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Tag: Bola Ahmed Tinubu

  • Atiku’s son defects to APC, vows to mobilise for Tinubu’s re-election

    Atiku’s son defects to APC, vows to mobilise for Tinubu’s re-election

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) scored a major political gain as Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, dumped the PDP and pledged to work for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

    Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, formally announced his defection to the APC at the National Assembly, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, with APC leaders from the North-East.

    Party leaders described the move as a significant boost to the APC’s consolidation efforts ahead of the next general election, given Abba’s political network and grassroots organisation.

    Announcing his resignation from the PDP, Abba said the decision was informed by his conviction in the leadership style of Senator Barau and the policies of the Tinubu administration.

    “My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, but everyone calls me Abba. I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party and my decision to join the APC,” he said.

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    He pledged to work closely with Senator Barau to actualise President Tinubu’s second-term ambition, directing members and coordinators of his political structure, formerly known as the Haske Atiku Organisation, to immediately align with the APC and support the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. To this effect, I am directing all coordinators of my association to join the APC and work for President Tinubu,” he added.

    Welcoming him, the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu, described the defection as symbolic and far-reaching.

    “Today is one of my happiest days. This is politics without borders. He has seen the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration and decided to align with them,” Salihu said, assuring the new entrant of equal rights and opportunities within the party.

    Senator Barau congratulated Abba for what he called a “bold and principled decision,” stressing that the move was driven by ideology rather than sentiment.

    “You didn’t come here because of who your father is. You came because you believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his ideology and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Barau said.

    The Deputy Senate President disclosed that Abba, who had been following political developments from the United States, was impressed by the administration’s reforms, which influenced his return home and decision to join the APC.

    “He is young, focused and determined to contribute to shaping the future of our country. This is the kind of youth Nigeria needs,” Barau added.

    A presidential aide, Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi, assured Abba of President Tinubu’s support, describing his defection as a homecoming.

    “Just like Atiku, Tinubu is also your father. Your decision is like returning home. You and your coordinators have a future in this party,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, Kano State Coordinator of the organisation, Hon. Mubarak Musa, said the defection was strategic, noting that all political activities of the group would now be coordinated through Senator Barau.

    “We have worked round the clock for our former platform. We will double our efforts and deliver for the APC in 2027,” Musa said, describing Senator Barau as their political father and a key pillar of the party in the North.

    The high point of the event was the renaming of Abba’s political organisation from Haske Atiku Organisation to Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, signalling a full realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • Eno pays new year homage to Akpabio, as both leaders pledge support for Tinubu

    Eno pays new year homage to Akpabio, as both leaders pledge support for Tinubu

    The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has said that Akwa Ibom people across party lines were united in their resolve to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope agenda for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    Pastor Eno made the declaration at the weekend when he paid a new year homage to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio in his home in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    He also seized the opportunity to reiterate the support of Akwa Ibom State for the administration of President Tinubu.

    Speaking during the visit, Governor Eno said he came to pay the traditional New Year homage to the President of the Senate and to thank him for his leadership and making Akwa Ibom proud at the national level.

    “We pray for more wisdom upon you to keep supporting President Tinubu because you are all tied together. We also assure you that we are holding the ground at home for you. That is one assurance you need to know.

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    “Akwa Ibom is united for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Akwa Ibom is united for you, Chief Akpabio. In fact four days ago the youths of Akwa Ibom State held a massive rally to endorse the President, yourself and my humble self.

    “Akwa Ibom is united across party lines. We may have some storms in the teacup, they will always be there. But when you look at the general outlook, you would know that the State is very united as far as 2027 is concerned,” he said.

    Pastor Eno commended Akpabio for the New Year gesture of ordering the withdrawal of all cases he had instituted against those who defamed and slandered him, saying such gesture showed strength of character.

    “It was Mahatma Gandhi who said that forgiveness is not for the weak but for the strong. It takes strength of character to rise above such feelings of hurt to let go of the past. So I commend you for that,” he said.

    On his part, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio commended Pastor Eno for his support for President Tinubu and said the success of the President is the success of Nigeria as a country.

    “We are behind you just as we support President Tinubu. His reform agenda may be painful but it is working. I want to thank you for your support for the President and also uniting the whole State to support him. We are focused on assisting the President to succeed because if the President succeeds, Nigeria succeeds.

  • President Tinubu: bring back all abductees

    President Tinubu: bring back all abductees

    Bring back all the people in the custody of abductors without further delay, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed security agencies yesterday.

    The President, who expressed joy over the return of 100 pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government of Niger State, praised security agencies for their “steadfast efforts” since the November 21 incident.

    But President Tinubu said the joy can only be full if all the abductees are rescued from the kidnappers’ den.

    No fewer than 115 students and some of their teachers are still in captivity after the school attack.

    As the rescued pupils were reunited with their parents in Minna, the state capital, Governor Umar Bago raised hope about the rescue of the remaining ones soon.

    The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, charged security operatives to intensify operations to secure the release of the remaining students and their teachers who are still being held by bandits.

    He said: “I rejoice with Governor Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families.”

    The President assured affected families that both the Federal Government and the Niger State Government are working closely to bring home every abducted child.

    He added: “My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely. We must account for all the victims.”

    The President also said his administration was taking further actions to secure schools across the country, stressing that learning institutions must never again become soft targets for terrorists.

    He added: “From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings.

    “Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists intent on disrupting their education and subjecting them and their parents to unspeakable trauma.”

    President Tinubu reaffirmed that the safety of students and the protection of schools remain a top priority of his administration as part of broader national security reforms.

    Freed pupils reunited with parents

    It was an emotional scene at the Government House in Minna when the pupils, who were rescued on Sunday, were reunited with their parents and guardians.

    There was disappointment and weeping by some parents whose children were not among those rescued.

    The children were rescued from Wawa forest in Borgu, also in Niger State, by security agencies on Sunday night at about 7pm, sources said.

    An official, Abdullahi Idi Hong, who represented the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the rescue was successful after a two-week intensive operation led by the NSA.

    Hong, who presented the children to the state government, emphasised the critical role played by the Department of State Services (DSS), armed forces, and other agencies in the success.

    He said: “In the past two weeks, an intense operation coordinated by the office of the NSA, DSS, armed forces and other security agencies led to the rescue of 100 children taken by the criminals.

    “The effort of the DSS played a critical role in ensuring the success of this operation.”

    He said education “must not be a casualty of violence,” adding that ongoing policies to safeguard children’s rights would be sustained.

    Bago: no going back on rescue mission

    Bago lauded President Tinubu and the NSA for mobilising the necessary teams and called for more prayers for the children who are yet to be rescued.

    The governor said he was emotionally down because he never imagined that the abducted children were at a very tender age.

    He said: “I am emotionally down because I saw their sizes and their ages.

    “For those who have been praying, continue praying so that we recover the remaining children in captivity.”

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    Urging the parents not to despair, the governor assured them that the rest of the children would be safely rescued.

    Bago, who said that medical and health workers have examined the children thoroughly before reuniting them with families, lauded the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for its support.

    Due to the late information about the rescue, only a few parents could make it to the handover ceremony.

    Mixed reactions by parents trailed the rescue.

    A parent, Elizabeth Samuel, whose daughter was among those rescued, expressed overwhelming joy.

    She said: “I had lost all hope, and I thank God that the government intervened and rescued them. I pray that the others are rescued as this one was.”

    But Marcus Philip Abuka, who thought that his daughter was among those rescued, was sad that she was still in captivity.

    He said: “I wasn’t happy since the incident happened because my daughter is among the abductees.

    “I am still unhappy because she is not among those rescued. But I pray the government will do something to rescue the others.”

    Abuka lauded the efforts made to rescue the children by the federal and state governments, expressing optimism that others will be rescued soon.

  • Tinubu urges varsities to seek sustainable funding

    Tinubu urges varsities to seek sustainable funding

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has advised federal universities to find sustainable funding options to tackle pressing infrastructure challenges.

    Addressing the 37th convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), the President said his administration, within two years, had recorded bold and remarkable achievements across federal universities.

    President Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Eboyin State, Prof. Jesse Uneke, highlighted the reforms his administration had undertaken since its inception.

    These include the Energising Education Programme (EEP), which has delivered solar energy solutions to federal universities.

    “It may interest you that the EEP Phase 3 project in FUTO has been fully completed and commissioned, ensuring uninterrupted 24-hour electricity supply,” he said.

    The President announced key interventions his administration has taken,  including the release of N50 billion for unpaid allowances, N150 billion for a NEED Assessment Fund (in three N50 billion tranches in 2025), a Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund offering interest-free loans up to N10 million, and streamlined NELFund guidelines for transparency.

    READ ALSO; The miracle of Nnamdi Kanu

    Acknowledging funding limitations, President Tinubu urged federal universities to leverage endowment funds and public-private partnerships (PPP) for the development of infrastructure, like hostels and staff quarters, referencing the government’s PPP project guidelines.

    He said: “Despite these interventions, the demands of our universities continue to grow, and it is evident that the government alone cannot meet them adequately.

    Therefore, the universities are encouraged to pursue sustainable funding options such as endowment funds, and public-private partnerships to tackle pressing infrastructure challenges, including hostel accommodation and staff quarters.

    “I urge FUTO to forge strategic collaborations with the private sector, addressing needs without imposing unnecessary pressure on students and parents,” he said.

    The President advised the university to deepen industry engagement, boost research, and apply innovations to communities.

    He said: “Technology must serve humanity, and FUTO must be the bridge between knowledge and national prosperity.”

    President Tinubu hailed the parents and guardians for investing in their children’s education and equipping them “with the requisite skills to become not only useful to themselves but also impactful contributors to Nigeria and the global community”.

    The President congratulated recipients of honorary degrees, urging them to be “ambassadors of this institution” and serve Nigeria with greater impact.

    FUTO’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nnenna Oti, highlighted her administration’s efforts to enhance staff welfare, including the promotion of 203 professors, 594 non-academic staff members, 1,690 senior non-teaching staff members, and 232 junior non-teaching staff members.

    Praising President Tinubu for his support, she stressed that FUTO students were among the first to benefit from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFund).

    Also, the Pro-Chancellor, Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado, and the Chancellor of the 13th Governing Council, Alhaji Muhammadu Aliyu Mustafa, outlined the challenges facing the university, such as a lack of staff quarters, a deteriorating road network, and ongoing encroachment and annexation of FUTO land by land grabbers and speculators.

    Highlights of the ceremony included the conferment of honorary degrees on Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Mrs. Ngozi Ekeoma (D.MT Honoris Causa) alongside the award of postgraduate degrees to 542 candidates.

  • UPDATED: Tinubu nominates veteran diplomats as non-career ambassadors to US, UK, France

    UPDATED: Tinubu nominates veteran diplomats as non-career ambassadors to US, UK, France

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated three seasoned security and diplomatic figures as non-career ambassadors to represent Nigeria in the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, according to a post on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

    The nominations, which are subject to Senate screening and confirmation, include Ambassador Ayodele Oke, retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are, and Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu.

    Ambassador Dalhatu, one of the nominees, previously served as Nigeria’s envoy to South Korea during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    First appointed in 2016, he completed a tenure marked by strengthened bilateral cooperation between Abuja and Seoul.

    Ambassador Oke, a graduate of Emory University in Atlanta, is a former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

    He earlier represented Nigeria at the Secretariat of the Commonwealth of Nations in London and is widely regarded for his extensive diplomatic and intelligence background.

    Retired Colonel Are brings decades of national security experience to the diplomatic corps. He served as Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS) from 1999 to 2007, later assumed office as National Security Adviser in 2010, and was an officer in the Directorate of Military Intelligence.

    A distinguished scholar, he graduated with First Class Honours in Psychology from the University of Ibadan in 1980.

    The three nominees are expected to play strategic roles in strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic presence in key global capitals once their postings are finalised after Senate confirmation.

  • President lauds Otedola’s vision, philanthropy

    President lauds Otedola’s vision, philanthropy

    • TTT celebrates businessman on 63rd birthday

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to billionaire businessman and Chairman of Geregu Power Plc, Femi Otedola, as he marked his 63rd birthday yesterday.

    The President applauded his contributions to Nigeria’s economy and social development.

    In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President lauded Otedola’s role as a leading figure in Nigeria’s private sector, noting his strategic investments in the energy sector and his commitment to national progress.

    READ ALSO: Abba Kyari denies ownership of property linked to him

    President Tinubu described the business magnate as a model whose innovation, discipline and pursuit of excellence continue to inspire a new generation of Nigerian business leaders.

    He also highlighted Otedola’s philanthropic work, particularly his interventions in education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, saying his “uncommon passion for uplifting lives has touched countless Nigerians”.

    President Tinubu added: “As you add another year, I am particularly impressed by your decision to document for posterity that it is ‘possible to defy the odds, no matter how stacked they are against you. I pray that Almighty God will continue to bless you with good health, wisdom, and greater accomplishments as you serve our dear nation and humanity.”

  • Tinubu committed to even growth of all regions – FG

    Tinubu committed to even growth of all regions – FG

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to ensuring the establishment of a framework that would address developmental gaps, leverage regional advantages and create opportunities for growth across our six geopolitical zones.

    The Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh stated this in Abuja at the weekend while inaugurating the governing boards of three regional development commissions under the supervision of his ministry.

    The regional developmental commissions are: South South Development Commission (SSDC), South West Development Commission (SWDC) and the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).

    Momoh urged the boards and management of the Commissions to perform their mandates and duties diligently, ensuring that initiated programmes and policies align with the key priority areas of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including economic reforms for sustainable growth, national security, agricultural development, energy and natural resource harnessing, infrastructure enhancement, investments in education, health, and social welfare among others. 

    READ ALSO: FG signs one-year performance contracts with para-military agencies

    The Minister explained that the President has assigned Presidential Deliverables to the Ministry that would contribute to the attainment of the Federal Government’s eight priorities, for which a Performance Bond had been signed with the President for effective implementation.

    According to him,: “The attainment of the deliverables is hinged on your performance to consolidate on the efforts of the Ministry”, adding that the Ministry in turn will initiate the process to obtain their full commitment to the Deliverables by signing a Performance Bond with them very soon.”

    Momoh noted that the inauguration of the three boards signaled hope to millions of people and succour to the ordinary Nigerians in the three regions that fall within their mandate. 

    The Minister enjoined them to initiate projects and policies that are people oriented and beneficial, as well as tailored towards accelerating the development of the three regions for equitable and balanced growth. 

    Minister of  State, Ministry of Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, said the establishment of these Commissions was more than just an administrative task. 

    According to him, the mandate of these Commissions is clearly to act as catalysts for infrastructure renewal, social empowerment, and economic diversification within their respective regions. 

    The Minister challenged them to ensure prudent use of resources, promoting transparency and accountability. 

  • Tinubu reaffirms commitment to anti-corruption fight, asset recovery

    Tinubu reaffirms commitment to anti-corruption fight, asset recovery

    …unveils measures to enhance anti-graft measures 

    …AGF says recovered stolen assets judiciously applied 

    ..SGF advocates legal, institutional reforms 

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption and economic crimes across the country.

    Speaking on Tuesday at a summit on asset recovery in Abuja, themed “Synergizing Towards an Effective Assets Recovery and Management,” Tinubu pledged to not only sustain the current anti-graft efforts but also to strengthen them through enhanced use of technology and improved capacity of anti-corruption agencies.

    The President, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Nadungu Gagare, emphasized that transparency and accountability are critical to the success of the anti-corruption campaign. He vowed that those involved in economic crimes would face the full weight of the law.

    Tinubu also assured that the Federal Government remains determined to recover stolen assets and redirect them for the benefit of Nigerians.

    He said: “Our resolve as a government to fight corruption is unwavering and unshakable and we are pleading with our development partners to join us in this journey to rid our society of corruption. 

    “Let us work together with steadfast determination to build a Nigeria and a world where integrity triumphs over impunity and justice prevails over greed. 

    “As we converge here today, it is essential to acknowledge the profound impact that corruption has had on our society. 

    “In Nigeria, we have witnessed the devastating effects of corruption on healthcare, education and infrastructure. The consequences of misappropriated public funds are painfully evident. 

    “Corruption weakens our institutions, erodes trust in governance and deprives our people, especially the vulnerable of the services and opportunities they deserve. 

    “Asset recovery sends a clear signal and unwavering message that there will be no safe haven for corruption in Nigeria. 

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    “It serves as a deterrent, a symbol of accountability and a practical tool to rebuild national confidence in public institutions,”the President said. 

    He noted that technology and innovation are critical to improving asset traceability, preventing concealment of illicit funds and facilitating cross-border cooperation.

    The President unveiled two key initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in asset recovery. 

    The first is the Proceeds of Crime (Standardised Automated Asset Forfeiture Management System) Regulations, 2024, which establishes a technology-driven, streamlined system to efficiently manage forfeited assets.

    The second is the National Central Database of Forfeited and Recovered Assets, created under Section 81(1) of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022.

    It was learnt that the platform, which is intended to house records of recovered assets and concluded recovery efforts, will be accessible to the public, allowing for greater transparency and citizen oversight.

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi regretted the negative impact of corruption and related crimes on the nation’s quest for development.

    Fagbemi also highlighted the various successes recorded so far in the recovery of looted public assets and assured of his ministry’s resolve not to waver in its commitment in that regard.

    Fagbemi noted that in the past couple of years, Nigeria made remarkable strides in asset recovery, both domestically and internationally. 

    He said, “I make bold to say that the Federal Ministry of Justice (through its Assets Recovery & Management Unit), Anti-Corruption and Law Enforcement Agencies (the EFCC, ICPC, NDLEA, NFIU, Police) and some other relevant organizations actively involved in the recovery of assets, have performed creditably very well in the discharge of their mandates, which has led to successful recoveries and repatriations of assets or proceeds of crime, from both within and outside Nigeria. 

    “Though, there is still room for improvement. In 2024 alone, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reported to have reclaimed over N248 billion, $105 million, and 753 duplexes in its asset recovery efforts. 

    “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is also reported to have recovered N29.685 billion in cash and $966,900 in assets. 

    “The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has equally intensified its efforts in seizing assets linked to drug-related crimes, ensuring that illicit proceeds do not fuel further criminal activities.

    “Nigeria has successfully repatriated significant funds from abroad, reinforcing our commitment to financial accountability. 

    “With regards to international recovery and repatriation of assets which is within the purview of the Federal Ministry of Justice, it is pertinent to state that from 2017 to date, the Federal Ministry of Justice working in collaboration with its counterparts and international partners (the US, UK, Bailiwick of Jersey, Ireland, Switzerland), was able to facilitate the execution of various agreements, leading to the payment of fines, recovery and repatriation of assets in the sum of $763,734,000 USD, and £6,472,610 GBP. 

    “Of these sums, a total of $102.88 million and £2, 062,000 GBP (Galactica Assets $52.88 million, Glencore Fined $50 million, Useni/Miner GBP 2,062,000) was recovered from 2024 to date. 

    “However, discussions and negotiations are still ongoing and pending with regards to some other assets located offshore, with a view to finalizing their forfeiture and/or repatriation to Nigeria.    

    “From 2017 to 2024 USD 659,900,000 and GBP 6,472,610 of recovered funds were invested in conditional cash transfer and to partly fund critical infrastructure development under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund Projects (PIDF) namely – the Lagos Ibadan Expressway (LIE), 2nd Niger Bridge (2NB), and Abuja-Kano Road (AKR). 

    “The conditional cash transfer project was monitored by a coalition of CSOs led by ANEEJ, with reports published on its websites,” Fagbemi said.

    The Solicitor General of the Federation (SGF) and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba noted that despite the successes recorded so far, there were still challenges, requiring urgent attention.

    Mrs. Jedy-Agba said it was imperative that the nation strengthens its laws, policies and processes to ensure that the frameworks governing asset recovery remains robust and adaptive. 

    She added: “The purpose of asset recovery is defeated if repatriated funds are mismanaged or improperly allocated.

    “Transparency must therefore form the cornerstone of our efforts. Citizens have the right to know how recovered assets are being used, and we must establish reliable mechanisms for public reporting and oversight. 

    “By institutionalizing clear asset utilization frameworks, we prevent misappropriation and ensure recovered funds serve the interests of national progress,” she said.

    Mrs. Jedy-Agba was of the that task of asset recovery should not be left solely for the duty of law enforcement agencies.

    She added: “We must empower civil society organizations, journalists, and citizen-led initiatives to actively participate in tracking hidden wealth and advocating for responsible asset utilization. 

    “Strengthening the Whistleblower Policy will encourage information sharing and uncover undisclosed assets. Nigeria is at a crossroads where decisive action can reshape our asset recovery landscape. 

    “By bolstering inter-agency coordination, promoting transparency, and advancing technological solutions, we can build a system that does not merely recover stolen assets but ensures they are utilized effectively for national prosperity,” she said.

    The Executive Director of the African Centre for Governance, Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development (the African Centre), Mrs. Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu commended Nigeria’s efforts in its stolen assets recovery drive.

    Mrs. Ibekaku-Nwagwu, who noted that the Proceeds of Crimes Act, 2022 was now three years since the enactment of POCA, said significant progress has been made in asset recovery and return at the domestic level, particularly to victims of organized crime.

    She added: “Nigeria, through the EFCC has also returned assets to countries such as Canada, Spain and U.S. These are remarkable developments that must be acknowledged.

    “Nigeria is leading Africa in asset recovery initiatives and have championed United Nation resolutions on asset recovery and return, including beneficial ownership in line with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) review mechanisms.”

  • Tinubu to Malian envoy: W’Africa is stronger together

    Tinubu to Malian envoy: W’Africa is stronger together

    • President welcomes six new envoys, calls for collaboration

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering support for Mali’s democratic transition and called for greater unity and economic cooperation among West African nations.

     The region is better off together, he declared.

    The President spoke  at the State House in Abuja while receiving the Letter of Credence from the new Ambassador of the Republic of Mali, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said “We should strengthen our bilateral relations, and it is hoped that Mali will achieve its democratic goals. We are open to any support we can render. I want you to see yourself as a member of the family here.

    “For me, we are one in West Africa and Africa. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has made its position clear, but no nation can succeed alone. We see Mali as a brother and are ready to collaborate and exchange ideas”, the President said.

    READ ALSO: Eight Africa’s oldest countries and their rich histories

    Emphasizing Nigeria’s open-door policy and its commitment to regional integration, Tinubu added: “I can assure you that Nigeria is home for you. When you feel like seeing us, our doors will always be open.”

    The Ambassador of Mali thanked the President for consistently providing leadership for the sub-region and the continent.

    “I wish to convey the fraternal greetings of the Head of State, Gen. Assimi Goïta, and the highest appreciation of the Malian people for the Nigerian leadership and support,” he said.

    Coulibaly said Nigeria had maintained its leadership role in Africa while acknowledging the Nigerian military’s supply of troops for various UN peace missions on the continent and the subregion.

    “The Head of State particularly told me that I was on a mission to the biggest country in Africa. He said he knows it’s not easy, but I should look for solutions as a diplomat. We know that Africans must solve African problems.

    He noted: “I appreciate you as a leader and father in Africa”.

    The President’s remarks come amid shifting regional alliances and Nigeria’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize and unify the West African subregion, particularly as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso pursue an independent security and economic bloc through the AES.

    President Tinubu also received letters of credence from five other envoys, urging closer cooperation to promote global peace, understanding, and prosperity.

    Among them were Ambassador Bengt Van Loosdrecht of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; High Commissioner Selestine Gervas Kakele of the United Republic of Tanzania; non-resident Ambassador Dr Sabit Subasic of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Ambassador Andrey Leonidovich Podelyshev of the Russian Federation; and Ambassador Patrick Egloff of Switzerland

    Welcoming the Tanzanian envoy, the President praised the country’s leader, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for her courageous leadership and impactful contributions to the African Union.

    “We will continue to work together. You can see the situation across the world. No one can do it alone. We will continue to collaborate in areas of knowledge and technical know-how,” he said.

    The Tanzanian High Commissioner acknowledged the significant impact of Nigerian investments in Tanzania, citing contributions from the Dangote Group, UBA, GTB, and Sahara Energy.

    “We should strengthen collaboration not only government to government but also people to people as we see in the film industry and sports. Nigeria has a vibrant and wonderful film industry, and it is collaborating with Tanzania,’ the Ambassador stated.

    In his meeting with the Russian ambassador, President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s long-standing technical partnership with Russia and expressed a desire to expand cooperation in steel production, science, education, and nuclear energy to bolster electricity supply.

    “Our partnership has been fulfilling, but we need more technological support with our rapidly growing population. The Ajaokuta Steel Complex, constructed by Russian companies, will only realise its potential when fully operational,” President Tinubu stated.

    Ambassador Podelyshev reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to expand cooperation, particularly in education and energy, emphasising ongoing agreements on nuclear power.

     Addressing the Swiss ambassador, President Tinubu pledged to create a more investor-friendly environment through regulatory reforms, especially concerning potential litigation.

    “We will address any legal issues that could impede progress in our economic relations,” he assured.

    Ambassador Egloff highlighted growing Swiss investments in Nigeria, noting expansions by companies such as Nestlé and Lafarge in Lagos, Kano, and Gombe States, and praised ongoing collaboration on security and intelligence.

    President Tinubu thanked the Bosnian ambassador for the progress in bilateral relations.

    The Bosnian ambassador urged President Tinubu to honour an invitation to visit Bosnia to appreciate the progress made in his country.

  • Tinubu hails Adeleke at 65, praises his pan-Nigerian outlook

    Tinubu hails Adeleke at 65, praises his pan-Nigerian outlook

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, as he marked his 65th birthday on Tuesday, commending his distinctive contributions to Nigerian politics and his unique national appeal.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded Governor Adeleke, describing him as “a politician of reckoning not only in Osun State but across the country and beyond.”

    Senator Adeleke, a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was first elected into the Senate in 2017 to represent the Osun West Senatorial District, succeeding his late brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke. 

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    He ascended to the position of Governor of Osun State in 2022 after a closely contested election.

    President Tinubu acknowledged Adeleke’s bipartisan relevance and inclusive style of leadership, highlighting his ability to bridge Nigeria’s ethnic divides. 

    “Governor Adeleke has proven to be pan-Nigerian in his way of life and governance philosophy,” the President noted, referencing the governor’s Yoruba and Igbo heritage as a symbol of national unity.

    The President also expressed personal prayers for the celebrant, wishing him many more years in good health and under divine grace. 

    “I pray for more years, good health and God’s infinite mercies on Governor Adeleke, the Asiwaju of Edeland,” Tinubu said.