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Tag: Namadi Sambo

  • Tinubu hails Namadi Sambo on turbaning as Sardaunan Zazzau

    Tinubu hails Namadi Sambo on turbaning as Sardaunan Zazzau

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former Vice President Namadi Sambo on his turbaning as the Sardaunan Zazzau by the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.

    The investiture, which took place on Saturday, October 11, marks the conferment of one of the most prestigious traditional titles in Northern Nigeria, symbolizing trust, honour, and service to humanity.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the title as a testament to the Emirate’s confidence in Sambo’s “wisdom, integrity, and commitment to society’s progress.”

    The President lauded the former Vice President’s record of humility, statesmanship, and dedication to national development, noting that the title of Sardaunan Zazzau underscores his deep-rooted service to both his community and the nation at large.

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    “The President describes the honour as a recognition of Sambo’s exemplary leadership and contributions to national development.

    “The President acknowledges Sambo’s record of humility, statesmanship, and dedication to humanity, noting that his well-deserved investiture as Sardaunan Zazzau further underscores his deep-rooted service to his community and the nation”, the statement said.

    President Tinubu also commended the Emir of Zazzau for upholding the noble tradition of honouring citizens whose character and leadership reflect the values of unity, service, and integrity.

    He urged the former Vice President to continue to inspire younger generations and to work with traditional and community leaders toward advancing peace, stability, and development across the country.

  • Tinubu greets former VP Sambo at 71

    Tinubu greets former VP Sambo at 71

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to former Vice President Namadi Sambo on his 71st birthday, praising him as a man of integrity, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to national unity.

    In a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the former Vice President as “an elder statesman” whose career in public service continues to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s democratic and regional institutions.

    Sambo, a renowned architect, served as Kaduna Governor from 2007 to 2010 before becoming Vice President under President Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015. 

    Tinubu commended the role Sambo played during his tenure, noting the “mutual respect” that defined his working relationship with President Jonathan, both in office and beyond.

    “Vice President Sambo is a man of integrity and loyalty who is deeply committed to Nigeria’s unity and stability,” Tinubu said.

    The President also acknowledged Sambo’s continued involvement in regional peace and democratic development, citing his leadership of ECOWAS Election Observation Missions to Ghana in December 2024 and to Niger Republic during the December 2020 and February 2021 polls.

    In his tribute, Tinubu also commended Sambo for his ongoing support for peace-building efforts in Kaduna State, particularly his collaboration with Governor Uba Sani in promoting religious tolerance and statewide stability.

    The President wished the former Vice President continued good health and many more years of service to the nation and the West African subregion.

  • Former VP Sambo denies political bias in 2013 power privatization

    Former VP Sambo denies political bias in 2013 power privatization

    Former Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo has dismissed as false and malicious recent claims by former Minister of Budget and National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, that the 2013 power sector privatisation was influenced by political interests rather than the technical and financial qualifications of bidders.

    In a statement issued by his personal secretary, Yinka Ibrahim, Sambo described Usman’s remarks as “false, mischievous, and hypocritical,” accusing him of attempting to discredit the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), which Sambo chaired during the process.

    “My attention was drawn to a shocking statement attributed to Dr. Usman, suggesting that political considerations influenced the selection of preferred bidders. This is utterly ridiculous and a complete falsehood,” Sambo stated.

    Dr. Usman had made the claims at a recent event in Abuja, alleging that top political figures under the Jonathan administration sought stakes in the newly privatised power firms. But Sambo strongly refuted these allegations, asserting that the process was transparent and conducted strictly according to established procedures.

    “As Chairman of the Privatisation Council, I discharged my duties with integrity and in the best interest of the nation — a fact that was widely acknowledged by both local and international stakeholders,” he said.

    Sambo recalled that the Minister of Power at the time resigned over a conflict of interest, which, according to him, demonstrated the administration’s commitment to transparency. He added that both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) were statutory members of the Council, underscoring the level of oversight built into the process.

    Read Also: NGF, ex-VP Sambo, Emir seek thorough probe of Tudun Biri error bombings

    The former Vice President challenged Dr. Usman to provide concrete evidence of his allegations, including the names of those who were allegedly politically favoured. He also questioned the former minister’s motives, noting that Usman played a central role in the process and chaired several key committees.

    “It is surprising that he would raise these issues more than a decade later. One can only wonder if this is an attempt to curry favour with the current administration,” the statement said.

    Sambo further advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to be cautious in dealing with Dr. Usman, whom he described as inconsistent and lacking in loyalty.

    “It is unfortunate to see someone who was deeply involved in the process now turning around to malign it. This is a classic case of biting the hand that fed him,” Sambo concluded.

  • Former vice president Sambo disowns ex-spokesman Dekat

    Former vice president Sambo disowns ex-spokesman Dekat

    Former Vice President Namadi Sambo has clarified that Umar Sani is no longer his spokesman and that any public opinions expressed by him are strictly personal.

    In a statement signed by his Personal Aide, Yinka Ibrahim, Sambo noted that Sani, also known as Dekat, has recently been vocal about his political views.

    However, he emphasized that some media reports have mistakenly attributed those opinions to him.

    The statement urged media organizations to take note that Sani is no longer authorised to speak on behalf of the former Vice President.

    “It has come to our attention that recent media reports have mistakenly attributed Mr. Sani’s personal views to former Vice President Sambo. We categorically refute these misrepresentations. The former Vice President’s office maintains that only statements released through its designated official channels carry the weight of his views and stance on issues.

    “We acknowledge that Mr. Sani previously served as Director General of Media and Publicity and as Senior Special Assistant on Media during the tenure of former Vice President Sambo—first as Governor of Kaduna State and later as Vice President of Nigeria.

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    “However, since 2016, Mr. Sani has ceased to be associated with the former Vice President’s official communications. Any public statements or opinions now expressed by Umar Sani are solely his own and do not represent, endorse, or reflect the views of former Vice President Sambo.

    “It should therefore be placed on record, once again, that Umar Sani is no longer authorized to speak on behalf of former Vice President Namadi Sambo.
    “We urge all media outlets and members of the public to disregard any statements or political opinions attributed to former Vice President Sambo through the medium of Umar Sani.

    “Accurate public discourse is essential, and only verified communications issued by our office should be considered authoritative.

    “For any further inquiries or official clarifications, please contact our office directly,” it read.

  • League of Northern Democrats will address North’s challenges – Sambo

    League of Northern Democrats will address North’s challenges – Sambo

    Former Vice-President Namadi Sambo has hailed the newly formed League of Northern Democrats (LND) as a vital platform to address challenges facing the North and the country.

    He made this remark on Saturday while hosting the forum’s leadership, led by Chairman and former Kano State Governor, Sen. Ibrahim Shekarau, at his Abuja residence.

    Sambo expressed concern about the crippling effects of insecurity on agriculture, education, and healthcare, exacerbating poverty and inequality in the North and nationwide.

    Read Also: Tinubu accepts Ngelale’s indefinite leave request

    “It is deeply troubling to note how insecurity has devastated agriculture, threatening the education and health of our children and women.

    “This has consequently widened the net of poverty and inequality among the people of the North and the entire country,” he said.

    Sambo pledged his support for the initiative, emphasising the need for the forum to harness experiences and resources across political affiliations.

    He urged members to work together to meet the aspirations of the Northern people, fostering sustainable peace and socio-economic development.

  • Nigeria needs more private varsities to expand access to tertiary education, says Sambo

    Former Vice-President Namadi Sambo has said Nigeria needs more private universities to cater for its increasing population seeking tertiary education.

    Sambo urged stakeholders in the education sector and well-meaning Nigerians to take advantage of the enabling environment created by the Federal Government to invest in private universities.

    The former Vice-President spoke after he was inaugurated the Chairman of the Governing Board of Baze University, a private institution in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    According to the National Universities Commission (NUC), there are 303 applications before it jostling to get provisional license to begin operation.

    Sambo said that only myopic people go abroad in search of tertiary education when all the enabling environment was being created at home by the government.

    Read also: Second term Namadi Sambo’s Cross

    The former VP said: “The population of this country is huge and it is encouraging to see that there are constantly new universities being established.

    “So, I believe that objective to have proper number of universities that will support the number of students we have in this country.”

    He also noted that investment in tertiary education goes beyond financial and human capital, saying the enabling environment was equally key.

    “I believe the present administration is doing its best to encourage private sector investment in education which is good,” he added.

    Founder of the university, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed said at the inauguration ceremony that the appointment of the board was a major milestone that will boost education, not only for Baze University, but the entire country.

  • Why Nigeria needs more private universities, by Sambo

    Ex- Vice President Namadi Sambo, at the weekend said Nigeria needs more private universities to carter for its increasing population seeking tertiary education.

    Sambo urged stakeholders in the education sector and well-meaning Nigerians to take advantage of the enabling environment created by Federal Government to invest in private universities.

    The former Vice President stated this after he was inaugurated as Chairman, Governing Board of Baze University, a private institution located in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    According to the National Universities Commission, there are 303 applications awaiting provisional license to begin operation.

    Sambo said that only myopic people go abroad in search of tertiary education when the enabling environment was being created at home by the government.

    The former VP said: “The population of this country is huge and it is encouraging to see that there are constantly new universities being established.

    “So I believe that objective to have proper number of universities that will support the number of students we have in this country.”

    He also noted that investment in tertiary education goes beyond financial and human capital, saying the enabling environment was equally key.

    “I believe the present administration is doing its best to encourage private sector investment in education which is good,” he added.

    Founder of the university, Sen. Datti Baba-Ahmed, said the appointment of the board was a major milestone that will boost education, not only for Baze University but the entire country.

    He said members of the board were selected across all the geopolitical zones in the country to nationalise and internationalise the trusteeship.

    “I am pleased to announce that in a system where we have over 90 percent of private universities having over 90 percent of their trustees from two states within one region, Baze University has the vision to nationalise and internationalise our trusteeship.

    “To the best that I can do, we have trustee members from every geopolitical zone,” he said.

    Other members of the board include, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Yayale Ahmed; former Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Joy Ogwu; public administrator Dr Charles Akintoye and Sam Nda-Isaiah, publisher of Leadership Newspapers, Abuja.

  • Ex VP Sambo says Buhari’s policies will yield stronger economy soon

    The immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, Architect Mohammed Namadi Sambo has said that, the President Muhannadu Buhari led Federal Government’s economic policies will soon lead to a strong economy.

    The former Vice President argued that, the control on the importation of goods and services found or produced within the country by the Federal Government is a major milestone towards building a strong economy.

    Sambo stated this in Kaduna on Tuesday at a seminar themed; “Consolidating Interface between Industry and Agriculture for Nigeria’s Sustainable Development” at the ongoing 40th Kaduna International Trade Fair organized by the Kaduna state Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA)

    While commending the Federal Government for improving the Nigerian business environment, he  assured that, “the economic policies of the government will soon lead into a strong economy that is less dependent on oil.”

    Read also: Osinbajo: what to expect from Buhari’s second term

    He then urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s effort to diversify the Nation’s economy saying, “The importance of the theme is apt, as it highlights the growing interest to strengthen the non-oil sector especially the two key Sectors, Industry and Agriculture.”

    He added, “It is my belief that the seminar will go a long way in generating ideas that will help to develop our private sector thereby boosting the economic growth and development of our country.

    “It is through these avenues that solutions will be developed to the factors that are militating against achieving our socio economic development plans which is why the full implementation of the local content policy and the patronage of the made in Nigeria products must be encouraged and supported by all Nigerians.”

    He urged Nigerians in both private and public sectors to be more proactive in the effort to strengthen the nation’s economy towards faster growth added, “It is through stronger collaborations that such policies would yield positive development towards building a greater nation.”

    On her part, the President of the chamber said the theme of 40th Trade Fair was chosen to spark up a debate that would complement the effort of government towards revamping the economy to drive investments in Agriculture and manufacturing.

    “The theme highlights the growing interest to strengthen the non-oil sectors especially these two key sectors of industry and Agriculture,” she added.

     

     

  • Shagari lived well, says Sambo, El-Rufai, Shettima

    Former Vice President Namadi Sambo and Kaduna State Governor Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufa’i on Monday said Second Republic President late Shehu Shagari‎ stood for good governance and unity of Nigeria.

    Sambo, in his condolence remarks at the residence of late Shagari, urged Nigerians to emulate the worthy legacies and principles of the deceased whom he described as a father.

    While he prayed for the deceased, the former Vice President‎ also begged God to give other Nigerians opportunity to take a cue from style of Shagari.

    El-Rufai described the deceased former president as a symbol of respect and humility.

    “We heard a lot about him in our youthful days as students in Barewa College Zaria on his good leadership virtues”, he said.

    El-Rufai added” he was a trusted, honest and resilient democrat with selfless sense of leadership.

    “We have lost a great icon. May our drive for good leadership be strengthened and energised in our abilities‎ to emulate him.

    Welcoming them, Bala Shagari expressed gratitude to Allah for the remarks on his late father whom he described as an uncommon symbol of good relations across the country.

    Read Also: How to honour Shagari, by Afe Babalola

    He recalled that one of his grandfathers was the founder of the Jema’a (Kafanchan) emirate in Kaduna state. I commend El-rufa’i for his visionary steps.

    “We have common historical fraternity and tie between Yabo in Sokoto state and Jema’a in Kaduna state”, he pointed out.

    Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno ‎also among others, paid similar visit to condole the family and people of Sokoto state.

    While condoling them, said late Shagari‎ remain a shining example for his unequalled democratic legacies as a unifying factor for Nigeria’s prosperity.

    According to him” he would be remembered for his humility, selfless service and good governance as a true democrat.”

    He prayed Allah grants his soul eternal peace and family, people of Sokoto state and Nigerians the fortitude to bear the lost.

    Meanwhile, more sympathizers have continued to visit and ‎register their condolences to the family.

     

  • Buhari, Namadi Sambo meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met behind closed doors with former Vice President Namadi Sambo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting lasted for about 25 minutes at the President’s office.

    At the end of the meeting, Sambo told State House correspondents that his meeting with Buhari was private.

    Sambo had in May 2017, also met in closed door meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo while acting as President.