The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Tinubu’s reforms restoring global confidence in Nigeria – Shettima

…says foreign participation in certification programme signals renewed trust

…tasks procurement professionals on integrity, transparency

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the ongoing reforms of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are beginning to restore the confidence of the global community in Nigeria, noting that renewed international trust is reflected in growing foreign participation in professional programmes within the country.

Shettima made the assertion on Thursday at the inaugural Convocation Ceremony of the Nigeria Procurement Certification Programme held at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima was represented at the event by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia.

The Vice President said the graduation of the first cohort of certified procurement professionals marked a significant milestone in the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the participation of professionals from outside Nigeria underscored rising confidence in the credibility of the country’s reform efforts.

He noted that a total of 2,100 procurement professionals from Nigeria and other countries were being celebrated, describing the achievement as evidence that Nigeria was consciously positioning itself as a benchmark for excellence in public procurement on the African continent and beyond.

According to Shettima, procurement, once viewed merely as an administrative necessity and often abused, has now assumed a central role in governance under the present administration.

He said the transformation of public resources into roads, hospitals, schools, security infrastructure and social services depends largely on effective procurement, adding that when procurement fails, development suffers and citizens bear the consequences.

The Vice President emphasised that prudent, transparent and strategic management of public resources is not an afterthought for an ambitious nation like Nigeria but the engine room of development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the quality of infrastructure, the resilience of the healthcare system, the reach of educational institutions, and the confidence of citizens in government are all shaped by the strength of public procurement practices.

Shettima said the Bureau of Public Procurement occupies a central position in the reform process, with responsibilities extending beyond regulation to the cultivation of a professional, ethical, and competent procurement workforce.

Addressing the graduands, the Vice President described them as pioneers with a special responsibility, urging them to allow integrity, transparency, and patriotism to guide their professional conduct.

He told them that their decisions, though not always attracting headlines, would have a direct impact on the lives of citizens across communities and institutions nationwide.

Read Also: VP Shettima, bankers urge shift from aid to investment

Shettima congratulated the Bureau of Public Procurement, the leadership of the SPESSE Project, the World Bank, and other development partners, saying the programme would help strengthen institutions, rebuild public trust, and move Nigeria closer to its developmental aspirations.

Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Procurement, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, pledged the National Assembly’s support for the sustainability of the Nigeria Procurement Certification Programme, urging the graduands to uphold the highest ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.

He said the programme had laid a solid foundation for a more transparent and progressive public service, positioning procurement as a catalyst for national transformation and development.

In his remarks, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, said the programme was designed to enhance sustainable capacity building and promote a strong procurement culture within Nigeria’s public service.

He disclosed that President Tinubu had approved the full deployment of community-based procurement officers nationwide to align procurement practices with global standards and ensure judicious use of public resources.

Also speaking, National Project Coordinator of the SPESSE Project, Dr Joshua Attah, said the programme marked a historic step towards strengthening accountability in public procurement, adding that Centres of Excellence in Procurement had so far trained over 40,000 candidates through various capacity-building and certification platforms.

World Bank Chief Procurement Officer, Ms Hiba Tahboub, commended the Federal Government for its sustained investment in the procurement function, urging other African countries to emulate Nigeria’s structured approach to professionalising public procurement.

January 29, 2026
Firm launches equity-free accelerator

Bridge Seed Global (BSG) has officially launched a three-month impact-driven accelerator program designed to support young African start-up founders aged 18–35 with funding, mentorship, and global investor access.

Cohort 1 is expected to commence at the end of Q1, 2026.

The accelerator provides £5,000 in equity-free capital to every start-up selected into the program, removing one of the most significant barriers facing early-stage founders — the pressure to give up equity too early.

In addition to funding, founders receive structured business training, one-on-one mentorship, networking opportunities, and direct introductions to angel investors and venture capital partners within Bridge Seed Global’s international network.

Founded by UK-based African investor Leandra Mika, alongside Managing Partner Ola Josh, Bridge Seed Global was created to back founders building sustainable, impact-led businesses across Africa.

The organisation supports ventures capable of creating jobs, solving local challenges, and contributing to long-term economic growth.

Beyond its commercial focus, Bridge Seed Global operates with a values-driven philosophy.

The firm believes entrepreneurs are co-creators with God, and that capital should be invested responsibly to glorify God through businesses that serve communities and drive inclusive development.

January 29, 2026
Nicki Minaj shows off Trump’s ‘Gold Card’, fast-tracks US citizenship

Trinidad-born rapper Nicki Minaj has received a Trump Gold Card, a high-profile investor visa offering a fast-track path to US residency and citizenship.

The card, which typically requires a $1 million contribution to the US Treasury and a $15,000 processing fee, was shared by Minaj on social media.

She wrote on X, “Residency? Residency? The cope is coping. Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak, as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President. Thanks to the petition. I wouldn’t have done it without you. Oh, CitizenNIKA, you are the moment. Gold Trump card free of charge.”

Read Also: Why I’m Trump’s number one fan – Nicki Minaj

Minaj, who has lived in the US since she was five, has been a lawful permanent resident but not a US citizen.

She recently expressed support for President Donald Trump, calling herself his “number one fan” at an event promoting Trump’s government-backed investment accounts for children.

The Trump Gold Card program has faced criticism for favouring wealthy immigrants, with some arguing it undermines the traditional immigration process.

January 29, 2026
Davos Forum: Local capital key to energy transition – Okunbo

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Executive Director of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), Osahon Okunbo, said the retreat of global financiers from Africa’s oil and gas sector presents a unique opportunity for local capital and indigenous expertise to drive Nigeria’s energy future.

Speaking on the panel “Powering Africa’s Next Growth Cycle: Gas, Renewables, Capital & Entrepreneurs in a Pragmatic Energy Transition Concept,” Okunbo described the strong Nigerian presence at Davos as encouraging, stressing that capital for energy infrastructure still exists within Africa.

“There is capital available in Africa and in Nigeria,” he said, citing the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline as a game-changing project for domestic gas supply and northern industrialisation.

“Nigeria must increasingly build for itself with Nigerian solutions to Nigerian problems,” Okunbo said.

Addressing investors’ concerns, he dismissed security fears as overstated, noting that PINL has successfully delivered over 600 kilometres of pipeline infrastructure across hundreds of communities.

“If security were truly the problem people claim, these projects would not have been delivered,” he said, attributing this success to improved collaboration between host communities and security agencies in the Niger Delta.

Read Also: Pa Emmanuel Okunbor to be buried in Benin City January 29

He also downplayed political risk, arguing that Nigeria is more stable today than in past decades, citing fuel subsidy removal and exchange-rate unification as reforms boosting investor confidence.

“Nigeria is ready and open for business,” he said.

However, he warned that maintenance culture and long-term reinvestment remain weak links in infrastructure planning. Using the Trans-Niger Pipeline built in the 1970s as an example, he said decades of underinvestment left critical assets vulnerable.

“We are now rebuilding infrastructure with reinvestment built in from day one,” he said.

He identified community buy-in as a decisive factor, noting that production reliability surged from 3 per cent to 98 per cent during the transition from SPDC to Renaissance Energy after communities were fully engaged.

“We achieved results by carrying communities along, not by force or heavy kinetic deployment,” he said.

He insisted that Africa’s energy transition depends on patient capital, strong indigenous partnerships, and supportive regulation, expressing optimism that ongoing power-sector reforms, including cost-reflective tariffs and improved revenue collection, will unlock private investment.

January 29, 2026
Katsina Chief Judge denies release of bandits, dismisses public outcry

The Chief Judge of Katsina State, Justice Musa Abubakar Danladi, has dismissed reports of the release of 70 detained bandits in the state, describing the claims and the resulting public reaction as unfounded.

Speaking in an exclusive interview in Katsina on Thursday, Justice Danladi said no detained bandit has been freed, insisting that the reports circulating in the public space are untrue.

He reiterated that the Katsina State Government has consistently maintained its position against negotiating with bandits and has remained firm on that stance.

According to him, some local communities, acting out of desperation, independently initiated discussions with bandits without the authorisation of the state government.

He explained that the bandits reportedly demanded the release of detained persons in exchange, prompting the communities to seek government intervention, which was declined.

Justice Danladi said the state instead sought legal guidance, leading to the recommendation and establishment of a victim–offender mediation committee to ensure any engagement remains lawful and considers the interests of victims.

Read Also: Katsina Chief Judge frees 44 inmates

“As I said earlier, some communities entered agreements with bandits out of desperation. Judges are guided strictly by law; sympathy cannot replace proof,” he said.

The Chief Judge noted that during the peak of banditry, numerous suspects were arrested, with some already convicted and sentenced, while others are still facing trial.

He stressed that convicted persons cannot be released without due legal process, adding that each case category is governed by specific legal provisions.

“As I am speaking with you now, no bandit has been released; they are all undergoing legal processes, so the noise about them is unwarranted,” he said.

The development follows widespread reactions from opposition political parties, the Arewa Consultative Forum, and other stakeholders in Katsina over a reported letter from the state Ministry of Justice to the Chief Judge regarding legal procedures for detained suspects.

January 29, 2026
Tinubu urges Nigerians to embrace Akintola’s legacy of courage, unity

…says nation must reject bitterness, embrace bridge-building politics

…reaffirms commitment to inclusive reforms, unity in diversity

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to imbibe the enduring qualities of courage, resilience, unity, and politics of cooperation exemplified by the late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, while eschewing bitterness, acrimony, and divisive tendencies in national life.

The President made the call on Thursday through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who represented him at the 2026 Samuel Akintola Memorial Lecture and the 60th remembrance of the former Premier of Western Nigeria, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

President Tinubu, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, conveyed his warm greetings to participants and described the memorial lecture, themed Unity in Diversity: Lessons from Chief Ladoke Akintola’s Legacy, as a fitting tribute to one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists whose life and sacrifice remain central to the country’s historical journey.

According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the President said Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, like several other leaders of Nigeria’s formative years, paid the ultimate price with his life so that the nation could attain its full potential.

He recalled that the January 15, 1966 military coup extinguished many national leaders in their prime and set Nigeria on a difficult path, but stressed that the country has endured and will continue to prevail as one strong, indivisible and united nation.

President Tinubu reassured Nigerians that, notwithstanding prevailing socio-economic challenges, his administration remains firmly committed to building on the foundations laid by Chief Akintola and other national heroes through reforms, policies and people-oriented initiatives aimed at securing a more sustainable and inclusive prosperity.

He urged Nigerians to exercise patience and understanding as ongoing reforms begin to yield positive outcomes, emphasising that the objectives of government policies are not to make life harder for citizens but to secure a brighter and more stable future for all.

Reflecting on the life and times of Chief Akintola, the President described him as a man of many parts who distinguished himself as a teacher, journalist, legal mind and passionate politician.

He noted that Akintola rose from humble beginnings in Ogbomoso to national prominence, becoming the first Premier of the Western Region in post-independence Nigeria.

The President highlighted Akintola’s service as a federal minister, the first Leader of the Opposition in the Federal Parliament and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, as well as his contributions to major national institutions such as the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria Airways and the University of Ife, Ile-Ife., describing Akintola as one of the most astute politicians of his era.

Beyond public office and traditional titles, President Tinubu said Akintola’s greatest legacy lay in his ideals and principles, particularly his advocacy of the politics of cooperation, a bridge-building philosophy that emphasised consensus over conflict and national unity over regional isolation.

He recalled that Akintola consistently urged alignment with the national mainstream and championed equitable distribution of the nation’s wealth to all regions through his doctrine of a fair share.

The President also reflected on the narrative surrounding the January 1966 coup, noting that while allegations of corruption were cited as justification, Chief Akintola stood out as a builder who initiated and completed impactful development projects. He observed that a deeper scholarly examination of public administration in pre-1966 Western Nigeria would further enrich the nation’s historical understanding.

President Tinubu paid tribute to other patriots who lost their lives during the coup, including Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, and senior military officers, noting that their sacrifices underscore the grave consequences of disunity, distrust, and political intolerance.

Describing Nigeria as a nation of diverse peoples, languages, and faiths, the President stressed that diversity must be harnessed as a source of strength rather than division.

He affirmed that unity in diversity remains the only viable path to lasting peace and progress in a plural society like Nigeria.

Highlighting current efforts to promote inclusive development, President Tinubu pointed to the establishment of Regional Development Commissions across the six geopolitical zones as a deliberate strategy to decentralise development, address region-specific challenges, and ensure that no part of the country is left behind.

Read Also: Tinubu condoles with grieving Ndidi on father’s death

He said the approach reflects Chief Akintola’s philosophy of fairness and equitable distribution of national resources.

The President also underscored the importance of human capital development, particularly education, citing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as a landmark initiative designed to remove financial barriers to higher education.

He noted that over 600,000 students nationwide have already benefited from interest-free loans under the scheme, describing education as the most potent weapon against poverty, insecurity, and division.

Addressing the people of the South-West, President Tinubu acknowledged the region’s profound contributions to Nigeria’s development and assured that his administration remains attentive to its aspirations for good governance, infrastructure development, economic opportunities, and respect for cultural heritage.

He noted that the South-West Development Commission is operational, with federal projects in power, roads, rail, agribusiness, and innovation being accelerated.

President Tinubu urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from Chief Ladoke Akintola’s legacy of bridge-building, fairness, and patriotism, stressing that the remembrance of past tragedies should serve not to reopen old wounds but to heal them through understanding and a renewed commitment to national unity.

January 29, 2026
NAFRC prepares 718 soldiers for retirement, harps on discipline

To prepare them for post-service and ensure their smooth integration into civil life, the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, has commenced a six-month intensive training for 718 Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs).

This training, which will run till June, will equip the participating soldiers with entrepreneurial and business management skills, as well as bring them up to speed with relevant technologies in their chosen areas of specialty to enable them function optimally and be financially independent.

Inaugurating the course, NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Nnaemeka Ilo, charged the participating soldiers to maintain discipline and respect the Nigerian Armed Forces’ social media policy.

He urged them to embrace purposeful learning and adaptability as they prepare for life after active military service.

AVM Ilo described the course as highly competitive and prestigious, adding that it was designed to equip personnel with relevant skills for post-service survival and prosperity.

He explained that the six-month course will feature a robust blend of theoretical and practical training focused on entrepreneurship, self-reliance, job creation, and sustainable living.

According to him, feedback from past participants showed that many graduates of the centre had gone on to become successful entrepreneurs across diverse sectors of the economy, expressing confidence that the current participants would equally emerge competitive and productive in the open market.

He cautioned the participants against underestimating the realities of civil life, describing it as largely unstructured and fiercely competitive when compared to the regimented military environment. Stressing the importance of emotional intelligence and self-control, AVM Ilo advised them to prepare mentally for the differences in work culture, time management, and interpersonal relations outside the military.

Continuing, he admonished the participants to see the course as an investment in their families and themselves, reminding them that they had given over 30 years of their lives to serving the country selflessly.

He underscored the importance of dedication, diligence, and effective time management, noting that optimal use of the training period would largely determine individual success in retirement.

During an interview with a journalist, the Commandant reiterated that efforts had been intensified to modernise training facilities through the introduction of technology and basic Artificial intelligence modules.

He explained that while AI is currently being introduced in phases due to the age profile of participants, it would eventually become a full course for future intakes as part of efforts to align NAFRC with international best practices.

Read Also: New NAFRC Commandant AVM Ilo pledges improved staff welfare, training reforms

Earlier, the Director of Training, Brig. -Gen. Isang Akpaumontia revealed that 823 participants were posted for the course, comprising 523 personnel from the Nigerian Army (NA), 122 from the Nigerian Navy (NN), and 178 from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Of this number, he said 718 participants were medically screened and certified fit, documented and accommodated, while 85 were declared unfit and returned to their units for further treatment.

He assured that arrangements had been made to complete the documentation and biometric capture of the affected personnel ahead of graduation.

Brig.-Gen. Akpaumontia reiterated that NAFRC is a world-class institution dedicated to entrepreneurship and management training, as well as consultancy services, aimed at ensuring a seamless reintegration of personnel into contemporary civil society after decades of meritorious service.

He reminded participants that the course was fully residential, urging them to uphold conduct befitting their ranks as senior representatives of their respective services.

January 29, 2026
NELFUND extends 2025/26 loan application deadline to Feb 27

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended the loan application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session from 31 January 2026 to 27 February 2026.

In a statement signed by Director, Strategic Communications, NELFUND, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the agency explained that the extension was aimed at giving prospective applicants additional time to complete and submit their applications, ensuring that no eligible student was excluded due to timing constraints.

Speaking on the extension, Managing Director/CE of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, said, “This extension reflects our commitment to inclusivity and access. We understand that some applicants may require additional time to complete their submissions, and this decision ensures that every eligible Nigerian student has a fair opportunity to benefit from the Fund.”

Read Also: NELFUND disburses N1.33bn to UNILAG to cover 6,308 students loans

The agency encouraged all prospective applicants who have yet to apply or complete their applications to take advantage of the extended deadline and ensure that all required information is submitted on or before 27 February 2026.

“Further information and updates will continue to be shared through NELFUND’s official communication channels,” the statement added.

January 29, 2026
Alaafin’s wife installs community head, seeks peace among residents

Wife of the Alaafin of Oyo, Ayaba Abiwunmi Owoade, has advised the newly installed Baale of Ona-Aka community in Oyo town, Chief Oyedokun Akinade, to build strong networks based on trust and respect, and nurturing a sense of belonging and community identity.

Ayaba Owoade gave the advice in the ancient Palace while conferring chieftaincy of Baale Ona-Aka community on Chief Akinade, urging the new community head to bridge gaps between different groups, ensuring inclusivity, and preventing disparities that can lead to internal conflict.

She said, “You act as an arbitrator in household and community-level disputes, using dialogue and mediation to maintain harmony. You must promote values like tolerance, respect, and compassion, which are essential for a harmonious society.

Read Also: Alaafin relocates to ancient palace

“You are the first line of defense in maintaining stability. You must identify early warning signs of conflict and use local mechanisms, such as traditional courts, to resolve disputes. As Baale, you must actively encourage peaceful coexistence, reminding your people that disunity delays development.

“As a community head, you play a foundational role in fostering unity, maintaining peace, and driving development at the grassroots level. You act as vital intermediaries between the Alaafin and the people, leveraging their moral authority to ensure social cohesion, resolve conflicts, and mobilize resources for community betterment”.

Ayaba Owoade, who enjoined the new Baale of Ona- Aka community to always let his loyalty be unflinching to the Alaafin, charged the people of the community to cooperate with their new head and refrain from acts that are detrimental to the progress and development of the community.

January 29, 2026
Ex-Niger Delta agitator urges Tinubu to intervene in rivers political crisis

Former Niger Delta freedom fighter, General Endurance Amagbein, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing political dispute between Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to restore peace and unity.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Amagbein warned that the crisis could escalate if urgent steps are not taken, stressing the need for timely political reconciliation to prevent further instability.

He said the Rivers political situation has reached a stage where only President Tinubu can broker an amicable resolution that would allow the parties to reconcile and work together ahead of the 2027 elections.

Amagbein, popularly known as “Adaka Boro the Second,” also appealed to Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to set aside their differences and adopt a reconciliatory approach in resolving the crisis.

He argued that the rift is being exploited by individuals pursuing personal interests, diverting public attention and resources away from governance and development in Rivers State.

According to him, resolving the impasse would help refocus attention on critical sectors of the state and curb actions that may undermine public interest.

“Wike and Fubara should join forces to promote President Tinubu’s 2027 agenda, and not to allow crisis-mongers to destabilize Rivers State.”

“Some of these crisis mongers are not from Rivers State, but they have infiltrated the system and positioned their agents in the politics sector of Rivers State, whom they are using to add fuel to the fire.”

“It’s about time critical stakeholders stepped in to preach peace to all the parties involved in this war.”

“I also want to call on King Asari Dokubo and King Ateke Tom to be vigilant and study the situation keenly and not allow anybody from another state to destabilize their domains,” he said.

Read Also: Tinubu condoles with grieving Ndidi on father’s death

Amagbein also cautioned Ijaw youths against taking sides with either Wike or Fubara, as their differences can be resolved, but rather support the interest of Rivers State for the overall good of the people.

He said supporting one side of the divide against the other will not result in any good because the impasse is a mere misunderstanding between a father and his son.

According to him, “Some persons are planning to use this crisis as an avenue to frustrate Tinubu’s chances of winning the 2027 presidential elections in Rivers State, and so Wike and Fubara should reconcile and come to terms to put the enemies of the Tinubu Government to shame.”

Amagbein said for some people, the only way they benefit from any government is through crisis, and that is very common in Rivers State.

He said the crisis has lingered because of people who don’t mean well for both Wike and Fubara, who are close to them, giving them evil counsel, rather than preaching peace.

He also urged the Rivers State House of Assembly to give peace a chance for the overall good of the citizens.

January 29, 2026