Tag: Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission and erudite political scientist, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, on the occasion of his 65th birthday. 

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded Prof. Olaopa’s exemplary career in public service and the academia. 

The President described him as a “reputable intellectual and advocate of public service reforms,” whose work has significantly contributed to strengthening Nigeria’s institutions and shaping public policy.

Prof. Olaopa, a former Permanent Secretary in various ministries, capped his illustrious civil service career by founding the Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy, an institution dedicated to advancing governance and public administration. 

Following his retirement, he joined the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, near Jos, where he continues to inspire the next generation of public service leaders.

Read Also: Olaopa celebrates Soyinka at 90, lauds patriotic battles

Highlighting Prof. Olaopa’s dedication to nation-building, President Tinubu praised his extensive body of work, including numerous books and scholarly articles that have enriched Nigeria’s policy discourse. 

The President also acknowledged Olaopa’s pivotal role in promoting public service reforms, describing it as foundational to achieving purposeful administration and governance.

President Tinubu expressed his best wishes for Prof. Olaopa’s continued good health and unwavering service to the nation, urging him to sustain his reformist zeal in positioning the civil service as a cornerstone of national development.

…as former president turns 82

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s development by building on the robust infrastructure foundation laid by his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

Tinubu made this declaration in a heartfelt tribute to Buhari on his 82nd birthday, describing him as a leader whose dedication and resilience continue to inspire the nation.

“Your steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s advancement and unity inspires many, and your enduring legacy continues to guide our nation’s journey towards prosperity and stability,” President Tinubu said in his tribute, released on Monday.

Reflecting on Buhari’s years of service, Tinubu praised the former president for his transformative leadership, particularly in infrastructure development, and vowed to sustain and expand on his achievements. 

Read Also: Minister assures Nigerians of promising year 2025, says Tinubu’s reforms yielding good results

“I will continue to build on the infrastructure legacy you bequeathed to our nation as the leader of our country’s first All Progressives Congress (APC) administration,” Tinubu assured.

Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, was commended for his resilience and determination, particularly in contesting and losing three presidential elections—2003, 2007, and 2011—before securing victories in 2015 and 2019. 

“Your doggedness and resilience in contesting presidential elections before winning them inspire us never to give up,” Tinubu remarked, highlighting the former president’s unwavering dedication to public service.

The tribute also emphasized Buhari’s enduring influence as a unifying figure and a guiding force for Nigeria’s progress. 

Tinubu expressed his admiration and gratitude, stating, “as you celebrate this remarkable milestone in Daura, we reflect on your years of dedicated service and leadership, which have significantly shaped the course of our nation.”

The President wished Buhari continued good health, happiness, and fulfilment in his retirement years. 

“On this special day, may you be surrounded by the love of your family and friends and continue to enjoy good health, happiness, and fulfilment in all your endeavours, now and in the future”, Tinubu wrote. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the National Assembly to prioritise funding for Nigeria’s space programme to ensure the nation maintains a leading role in the fourth industrial revolution.

Speaking on Monday through the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, at an event marking 25 years of Nigeria in space and technology, Tinubu emphasised the importance of strengthening the legislative framework for the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

“There is a need to strengthen the Act that established NASRDA to help the Nigerian space ecosystem become more vibrant in its local and international engagements,” the President stated at the event held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Tinubu highlighted the role of the private sector in advancing Nigeria’s space ambitions, calling for its integration into the heart of the national program.

“Great effort should be made to ensure that the private sector is mainstreamed into the heart of our space program to maximize opportunities for national development,” he said.

He further urged lawmakers to provide increased budgetary support for NASRDA, noting that the agency’s work has the potential to yield massive socioeconomic dividends.

“The sector requires improved budgetary support to accomplish its programs. This will solidify Nigeria’s standing as a leading space-faring country in Africa and boost its competitiveness in attracting foreign direct investment,” Tinubu added.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s achievements in space science, Tinubu commended NASRDA’s efforts in capacity building and satellite development.

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“In the quest to bring the benefits of space to national development, NASRDA has developed and launched major space programs, including building indigenous capacity in space science and producing and launching satellites for socioeconomic and environmental services,” he said.

The President also acknowledged the collaboration between NASRDA, the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat), and the Defence Space Administration (DSA).

This synergy, he said, forms the foundation for a robust national space programme.

“Together, these institutions have created a tripodal support system for an advanced and more robust space program, with seven satellites launched so far and plans underway to launch four more within this administration’s tenure,” Tinubu revealed.

In his own message as supervising Minister of the agency, Nnaji noted that the global space economy, projected to reach $1.8 trillion, presents opportunities for Nigeria in industries such as logistics, agriculture, defence, and digital communications.

He projected that over 60% of new economic value in these sectors would derive from space-enabled technologies.

In her remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of NigComSat, Mrs. Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen, described Nigeria’s 25-year journey in space science as a testament to innovation and resilience.

“From the launch of NigeriaSat-1 to the groundbreaking work of NASRDA and the Defence Space Administration, we have unlocked new horizons in communication, security, agriculture, and disaster management,” she said.

The event also featured the unveiling of a 400-page compendium chronicling NASRDA’s activities over the past 25 years, further underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging space science and technology for national development.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that his administration’s decision to explore the livestock sector is driven by a desire to turn a long-standing source of conflict into an economic opportunity.

Speaking on Thursday during the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and JBS S.A, a leading global meat processing company, President Tinubu noted that the clashes between farmers and herdsmen in Africa have resulted in loss of lives and bloodshed.

However, rather than seeing this as an intractable problem, President Tinubu believes that it presents an opportunity for economic growth and development.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said: “We are trying to turn a situation of tragedy, hopelessness into economic opportunity”.

By introducing modern and civilized solutions to the livestock sector, the President said he hopes to create a new era of peace and prosperity in Nigeria’s rural communities.

The partnership with JBS S.A. is expected to bring significant investment and expertise to the sector, creating new opportunities for farmers, herdsmen, and other stakeholders.

As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil, the livestock sector is seen as a key area of growth. With its vast grazing lands and large cattle population, Nigeria has the potential to become a major player in the global livestock industry.

“What we are doing right now is that we are solving a problem that afflicted humanity in that part of Africa, clashes between farmers and migrating cows that have caused some life and bloodshed when there is a modern, civilized way to solve those problems and even bring a successful economy out of it.

“We are trying to turn a situation of tragedy, hopelessness into economic opportunity, see through problems and see the opportunity that is involved in it.”

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The Nigerian leader called on the company to see the considerable potential in what he called the $2.5billion livestock investment opportunities in Nigeria, especially with its huge population, and tap into it, given JBS S.A’s globally recognized expertise in the area of guaranteeing food security.

“We’ve heard so much about you in terms of the reputation, and we believe in the partnership we are forging today.

“Food security is extremely important. As we talk right now, there is hunger. However, there is huge hope. And you are one of those hopes that we are looking at.”

President Tinubu told the JBS top executives that Nigeria is ready to do business with them, assuring them of a good return on their investment.

Before he visited Brazil, the President had commissioned a team of Nigerian officials and private sector players to take advantage of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio to conduct a study tour of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and explore the opportunities in livestock development, meat processing, seed development and multiplication for key grains.

In his remarks, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muhktar Mahia, who led the delegation, reported to the President that the team embarked on guided, extended, and intensive tours of companies on the scale of their global reach, the integrated nature of their operations as well as the deployment of advanced technology.

He added that from their interactions with various companies, JBS S.A. was chosen to be the second largest meat processing company in the world with the capacity to process 33,000 cattle daily and over eight million birds daily, using advanced zero-waste practices.

The company employs over 200,000 people across its subsidiaries in more than 50 countries in the world including United States, Canada, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia among others.

Wesley Batista, founder and President of the JBS group, said the company is the largest employer of labour in Brazil with over $79 billion in revenue already in the year 2024.

“We are glad to work with Nigeria to work together to develop the livestock industry there. We think it’s a good opportunity for our business in Nigeria and Africa as we believe Nigeria can be the center of supply of protein to many countries in Africa. 

“We look forward to working with you. We are almost in December and this year is almost gone. We hope to be in Nigeria as soon as possible,” the founder and Chief Executive said.

Other members of the delegation included Minister of State Agriculture and Food Security Hon. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Co-chairman Presidential Livestock Reform Committee, Professor Attahiru Jega, the Secretary of the Committee, Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahya, and the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, Aisha Rimi.

President opens second Africa Military Games after 20 years hiatus

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the military across Africa to unite in addressing insecurity and other threats to the continent’s unity and stability.

President Tinubu spoke when he officially declared open the second edition of the Africa Military Games (AMGA) with the theme: Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports, yesterday in Abuja.

The games were established to foster unity, camaraderie and military cooperation across the continent.

The return of the games marked a revival of the tradition initiated over 20 years ago in Nairobi, Kenya.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the games at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that no single nation can tackle its security challenges alone.

In a statement by a media aide in the Vice President’s Office, Stanley Nkwocha, the President said: “Our collective safety and the well-being of our people demand that we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as one united Africa.”

The President acknowledged the significance of the Ggames in strengthening Africa’s collective security efforts.

He added: “This occasion is more than a gathering of extraordinary athletes; it is an undeniable reminder of the cooperation that binds the military institutions across our continent.

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“Today, we reaffirm the promise of what we can achieve when we stand together — not just as neighbours but as guardians of a continent that depends on your valour, sacrifices, and unyielding dedication.”

Reflecting on the legacy of the games, President Tinubu hailed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Maj.-Gen. M. Abdullahi, for their leadership in reviving the event.

He emphasised the role of sports in promoting physical fitness, discipline, and resilience among military personnel, vital traits for addressing Africa’s diverse security challenges.

“Sports not only keep us physically fit but also infuse core values, such as integrity, excellence, and discipline. When our men and women are fit, they are better equipped to confront the challenges of their duties with resilience and confidence,” he President said.

President Tinubu also underscored the broader importance of unity in tackling the continent’s security threats, saying: “The security challenges we face cannot be addressed through kinetic measures alone. We must deepen the friendships and partnerships that have long existed among us.

“As long as any nation within our shared geography remains under threat, none of us can declare our continent secure. Together, we will build a safer, stronger Africa.”

Gen. Musa said the second edition of the games was not just a celebration of the physical prowess of military athletes but an opportunity to showcase the bond among the armed forces across Africa.

He stressed that the games were a reminder of the power of cooperation and friendship, urging the 1,625 athletes and officials participating in various sporting events to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship.

Also, Maj.-Gen. Abdullahi said the hosting of the second edition of the games in Nigeria was in realisation of the vision of the founding fathers of OSMA: to foster unity, friendship and solidarity among the armed forces across Africa.

…targets tech, agric, creative sectors in region’s youth development plan

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasised the crucial role of Northern Nigeria’s development in the nation’s prosperity.

Accordingly, the President unveiled a comprehensive youth development strategy spanning multiple key sectors to drive Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Speaking during a Stakeholders Roundtable on Northern Youth Development organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Abuja, President Tinubu who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, invoked the legacy of the late Sardauna of Sokoto and former Premier of Northern Nigeria.

“The late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, was one of the towering giants on whose shoulders we have ascended as a nation. His vision was clear: the North cannot progress in isolation, and Nigeria cannot prosper unless every part of this nation thrives,” he said.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the President warned that “whatever disrupts the growth of one region sets back the entire nation.

“For far too long, we have been taunted as a nation with the most children out of school—a reality that should not elicit pride but provoke urgent action. This alarming statistic has turned the promise of our population into a challenge rather than the dividend it ought to be,” he added.

President Tinubu reechoed his administration’s pioneering youth development initiatives, including the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme and the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters.

“Our creative and digital economy is another goldmine,” the President said, outlining programmes such as the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP).

He listed other programmes including the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for higher education access, Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) for digital entrepreneurship, the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative (OTNI) for global market participation, Youth Enterprise Clusters for business development, and the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme to address accommodation needs.

On agriculture, President Tinubu emphasised the North’s strategic importance, saying, “Investments in agriculture and industrialisation will further position the North as Nigeria’s foremost agricultural hub.”

The President also announced plans for a National Youth Development Bank and a Youth Data Bank, describing them as crucial tools for “providing financial and informational support” to young Nigerians.

Addressing the region’s security challenges, President Tinubu further outlined measures “to restore stability to the North,” including “strengthening community policing, rehabilitating displaced persons, and addressing cross-border challenges like smuggling and insurgency.”

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With Nigeria projected to become the world’s third-largest nation by 2050, he emphasised the urgency of the moment, just as he said: “By 2050, Nigeria will become the third-largest nation globally, with three-quarters of our citizens under the age of 21.

“Our challenge here is to engineer a transition towards a federation defined by order, stability, and safety,” he added, noting that “this task is both urgent and achievable.”

The President also made a direct challenge to young Nigerians: “You are not just the future of this nation—you are its present. Your energy, ideas, and determination are already shaping our policies and programmes.”

He also emphasised the role of local government autonomy, stating that “for the dividends of democracy to reach every corner of our nation, we must empower local governments to serve as active pipelines of governance.

“Our commitment is to provide you with the skill set and opportunities to thrive in a competitive world,” President Tinubu further assured.

He added that the administration’s promise is “to unlock the potential of the Nigerian youth, ensuring that their dreams transform Nigeria into an enduring symbol of democracy, development, and progress.”

Earlier, former Governor of Niger State and Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, noted that the event marked the Foundation’s 15th anniversary.

He said: “The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the driving force of our present and our future. Addressing their concerns is paramount to the stability and progress of our society.”

Dr Aliyu urged the government to take the recommendations from the discussions seriously for the progress and well-being of Northern Nigeria.

“It is imperative that we approach these discussions with open minds and a collaborative spirit, recognizing that the solutions we seek will require collective effort,” Aliyu added.

Also, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar II, emphasised the critical role of youth education in national development.

The Sultan said: “Our youths are the foundation of any development we envisage in our society. They are not just leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today.”

The royal father further highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue with the youth, stating that “forums like this must be held continuously to dialogue with our youths across the northern states.”

He emphasised the primacy of education, asserting that “education is the strongest legacy any leader can leave to society.

“Without education, you are nobody. I believe in infrastructural development like roads and bridges but more money should be spent educating our children,” he maintained.

Urging the government to prioritise education, the Sultan said, “We must ensure that our children are educated. Education must be at the top of the priority of government.

“In Islam, if you don’t even know how to pray and how to worship Allah; if you are an illiterate person, you cannot worship Allah that is why education is very important. That is why we need to dwell more on how we can ensure that our children are educated.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a decisive global action to end the ongoing violence in Gaza, urging world leaders to move beyond symbolic condemnations. 

Speaking at an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh on Monday, Tinubu called on the international community to take concrete steps to stop what he described as “Israeli aggression” against the people of Gaza.

Highlighting the prolonged suffering of Palestinians, Tinubu emphasised that the crisis has inflicted immeasurable harm on innocent lives, underscoring a shared responsibility among nations that champion justice and human dignity. 

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu argued that leaders have a moral duty to seek a swift and sustainable resolution to the conflict, one that respects the sanctity of human life and upholds humanitarian values.

Tinubu stressed that the time for empty condemnations had passed, asserting that only meaningful, coordinated action could bring lasting peace to the region. 

He condemned any military, political, or security objectives that prioritize strategic gains at the expense of civilian safety, insisting that the world must reject approaches that lead to such widespread human suffering.

The one-day summit was a follow-up to the Riyadh summit last year, and was attended by Heads of State and Government of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States.

Reiterating Nigeria’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, President Tinubu affirmed the country’s support for a two-state solution, where both Israeli and Palestinians can co-exist in security and dignity. 

He noted that this solution remained a viable part to lasting peace in the region.

”The conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering on countless lives. 

”As representatives of nations that value justice, dignity, and the sanctity of human life, we have a moral obligation to collectively bring about an immediate end to this conflict.

”It is not enough to issue empty condemnations. The world must work towards an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has persisted for far too long. 

Read Also: Israeli-Palestine crisis: Tinubu seeks two-state solution

“No political aim, no military strategy, and no security concern should come at the expense of so many innocent lives,” he said.

The Nigerian leader called on parties in the conflict in the Middle East to respect the principles of proportionality and the basic rights of civilians, consistent with global legal and diplomatic frameworks.

”In a rules-based international order, States have the right of self-defence. But self defence must take proportionality into account, in line with global legal, diplomatic – and moral – frameworks. 

”An entire civilian population, their dreams and futures, cannot be dismissed as collateral,” he said.

Explaining Nigeria’s principled and consistent stance on the two-state solution, President Tinubu noted that it stands as a beacon of hope, representing the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination and peace. 

”It is not just a diplomatic article of faith; it is a vision grounded in the principles of equality and mutual recognition. 

”Achieving this vision requires a commitment to dialogue and respect for history. We all know this conflict did not begin on October 7 in 2023. It can only be resolved through principled compromise, based on appreciation of the proper context.

”This conflict, in the cradle of history, is so visceral that the ripples of division spread far and quickly. The corrosive impact of the images of endless violence, repeated on a billion smart phones around the world is huge. We need to find new pathways to peace, without delay,” he said.

The Nigerian leader commended King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for convening the summit, describing it as a vital opportunity to renew diplomatic efforts and work toward a sustainable peace. 

He assured that Nigeria given its own experiences would continue to support international efforts that advance peace and stability in the Middle East.