy vision

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

As President Bola Tinubu marks his second year in office, his administration has embarked on transformative reforms aimed at revitalising the  Nigeria’s sports sector.

Tinubu, long hailed as a master strategist in the political arena, unveiled a sporting vision that seeks to turn passion into profit and athletes into assets.

Central to this vision is the re-establishment of the National Sports Commission (NSC), a strategic move designed to fast-track the development of a robust sports economy.

In October 2024, the President, in his usual bold innovative style, dissolved the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and transferred its functions to the newly revived NSC.

Malam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, both astute sports administrators with enviable track records, were subsequently appointed as Chairman and Director-General of the commission, respectively, with a mandate to steer the sporting ship to a podium finish.

Dikko, upon assuming duty at the NSC, emphasised the need for a holistic approach to sports development, moving beyond mere medal pursuits to fostering grassroots participation, talent identification, and infrastructural growth.

“We must change our mindset from the fixation of just competitions and winning medals and focus on our domestic sports development.

“When we set the foundation right, the results and the winning of medals will naturally come in a sustainable manner,” Dikko said.

Similarly, Olopade stressed the importance of professionalism and effective leadership in sports administration to get the country back on track.

“Sports cannot be run like other government activities because of its dynamic nature.

“Making the NSC oversee the administration of sports is a significant achievement,” he added.

President Tinubu as a mark of his commitment to increase investment in sports and make the sector a significant contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has set down a marker.

In a clear departure from the past, the 2025 federal budget allocated over ₦94 billion to the sports sector, marking a 227% increase from the previous year.

These funds are earmarked for the rehabilitation of key facilities, including the National Stadium in Lagos, Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, and Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, with plans to transform them into world-class sports cities through public-private partnerships.

The Chairman House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu while commenting on the budget, commended the Tinubu-led administration for increasing the budget from N29 billion to over N94 billion.

“The President of Federal Republic of Nigeria has tripled the budget of the sports from N29,082,369,979:00 in 2024 to N94,947,006,325:00 in 2025.

“The leap in the expenditure framework represent 227 per cent  increment. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is hereby commended for the giant strides in the budgetary allocations to the sports sector.

“It is our hope and belief that, the increment in budgetary allocation would mark a turning point in the development, administration and management of sports activities in Nigeria,” Amadu said.

To further drive President Tinubu’s vision for a vibrant sports economy in line with international best practices, the NSC inaugurated the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) to serve as the blueprint for this transformation.

Under RHINSE, the NSC aims to position sports as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s GDP, targeting a 3 per cent contribution and the creation of at least three  million jobs across the sports value chain by 2029.

Dikko said that the vision includes the establishment of an Anti-Doping Laboratory to enhance Nigeria’s standing in international sports and generate foreign exchange.

Both Dikko and Olopade have reiterated that the NSC will continue to partner with the private sector to achieve its lofty goals, as government alone cannot do it.

To this end, the NSC initiated partnerships with corporate entities like MTN Nigeria, among others.

These collaborations aim to boost sponsorship opportunities, enhance athlete support, and create a sustainable sports ecosystem.

The leadership of the NSC has articulated a vision for a comprehensive sports development model that prioritises grassroots engagement, talent identification, and infrastructural enhancement.

This approach seeks to build a sustainable sports economy that not only produces champions but also contributes to national development through job creation and economic diversification.

Stakeholders say President Tinubu’s second year in office has heralded a new era for Nigeria’s sports sector.

They, however, stressed that to fully achieve these goals, all hands must be on deck, and the private sector must be fully involved, as Nigeria undoubtedly has abundant talents but has continued to struggle administratively to harness and transform the sector.

Harrison Jalla, Chairman of Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Task Force, while assessing President Tinubu’s scorecard in the sector, commended him for increased funding for sports.

“On funding, President Tinubu did excellently well, he is arguably the best thing to have happened to Nigerian sports in terms of funding,’’ he said.

The ex-international, however urged the President to immediately constitute a board for the NSC in order to make its operations constitutional.

“To give legal backing to the activities of the National Sports Commission, President Tinubu must, without further delay, inaugurate the National Sports Commission Board in consonance with the National Sports Commission Establishment Act 2023.

“The National Sports Commission remains a defective structure without a functional Board, and all its activities currently lack the force of law,’’ he said.

Legendary former Green Eagles captain and sports administrator, Segun Odegbami at a recent public lecture identified the power of sports as a strong force that can change the world in all ramifications.

He therefore urged the Federal Government to continue to explore the endless possibilities in the power of sports as a social and economic driver.

As President Tinubu enters the second half of his term, stakeholders are of the view that Nigeria’s sports sector finally has a fighting chance to fulfill its potential.

But the journey from ambition to achievement will require political will, private sector participation and institutional discipline. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

APC chieftain lauds Tinubu’s achievements, hails Interior Minister
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APC chieftain lauds Tinubu’s achievements, hails Interior Minister

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By Precious Akutammadu

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers, Mr Darlington Nwauju, has commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for the innovations introduced in the ministry.

Nwauju told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that his commendation was necessitated by the turnaround in the ministry which had become a testimony of how Nigerian youths can contribute to the nation’s development.

“In less than two years, there is verifiable evidence of the impact of reforms he introduced to that Ministry, which many Nigerians can attest to.

“It is not possible that you walk into an ATM pay point, withdraw your own money and start clapping for being paid,” Nwauju said.

According to him, it is right to critically appraise a sector that was asphyxiated before today and confirm that it’s been oxygenated, now serving the public good and justifying tax payers money put into that ministry.

“Talking about taxpayers money, the Ministry of Interior has overshot the targets set for it in the last two budget cycles in terms of revenue generation.

“These are clear indicators that the weeks and months ahead may witness improved performances with the cooperation of the National Assembly committees with oversight powers on that ministry.

“There is no way the return on investment of taxpayers money into that ministry will not yield dividends given the management tact and leadership qualities of the Minister.

“On the balance of probabilities, public office holders can actually be reasonable, responsible and responsive if we identify and protect them.

“This is to ensure they are not intimidated out of the public space by those who are used to poor service delivery.

“Youths in Nigeria make up over sixty per cent of the voting demographics and we must not allow those who believe that we must stay perpetually at the backwaters of Nigerian politics, to continue to play on our intelligence,” he said.

Nwauju said that Tunji-Ojo facilitated the release of over 4000 inmates from different correctional facilities, where they were serving prison terms that were avoidable.

“The inmates were released after the ministry mobilised corporate bodies to raise N585 million for the payment of their fines, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibilities, (CSR)

“Over one hundred thousand personnel of the paramilitary services under the Interior Ministry have been promoted so far in two promotion exercises and passport applications and collections are now easy.

“The Minister cleared over two hundred thousand passport backlog; established enhanced e-passport facilities in Europe and inaugurated contactless biometric passports.

“He ensured command and control centre for the NIS, deployment of e-gates at our international airports, remodelled fire service academy and so on.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Emmanuel Afonne

Tinubu confers national honour on Bill Gates
General News

Tinubu confers national honour on Bill Gates

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Lagos, praised Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and chairman of the Bill Gates Foundation, for inspiring leaders worldwide by consistently lifting the poor and underprivileged.

The President, who conferred the national honour of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Gates, noted the renowned philanthropist’s interventions in maternal health, agriculture and infectious disease research.

Tinubu thanked Gates for providing global leadership that prioritised ameliorating the lives and safety of the poor and underprivileged.

“Today, I would like to share my happiness and respect and acknowledge one of the greatest human beings in the world.

“All I need to say is thank you, Bill Gates, for your indivisible commitment to humanity. It is highly remarkable. It is an inspiration to leaders across the world, including the one standing before you.

“I thank you very much. It is a great thing to honour you as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.

Gates, in his response said he was honoured by the conferment of the CFR by the President.

“I am very happy to receive the honour for myself and the incredible team at the Foundation. From the beginning, the Foundation’s goal was to support improving Nigeria’s health sector.

“Nigeria had some ambitious goals for improving health, and three people here today are great champions of that cause.

“Of course, the President is making health a priority. Pate, we’ve worked together to handle great challenges, including the incredible progress on polio.

“Then, Dangote, I got to know, and we have done great work together. So, in the 25 years in Nigeria, we have achieved a lot. As was mentioned, the child death rate has gone down, and that’s because new vaccines were received to boost our efforts,” Gate said.

He stated that much work was done to increase the coverage and get vaccines to every child.

He added that the effort to eradicate polio was one of the Foundation’s toughest.

“A lot was learnt, and partnerships were built with traditional institutions.”

He said the Foundation had already rolled out HPB vaccines to reduce the 7,000 annual deaths of women from cervical cancer, and that a single dose of the vaccine taken by girls ages 9-14 could give them lifetime protection.

“Nigeria achieved a better result than any other country in getting out the vaccine to young girls,” he noted.

Gates told President Tinubu that he was dedicated to cutting malnutrition and spreading vaccines that could end malaria in Nigeria.

“Some of our goals will seem ambitious; for example, in the next twenty years, we hope to eradicate malaria,” he added.

Gates assured the Nigerian leader of his continued commitment to improving health in Nigeria, aiming to invest his entire wealth in this cause in the next 20 years.

Earlier, Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Development, said Gates’s recognition was well deserved, considering his long-term involvement in Nigeria’s national development.

“Bill Gates’ friend, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has been working with him to transform lives across the country.

“From that time until now, the Gates Foundation and through other channels have invested more than 2 billion dollars of its capital in various arenas that directly affect our people, whether in health care, agriculture, or the digital economy.

“Importantly, when he came into Northern Nigeria, there were challenges with immunisation, people refusing because of ignorance, and with Mr Gates and Alhaji Aliko, they mobilised the entire traditional ruler’s committee,” he stated.

Pate said the strong support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation eradicated polio in Nigeria.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Tinubu recommits to ECOWAS vision
General News

Tinubu recommits to ECOWAS vision

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By Salif Atojoko

 

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS), saying the country would continue to play its historic role in shaping West Africa’s path to peace, integration and shared prosperity.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports that the president spoke at the 50th anniversary celebration of ECOWAS, held in Lagos.

 

“Nigeria has stood at the heart of ECOWAS since its inception in 1975. For nearly five decades, we have remained a pillar of regional development, cooperation, and solidarity,” Tinubu said at the commemorative event.

 

The president paid tribute to retired General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State, the only surviving leader among the original signatories of the ECOWAS Treaty.

 

“Gen. Gowon helped lay the cornerstone of what has become a formidable institution for unity in West Africa,” he stated.

 

Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s consistent contributions, particularly through initiatives like the Technical Aid Corps, which had for nearly 40 years deployed skilled professionals to serve in various ECOWAS member states.

 

“We remain ready to support regional capacity-building and honor every eligible request for assistance,” he stated.

 

Nigeria, the president said, had been a driving force in ECOWAS’s evolution, from promoting trade and free movement to supporting peacekeeping and democratic governance.

 

He cited successes such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, joint border initiatives, and interventions to restore constitutional order in troubled member states as hallmarks of the community’s achievements.

 

“ECOWAS has emerged as a beacon of African unity. We overcame colonial-era divisions to forge a shared vision, uniting Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone nations under one cooperative umbrella,” Tinubu said.

 

Acknowledging these strides, Tinubu cautioned that regional integration must move beyond policy to tangible outcomes.

 

He said, “Our greatest task is implementation. Our citizens must feel the impact of our decisions. Let us match words with action.”

 

Tinubu stressed the need to focus development on youths and women, who represented the majority of the region’s population.

 

“We must deliberately invest in education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and leadership opportunities. Their success is key to the future of ECOWAS,” he said.

 

Tinubu also emphasised the importance of digital transformation, infrastructure development, and food security, citing ongoing efforts to harness innovation and drive sustainable growth across the region.

 

The president called on all the member states to recommit to the founding ideals with “courage, clarity, respect, and determination.”

 

He described the golden jubilee not just as a remembrance of the past, but a clarion call to shape a future built on cooperation, prosperity, and peace.

 

“To the people of West Africa: this is your community. Your hands built it, your resilience sustained it, and your dreams will define what it becomes. Together, let us carry the flame of integration forward,” he said. (NAN)

 

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Tinubu reaffirms commitment to protecting rights, dreams of children
General News

Tinubu reaffirms commitment to protecting rights, dreams of children

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By Salif Atojoko

 

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights, dreams and futures of every Nigerian child.

 

Tinubu made the pledge in a message to mark the 2025 National Children’s Day.

 

“Across every school, community, and home in Nigeria today, you are the most precious part of our national fabric, the heartbeat of our nation’s future, and the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation, and leadership.

 

“I, therefore, reaffirm today our constitutional, moral, and intergenerational duty and commitment to safeguard every Nigerian child, protect his rights, and nurture his dreams,” he said.

 

According to Tinubu, this year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” could not have been more timely as it speaks directly to the culture the country is building.

 

“A culture where every child feels safe, respected, and heard, both in physical spaces and digital communities. Just to be clear, violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today,” said the President.

 

He said globally, more than 1 in 3 children experienced bullying regularly, and that in Nigeria, studies estimated that up to 65 per cent of school-age children had experienced some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression.

 

“This is unacceptable. A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.

 

“My fellow Nigerians and our dear children, we prioritise child protection under the Renewed Hope Agenda. This includes the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), which I recently launched.

 

“The plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to prevent abuse, prosecute perpetrators, and support victims, backed by robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination,” said Tinubu.

 

He said his administration was further taking decisive steps to prevent, detect, and respond to all forms of violence against children.

 

“As a government, we have initiated a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to expand the scope of protection, strengthen their provisions, close implementation gaps, and ensure nationwide enforcement.

 

“We are also leveraging the Cybercrime Act, which is in full force, to protect children from cyberbullying, exploitation, and abuse.

 

“I am pleased to note that 36 states have domesticated the Child Rights Act, thus reflecting our collective resolve to protect and provide for the welfare of children,” continued Tinubu.

 

However, he said the laws alone would not be sufficient to protect children, saying that a holistic approach where parents, teachers, caregivers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and citizens must take ownership was required.

 

“We are investing in other focused national systems for child protection, such as the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), which is being scaled up to track and respond to cases in real-time.

 

“The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms, training frontline responders, and leading nationwide awareness campaigns to end harmful traditional practices.

 

“Additionally, and in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are committed to implementing proactive measures to strengthen existing efforts to support families and communities, including developing a robust institutional framework focused exclusively on Child Protection and Development.

 

“This will ensure greater accountability in safeguarding the rights and well-being of every Nigerian child,” the President assured.

 

He called on all partners, stakeholders, and duty-bearers to sustain and deepen collective efforts, and that child rights must be embedded in all budgets, plans and policies.

 

“Let today mark a renewed movement to build a Nigeria where no child suffers in silence, no child is left behind, and every child grows in dignity, peace and love,” the President stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

MACBAN commends DSS, lauds Tinubu’s appointments
General News

MACBAN commends DSS, lauds Tinubu’s appointments

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for its professional handling of the security situation in Plateau, Benue, and other states.

The National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, expressed the association’s commendation in a statement released on Friday in Abuja.

He noted that the DSS had managed the security challenges in the mentioned states with utmost professionalism, deserving of recognition.

Othman-Ngelzarma also lauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing Mr Tosin Ajayi as the Director-General of the DSS, describing it as one of the best decisions of his administration.

He urged other security agencies to learn from the way the new DSS leadership had approached securing lives and property.

The MACBAN President highlighted the efforts of the DSS to investigate the root causes of the problems affecting the states.

“We salute the professionalism with which the DSS has been handling the delicate security challenges in Plateau, Benue, and several other states,” he said.

He also noted that the DSS, under Ajayi’s leadership, had successfully distinguished between law-abiding Fulani herdsmen and criminals.

Othman-Ngelzarma further alleged that more than 20 per cent of MACBAN members and four million heads of cattle have been forced to flee Nigeria due to insecurity, with many families displaced.

He pointed out that the exodus of herders had driven up the cost of beef, which had traditionally been the cheapest source of meat in Nigeria.

He reiterated the association’s readiness to cooperate with both the Federal and State Governments to support security agencies in restoring peace, thereby ensuring the smooth functioning of business and economic activities.

He also thanked President Tinubu for fulfilling one of his campaign promises with the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

According to him, the ministry will significantly improve Nigeria’s livestock industry.(NAN)(www.nannews,ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NDSF: Sports powerful tool for development – Tinubu
Sports

NDSF: Sports powerful tool for development – Tinubu

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By Isaiah Eka

President Bola Tinubu has described sports as a powerful tool for youth development and economic growth of a nation.

Tinubu said this while declaring open the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) holding in Uyo on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Sports festival is organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in commemoration of its 25 anniversary.

The President, represented by the Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, said the NDDC has reinforced its commitment to harnessing sports as a vehicle for empowerment and sustainable development.

“I commend the NDDC for their foresight in supporting this event.

“Sports is not just about competition, they are  powerful tool for youth development, community engagement and economic growth.

“By investing in event of this magnitude, NDDC has reinforced its commitment to harness sports as a vehicle for empowerment, sustainable development and indeed deepening security within the region,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu, who commended the interventionist agency,  said the development aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms for the sports sector.

The President applauded the Akwa Ibom Government for hosting the festival, saying the state has proven itself as a sports destination for international competition,  especially football.

In his remarks, the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, said that the region was not only vested with natural resources,  but human potentials for the development of the nation.

Momoh said that the festival has proven that the NDDC is not just known for infrastructure development alone but also in sports.

He said sports teaches all values that are  fundamental to building a prosperous society and tasked the athletes to see the festival as an opportunity to showcase their talents.

“Today, we are here for sports activities which is an indication that NDDC is not only known for infrastructure development but also in the area of sports.

“This ocassion, of course is not another jamboree but it is a testament to the power of sports for regional development, promoting unity and drive econmic empowerment across our great nation.

“The Niger Delta region is vested in abundant talents not only in natural resources but in human potentials.

“Today, as we gathered to witness and celebrate the delegation like this, we are reminded that sports are more than just competition.

“it is a vehicle for national development, through discipline, perseverance and team work,” Momoh said.

The Minister added that the festival was not all about winning of medals, it is about building a healthier population among the young people.

In a goodwill message, Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom urged the athletes to be disciplined, exhibit spirit of sportsmanship throughout the festival.

Eno tasked Akwa Ibom contingents to showcase their talents and win medals for the state, saying that the state did not just host the festival, but hosting to win.

Earlier, the Chairman, Main Organising Committee, Alabo Iyaye, said the intervention in sports  by NDDC was drawn from the fact that sports transform human lives, the society and the economy.

NAN reports that the opening ceremony was characterised by cultural display by the nine states of the Niger Delta region and match pass by the athletes.

About 3, 000 athletes across the region will be competing in 17 sporting events taking place in six centres during the festival. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

I nearly quit 2023 presidential race, says Tinubu
General News

I nearly quit 2023 presidential race, says Tinubu

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By Salif Atojoko

 

President Bola Tinubu said he nearly guit the 2023 presidential race.

 

The President said this at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Presidential Villa on Saturday night.

 

President Tinubu thanked guests for their presence, prayers, and contributions to the nation’s development, and appreciated Nigerians for their outpouring of goodwill and prayers as he marked his 73rd birthday.

 

Reflecting on his political journey, President Tinubu recounted a moment of doubt during the 2023 election campaign when he contemplated withdrawing from the race after an encounter with a close relative.

 

“Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaigns, one of them came to my living room around 3:30 a.m. and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle.

 

“He told me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters because there is no cash. Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even have N10,000 in cash. What are you running for?

 

“I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000. As he walked out, he turned to me and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it,’” said Tinubu.

 

The President stated that his uncle later called to confirm receiving the money but admitted that he had only given the messenger N10,000, keeping the rest.

 

“I was amazed. At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running for President. But thanks to Aminu Masari and all of you who encouraged me.

 

“When I came to Abuja, Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back’,” he said.

 

President Tinubu noted that he assumed office during a time of economic uncertainty and had to make immediate, difficult decisions, including removing the fuel subsidy.

 

“On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal,” he said.

 

Noting that Nigeria had reached a point of no return on the issue, the President said: “The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time.

 

“That was the day I declared that the subsidy was gone. The following day, I was hounded and thoroughly abused in the media. But I stood firm, knowing it was the right thing to do for our nation’s future.”

 

Vice President Kashim Shettima lauded the President’s sacrifices, stating that history will remember him as the leader who took on the nation’s most complex challenges.

 

“Thanks to his boldness, future presidents of Nigeria will not have to wrestle with the same ghosts that haunted past administrations, including fraud-ridden fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and the suppression of local government autonomy.

 

“These were the thorny issues that many before him sidestepped. But Asiwaju did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it.

 

“And in rewriting it, Asiwaju has taken the bullets that many before him simply lacked the courage to face.

 

“But that is the thing about true leadership: it is not for those who seek comfort. It is for those who understand that the path to national greatness is lined with difficult choices,” he said.

 

Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, praised the President’s ability to forgive and his relentless passion for national development.

 

Akpabio described the President as a leader who thinks outside the box and as the ‘most audacious president’ in the country’s history.

 

He said under Tinubu’s watch, governors were getting more allocation.

 

“If I were a governor under your administration, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor’ and not an uncommon governor,” he said.

 

Mr Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, described President Tinubu as a leader who has broken barriers and uplifted future Nigerian politicians.

 

He noted that the President had taken a backseat to raising leaders for decades.

 

“Today, he is at the forefront because Nigeria needs him. In 2019, despite not being from his region, he supported me in my most difficult political moment.

 

“Nigeria needs leaders who rise above tribal considerations, and he has demonstrated that,” he said.

 

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State commended the President’s decisive leadership at a time when Nigeria needed stability.

 

“Only a leader with deep conviction and love for the country could have taken the bold and yet necessary decisions that averted national collapse and now restoring hope and confidence across the federation,” he said.

 

Dr. Bosun Tijjani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, shared his personal experience of being appointed by President Tinubu despite his past activism.

 

“Before my appointment, I had never met the President. But after my confirmation, he told me, ‘I have looked at your records and activism, and I am giving you an opportunity to serve,’” he said.

 

The minister recounted a recent meeting at the World Bank, where a senior official described Tinubu as the best reformist leader in Africa today.

 

Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo, a childhood friend of the President, reminisced about their early years and how divine providence led Tinubu to the presidency.

 

“Our relationship did not just start in Chicago; we played soccer together as children.

 

“While I chose the library, my brother chose politics because he loved to speak. Today, Allah has shown His greatness by guiding him to lead Nigeria.

 

“The city of Chicago, founded by a Black man, has educated the man who now leads the most populous Black nation on earth.

 

“I pray that Allah continues to hold his hand and guide him as he works to save our country,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Convergence of Lent, Ramadan testament to our unity in diversity – Tinubu
General News

Convergence of Lent, Ramadan testament to our unity in diversity – Tinubu

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu says this year’s convergence of religious observances of Lent and Ramadan is a testament to the unity in diversity that characterises Nigeria.

Tnubu said this in a statement he personally signed on Thursday to extend his heartfelt wishes to all Christian faithful on commencement of the 2025 Lenten season.

“This year’s Lent, a time of devotion and reflection for Christians, coincided with the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims, a season that similarly emphasised devotion, sacrifice and acts of kindness.

“This period of reflection coincides with encouraging progress in our nation. We ended 2024 positively, as our economy showed strong growth in the last quarter compared to the same period in 2023.

“Food prices are declining, the exchange rate is stabilising, fuel prices are dropping, and our internal security is strengthening.

“Our security and law enforcement agencies are making commendable strides. This progress fills us with steadfast hope and optimism for the future,” said the President.

Tinubu extended heartfelt wishes to all Christians in Nigeria and worldwide who partake in the sacred time.

Specifically, he urged the Christian faithful to embrace the love of Jesus Christ by showing compassion and empathy to those around them.

The President prayed that as Christians journeyed through the Lenten season with penitence and steadfast devotion to God Almighty, may His kindness bring healing to the sick, prosperity and peace to the nation.

“May we experience God’s goodness in a profound way this Lenten season. May He renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and guide us on righteousness,” concluded Tinubu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

 

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