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Tag: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

  • Tinubu resumes work, receives briefs after Abu Dhabi Summit

    Tinubu resumes work, receives briefs after Abu Dhabi Summit

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu resumed work on Monday after participation in the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) in the United Arab Emirates.

    The President returned to Abuja on Saturday evening.

    Upon his return to the State House, the President received a briefing from the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zach Adedeji. 

    He also held separate meetings with Kogi Governor, Usman Ododo, and House of Representatives member, Hon. James Faleke.

    At the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, President Tinubu delivered Nigeria’s position on climate action and sustainability challenges. 

    In his address on the second day of the summit, he emphasised the importance of global collaboration, stating that interconnectedness demands collective action, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.

    Tinubu assured global leaders that Nigeria is actively working with local communities to address environmental issues such as deforestation, desertification, coastal erosion, flooding, and pollution. 

    He called for innovative solutions and international partnerships to mobilize resources and tackle these challenges effectively.

    On the sidelines of the summit, Tinubu met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame to discuss strategies for advancing intra-African trade and collaboration. 

    Read Also: Nigerians in U.S urge Interior Minister to address passport printer shortage

    The Nigerian leader underscored Africa’s potential for growth, citing its rich resources, skilled workforce, and strategic advantages. 

    He emphasised the urgency of fostering closer economic and strategic partnerships to unlock the continent’s full potential.

    In another meeting, President Tinubu held talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. 

    Both leaders explored opportunities for bilateral cooperation, particularly in innovation and sustainability.

    During the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony at the ADSW, President Tinubu celebrated the achievements of two Nigerian enterprises: Nafarm Foods and D-Olivette Global Enterprise. 

    The companies were recognized for their outstanding contributions to sustainability, making Nigeria proud on the global stage.

    At the conclusion of the summit, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for attending the event. 

    Sheikh Mohamed also reiterated his commitment to strengthening economic cooperation between the two nations.

    In a symbolic gesture of deepening bilateral relations, Sheikh Mohamed accepted President Tinubu’s invitation to visit Nigeria later in 2025.

  • ‘Tinubu’s bold reforms will make Nigeria greater’

    ‘Tinubu’s bold reforms will make Nigeria greater’

    We are convinced about the President’s understanding of the issues and his bold moves to revamp the economy, Conference 57 declared yesterday.

     Conference 57 is the association of the chairmen of   20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas  (LCDAs) in Lagos State.

    Conference 57 chair Kolade Alabi made this known after a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Ikoyi, Lagos home.

    Alabi expressed confidence that the country would soon witness improvement in all sectors as a result of the President’s policies.

    He noted that the President is well-informed about the events and developments occurring both around him and across the nation.

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    “We were highly impressed with the fact that he was in high spirits and he displayed a high level of understanding of the issues and showed clear ways of resolving them. He didn’t mince words on his strategies to improve the economy. For the first time in the history of our country, we have a president who is better prepared for the job,” he said.

    Alabi, former National President of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), explained that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, within two years of President Tinubu in office, has fixed two of the four state-owned oil refineries, achieving what many had disparagingly regarded as impossible.

    He said Tinubu’s government has increased crude oil production, with an expected inflow of foreign currency into the national treasury and growth in the foreign reserves.

    He described the ongoing construction of Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry superhighways as iconic and an audacious move by the administration.

    President Tinubu, he said, had made bold decisions that his predecessors thought they are unimaginable.

    “I wasn’t surprised by His Excellency’s announcement as ThisDay Man of the Year. Who else is deserving of the award if not Mr President, going by the reforms he has carried out within a short period of his administration?” he queried.

    Alabi said Mr President’s reforms and the stabilisation of macro-economic environment are proving fruitful and beneficial, despite the short term hardship.

    “The achievements recorded so far show that this administration knows what to do in alleviating poverty and uplifting the spirit of Nigerians. We cannot but appeal to the people to support the administration to ensure that the agenda of Renewed Hope is completely achieved.”

    Alabi said the administration is making significant strides in reducing inflation, particularly food inflation, through initiatives such as dry-season farming. This, he added, would crash the price of food and the cost of living for the average Nigerian.

    Alabi, the Chairman of Bariga Local Council, assured Nigerians that better days are ahead with policies being pursued by Mr. President.

    He also urged the governors to support the President’s efforts by prioritising infrastructure development, creating wealth through job opportunities, and implementing measures to reduce poverty.

    This collaborative approach, he emphasised, is essential for driving sustainable growth and improving the living standards of Nigerians.

  • No leadership vacuum, Presidency assures

    No leadership vacuum, Presidency assures

    The Presidency has allayed fears of a leadership vacuum despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima being abroad. 

    According to Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President and Vice President remain fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while abroad.

    Tinubu left Nigeria on October 3 for a two-week working vacation during which he has been actively issuing directives and responding to matters of state.

    Shettima departed for Sweden on Wednesday for an official visit, representing Nigeria’s interests. 

    In a statement on Wednesday, Onanuga emphasised that all state organs are functioning normally with the Senate President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs carrying out their duties as usual.

    He highlighted that this is not an unprecedented situation, as similar instances occurred in 2022 and 2024 with no disruption to governance. 

    He also pointed out that the Constitution does not require the physical presence of the President or Vice President to fulfill their duties, allowing for seamless continuity.

    Read Also: Shettima heads to Sweden for bilateral talks, investment opportunities

    The Presidency cited previous instances where the President and Vice President were simultaneously abroad, including in 2022 when former President Buhari attended the United Nations General Assembly while former Vice President Osinbajo attended Queen Elizabeth II’s burial.

    “Following enquiries by journalists as to who is in  charge of our country as the President and Vice President are out of the country, we want to clarify:

    “It is important to note that the President and Vice President are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while they are away. There is no leadership vacuum in the country.

    “President Tinubu left the country on 3 October and is on a two-week working vacation. During this time, he has been busy answering phones and issuing directives on matters of state. He will soon return to the country before the vacation officially expires.

    “The vice president departed the country Wednesday for Sweden on an official visit, working for Nigeria.

    “All state organs are functioning as usual. The Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs are all in their respective positions, ensuring the smooth operation of the government.

    “We had a similar situation in 2022 when former President Buhari and former Vice President Osinbajo were found to be simultaneously out of the country. President Buhari attended UNGA 77, while Osinbajo participated in the burial of Queen Elizabeth ll.

    “We have also experienced it during this administration. Between late April and early May this year, while President Tinubu was in London, after visiting the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, where he attended the World Economic Forum, Vice President Shettima left Nigeria, first of all for Nairobi to attend the International Development Association (IDA21) Heads of State Summit. 

    “After returning, he left for Dallas, Texas, to attend the US-Africa Business Summit organised by the Corporate Council on Africa. President Tinubu returned home on 8 May. During this time, the government’s machinery did not halt.

    “The Constitution, a testament to our adaptability in the virtual age, does not explicitly require the physical presence of either the president or the vice president in the country at all times to fulfil his duties,” the statement reads. 

  • Tinubu urged to probe financiers of terrorism in Zamfara

    Tinubu urged to probe financiers of terrorism in Zamfara

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been called upon to set up a judicial commission of inquiry aimed at exposing financiers of terrorism in Zamfara State.

    The Zamfara Youth Vanguard for Peace (ZYVP) behind the call argued that the measure is required to curtail the growing terror threat in the northwest geopolitical zone of the country.

    In a letter to the President and copied to the National Security Adviser and the Attorney General of the Federation, they stressed the need to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerians.

    According to the letter signed by its president, Comrade Bello Yakubu, the group cited alleged payment of N1.378 billion by Zamfara State Government to certain individuals in the state under the guise of peace building.

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    Decrying the crackdown on whistleblowers in the state, they noted that where the inquiry establishes that anybody is a threat to society, such person should be placed on a terror watch list. 

    “Other activities should be closely scrutinized to forestall his capacity to plot and execute further attacks against Nigeria. We believe that Mr President setting up this judicial commission of inquiry would be a first step to tearing down this terror threat to Nigeria from the northwest.

    ” We have done our bit for humanity by flagging the danger that some people within government circles pose to the human race in the Zamfara area and expect that the Federal Government will reciprocate by preventing this threat from growing.”

  • Tinubu’s 64th independence speech complete, positive — UI-LISA’s report

    Tinubu’s 64th independence speech complete, positive — UI-LISA’s report

    A sentiment and topic analysis of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 64th Independence Anniversary address by the University of Ibadan Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (UI-LISA) has revealed an overarching tone of optimism and trust.

    The analysis, released by Professor Olusanya Elisa Olubusoye, comes on the heels of negative reactions from various commentators. 

    UI-LISA’s findings suggest that President Tinubu’s speech exuded confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome its current challenges.

    “The speech carried an overarching tone of optimism and trust, designed to reassure Nigerians of the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing the country’s economic, social, and security challenges,” the analysis stated.

    Tinubu’s address, according to the academic work, emphasised positive sentiments, including phrases such as “better days ahead,” “light at the end of the tunnel,” and “building a brighter future”, statements said to signify his confidence in Nigeria’s potential.

    The analysis also identified five key themes in the President’s speech: economic reforms and stability, national security, youth empowerment, agriculture and food production, and energy transition.

    According to UI-LISA, President Tinubu’s emphasis on economic reforms, including attracting foreign investments and reducing the cost of living, demonstrates his administration’s commitment to long-term economic growth.

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    The President’s address also highlighted victories against Boko Haram and banditry, underscoring the government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability.

    Youth empowerment initiatives, such as the National Youth Conference and programs for employment, education, and innovation, were also announced.

    Furthermore, the President stressed the importance of promoting mechanized farming, boosting local food production, and reducing food prices.

    The analysis concludes that President Tinubu’s speech reflects his administration’s focus on long-term solutions, aiming for stability, growth, and prosperity.

    “With continued commitment and the ongoing implementation of these reforms, Nigeria is on the path toward achieving stability, growth, and prosperity,” Professor Olubusoye noted.

    The UI-LISA analysis provides a nuanced understanding of President Tinubu’s Independence Day address, highlighting the balance between acknowledging current challenges and painting a hopeful picture of the future.

  • Tinubu orders NIWA to investigate Niger, other boat mishaps

    Tinubu orders NIWA to investigate Niger, other boat mishaps

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to launch a thorough investigation into the recent spate of boat accidents in Niger State and across the country. 

    This directive comes after a devastating boat accident on Tuesday night in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger, resulting in the loss of lives.

    The accident involved a boat carrying approximately 300 people, primarily women and children, which capsized on the Gbajibo River while sailing from the Mundi community. 

    Rescue efforts saved at least 150 people while 25 bodies have been recovered so far.

    In a statement  by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead. 

    He expressed gratitude to emergency workers and local divers who are working tirelessly to locate the remaining missing persons.

    In addition to the investigation, Tinubu ordered NIWA to expand its surveillance of inland waters to ensure safety and prosecute boat operators violating the ban on night sailing. 

    Read Also: Tinubu salutes Leadership Newspaper at 20

    “President Bola Tinubu has sent condolences to the Government and people of Niger State over a boat accident which occurred Tuesday night at Mokwa Local Government Area. 

    “The boat, which was said to be carrying about 300 people, primarily women and children, was sailing on the Gbajibo River from the Mundi community when it capsized.  

    “While at least 150 people were rescued from the scene, 25 bodies have so far been recovered. 

    “President Tinubu commiserates with the families of the victims and prays for the repose of the souls of the dead.  

    “The President directs the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to investigate the spate of boat accidents in Niger state and across the country and devise modalities to check the trend.  

    “He orders NIWA to expand the scope of its surveillance of inland waters to ensure our people’s safety and prosecute boat operators violating the ban on night sailing. 

    “President Tinubu thanked emergency workers and local divers who were working to find the remaining people,” the statement reads.

  • President warns against past mistakes

    President warns against past mistakes

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cautioned Nigeria must learn from its past errors to achieve greatness. 

    Tinubu, who gave the caution in the 64th Independence Anniversary broadcast on Tuesday, stressed that while celebrating progress, Nigerians must acknowledge missed opportunities and past mistakes.

    He emphasised that to become a leading nation, Nigeria must not let past errors persist into the future. 

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    According to him: “While we celebrate the progress we have made as a people in the last sixty-four years, we must also recognise some of our missed opportunities and mistakes of the past. 

    “If we are to become one of the greatest nations on earth, as God has destined us to be, our mistakes must not be allowed to follow us into the future.”

  • FG announces 30-day national youth conference

    FG announces 30-day national youth conference

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a 30-day National Youth Conference to empower young Nigerians and harness their creative energy for a better future.

    Tinubu made the announcement in a national broadcast to commemorate the 64th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday. 

    The conference, aimed at addressing challenges and opportunities facing young people, will bring together representatives from across the country to develop solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice, he said. 

    He reasoned that youths, making up over 60% of the population, will be at the forefront of shaping policies that impact their lives. 

    He also assured the conference’s outcomes and recommendations will be thoroughly considered and implemented by the government.

    In addition to the conference, the President said his administration is implementing several youth-centric programmes, including the 3 Million Technical Talents Programme (3MTT) to build Nigeria’s technical talent backbone and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) providing affordable loans for tertiary education.

    Read Also: Tinubu: we chose reforms to avoid collapse

    He also said government will launch The Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) later this month, aimed at creating 2.5 million jobs annually while ensuring worker welfare and safety.

    “As we work to overcome the challenges of the day, we remain mindful of the next generation as we seek to galvanize their creative energy towards a better future. We lead today with the future we wish to bequeath to our children in focus, recognizing that we cannot design a future that belongs to them without making them its architects.

    “Considering this, I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference. This conference will be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people, who constitute more than 60 per cent of our population. 

    “It will provoke meaningful dialogue and empower our young people to participate actively in nation-building. By ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the policies that impact their lives, we are creating a pathway for a brighter tomorrow.  

    “The 30-day Confab will unite young people  nationwide to collaboratively develop solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice. The modalities of this Confab and selection of delegates will be designed in close consultation with our young people through their representatives. 

    “Through this confab, it will be our job as leaders to ensure that their aspirations are at the heart of the conference’s deliberations. The government will thoroughly consider and implement the recommendations and outcomes from this forum as we remain resolute in our mission to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and united Nigeria. 

    “Our government is implementing several other youth-centric programmes to give our young people an advantage in the rapidly changing world. We are implementing, amongst others, the 3 million Technical Talents programme (3MTT) of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, aimed at building Nigeria’s technical talent backbone. 

    “We have also enthusiastically implemented the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides cheap loans to our students to pursue their tertiary educational dreams. In addition, later this month, we shall launch The Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP). 

    “It is conceived as a comprehensive suite of interventions at job creation by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment that is aimed at facilitating the creation of 2.5 million jobs, directly and indirectly, on an annual incremental basis whilst simultaneously ensuring the welfare and safety of workers across the country,” the President said. 

  • Tinubu confers GCON honour on Akpabio, Kekere-ekun

    Tinubu confers GCON honour on Akpabio, Kekere-ekun

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the conferment of the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) national honor on Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Kudirat Kekere-ekun.

    President Tinubu made the announcement in a national broadcast to commemorate the 64th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday

    This esteemed award is one of Nigeria’s highest honors, ranking below the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR), typically reserved for the President and Vice President.

    Besides the Vice President, who is statutorily conferred with the honour, previous recipients of the GCON include notable figures such as Aliko Dangote. 

    In addition to the GCON awards, President Tinubu also announced Deputy Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives have been honored with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) while the Deputy Speaker of the House has received the Commander of the Order of Niger (CON).

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    These national honors are awarded annually to recognise outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s development and growth. 

    The President said a full list of 2024 national honours recipients will be announced soon, following tradition.

    “As is the tradition, the government will soon announce all the beneficiaries of our national honours for 2024.  

    “The Senate President and the Chief Justice of the Federation have been conferred with the honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). The Deputy Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives have the honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), while the deputy speaker of the House has been awarded Commander of the Order of Niger (CON),” he announced.

  • Tinubu: Nigeria’s future uncertain without economic reforms

    Tinubu: Nigeria’s future uncertain without economic reforms

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained that Nigeria’s economic future would remain uncertain unless ongoing reforms are implemented to correct fiscal misalignments.

    He said these reforms are crucial to addressing the current economic downturn.

    Tinubu who made the clarification in a national broadcast to commemorate the 64th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria on Tuesday, said failure to implement these reforms would have unimaginable consequences. 

    He, however, noted that the reforms have already yielded positive results, attracting over $30 billion in foreign direct investments in the last year.

    He said his administration was committed to promoting free enterprise, ensuring investments can enter and exit the market freely while maintaining effective regulatory processes. 

    This principle, he said, is guiding divestment transactions in the upstream petroleum sector, aimed at positively changing the sector’s fortunes.

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    According to him: “The economy is undergoing the necessary reforms and retooling to serve us better and more sustainably. If we do not correct the fiscal misalignments that led to the current economic downturn, our country will face an uncertain future and the peril of unimaginable consequences.  

    “Thanks to the reforms, our country attracted foreign direct investments worth more than $30 billion in the last year.

    “Fellow compatriots, our administration is committed to free enterprise, free entry, and free exit in investments while maintaining the sanctity and efficacy of our regulatory processes. This principle guides the divestment transactions in our upstream petroleum sector, where we are committed to changing the fortune positively. 

    “As such, the ExxonMobil Seplat divestment will receive ministerial approval in a matter of days, having been concluded by the regulator, NUPRC, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA. This was done in the same manner as other qualified divestments approved in the sector. 

    “The move will create vibrancy and increase oil and gas production, positively impacting our economy.”