Tag: George Akume

•Harness Tinubu’s initiative for growth, Dare tells young Nigerians

The Federal Government has kicked off the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) to train 41,307 unemployed youths across the country in vocational skills.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, launched the initiative yesterday in Abuja in company of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi; the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Silas Agara, among other government officials.

The vocational training initiative will be implemented by the NDE.

Over 400,000 Nigerians had applied for the 41,307 slots in the scheme when the registration portal was opened in July.

Agara had announced that the figure was increased from 27,000, following support from development partners.

Akume, who also delivered the keynote address, described the event as a bold declaration of intent by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to tackle unemployment and poverty.

He said: “This is a bold declaration of intent by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver on his promise of a Nigeria where opportunities, productivity, and prosperity are not distant aspirations but are lived realities.

“The RHEI agenda is a contract with Nigerians. At its core lies the unwavering commitment to economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation.

“As we launch the second phase of the RHEI, we are depending on that promise by directly addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time – unemployment.”

The SGF announced that a minimum of four persons will be trained from each of Nigeria’s 8,809 electoral wards, covering over 30 skill areas, such as ICT, renewable energy, agriculture, creative industries, and other trades aligned to modern market needs.

Dingyadi recalled that under the first phase of RHEI in 2024, a total of 33,692 Nigerians were trained in demand-driven skills.

These, the minister said, included ICT, entrepreneurship, technical trades, agriculture, and public works, with many resettled through starter packs and soft loans.

“The second phase we are flagging off today is a direct response to the lessons of Phase One. This is about ensuring that our young people, women and vulnerable groups are not just trained but also resettled into sustainable ventures that will grow our economy,” he said.

Onyejeocha urged participants to take advantage of the training and become job creators in their communities.

She also urged state governments, private sector and civil society organisations (CSOs) to deepen collaboration with the NDE.

Also, Agara said the online registration portal for the programme was launched in July to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the selection process.

He said: “I am excited that the second phase of the RHEI is being flagged off. In this phase, the NDE will train 41,307 persons in over 30 different skill sets, which range from vocational, entrepreneurial, agricultural, ICT, and activities in the public works sector.

“I am proud to state that arising from the experiences of the first phase, we have improved and digitised our processes through a robust online registration portal fully equipped with scalable backends and geofenced capabilities.”

Also, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare, urged Nigerian youths to take full advantage of the opportunities created by President Tinubu’s administration to advance their future and contribute meaningfully to national development.

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Addressing over 24,000 youths at the Arise Congress 2.0, with the theme: The Emergence of Champions, at the Baptist International Convention Centre on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Dare described young Nigerians as champions of the present administration.

Dare, who also serves as Chairman of the Youth and Student Ministries Advisory Board of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, said President Tinubu rolled out far-reaching policies tailored to empower youths with the tools to excel through faith, talent, and skills.

“President Tinubu has created platforms for you to thrive. Over 600,000 students now benefit from the NELFUND Tuition Loans and stipends. The Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer aims to provide affordable housing for three million vulnerable households.

“The administration has also released thousands of metric tonnes of grains from federal reserves and introduced emergency nutrition support in several states. These are opportunities you must take advantage of,” he said.

The presidential aide said success requires character, discipline, determination, and self-motivation, adding that his message was not about politics but about encouraging Nigerian youths to seize the opportunities at hand to impact their communities positively.

The event was attended by dignitaries from different parts of the country.

They included the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and convener of the congress, Rev. Israel Adelani Akanji; the host and Director of Youth and Student Ministries, Rev. Dr. S. Olawuyi James; the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Rev. Dr. Israel Kristilere; Rev. Michael Onyegbu; Pastor Fela Durotoye; and Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo.

• Cross-party delegation pledges unity, seeks swift federal action on insecurity

Prominent political leaders from the Kwande-Ushongo axis of Benue State have acknowledged the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, as the area’s undisputed political and unifying compass for Benue politics.

A delegation of Benue State’s political leaders, comprising those of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the declaration during a high-level solidarity visit to the SGF at his residence yesterday in Abuja.

They pledged to align with Akume’s leadership, irrespective of party affiliations.

Led by Vincent Uji and Elder Atsaga Anemba, the delegation hailed Senator Akume’s record of service and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing him to a position of national prominence.

“Senator George Akume has consistently demonstrated political maturity, selfless service, and unwavering commitment to the development of Benue State and Nigeria. He is our most trusted and dependable political compass,” Uji said.

The political delegation highlighted Akume’s facilitation of federal employment opportunities, support for youth empowerment, and grassroots interventions as core reasons for their support.

His moral and financial contributions to individuals, families, and institutions in Kwande and Ushongo, they noted, have cemented his reputation as a people-centred leader.

To symbolise their endorsement, the leaders adorned the SGF in traditional Tiv regalia — anger (pronounced angeh in Tiv), a goatskin bag, and a ceremonial spear — signifying authority, protection, and leadership.

The delegation also raised concerns about the persistent insecurity in their communities, calling for urgent federal intervention, particularly in the Kwande axis, which has suffered repeated armed attacks and displacement.

Responding, Akume expressed deep gratitude for the show of solidarity, assuring the delegation of the Federal Government’s commitment to peace and development in Benue State.

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“President Tinubu has already approved the deployment of additional security forces to Benue State, following the First Lady’s recent visit. He has also given the go-ahead for the reconstruction of the Makurdi–Yandev–Katsina-Ala road, which will enhance connectivity and economic growth in the region,” he said.

The SGF affirmed the President’s commitment to investing in restoring peace and accelerating development in Benue State.

He described the state as vital to Nigeria’s agricultural revival and rural transformation goals.

Also, the member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Tersee Ugbor, described Akume as a stabilising force and rallying point for all forward-thinking leaders in the state.

“This is not a partisan gathering. This is a united front. Leaders across all political divides in Benue State have come together to reaffirm our loyalty and declare our readiness to follow the SGF’s direction,” Ugbor said.

The lawmaker expressed confidence in the Tinubu administration’s plans to address the growing insecurity in the state, saying there were already visible signs of progress on the ground.

“Senator Akume has briefed us on the President’s concrete steps toward improving security in our communities. We are hopeful that peace will soon be fully restored,” he added.

Addressing reporters, Ugbor confirmed that the visit marked the beginning of a broader political realignment in the state of Benue.

“Absolutely! This is about the future of Benue. We have resolved to collapse our political structures and rally behind a common vision. That vision is being championed by Senator George Akume, and every responsible leader must be part of it,” he said.

The visit concluded with a closed-door strategy session between the SGF and select members of the delegation to deliberate on regional priorities, grassroots mobilisation, and coordinated security efforts.

•Public advised to disregard conflicting reports

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has issued a formal clarification on the appointment of veteran journalist, Yomi Odunuga, as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

The clarification followed initial conflicting signals and public discourse surrounding the status of Odunuga’s appointment, which had led to speculation in some quarters.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the Director of Information and Public Relations in the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, affirmed that Odunuga’s appointment is not only official but already in effect.

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“The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) wishes to clarify recent reports and public discourse surrounding the appointment of Yomi Odunuga as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF.

“We hereby state unequivocally that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has formally and definitively appointed Yomi Odunuga as his Personal Special Adviser on Media and Publicity,” the statement read.

According to the OSGF, Mr. Odunuga will provide strategic media advisory support to the SGF and work in close collaboration with the Director of Information and Public Relations to enhance the communication framework of the office.

• SGF ‘loyal to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda’

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, yesterday denied nursing interest in the chairmanship of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said he remained committed to the national assignment entrusted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The former Benue State Governor described the publication linking him to the party’s top seat as ‘a fabrication’ aimed at distracting him from the enormous task at hand.

He added that he is not in a hurry to abandon the critical responsibility placed on him by the President.

“My focus remains on helping President Tinubu realise the Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerians. That’s the task I have, and I take it seriously,” Akume said.

He was reacting to a report that listed him among northern political heavyweights eyeing the APC chairmanship seat.

“I am not in a hurry to abdicate my responsibility and the task that the President has placed before me. Everything I have been in life has come through the grace of God and the instrumentality of people like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I cannot be in a race I am not interested in”, he added.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yomi Odunuga, the SGF warned against dragging his name into intra-party permutations when his full attention is devoted to coordinating policy implementation across federal ministries and agencies.

“Senator Akume is not jostling with anyone for the post of either the APC National Chairman or any other position in the party. His main focus is to ensure he does not betray the intrinsic trust President Tinubu reposes in him”, the statement read.

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The statement added that Akume’s mission remains rooted in accelerating national development as envisioned under the Renewed Hope Agenda, a comprehensive roadmap set by the Tinubu administration to deliver economic recovery, improved infrastructure, and inclusive governance.

Acknowledging that there are qualified candidates from the Northcentral should the party decide to zone the chairmanship position there, Akume insisted that his priority lies elsewhere — in the successful delivery of good governance to the people.

“To say that I am one of the prominent politicians gunning for the position of APC chairman is completely false. We are working day and night to deliver on the promises made under the Renewed Hope Agenda, under the direct supervision of the President, and we are totally committed to this”, he said.

Senator Akume’s clarification comes at a time when the APC is reportedly considering internal restructuring ahead of the 2027 general elections, sparking speculation about potential reshuffles in the party’s leadership hierarchy.

Observers have noted that his name may have surfaced due to his political pedigree and stature in the Northcentral.

However, Akume dismissed such assumptions as premature and unfounded, reiterating his belief that leadership positions are ultimately ordained by divine timing.

“I am a firm believer in the principle that whatever God plans for you will surely come to pass. So I cannot be distracted by rumours or speculations about a race I am not in”, he affirmed.

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation also used the opportunity to caution media outlets against the publication of politically sensitive content without due diligence, stressing the importance of accuracy and ethical journalism.

“The Office of the SGF would appreciate, in the principle of fairness, that professionalism and the ethics of journalism should be taken seriously in reportage, especially in stories as sensitive as this, which are capable of heating the polity,” Odunuga noted.

He encouraged media practitioners to seek clarifications from his office to avoid the spread of misinformation that could undermine national stability or distract key public officials from their duties.

As the administrative engine room of the Federal Government, the SGF’s role remains central to the implementation of presidential policies.

Since his appointment in June 2023, Akume has played a leading role in supporting President Tinubu’s drive to streamline public service delivery, monitor the performance of ministers, and harmonize the activities of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) under a unified governance vision.

His efforts have been particularly vital in executing several cross-cutting reform initiatives, including digitalisation of government processes, enhanced inter-ministerial collaboration, and the re-engineering of social investment programmes.

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has debunked as baseless and mischievous reports circulating on social and online media claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Senator George Akume from his position as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, the OSGF described the rumours as the handiwork of “mischief makers” bent on disinforming and misleading the public.

“The attention of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has been drawn to rumours circulating online and in some media outlets regarding the alleged removal of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Office wishes to state emphatically that the information is entirely false, misleading, and lacks any basis, as Mr. President has no intention of doing so,” it added.

The statement affirmed that President Tinubu continues to hold unwavering confidence in Akume’s ability to deliver on his constitutional responsibilities and to advance the goals of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The purported removal of the SGF from office is only a fabrication and a figment of the imagination of mischief makers who are out there to disinform and misinform the innocent public.

“President Tinubu reposes unwavering confidence in the capacity of the SGF to discharge his statutory obligation of formulating and implementing policies and programmes of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration,” the statement said.

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The OSGF also echoed an earlier statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Strategy, Chief Bayo Onanuga, which had similarly dismissed the claims as unfounded and urged the media and the public to be wary of unverified reports.

“We urge the public, media organisations, and digital platforms to discountenance such rumours and to exercise caution as well as verify the authenticity of information before disseminating it. Spreading unverified or intentionally false narratives not only undermines public trust but also poses a threat to the integrity of our institutions,” the statement warned.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns over the rise of politically motivated disinformation and fake news campaigns targeting high-level officials in the Tinubu administration.

Reiterating the official stance, the statement concluded, “Senator Dr. George Akume remains the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has harped on the need for Nigerians to patronise Made-In-Nigeria goods not just as an economic strategy but also something that should be seen as national pride.

Akume, who made the observations in Abuja yesterday when a delegation  of the Innoson Group of Companies led by its Chairman, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, paid a courtesy visit to his office,  noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government is fully committed to creating an enabling environment where indigenous businesses can thrive.

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Noting the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base and scaling up local manufacturing across key sectors of the economy, Akume said the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda encapsulates every aspect needed for Nigeria’s dream of realising a one trillion dollar economy in the foreseeable future.

He, therefore, called on Nigerians not just to support the government’s programmes for economic development and growth but also to make conscious efforts to patronise products made in Nigeria as they can compete favourably with any other products made elsewhere.

He commended Chief Chukwuma for his efforts in the Nigerian car manufacturing industry, adding that the government will continue  patronising the products made by the company and encourage other people to do so in other to grow the local manufacturing sector.

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum has officially adopted the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, as the party’s leader in the zone.

This came after a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Thursday, where party members reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the APC in the North Central geo-political zone and set a target of six million votes for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 reelection.

In a statement by the Forum’s Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, while acknowledging Akume as the highest-ranking APC leader in the North-Central, the SGF was commended for promoting unity and inclusive leadership.

The Forum, through Zazzaga, a member of the APC campaign council for the 2023 elections, noted past concerns that Akume had prioritised his Tiv, Benue kinsmen while neglecting other regions in the North-Central.

The Forum, however, noted that Akume has since addressed the concerns, embracing all factions to solidify the party’s presence in the zone.

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The statement acknowledged Akume’s efforts in uniting party stakeholders, emphasising that a cohesive front is crucial for securing a strong performance in the 2027 elections.

“As the father of the party in the zone, Senator Akume has shown that he has a large heart by overlooking previous disagreements and embracing all stakeholders in the overall interest of the party.

“We urge all those who are yet to embrace Senator Akume’s leadership to do so, so that the North-Central APC can present a united front in the 2027 election,” the NC APC Forum stated.

While calling on all party members, including State governors, legislators, and grassroots leaders, to rally behind Akume for a stronger APC in the region, the Forum urged key party structures such as the North-Central APC Governors Forum, Senate and House Caucuses, and State party executives to align with Akume’s leadership to enhance electoral success.

The North-Central APC Forum reiterated its commitment to mobilising support for Tinubu’s reelection, increasing its initial pledge of four million votes to six million.  

“We believe that with all stakeholders working with Senator George Akume, the North-Central can produce six million votes for Mr. President in the next election,” the Forum declared.

Forum also urged the Benue State Governor Hyacinth urged Alia to recognise Akume’s leadership and work collaboratively for the party’s progress.