NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

Tinubu’s reforms will benefit all Nigerians -Minister

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By Rita Iliya

The reform programmes and initiatives of President Bola Tinubu are formulated to benefit all Nigerians.

 

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said this in an interview with newsmen in Malagi on Friday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister is in the community to inaugurate some projects he executed.

 

The projects include electrification of Malagi community, construction of a mosque and Islamiyya school, a water project, and the renovation of a primary school.

 

Idris said that Tinubu’s reforms were designed to take Nigeria to a path of enduring prosperity.

 

He assured Nigerians that the gains of all the economic reforms of the president would begin to manifest in 2025.

 

He called on Nigerians to support the president’s policies, saying they would ultimately lead to a better future for the country.

 

“We urge all Nigerians to support Mr President. We know that times are challenging, but we believe that ultimately, the reforms will take us to the desired land.

 

“The progressive train of the president will not leave anybody behind and we urged all Nigerians to support Mr President,” he said.

 

On the projects, Idris said they were designed to bring development to the community, adding that the electrification project would connect the community to the national grid for the first time in its history.

 

“My late father was born in this community, and it is my home. I am proud to be part of this community, and I will continue to do whatever I can to improve the lives of the people,” he said

 

He added that he was motivated to embark on such projects by his roots in the community and commended the people of Malagi community for their support.

 

The minister promised to continue working for the development of Malagi community, the local government, Niger state, and the country at large.

 

The NAN reports that dignitaries at the inauguration of the projects were Gov. Umaru Bago, Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya, Etsu Nupe, the Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) among others.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu
General News

Ex-lawmaker lauds Tinubu for establishing southeast commission

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Former member of House of Representatives, Chief Sam Onuigbo, says the establishment of South East Development Commission (SEDC) by President Bola Tinubu would spur economic and infrastructure development of the area.

He said that Tinubu had, by signing the SEDC bill into law, demonstrated genuine commitment to the development of the region in line with the post-civil war 3Rs.

At the end of the war in 1970, the then Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon initiated the Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Reintegration (3Rs) policy as a mechanism for healing the wounds.

“President Tinubu has touched a sensitive nerve to heal deep-seated wounds of the past.

“In all honesty, President Tinubu deserves special thanks from the people of South East, because for more than half a century.

“The scars of the civil war remained with us in terms of infrastructure despoliation, social disconnection and economic tribulation,” he said.

Onuigbo, who is member of North East Development Commission (NEDC), said the law had equipped the commission to intervene in a special way to address the infrastructure challenge in the area.

According to him, the SEDC has unique and specialised roles to play and promises to fulfil for the region after the intense devastations of the civil war.

Onuigbo, who reiterated his confidence in Tinubu administration, said successive military and civilian government’s failed where Tinubu was succeeding.

“The SEDC has come to remove the nagging feelings of distrust and socio-economic marginalisation among the people of South East.

“For rising to this historical challenge, special thanks should go to President Tinubu,” he said.

He, therefore, charged the pioneer members of SEDC to work extra hard with uncommon unity of purpose to lay a solid foundation for the commission by achieving great milestones.

The former house member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South federal constituency, urged the members to restore the past global rating of South East as one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

He also commended the leadership and members of the 10th National Assembly for rolling out the SEDC law.

According to him, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, succeeded in writing his name in gold by that momentous legislation.

“As one who sponsored the Climate Change Act 2021, I know the rigours, hurdles, and challenges of working any piece of impactful legislation through the various processes up to the signing stage.

“On this score, Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu has justified his position as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and as a focused leader,” he said.

Onuigbo however appealed to the leadership of SEDC, and Ndigbo to join hands and support the Emeka Wogu-led members of the Governing Board of the commission to succeed.

“The success of the commission would be the greatest sign of the show of appreciation to President Tinubu for breaking the jinx and delivering this historic gesture,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Bill for creation of the South East Development Commission was passed by the 10th Assembly and signed into law by Tinubu in July 2024.

Tinubu recently forwarded the names of members of the SEDC, to be headed by the former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Emeka Wogu, to the Senate for screening and possible confirmation.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Education

Tinubu pledges funding, infrastructure support for tertiary education

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By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to provide the enabling environment for productivity in tertiary institutions through funding and infrastructure support.

Tinubu made the promise on Thursday at the 36th Convocation Ceremonies of Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) in Lagos.

A total of 8,139 students set of the 2022/2023, graduated at the occasion.

Tinubu was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Ahmed.

The President charged Yabatech management to do more to encourage impactful education that would bring about sustainable development.

“The college’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial skills among students has greatly enhanced our nation’s capacity for innovation and self-reliance,” he said.

The President advised the graduands to build on the strong foundation of the college and leverage acquired skills for professional growth and impacts.

According to him, the skills gained at Yabatech are not just tools for personal advancement, but also instruments for national growth and transformation.

“You are equipped to not only succeed but lead and inspire, making meaningful contributions across various domains, including science, technology, commerce, environmental design, art, agriculture and entrepreneurship,” he added.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, said that a bill to eradicate dichotomy between HND and B.sc holders was underway.

He said that there must be equal opportunity for all.

Abbas said, `’We all know what the country will gain by promoting vocational and technical education, this country needs people with skills to raise the nation’s profile technologically.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony also featured conferment of Honorary Fellowship of Yabatech to Abass, who was represented by Mr Fuad Laguda, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Tertiary Institutions.

In her remarks, Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, who was also conferred with the honorary fellowship, announced a N50 million endowment fund for the college, to support the best graduating female student.

According to her, Nigeria needs to support education of the girl-child and remove barriers on her path.

“When I was in the Senate, my focus was on how to make life better and easier for our young ones, they are our future,” she said.

The First Lady was represented by Mr Wahab Alawiye-King, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs and Strategy (Office of the First Lady).

The Rector of Yabatech, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, described the ceremony as a testament to hard work, resilience and vision.

He charged the graduands to be curious, bold and be ethical.

“As you step out into a world that is rapidly changing, realise that it is a world driven by technology, innovation and insatiable hunger for progress.

“The world is not waiting for you, it is challenging you.

“Remember, success in the 21st Century is not just about knowledge, it is about adaptability and vision.

“Technology will evolve, industry will transform and the problems of today will give way to challenges of tomorrow,” he added.

The rector said that 316 of the students graduated with distinction; 2, 381 with upper credit, 3,939 with lower credit, and 1,503 with pass.

Prof. Funso Afolabi, the Chairman of Governing Council of Yabatech, lauded the management of the college for achievements recorded so far.

Afolabi charged the graduands to make maximum use of skills, knowledge and values gained from the institution.

NAN reports that Mr Adeoye Samsudeen of the Yabatech’s School of Electrical Engineering got the college’s Award for the Overall Best Student at Higher Natiomal Diploma level, while Dhikrullahi Ishola of the School of Civil Engineering got the Overall Best Student Award at National Diploma level for the 2022/2023 set. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Politics

Tinubu’s reform agenda most credible- Okupe

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By Emmanuel Mogbede

A former Labour Party (LP) Chieftain, Dr Doyin Okupe, has described President Bola Tinubu administration’s reform agenda as the most credible compared to those of other presidential candidates in the 2023 presidential election.

 

Okupe, also a former Spokesman to former President Goodluck Johnathan, stated this while assessing Tinubu administration’s reform agenda.

 

“Though I never supported Tinubu ahead of the election; he is not my friend and we were not in the same party, in retrospect however, his reform agenda is the most credible.

 

“The Renewed Hope Agenda he (Tinubu) brought is one that can address, and is addressing, the country’s current challenges,” he said.

 

According to him, the renewed hope agenda is being meticulously applied by the president.

 

“Tinubu has a better policy document than any of his two rivals during the 2023 presidential election.

 

“Atiku Abubakar of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is an experienced, knowledgeable and thorough-bred politician.

 

“I know that for a fact that he also came with a testament that would have been binding on him and Nigerians.

 

“But when you put the testament side-by-side the current reality on ground, it is not applicable,” the politician said.

 

He stated that Atiku’s testament, documents and preparations were hinged on some loans which he thought he could use to sort out some things if elected, stressing they were all theoretical.

 

This, Okupe said, was especially so, because by the time President Muhammadu Buhari was leaving office, no international financial institution was ready to borrow Nigeria money again.

 

Okupe said that if such institutions were ready to borrow Nigeria money, Buhari wouldn’t have gone to print money just at the tail end of his administration.

 

“So the premise Atiku placed his testament on was sinking and it can’t work.

 

“As for Peter Obi of Labour Party, he did not given any document to Nigerians that he was going to work on.

 

“In Labour Party, we didn’t have a document that we could adopt as a policy document for what was going on.

 

“All we were saying was that we wanted to take Nigeria from consumption to production; good rethorics, but it was not grounded either in policy development or principle application,” he said.

 

Okupe noted that the announcement of fuel subsidy removal by Tinubu on his inauguration day was a mere confirmation of an event that had happened under Buhari’s administration.

 

“Upon assumption of office, Tinubu addressed the issues in the country’s foreign exchange where some people were feeding fat on our foreign exchange earnings, using their contacts in Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),” he said.

 

Okupe also noted that Tinubu implemented the student loan and consumer protection programmes, providing loans to low income earners in a systematic manner.

 

He recalled that the president paid off some debts that were going to cripple the country’s economy.

 

“Two months after getting into government, he put up a committee to look into tax reform which was in his agenda.

 

“This man (Tinubu) has a systematic, reliable, focused and applicable agenda that can take Nigeria to enviable heights,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

General News

Nigeria, India to sign MoU on collaboration in critical sectors

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon sign Memoranda of Understanding(MOU), to enhance collaboration in critical sectors.

Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

Onanuga explained that Tinubu would welcome the Indian Prime Minister on a State Visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Sunday.

According to him, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive on Saturday.

Onanuga said that Modi’s visit to Nigeria would be the first by an Indian prime minister since Dr Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007.

He recalled that during Singh’s state visit, the two nations established a strategic partnership.

The presidential aide said that Tinubu and Modi would seek to strengthen both nations’ ties further, during their bilateral discussions.

“Both leaders will sign MOUs to enhance collaboration in critical sectors,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

President Bola Tinubu
Defence/Security

We’ll chase out new terrorist group, Lakurawa- NSA

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By Mufutau Ojo

The President Bola Tinubu administration will flush out the new terrorist group, Lukarawa, from the country.

 

Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA), said this at the 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja.

 

The NSA, who represented the president at the event, said progress had been made in many sectors since the president was sworn in on May 29, 2023.

 

“We will chase the so-called Lukarawa out of our country. We’ll put critics to shame and shut their mouths in no time.

 

” Boko Haram, which has been ravaging our country, is now on the run.

 

” Its members are now moving to other neighbouring countries because Nigeria is no longer conducive for their operations,” he said.

 

He said signs that the economy was getting better was evident, citing increased crude oil production in the Niger Delta and the fiscal reforms by the CBN.

 

” Crude oil production has hit 1.8 million bpd and the Central Bank has been sanitised.

 

“No one is taking a dime from the CBN. When we promised that we’ll fix this country, we will do so because President Tinubu has never been a failure,” he said.

 

In his speech delivered by the NSA, Tinubu said he had set out with a clear and unwavering vision to strengthen Nigeria’s economic base.

 

He also said his promise to deliver positive growth and development for the benefit of all remained unchanged after 18 months.

 

“In pursuing this vision, we have built upon existing foundations while introducing necessary reforms to adapt to our evolving economic realities.

 

” Our focus has been on strengthening what works, refining what needs improvement, and introducing new initiatives where gaps exist,” he said.

 

Tinubu said his administration recognised that specific economic policies, though useful in their time, needed to be realigned with current global economic dynamics.

 

This, he added, was to better serve national interests and the well-being of the people.

 

The president commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for keying into his vision by strengthening the country’s position as a trade-friendly nation through strategic reforms.

 

According to the president, the theme of this year’s NCS conference, “NCS Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” could not have come at a better time.

 

The theme, he said, reflected his administration’s broader vision of fostering strategic partnerships and collaborative approaches to governance and economic management.

 

He said the NCS had shown remarkable progress in revenue generation, enhancing the government’s capacity to fund critical national development projects.

 

The president also said Nigeria would deepen its integration into global value chains and strengthen its position as a reliable trading partner.

 

“Our commitment to sustainable economic reforms, trade facilitation, and creating an enabling business environment is firm and irreversible,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Metro

Tinubu entrenching good governance through renewed hope agenda – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says President Bola Tinubu is entrenching good governance through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, when he inspected the ongoing construction of five-kilometre Saburi – Dei Dei road, awarded to Lubrik Construction Company in February.

He said that Tinubu made promises to satisfy the needs of the people, adding that the promises were being fulfilled and the hope of Nigerians was being renewed.

This, according to him, is good governance.

“Good governance is inclusive of provision of basic infrastructure, being transparent and accountable, providing security and providing quality health and education to the people.

“All the things that we have been doing in FCT are part of good governance.”

The minister expressed joy that the people were happy with what the Tinubu-led administration was doing in FCT to transform their lives.

He said that the people of Saburi and Dei Dei would be happier by the time the road project was completed in December.

“We are happy that the people appreciate what we are doing. This is very important to us that the people are happy.”

The minister also disclosed that the procurement processes for the construction of 17-kilometre Life Camp – Dei Dei road had reached 80 per cent.

He added that the FCT Administration was awaiting the certificate of no objection from the Bureau for Public Procurement.

“If that happens, we will go to the Federal Executive Council for approval and continue from there,” he said.

On the clamp down on scavengers and beggars, Wike said that a combined security team was working day and night, arresting and prosecuting scavengers that were arrested.

He said that the security operative had been clearing Abuja roads of the people who claimed to be beggars but were not actually beggars.

“It is not easy, but we are going to achieve it,” the minister said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

President Bola Tinubu
General News

NGO commends Tinubu for release of detained minors

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By Daniel Obaje

Mr Babatunde Kayode, Executive Director, Restore Hope for the Boy Child Initiative, has commended President Bola Tinubu for ordering the release of  minors detained over the #EndBadGovernance protests.

 

Kayode stated this during a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

According to him, the President’s decision is a “victory for human rights” and a significant step towards justice.

 

Kayode described the action as a “swift intervention” by the President, adding that the release aligns with human rights standards which demonstrate a commitment to the welfare of Nigeria’s vulnerable youth.

 

“President Tinubu’s leadership sets a positive precedent for future actions, this will bring hope and relief to affected families and communities,’’ he said.

 

Kayode emphasised the importance of protecting minors’ rights and addressing the grievances that fueled the protests.

 

He reaffirmed the group`s commitment to advocate for justice for young boys and girls across the country, while applauding the President for his decisive action, compassion and empathy toward the affected families.

 

The Restore Hope for the Boy Child Initiative is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that focuses on the emotional, physical, and psychological well-being of male children.

The organisation’s mission is to highlight the challenges and pressures boys face and to advocate for their needs.(NAN) (www.newsnews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joseph Edeh

General News

CISLAC commends Tinubu over release of detained minors

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By Angela Atabo

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has commended President Bola Tinubu for instructing Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi to ensure the immediate release of minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the directive was announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who confirmed the President’s commitment to reuniting the minors with their families.

CISLAC welcomed the President’s decision in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, in Abuja on Tuesday.

It praised Tinubu’s willingness to investigate the circumstances leading to the arrests and hold responsible security personnel accountable.

The organisation urged President Tinubu to extend the directive to other detained protesters to foster national unity and justice, demonstrating a government open to addressing citizens’ grievances.

The centre called for major reforms to Nigeria’s criminal justice system and emphasised the need for comprehensive judicial reform, particularly targeting corruption within the judiciary.

This, it said, could be achieved by
ensuring only judges with integrity serve on Nigerian benches, a move that would restore hope and stability in the country.

“A reformed judiciary will not only strengthen the rule of law and democracy but also increase confidence among international investors, who seek a transparent and fair justice system.

“A situation where corrupt public officials and election riggers are working with some judges to scuttle justice is a big threat to our country,” it added.

CISLAC also underscored the importance of police reform, particularly in recruitment and service deployment.

Noting issues of police misconduct, including brutality and corruption, CISLAC stressed that only through merit-based and transparent recruitment processes can Nigeria build a police force that serves and protects the public responsibly.

“By rooting out corrupt elements within the police, we can foster a positive partnership between citizens and the police, essential for national security,” CISLAC added.

The centre also praised the directive assigning the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to oversee the rehabilitation and safe return of the minors to their families.

This move, according to CISLAC, reflects the President’s commitment to addressing humanitarian issues with compassion.

It encouraged the empowerment of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to actively engage Nigerians, providing civic education and promoting active citizenship.

According to CISLAC, an informed and engaged citizenry is crucial for national progress. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Defence/Security

Tinubu tasks NUPRC, industry players on crude production

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By Emmanuella Anokam

President Bola Tinubu has tasked industry players to collaborate with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in realising its One Million Barrels Oil Per Day (1MMBOPD) Initiative.

Tinubu said this on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of Project 1MMBOPD Initiative and commemoration of the third anniversary of the NUPRC under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021).

The project is an NUPRC collaborative initiative to evolve alternative funding mechanisms to unlock incremental oil production in the short-to-medium term with expanded opportunities for all industry stakeholder groups.

Represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tinubu charged relevant industry stakeholders to join NUPRC in realising set goals of incremental oil production target within specific timelines.

He said the shared responsibility initiative would be a collaborative undertaking, involving government agencies, major producers, service providers, financiers, host communities and other stakeholders.

This, he said, would expand government revenue, eradicate poverty and increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in a sterile, shared prosperity.

“These commitments will be critical in ensuring that we achieve an incremental production in the next 12 months. Growing not just production levels, but also increasing efficiency and competitiveness of our industries.

“This initiative is of national importance and it should support Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth,” the president said.

The president said his administration while focusing on decarbonisation approaches to oil and gas, a renewed drive for economic diversification, usage of oil and gas industrials and development, remained intact.

He expressed delight that the sector had witnessed major financial and investment decisions across the value chain, since inception of the reform.

“To this end, we must work more subtly to grow production, meet domestic energy security needs and shore up foreign exchange gains.

“I congratulate all active oil and gas industry players for the modest gains in oil production which rose to 1.6 million barrels per day.

“I am pleased that the NUPRC, working with industrial stakeholders has transformed that executive charge into a tangible measure set as progress to one million barrels per day in oil and gas production.

“By enhancing domestic energy security and supporting growing vibrancy, this initiative will ensure that Nigeria remains a crucial player in the global energy asset and means of worldwide energy transition.

“Increased oil production will mean more job opportunities, increased revenue for the government, and more stable energy supply for the assets,” he said.

Tinubu commended the Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil and Gas), NUPRC, NNPC Ltd., industry captains and oil producing organisations for delivering to contemporary challenges to foster development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

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