Tag: Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated two Nigerian icons, ace-broadcaster, Bisi Olatilo, who clocked 72; and his longtime ally, Professor Segun Gbadegesin, who turned 80.

Tinubu described Olatilo as a media icon whose work continues to enrich Nigeria’s cultural life and national development.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Friday to mark Olatilo’s birthday on December 20, the President extolled the broadcaster, polyglot and founder of Biscon Communications, for his pioneering role in broadcast journalism and his enduring commitment to professionalism in the media industry.

“Otunba Bisi, at 72, you have become an institution and a widely respected voice in Nigeria’s celebrity media circle, primarily through the Bisi Olatilo Show, which has transformed into a must-see item in social circles and a veritable source of enlightenment and mentorship,” the President said.

While congratulating Gbadegesin, his longtime friend and political associate, on the occasion of his 80th birthday, he described the renowned philosopher as a fearless democrat whose life of scholarship and activism has left an enduring mark on Nigeria’s democracy and educational development.

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Tinubu recalled the courage, brilliance and clarity of purpose that defined Gbadegesin’s role as a US-based democratic activist during the struggle to return Nigeria to civil rule in the 1990s, including the campaign for the recognition of the winner of the June 12 presidential election.

He acknowledged that the philosopher’s commitment to democratic ideals sometimes put his life on the line, underscoring his steadfast loyalty to the cause of freedom and justice.

The President also highlighted Gbadegesin’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational development through decades of research, insightful articles, book authorship, teaching and counselling, which, he said, have produced a strong legacy of discipline, focus and resourcefulness among students and colleagues alike.

“As Gbadegesin turns an octogenarian, the President believes his influence in academia, governance and democratic institutions will continue to expand, particularly in politics, philosophy and economics, where he remains an authority,” the statement said.

…hails democracy in West Africa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended congratulations to Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, following his victory in the December 7 presidential election.

In a telephone conversation with Mahama, Tinubu expressed optimism that his leadership would strengthen the stability and progress of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“President Mahama’s return to Jubilee House is a testament to the trust Ghanaians have in his leadership,” President Tinubu remarked, adding, “his second tenure will undoubtedly contribute to the shared vision of peace and economic integration in our region.”

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu, who chairs ECOWAS, commended the Ghanaian people for their commitment to democracy.

The elections, which included both presidential and parliamentary contests, were widely praised for their peaceful conduct.

Read Also: Nigeria spent N5.14tn on mineral fuels import in Q3, says NBS

Tinubu described the event as “a shining example of how democracy remains the cornerstone of political stability, economic development, and social justice in Africa.”

The Nigerian leader also lauded Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), for his gracious concession ahead of the official announcement by Ghana’s Electoral Commission.

“Dr. Bawumia’s magnanimity in defeat reinforces Ghana’s position as a beacon of democratic values on the continent,” Tinubu said.

Reflecting on Mahama’s political career, Tinubu highlighted his extensive experience, which includes serving as Vice President (2009–2012) and President (2012–2017).

“Ghanaians have demonstrated their confidence in a leader who has already shown his capacity to serve,” Tinubu noted.

The statement also emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to fostering strong bilateral ties with Ghana under Mahama’s administration.

“Nigeria and Ghana share a deep history and cultural connection. My administration is committed to working with President Mahama to advance economic integration, democracy, and the rule of law in West Africa,” Tinubu affirmed.

Tinubu also expressed gratitude to outgoing President, Nana Akufo-Addo, for his exemplary leadership, saying “President Akufo-Addo’s contributions to Ghana’s progress and regional stability will be remembered as a vital chapter in the nation’s history”.

As Ghana prepares for Mahama’s inauguration, Tinubu reaffirmed his belief in the power of democracy to shape Africa’s future.

“This election is a source of pride not only for Ghana but for the entire ECOWAS region. It underscores the importance of allowing people to freely choose their leaders”, he said.

• President billed for France on state visit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, are to deepen political, economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and France during their three-day talks in Paris, France.

Tinubu, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, is expected to depart Abuja for a three-day state visit to France.

The trip, aimed at fostering partnerships in critical sectors, is at the instance of Macron.

During the visit, President Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will participate in a series of high-profile events and engagements, the statement said.

They will be received tomorrow at Les Invalides, a historic French military museum and at the Palais de l’Élysée by President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron.

The two leaders are expected to hold bilateral discussions on key areas, including agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation and energy transition.

Read Also: Tinubu embarks on state visit to France to strengthen ties

The talks will also center on creating opportunities for skill development, particularly for Nigerian youth, in automation, entrepreneurship and leadership.

Additionally, the visit will feature political and diplomatic meetings, focusing on shared interests in finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication.

The presidents will attend a session of the France-Nigeria Business Council, a platform for private-sector collaboration in economic development.

The First Ladies will also engage in discussions, with Mrs. Macron set to hear from Senator Tinubu about her initiatives for empowering women, children, and vulnerable groups through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

• MINILS surpassed its 2024 target, says DG Isa Aremu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday urged Nigerians to join his administration in moving the country from a consumption economy to that of production.

He said there was a need for every Nigerian to be involved in governance and production to realise the dream of having a country that everyone would be proud of.

“We are a consuming economy. Everybody has to join the production hub to see that in the near future everybody will be satisfied and food will be on the table of every Nigerian,” the President said.

President Tinubu said this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the 10th national labour summit and award with the theme: The Future of Work and Renewed Hope Reform Agenda: Issues and Perspective, organised by Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS).

Represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, President Tinubu said: “Our administration is saying everybody should come together and be part of the movement to remove Nigeria from the space of poverty. We are on the verge by which everybody has to be involved. We are at the point where everybody has to understand what the economic indices are and how to improve it and stay in one place idly complaining.

“We are focused on making sure that every agenda on the renewed hope is carried to the letter. I, therefore, charge MINILS to, apart from training workers, preach reconciliation and dialogue.

“MINILS should engage the people on the reforms that the Federal Government has taken on the economy so that the people will be part of them. If everybody is part of the progress, we will have less rancour.”

President Tinubu restated his administration’s commitment to engendering harmonious labour relations.

He said: “This administration has demonstrated its commitment to dialogue as the primary means of resolving labour and industrial issues. The historic resolution of the National Minimum Wage discussions is a testament to this.

“We engaged extensively with labour unions, employers, and other stakeholders, ensuring that all voices were heard and a consensus was reached.

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“However, let me emphasise that social dialogue is not a one-time exercise but a continuous process. Labour reforms, though essential for progress, are not without challenges. They often involve difficult decisions and, at times, painful adjustments.

“Disputes may arise, but with true and honest engagement among trade unions, employers, and the government, these disputes can and will be resolved constructively. Industrial action, while a legitimate right, must always remain the last resort.”

Commenting on the essence of the summit, the President said: “This summit provides a crucial platform for fostering mutual understanding and securing the buy-in of our social partners to the government’s reform agenda.

“As we explore the components and processes of the Renewed Hope Agenda, I urge all stakeholders here to see themselves not merely as participants but as co-architects of Nigeria’s recovery.

“Through an open dialogue, we can build trust, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that the reforms we embark on are not only understood but embraced by all.

“Let us work together to create an inclusive and sustainable labour market that uplifts every Nigerian, protects workers’ rights, and fuels our nation’s development.”

MINILS’ Director General Issa Aremu said the institute surpassed its 2024 ministerial targets on deliverables.

“In 2024, MINILS was assigned 1,250 ministerial targets and deliverables as key performance number. We are happy to report that despite the challenges of operating environment, MINILS surpassed 2024 ministerial deliverables target of 1,250 to over 2,000 on site at the institute in Ilorin.

“If we add online workers trained and skill-up training for employability in carpenters, tie-and-dye, cinematography and photography by our Entrepreneurship Development Department, MINILS has impacted 3,500 workers in the private and public sectors drawn from the six geopolitical zones of the country.

“Also, our internally generated revenue (IGR) from our highly subsidised courses marginally improved even though eroded by high cost of training and transportation due to rising inflation.

“Remarkably too, MINILS recorded significant gender mix of both male and female participants from different unions, employers’ associations and states including People living with Disabilities (PLWD).

“Indeed, participants from the six geopolitical zones of the country attended in the year MINILS training programmes, implying that the institute has impacted nationally based on its mandate.”

Also, the Chairperson of the Central Planning Committee, Mrs. Olaide A. Ajiboye said: “The hope of our reform agenda rests on the principles of social justice, economic equity, and the fundamental rights of every worker.

“This summit serves as a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration. Our shared goal is to champion the fundamental rights of workers, promote fair practices, and ensure that all voices are heard.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged leaders and stakeholders in Oyo All Progressives Congress (APC) to work as a family with a view to reclaiming power in the State in 2027.

The President said the Pacesetter state was too important to be missing among the Progressive fold.

Speaking in Ibadan at the maiden edition of Lam Adesina Annual Lecture Series, the President, who was represented by Minister for Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said to honour memory of late Lam Adesina, the Progressives in Oyo state must come together as one and win the battle come 2027, adding the State must return to the progressive fold.

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According to him, Adesina s a champion of democracy, earned himself a place of pride in the nation’s history as a result of his exceptional bravery, rare commitment to the ideals of service to humanity and good governance. 

Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, the guest lecturer represented by Sen. Shuaib Salisu emphasised the need for Nigerians to rediscover value system which would encourage citizens to be more responsible, morally upright and diligent as against the culture of indiscipline, avarice and corruption.

The lecture had as its theme: “Improving Nigeria’s governance, lessons from the past, strategies for the future.”

The event witnessed convergence of hundreds of associates, supporters and family members of the late former Governor who died in 2012. 

The President of the Nigerian Youth Union, Chinonso Obasi has urged President Bola Tinubu to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company Kogi State, Nigeria refineries, Nigeria Cement Company Nkalagu Ebonyi State and Nigeria textile companies to empower the youth.

Obasi said the only way to empower the greater majority of Nigerian youths is by creating an enabling environment for everyone to strive.

He said this at a press conference to celebrate the 64th independence anniversary of Nigeria in Abuja.

“The only way to empower the greater majority of Nigerian youths is by creating an enabling environment for everyone to strive. Revive the moribund companies like Ajaokuta Steel Company Kogi State, Nigeria refineries, Nigeria Cement Company Nkalagu Ebonyi State, Nigeria textile companies, etc,” he said.

Read Also: FG signs MOU with Russian firm to complete Ajaokuta steel coy

Obasi, who was an ex-president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) commended President Tinubu for the appointment of young people to some government positions.

He said: “On behalf of Nigerian Youths, we thank the President for the appointment of young people to some government positions. However, we frown at the constant use of youth-based positions to settle political stakeholders and actors.

“Contrarily, in appointing youths into positions of power, seek for the best through resume, antecedence in leadership, and academic performance. This claim is evident in the poor performance of some youth appointees who cannot give what they don’t have.

“On 9th February 2024, we called on the President to quicken the establishment of mining Marshalls to stop illegal mining in the country and today that has been achieved and we do hope this is going to create employment and protection for our solid minerals.

“Going forward, we have mapped out solutions to some of the challenges bedeviling Nigerian Youths, and in the coming days, we shall visit relevant stakeholders in pressing home those solutions.”

Obasi said his organisation would commence visits to some key government officials to find solutions to some of the challenges facing the youth.

He said NYU would present solutions to some of the challenges facing the youth during the meetings.

President Bola Tinubu, has charged the Armed Forces to engage the nation’s adversaries with more military gallantry and  sophistication.

Tinubu gave the charge yesterday in Kaduna at the combined passing out parade of the 71 Regular Course, Army, Navy and Air Force.

The graduands also included:  Direct Short Service Course 28 (Army) and Direct Short Service Course 32 (Air Force) Cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

Eight hundred and twenty three officers were commissioned into the nation’s armed forces.

Tinubu was represented by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas.

He also charged the members of the armed forces to remain focused in their operations, emphasising that elite militaries remained professional in democratic dispensations.

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According to Tinubu, this is with the belief that the individuals charged with the nation’s leadership will do their job.

“We are the giant of Africa and must remain so,”he said.

Speaking further, Tinubu lamented that Nigeria as a country, was faced with multiple challenges that had attempted to destroy the nationhood.

He said the economic challenges and deterioration in the standard of living, as well as unemployment and insecurity top the list of problems that were besieging the nation.

Tinubu, however, said more than ever before, his administration was determined to do all it takes to ensure that Nigeria is united, secure and repositioned for development.

“Based on this, the present government remains resolute in its mandate to create better living conditions for Nigerians and to do this, it has begun taking several steps,”the  President added.

As a responsible government, Tinubu said, they were able to identify the crux of the nation’s problems, which was  centered on some fundamental issues.

“As a government, we are working hard to confront these problems, including associated ones, to make our beloved nation more secure and improve the quality of life of the Nigerian citizen.

“We need the cooperation of all Nigerians for better answers in our interest,”he said.

Tinubu equally said that each time the government casts an eye into military barracks, what strikes its most was the number of widows and their children whose husbands sacrificed their lives for the survival of the nation.

He, therefore, directed  leadership of the Nigerian armed forces to work out a robust policy proposal to the government.

This is with a view to alleviating the suffering of families of soldiers and officers affected by the trauma of the loss of their loved ones.

Tinubu equally lamented that since independence, Nigeria has had a mixed history of turbulence and fortune.

 He said that his administration would  change the course of history as it was determined to unite the country, where no one should be an exception.

 Tinubu said the cadets of the NDA would not be an exception to this noble course, emphasising that Nigeria has spent a lot to train them.

“The nation requires loyalty, commitment, dedication. resilience and service from you.

”Be aware that wherever and whenever the nation comes calling, you will answer,”he said.