The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Niger Gov directs closure of all schools until after New Year

    Niger Gov directs closure of all schools until after New Year

    Niger Governor Mohammed Bago has directed that all schools across the State should be shut down until after the New Year while the schools in security affected areas in the State will be shut down until further notice.

    The Governor stated this while fielding questions from newsmen in Minna after a security and stakeholders meeting in Government House over the current security situation in the state.

    According to the Governor, they include private and public schools, Islamic and missionary schools, federal government colleges and some tertiary institutions like schools of nursing and midwifery. 

    The Governor stated the schools will be shut down until after the New Year while those in security affected areas will be shut down until further notice.

    Speaking about the abduction, Bago said it was an incident that could have been avoided but the government would not use its time for blame games but to look at ways of rescuing the abducted children.

    “To forestall further occurence, schools are generally supposed to close for Christmas in the next two weeks, but we cannot take any chances anymore. 

    “We are closing all schools in Niger state, private primary and secondary schools, every school will remain closed until after the New Year while all schools in Niger North will be closed until further notice,” he stated. 

    The Governor said that the figures of the students, pupils and teachers abducted are not yet official, 

    “We have just been seeing a lot of numbers in the media but the figures are not official. The DSS, police and other security agencies are already doing the head count and by the end of today, we will have the official figure,” he stated. 

    He called on the security not to be distracted but to be focused on the rescue of these children, “Nigeria is the only country we have and Niger state is our state, we will continue to protect the lives and property of our citizens.c

  • No nationwide closure of schools, says Fed Govt

    No nationwide closure of schools, says Fed Govt

    The Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed reports on nationwide closure of schools in the country from Monday. 

    A statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Folasade Boriowo, on Saturday said the message circulating on social media platforms was false, misleading, and did not originate from the Federal Government or the ministry. 

    The statement reads: “The Federal Ministry of Education hereby informs the general public that a message currently circulating on social media platforms, alleging that schools nationwide have been directed to close from 24th November 2025, is false, misleading, and did not originate from the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, any State Ministry of Education or any recognised security agency.

    “The public is strongly advised to rely strictly on verified information issued through the following official channels:

    The Federal Government

    The Federal Ministry of Education

    State Governments and State Ministries of Education

    Recognised security agencies

    “Any announcement, advisory, or notice coming from unofficial or unverified sources should be ignored and not shared. Members of the public are urged to always verify the authenticity of information before circulating it in order to curb the spread of misinformation.”

  • ACF@25: Gowon, Uba Sani, elders push for united front against insecurity

    ACF@25: Gowon, Uba Sani, elders push for united front against insecurity

    At the event climaxing the 25th anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on Saturday, Northern leaders have warned the region must urgently rebuild its unity and confront insecurity head-on or risk sliding into deeper turmoil.

    Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, delivered a stern reminder that peace remains the North’s most precious but endangered asset.

    Gowon, who was represented by former Vice-President Mohammed Sambo, described unity, peace and harmony as the very oxygen required for development and collective dignity, saying that, the ACF was founded to champion moderation and national cohesion, insisting that those guiding principles must be restored as daily realities, not rhetorical slogans.

    According to Gowon: “Without unity we fracture. Without peace we stagnate,” he warned, noting that extremists continue to exploit divisions within northern communities.

    ACF Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, said the forum emerged in 2000 to provide moral leadership as the North faced rising pressures—pressures that today have grown even more frightening.

    He cited repeated attacks, abductions and the killing of a senior military officer as proof that too many communities remain exposed to violent threats.

    “Government must find a way to end the violence rapidly. The consequences of failure, God forbid, are too frightening to contemplate,” Dalhatu stressed.

    He lamented the closure of hundreds of boarding schools due to insecurity, calling it a painful reflection of a region under siege and a generation at risk.

    Dalhatu urged deeper collaboration between traditional leaders, governors and security agencies, acknowledging current efforts but insisting “much more must be done.”

    Kaduna Governor Uba Sani, represented by Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Balarabe, reaffirmed Kaduna’s commitment to sustaining peace, inclusion and rural transformation as non-negotiable pillars of development.

    He described Kaduna as the “historic centre of Northern identity,” adding that hosting the ACF headquarters is not just an honour but a solemn responsibility to shape the region’s future.

    Sani said his administration had embraced a leadership model rooted in inclusion, transparency, reconciliation and citizen participation—an approach he said was rebuilding trust across long-fractured communities.

    He outlined the Kaduna Peace Model, which integrates governance, security, urban planning, infrastructure and environmental reforms into what he called “one ecosystem of stability.”

    On security, he said improved intelligence coordination had reduced threats significantly and encouraged farmers to return to their farmlands under strengthened mechanisation and market-access programmes.

    The Governor listed expansions in healthcare, school enrollment, teacher support and tertiary institution upgrades, describing education as the bedrock of long-term peace and prosperity.

    He noted that 71 percent of Kaduna’s 2026 capital budget targets rural transformation and inclusive growth, reflecting the state’s focus on infrastructure, livelihoods and social inclusion.

    As the gathering closed, leaders agreed that the North’s future hinges on unity, decisive security action and sustained investment in people. The ACF, they declared, must continue as the intellectual engine driving the region toward peace, stability and shared progress.

  • Think tank eyes 14 per cent inflation decline by year end

    Think tank eyes 14 per cent inflation decline by year end

    The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has ‎affirmed its position on a 14 per cent inflation figure by the end of the year as well as a reduction of the benchmark rate by the Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee.

    The organisation established a link between the steady increase in Nigeria’s Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) and the decline in inflation in the country for the seventh consecutive month.

    ‎This, according to the policy group, is because the PMI reflects the state of health of the economy of a country.

    ‎In a statement by its Chairman Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, IMPI posited that Nigeria’s PMI recorded eleventh consecutive month of expansion since the beginning of 2025. 

    According to the latest Consumer Price Index released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Monday, Nigeria’s inflation eased for the second consecutive month in October as new base-year adjustments and moderating food prices helped pull headline pressure lower.

    The report stated that the headline inflation rate fell to 16.05 per cent in October from 18.02 per cent in September, marking a 1.96-percentage-point moderation.

    The statement by IMPI said: “Going forward, we estimate further expansion in the PMI for the months of November and December 2025 which will also reflect in the inflation rates for the two months. In consideration of this, we reiterate that the inflation rate will decline to 14% by year end as projected in our Policy Statement 030.

    ‎”In addition, we also projected in Policy Statement 029 issued before the last meeting of the CBN Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in September 2025 that we expect it to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 150 basis points to 26% by year end. The Committee, as a first step, reduced the MPR by 50 basis points to 27% from 27.50%.

    ‎”Again, we reiterate that the softer inflation outlook validates the expectations for additional monetary easing by the CBN at its November policy meeting. 

    ‎”We therefore expect as a follow-up to our earlier projection, that the MPC will reduce the MPR by 100bps to 26.0% when it meets on the 24th and 25th of this month to determine the country’s benchmark interest rate.”

    It explained that by adopting the Predictive Regression (PR) model which uses Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) techniques to model inflation as a function of lagged values of key drivers, such as exchange rates or the Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI), it was able to establish a consistent pattern of increased productivity and general price reduction with higher intensity beginning from August 2025.

    The statement added: ‎”By our reading, we attest to the inverse relationship between Nigeria’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) and inflation rate movements. To put this in context, an increase in PMI reflects a decline in inflation because a PMI hike is suggestive of a higher growth momentum in production and productivity measured across 36 sectors of the economy.

    ‎”Since the beginning of the year, the PMI has shown consistent expansion with the latest reading for October being 55.4, indicating a strong and broad-based growth. This marks the eleventh consecutive month of expansion, driven by growth in output, new orders, and employment across various sectors.  

    ‎”The PMI has remained above the 50.0 threshold throughout 2025, signalling a sustained expansion in economic activities. 

    ‎”This, essentially, is predictive of the general movement of household items’ prices as captured in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This had been trending downward, effectively, since April 2025 when it eased to 23.71% year-on-year compared to March 2025, when it rose to 24.23% year-on-year from 23.18% in February 2025.”

    ‎It also noted that since April this year, Nigeria’s PMI had been recording sustained growth which reflected in the downward trend of inflation and added that whenever there is a slowdown, it also showed in the inflation figure.

    The statement said: ‎”Reflecting the same quantum movement, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reported a composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) of 52.40 index points for April 2025, indicating a sustained expansion in economic activities. 

    ‎”This was an increase from the 52.30 index points recorded in March 2025 and was driven by growth in both the services and manufacturing sectors.

    ‎”Nigeria’s PMI in May 2025, showed a slow uptick from a composite index of 52.1 index point for the month, indicating a 0.060 index point above the April 52.40 index point. 

    ‎”The slow upward movement in PMI is evidenced in the equally slow decline in inflation rate to 22.97% in May from 23.71%, a 0.74% difference.

    ‎”Again, in June 2025, the CBN’s composite PMI expanded by a low 0.2 index point to 52.3 from the 52.1 recorded in May 2025. In the same token, Nigeria’s headline inflation rate eased to 22.22% in June 2025 on a year-on-year basis, and like the PMI movement between April and May, the reduction was by a low 0.75% from the 22.97% recorded in May 2025.

    ‎”In July, Nigeria’s economic expansion continued with the CBN PMI for the month at 52.7 showing another low 0.4% marginal growth between June and July which also reflected in the July 2025 year-on-year inflation rate that dropped to 21.88%, down from 22.22% in June with a marginal difference of 0.34%.

    ‎”However, in September, the trend with both the PMI and the inflation rate took on a higher momentum with the PMI rising to 54.0, indicating a stronger pace of economic expansion for the tenth consecutive month.

    ‎”This faster pace of increase in the PMI also reflected in the inflation rate which vastly improved from 20.12% in August 2025 to 18.02% in September 2025, a 2.1% decline from the August figure and by trend analysis, a quantum leap when compared to the rate of inflation decline.

    ‎”The trend in the relationship and movements between the PMI and inflation is further sustained by their respective October figures with the CBN Composite PMI recording 55.4 index points, a significant increase in the PMI recorded between April and September 2025. 

    ‎”This larger margin of difference is also reflected in the country’s headline inflation rate which declined at a much faster rate to 16.05% in October 2025 from 18.02% in September 2025, a decrease of 1.96%.”

  • Ondo APC backs state police, seeks legislation in Akeredolu’s honour

    Ondo APC backs state police, seeks legislation in Akeredolu’s honour

    The governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has called on the National Assembly to urgently initiate constitutional amendments that would pave the way for the creation of state police. 

    In a statement on Saturday in Akure, the party’s spokesman, Steve Otaloro, described the agitation as a necessary response to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, particularly the growing wave of kidnappings and banditry in the country. 

    Otaloro explained that the ongoing national conversations have shown that the country has reached a “consensus point” on the need for decentralised policing.

    He said the rising cases of rural banditry, violent herdsmen attacks, kidnapping, urban crime, and infiltration of extremist groups across the borders have exposed the limitations of a single, centralised police structure.

    The APC spokesman acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in enhancing national security through increased deployments, acquisition of modern equipment, improved intelligence gathering and strengthened collaboration with state governments.

    He revealed that Nigeria has entered “a new and dangerous phase” of insecurity that requires innovative solutions.

    “However, it is increasingly clear that the Nigeria Police Force, despite its dedication and sacrifices, cannot fully secure every community across the federation without structured support from state-level policing systems,” Otaloro said. 

    He asked the federal lawmakers to fast-track deliberations and pass a comprehensive law that would empower states to establish and manage their own police structures against the backdrop of mounting security challenges and 

    Otaloro recalled that the former Governor, late Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, was one of the earliest and strongest advocates of state police, stating that his consistent push for decentralised policing, laid the intellectual and constitutional foundation for today’s national conversations.

    He proposed that the legislation be named the “Akeredolu State Police Bill” in honour of the late governor, whose unwavering commitment to decentralised policing transformed national security discourse.

    According to him, the proposed bill would reduce the pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, strengthen local intelligence networks, curb banditry, herdsmen attacks, kidnapping, and communal clashes, enable the federal government to focus more on counterterrorism and border security. 

    He urged lawmakers to set aside political, ethnic and partisan considerations and prioritise the national interest.

    “Nigeria’s security future depends on bold reforms that combine federal capacity with state-level responsiveness. The success of Amotekun – pioneered by Akeredolu and sustained by Aiyedatiwa has already shown that state-backed community policing works and is indispensable.”

    Otaloro noted that Akeredolu demonstrated foresight by recognising the emerging threats of banditry, cross-border terrorism, and widespread attacks on farmlands at a time many downplayed the dangers.

    He maintained that his establishment of the Amotekun Corps despite resistance from the federal government and legal hurdles from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) was a visionary move that eventually birthed a model for grassroots security across the Southwest.

    The statement also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who, as deputy governor, played a key role in the strategy sessions, legal consultations, and operational planning that led to the creation of Amotekun. 

    It added that since Aiyedatiwa assumed office, he has further strengthened the local security outfits through enhanced training, improved logistics, expanded intelligence capacity, better welfare for operatives, and deeper collaboration with federal agencies.

    “These interventions have earned Amotekun national praise for discipline, professionalism, and measurable results,” the party. 

    The party, however, maintained that passing the proposed State Police Bill, and naming it after a leader “who saw tomorrow,” would strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and safeguard the nation for generations to come.

  • Renewed Hope Agenda appoints Mbah as Enugu spokesperson

    Renewed Hope Agenda appoints Mbah as Enugu spokesperson

    The Enugu chapter of the Renewed Hope Agenda 2027 has appointed Comrade Onyebuchi Mbah as its State Spokesperson.

    This was contained in a statement by the Enugu State Coordinator of the group, Dr. Ezenwa Onyirimba, and made available to newsmen weekend.

    According to the statement, Mbah’s appointment takes immediate effect.

    “The Office of the Enugu State Coordinator, Renewed Hope Agenda 2027, proudly announces the appointment of Comrade Onyebuchi Mbah as the State Spokesperson for the Renewed Hope Agenda 2027 in Enugu State.

    “This appointment reflects the commitment of the Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthening communication, deepening grassroots engagement, and ensuring effective dissemination of the vision and programmes aligned with the Renewed Hope philosophy.

    “Comrade Mbah is expected to bring his experience, dedication and communication skills to bear in projecting the objectives of the Agenda across communities, stakeholders and the general public within Enugu State,” the statement reads. 

    The State Coordinator expressed confidence that Comrade Mbah’s appointment will further energise ongoing efforts toward mobilisation, sensitisation and strategic public engagement ahead of the Renewed Hope Agenda 2027 drive.

    The Renewed Hope Agenda 2027 in Enugu State, under the leadership of Dr. Onyirimba, is working toward the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for a second term and says it is leaving no stone unturned in achieving this objective.

  • DJ Brightstar set to stage Christmas youth tournament in Akwa Ibom

    DJ Brightstar set to stage Christmas youth tournament in Akwa Ibom

    Popular disc jockey, DJ Brightstar, is set to host a Christmas Youth Tournament in Akwa Ibom this December as part of his ongoing efforts to support youth development in his home communities.

    The initiative follows a series of football competitions he organised earlier in the year for young people in Ikot Eyen Imoh and Ikot Ubo Akama. The events, held during the Easter period, drew youths, community leaders and local supporters who described the tournaments as an opportunity for engagement and unity.

    Brightstar said the positive feedback from the earlier editions tagged “Superstar DJ Brightstar Easter Youth Tournament,” encouraged him to expand the project. According to him, the Chairman of his local government area (Ikot Abasi L.G.A) had also reached out through his father to commend the gesture.

    “This is just the beginning,” he said. “Giving back to my people is a mission I take seriously. Football is a tool to unite, inspire and build confidence in our youth.”

    He added that the December edition will feature more structured activities aimed at preparing young people for future opportunities both within and outside sports.

    Known for his presence on Inspiration FM, Yanga FM, Base FM, Max FM Lagos and Diamond 88.5 FM Osun State, DJ Brightstar continues to combine his work in entertainment with community-focused initiatives.

  • Oil resumption: FG begins confidence-building in Ogoniland

    Oil resumption: FG begins confidence-building in Ogoniland

    The Federal Government has commenced confidence-building in line with the agreement it reached with Ogoni leaders as part of measures to resume oil exploration in Ogoniland.

    It was gathered that the government had already started the rehabilitation of four key health facilities such as the General Hospitals each in Eleme, Khana,Terabor; and health centre K-Dere in Gokana.

    The Ogoni leaders had demanded the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Saakpenwa/Koroma; reconstruction of the Eleme section of the East-West Road; and consideration of qualified Ogonis for employment at NNPC Limited as well as interventions on critical infrastructures in Ogoniland.

    While most of the demands had been met, it was gathered that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dispatched a monitoring team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) led by Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, Director of Energy Security; Goodluck Ebelo, Special Assistant to the NSA and Prince Austin Kabari, Secretary of the Energy Security Working Group, to the area to facilitate the demands.

    The monitoring team reportedly visited key locations such as the East-West Road, the Federal University of Environment and Technology campus, health facilities, and the proposed site for an industrial park, among others to see the extent of work.

    Speaking at the weekend, the Acting Chairman of the Nyo-Khana Area Council of Chiefs and Elders, Mene Sunday Kabari-Nule, confirmed that progress was ongoing expressing hope that the hospital projects would help combat sicknesses in the area.

    He said: “This project is for the Nyor Khana people, and they are very happy. For Taabaa as a community, it’s what they have been praying for to revive that hospital and now we have a brand-new one. You can feel the happiness everywhere in the community”.

    He commended the Federal Government for the initiative and prayed for its speedy completion.

    He said: “Right now we are happy with President Tinubu and the Federal Government for bringing this to us, and we are praying that God should grant them the grace to complete the project on time so that we can start using it,” he added.

    The Community Development Committee Chairman of Taabaa, Elder Prince Neekpoabie also expressed confidence that the contract, when completed, would significantly improve health of the people

    He said the project, which was being revived after many years of abandonment would tackle health issues in the area adding that it had already employed many community youths reducing criminal activities in the area.

    “The youths,.who previously had no jobs are now working here, which has helped reduce crime in the area,” he said.

    Also, the Youth President of Taabaa, Nwikeh Torue, said community youths were happy with the government and pledged maximum security for the site, assuring contractors of a safe working environment.

    “I am here to assure the contractors and workers of maximum security at the site; no one will interfere with their work,” he said.

    The Project Manager at the site, Mr. Azubuike Lucky, said that the community had been cooperative since work began, noting that most of the workers were  indigenes. 

    “You can see our progress,.the people are working with us cordially. We have had no issues since arrival,” he said.

  • South-West security summit: stakeholders back state police

    South-West security summit: stakeholders back state police

    The Senate on Friday convened its South-West Zonal Security Summit in Lagos with security experts, traditional rulers, government officials and civil society groups renewing calls for the adoption of indigenous security strategies, technology-driven policing and the creation of state police to address rising insecurity in the region and across the country.

    The forum, chaired by Senator Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), according to a statement by his media office, is part of the interactive hearings of the 10th Senate’s Ad-hoc Committee on the National Security Summit.

    Abiru, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions and leads the Southern Senators’ Forum, said the region must act urgently to prevent worsening criminal activities.

    He warned that although the South-West had not witnessed the level of terrorism seen elsewhere, banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes were increasing.

    “Our villages and farmlands are under threat; highways have recorded more daring attacks, and the reported Lakurawa incursion into parts of Kwara and Kogi signals the danger ahead,” he said.

    The senator urged Nigerians to consider security a collective responsibility. “We must not allow the South-West to become a sanctuary for criminality. Every human, material and technological resource must be deployed to defend our communities,” he added.

    Abiru also charged the media to help strengthen national unity, saying reportage must avoid ethnic or religious framing and instead build public confidence.

    Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, said Lagos is committed to a fortified security architecture.

    He called for a unified regional framework to strengthen intelligence sharing and joint operations.

    “As governors of this region, we must reaffirm our commitment to a regional security structure that transforms Amotekun into a well-equipped, technology-driven command,” he said.

    According to him, insecurity does not only threaten peace but also undermines economic growth, investment and job creation.

    Senator Jimoh Ibrahim  (APC – Ondo South), sponsor of the bill establishing the National Security Summit, said terrorism requires non-conventional responses involving both military and civilian structures.

    Senator Gbenga Daniel (APC – Ogun East) also stressed collaborative efforts at all levels.

    Lagos Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, described insecurity as essentially local, requiring local responses and community involvement.

    Traditional rulers, represented by the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, advocated community policing, increased recruitment into security agencies, better equipment and expanded opportunities to reduce youth restiveness.

    He noted the Tinubu administration’s collaboration with international partners but said weak grassroots structures continue to hinder progress.

    The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, restated the long-standing call for state policing, insisting it remains a decisive solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.

    Civil society groups, youth and women representatives, and Christian and Islamic leaders also demanded better welfare for security personnel to boost morale and professionalism.

  • Tinubu, PDP governors, Ooni honour George at 80

    Tinubu, PDP governors, Ooni honour George at 80

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, yesterday extolled the virtues of Chief Bode George during his 80th birthday. 

    The president described the former military governor of Ondo State as a leader who served the country as a soldier and politician.

    President Tinubu,who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the ceremony in Lagos, also hailed the celebrator for presenting his memoir.

    President Tinubu said: “At 80, Chief George has lived a whole life. He dedicated his life to serving our country with a distinguished career in the military. 

    “As a leader of note and “Lagos boy’ as he had always proudly described himself, he has demonstrates devotion and undisguised love for the country and his state of birth.”

    He added, “First, I am most happy that my egbon, through the abiding grace of God, turned 80 years in good health despite vicissitudes of life that attended his way. 

    “Two, I am equally happy and rejoice wit that he is alive to celebrate today in Lagos, rather than in self-imposed exile. 

    “I recall that he made a vow on national television that he would go into exile if I were ever to become President of Nigeria. 

    “I pleaded with him that he would have a change of heart, because we would all remain in Nigeria and work together to achieve the peaceful and prosperous Nigeria that was our collective dream.”

    At the Naval Dockyard, Ikoyi, venue of the event were former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Ayinde Adelanwa, former Adamawa State Governor Muritala Nyako, Gbadebo Vivour, Dele Ogedengbe, who represented the chairman, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. 

    Other guests included Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Mrs. Ronke Okunsanya, Prof. Femi Otubanjo, who reviewed George’s memoir, Mrs. 

    Josephine Anenih, Mrs. Rebecca Aikhomu and Mrs. Magret Shonekan.

    The event was also witnessed by Chief Joju Fadairo, Commodore Taiwo Odedina, Sam Amuka, Umar Damagum, Saminu Turaki, Alex Duduyemi, Ladi Adebutu, Taofeek Arapaja, Justice Bode Rhodes, Bisi Ilaka, Supo Sasore, Akin Osuntokun, Reuben Abati, Admiral Toye Olofintuyi, Babangida Aliyu, and Prince Tokunbo Sijuade.

    President Tinubu described the birthday as a celebration of a distinguished Nigerian, a statesman and an outstanding politician.

    He said sinceheI became President, Chief George has offered advice and suggestions where necessary through many of his interventions on national issues, adding that he found many of his suggestions very valuable and enriching.

    Makinde, who said George cannot be a pushover, being a military General, thanked him for rising to the occasion when forces within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wanted to prevent him from declaring his governorship ambition at Ibadan, the state capital.

    Noting the problems that confronted the elderstatesman, he said in any moment of trial, tribulations and rough battles, people should look up to God. 

    Senator Bala Mohammed described George as a father, cerebral and hardworking person, adding that he is blunt and detribalised who has mentored many Nigerians.

    The governor lamented that despite his efforts to reposition the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) when he was chairman, it becsme his albatros. 

    Okusanya, who served as George’s Commissioner for Information when he was governor, dwscribed him as her destiny helper.

    Ogedengbe, who was also Attorney-General and Justice Commissioner during the same period recalled that he and George met as students at the University of Lagos, Akoka, in 1967.

    He praised him for demonstrating resilience, determination in the course of life. 

    Ogedengbe said, “George has gone through a lot ib life; he was prosecuted, convicted and imprisoned, but the Supreme Court established his innocense. He has remained focused. 

    “I urged people to emulate him. You should not give up. At the end of the day, you will be victorious.”

    An excited George thanked the dignitaries for turning up to honour him. 

    Reminiscing on his life journey, which has been full of ups and downs, he said: “My journey through public life has been long and painful. From my early days as a young naval officer, serving this nation in uniform, to my years in political leadership, I have seen our country, Nigeria, in her brightest and also at the most challenging moments. I have served in government. 

    “I have served in opposition. I have celebrated victories and endured defeats. I have been praised and I have been misunderstood. 

    “But through every twist and turn, I have held firmly to one conviction. That our country, Nigeria, is worth serving. And Nigeria is worth believing in.”

    Urging the youths to face the future with confident hope, George added: “Let us build a nation where unity is not just a slogan but a life reality. To the young people of this country, my sons and daughters, and the future of this great country, I say this with love. Do not give up on Nigeria.”